Update 20 April 2020:
On 20 April local media reported 4 dead, 24 missing and 4,000 displaced “following massive landslides on Saturday evening that hit Kipchumwa and Chesegon villages on the border of Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot counties.”
Kenya’s Met Department said via Social Media that several houses including a police post have been swept away. Other reports said “the incident happened after Lomut River broke its banks flooding the region and wrecking havoc.”
Social Media
⚠️Heavy rainfall wreaks havoc in West Pokot.
The flooded Chesekon town in West Pokot County at the border with Elgeyo Marakwer County. Several houses including a police post have been swept away. #StaySafe pic.twitter.com/YW3ocNJ3E5
— Kenya Met Department (@MeteoKenya) April 18, 2020
The incident happened after Lomut River broke its banks flooding the region and wrecking havoc.
Police officers and scores of villagers were feared dead after they were trapped by floods but rescue mission is underway.@MeteoKenya #tukonews https://t.co/KfP5QR3dLv
— Tuko.co.ke (@Tuko_co_ke) April 18, 2020
Original report, 19 April 2020:
Heavy rainfall has triggered flooding and mudslides in western Kenya, leaving at least 15 people missing.
Heavy rain from 18 April affected areas along the borders Elgeyo-Marakwet and West Pokot counties in the west of Kenya.
Kenya Red Cross reported on 19 April that approximately 15 people were reported missing after a mudslide in the Kipchumwa and Kaben areas in Elgeiyo Marakwet County. The organisation later reported that 6 people rescued and taken to a health centre in Kaboron.
In a statement of 19 April, the government of Kenya said that heavy rain on 18 April triggered a mudslide in Chesegon, West Pokot County, leaving a trail of destruction.
Further south in Narok County, at least 1 person died and 3 were injured after a mudslide on 17 April in Narok South Sub-county, according to local media.
Social Media
Several households reportedly marooned as heavy rains cause havoc in Chesegon, West Pokot; area currently inaccessible. pic.twitter.com/nHtqUGJxra
— Kenya Red Cross (@KenyaRedCross) April 18, 2020
PRESS STATEMENT:
MUDSLIDE IN WEST POKOT/ELGEYO MARAKWET COUNTIES. pic.twitter.com/F00Uh9mjBx— Spokesperson GoK (@SpokespersonGoK) April 19, 2020
Update: Six people rescued from a mudslide and taken to a health centre in Kaboron by Kenya Red Cross and well -wishers.
Search and rescue efforts ongoing as heavy rains continue to pound the county. https://t.co/tYu2GKSWfn
— Kenya Red Cross (@KenyaRedCross) April 19, 2020
Approximately 15 people reported missing in Kipchumwa and Kaben areas in Elgeiyo Marakwet following heavy downpour.
Kenya Red Cross conducting assessment and tracing.
— Kenya Red Cross (@KenyaRedCross) April 19, 2020
