ICPAC issues urgent advisory following deadly landslides in Elgeyo Marakwet
With heavy rains expected to persist across the country in the coming weeks, experts warn that similar disasters may occur, raising fears of further weather-related tragedies.
The IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) has issued an urgent public advisory for residents of the Rift Valley, following heavy rains that triggered deadly landslides in Chesongoch, Elgeyo Marakwet County, over the weekend.
The landslide, which struck on Friday, October 31, claimed at least 32 lives, with at least 20 yet to be accounted for. Similarly, over 1,000 homes were destroyed during the incident.
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In a statement on X, ICPAC warned residents of Elgeyo Marakwet to evacuate without delay, steer clear of steep or unstable areas, and remain vigilant for further mudslides as heavy rainfall has left the ground saturated.
"Follow all evacuation orders immediately, avoid travel near affected areas and steep slopes and stay alert for more mudslides as ground remains saturated," ICPAC said.
Kenya Red Cross personnel help airlift injured persons to Eldoret for treatment after the Elgeyo Marakwet mudslide tragedy. (Photo: Kenya Red Cross)
Further, ICPAC urged emergency responders to conduct search and rescue operations with caution due to unstable terrain.
"Humanitarian agencies should prepare for displacement and rising needs for shelter, food and healthcare," urged ICPAC.
Additionally, ICPAC stressed that the Kenyan government should coordinate closely with disaster management teams to implement early evacuations, enforce land-use and construction regulations in high-risk areas and accelerate long-term mitigation measures to reduce future risks.
"Local authorities are encouraged to enforce regulations on land use and construction in vulnerable zones and accelerate long-term mitigation efforts," said ICPAC.
Kenya has experienced a series of deadly landslides during the past rainy seasons, highlighting the country's vulnerability to extreme weather. In April 2024, a landslide in Mai Mahiu, Nakuru County, claimed at least 48 lives, with others reported missing.
The aftermath of the landslide in Elgeyo Marakwet. (Photo: Ministry of Interior)
Three years earlier, in March 2021, a landslide in Kerio Valley's Kitony Village killed 11 people and buried thousands of livestock and homes. Similarly, in April 2020, heavy rains along the Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot border caused landslides that left 29 people dead and displaced 4,000 others.
The situation was equally severe in November 2019, when major landslides in West Pokot County's Tach, Weiwei, and Batei wards killed at least 72 people and affected more than 160,000 residents.
With heavy rains expected to persist across the country in the coming weeks, experts warn that similar disasters may occur, raising fears of further weather-related tragedies.
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