Kenya's landslide death toll rises to 26 as rescue operations intensify

The death toll from a landslide in western Kenya's Elgeyo Marakwet county has risen to 26 after four more bodies were recovered on Sunday, authorities said, as search and rescue operations continue for 25 people still missing.

Kenya's Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said on Sunday that the bodies were airlifted to the nearby airstrip in the county for identification and collection by families, adding that at least 26 others were hospitalized with serious injuries.

Murkomen said a multi-agency team comprising of the Kenya Defence Forces, National Police Service, Kenya Red Cross, National Disaster Operations Centre and county officials have resumed rescue operations after they were suspended due to a flash flood on Saturday that blocked access roads temporarily.

"The search and rescue has entered day two. We have also flagged off food and non-food relief items from the Ministry of Interior, the State Department for Special Programmes and well-wishers, which have been airlifted to the people affected by the tragedy," Murkomen said.

Murkomen said the government would continue airlifting supplies to those affected, including to 15 schools that have been cut off, and that ongoing national examination papers would be airlifted to candidates.

He added that the government would cover the medical bills of more than 30 injured people and resettle dozens of others whose homes were swept away.

Oscar Okum, Rift Valley regional manager for the Kenya Red Cross, said the Rift Valley area was still susceptible to landslides.

He said several of the worst-hit villages remain inaccessible due to mud, debris and flash floods, warning that the number of casualties could rise if those missing are not found alive.

The agency said it is working with government agencies to open access routes for heavy machinery and additional rescue teams.

Kenya is currently experiencing its short-rains season, and authorities have urged families living near escarpments, seasonal rivers and recently affected slopes in the Kerio Valley region to move to safer areas amid fears of further landslides.