Long wait for families of 16 in Eastleigh building collapse
Rescuers clear debris and search for survivors at the site of an 18-storey building that collapsed in Nairobi’s Eastleigh neighbourhood, as the search and rescue operation enters its sixth day.
The rescue and recovery operation at the site of the collapsed building in Eastleigh is facing technical challenges that have slowed excavation, leaving families of the 16 missing people waiting anxiously for progress.
Speaking during a media briefing on Thursday, Assistant Inspector-General of Police and Director of the National Disaster Management Unit Duncan Ochieng said the operation involved complex technical considerations with the safety of rescuers and members of the public remaining a priority.
Addressing earlier reports that the operation could be concluded by Thursday, Dr Ochieng said it was difficult to set a definite deadline because of unforeseen challenges at the site.
“We can even finish today depending on how fast we move, how safely we move and so many other factors,” he said.
On the possibility of finding survivors, Dr Ochieng said survival depended on the circumstances, including whether those trapped had sustained injuries.
“Life can be sustained within the first 72 hours. If somebody is not injured in any way, then it can take even two weeks,” he said.
He said the team had cleared about 80 per cent of the rubble, the same level reported during the previous briefing, but cautioned that progress had been slow as the operation encountered technical difficulties.
“The number of missing persons remains the same at 16 but that is the figure the families have given us. At the end of the day, we shall be able to confirm that once we reach the basement. There has been very little progress in terms of excavation. Tentatively, I can say we are still at 80 per cent,” Dr Ochieng said.
The challenges in clearing the debris have delayed the team’s efforts to reach the lower sections of the collapsed building, prolonging the agony of families waiting for news of their loved ones.
Dr Ochieng said the operation involved excavation and debris removal under difficult conditions. He urged the families to remain hopeful as the teams continued working.
He explained that the site was confined, with access available from only one side because neighbouring buildings occupied the other sides. This has restricted the team’s options for reaching the trapped people and removing the rubble.
Nairobi County Chief Officer in charge of Disaster Management Bramwel Simiyu said the county had deployed additional trucks to help clear debris from the site.
“We have been informed of some constraints in terms of capacity, but you should appreciate the technical complications of this recovery,” Mr Simiyu said.
Follow our WhatsApp channel for breaking news updates and more stories like this.
