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10 confirmed dead, scores missing in Elgeyo Marakwet landslide
Police yellow crime tape.
A shocking landslide hit Murkutwa in Chesongoch, Elgeyo Marakwet County, resulting in at least 10 deaths. The incident, which occurred on Saturday morning, has left many people missing, and rescue operations are currently underway.
Kerio Valley Sub County Commander Zablon Okoyo confirmed the incident, stating that ten people are feared dead and the area is inaccessible as heavy rain has washed away the roads and bridges leading to the scene.
“The incident occurred at around 2 am, and as we speak now, more than 10 people are feared dead. Most of the roads leading to the place are not accessible since they have been cut off by heavy rain that has been raining since the previous night,” said Mr Okoyo.
Officials from the Red Cross Society in Eldoret have dispatched humanitarian services to the area to support affected families.
Rescue efforts by Red Cross officials are ongoing, with the authorities working tirelessly to locate missing individuals and provide support to affected families.
According to Red Cross officials, the community is in shock, and relief efforts are being mobilised to assist those affected.
"We are taking food and other humanitarian assistance to the victims. The challenge we face is accessibility. We will need a helicopter from Nairobi to reach them,” said Abraham Cheruioyot, North Rift Red Cross coordinator.
Another Red Cross official, speaking to the Daily Nation on condition of anonymity, said that this tragic event serves as a grim reminder of the region's vulnerability to landslides, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.
Similar incidents have occurred in Elgeyo Marakwet in the past, highlighting the need for sustainable land use practices and disaster preparedness.
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