Hours of heavy rain in western Kenya triggered massive landslides and flash floods in West Pokot County on 23 November, 2019.
The government of West Pokot County said that, as of 24 November, 54 people have been confirmed dead and 46 people are still missing. Sixteen survivors have been admitted to Kapenguria County Referral Hospital.
County officials said the catastrophic landslides hit Tapach, Weiwei and Batei Wards of West Pokot. Houses were damaged or destroyed by the gushing rivers of sludge, boulders and uprooted trees. Authorities said that more than 10,500 people have been displaced and there is an urgent need for humanitarian assistance.
The county government said that a multi-agency team comprising Kenya Defence Forces, Kenya Police, Kenya Red Cross and County Disaster Management Unit are on the ground. A medical team is also expected from Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital. Psychosocial support desk has been set up at Kapenguria County Referral Hospital.
Roads have been cut and bridges wiped out, severely hindering rescue and relief operations.
Floods Displace Thousands in Tana River County
Heavy rain has also caused flooding and landslides in other areas of the country, including Taita Taveta, Tana River, Meru and Uasin Gishu counties.
Kenya Red Cross said that “Rains continue to pound Taita Taveta with heavy downpour experienced at the highlands of Wundanyi, Rongé and Vuria. Landslides have been reported at Mbengonyi, Mndangenyi, Msau and Mbale.”
In Tana River County, Kenya Red Cross reported that over 1,000 households have been displaced in Ziwani and other locations after the Tana River burst its banks.
According to Red Cross reports, a number of houses have been reportedly swept away after river Thanantu broke its banks in Mikinduri in Meru County. Families have been displaced in Turbo, Uasin Gishu County, after the Turbo River broke its banks.
Social Media
Next to Ziwani area, is Bakuyu where we are also helping 374 households displaced by floodwaters to safer grounds. https://t.co/D6WWePBrB4 pic.twitter.com/LuFy5OT3hN
— Kenya Red Cross (@KenyaRedCross) November 24, 2019
Heavy rains continue to cause havoc in many parts of the Country.
Here in Ziwani, 624 households are currently displaced after Tana River burst its banks.
The Kenya Red Cross Garissa response team is on the ground helping families to move to safer areas. pic.twitter.com/eOAkyn7RBQ
— Kenya Red Cross (@KenyaRedCross) November 24, 2019
Kenya Red Cross Garissa response team manages to rescue 15 people who were earlier marooned at Hadama in Tana North Sub-County after Tana River broke its banks. pic.twitter.com/yBGf51rtzQ
— Kenya Red Cross (@KenyaRedCross) November 24, 2019
Together with partners, we continue to assess possibility of more landslides occurring in other nearby villages as the rains continue to pound the area. https://t.co/RbF5R35hmG pic.twitter.com/evD9tgGuGy
— Kenya Red Cross (@KenyaRedCross) November 23, 2019
Heavy rains cause havoc in a number of areas across the country.
In Turbo, Marsabit at Kambi Nyoka, families are currently displaced, roads inaccessible.
In Mikinduri, Meru County, a number of houses have been reportedly swept away after river Thanantu broke it's banks. pic.twitter.com/tq6jRWUfTc
— Kenya Red Cross (@KenyaRedCross) November 22, 2019
