A devastating landslide triggered by heavy rainfall swept through Kimende Escarpment in Kiambu County, north of Nairobi, Kenya, on Tuesday night. Local residents reported at least five people being swept away, with fears the number could rise.
The Kenya Red Cross confirmed the incident through social media, stating their personnel would be deployed to assist in search and rescue efforts. The affected area has been cordoned off and declared a danger zone to ensure safety.
Witness Accounts Paint a Grim Picture
Joseph Gitau, a resident of Kimende, shared his tragic experience. His cousin was among four people walking along a road when the landslide struck. “The soil covered them all,” he recounted to Reuters.
Another witness, George Kariuki, described witnessing a motorcycle rider caught in the disaster. “The rider got caught by the landslide as he tried to turn back,” Kariuki said. “I saw that and started screaming for help.” Thankfully, the rider’s colleague managed to escape.
Kenya Struggles with Deadly Rainy Season
This recent landslide is a stark reminder of the ongoing devastation caused by heavy rains and floods in Kenya. Government statistics reveal that since late March, these weather events have claimed the lives of at least 289 people and displaced a staggering 285,600.
The deadliest incident occurred in late April, when a mudslide and flash floods ripped through the central Kenyan town of Mai Mahiu, killing at least 61 people.
Uncertainties Remain
Rescue efforts are underway, but the exact number of casualties caused by the Kimende Escarpment landslide remains unclear. As search and rescue teams continue their work, Kenyans grapple with the aftermath of this tragedy and the ongoing threat posed by the relentless rains.
