24 killed in landslide caused by heavy rain in Kenya
Saturday November 23 2019
A section of a road that was swept away after heavy rains in West Pokot. At least 15 people are feared dead. PHOTO | OSCAR KAKAI | NATION MEDIA GROUP
At least 24 people have been killed by a landslide on Saturday in West Pokot, western Kenya, officials say.
West Pokot County Commissioner Apollo Okello said 12 bodies, including seven children, have been recovered so far and that search efforts are continuing.
The landslides were triggered by hours of heavy rains.
The rains cut off a section of the Kitale-Lodwar road near Ortum making it impossible to reach the affected villages via road.
The Muruny Bridge was swept away by waters.
Earlier, Joel Bulal, a local administrator, told the Nation that at least 12 people were buried alive in Nyarkulian village and four others in Parua village.
Pokot South Deputy County Commissioner Fredrick Kimanga said 12 bodies were recovered by Saturday midmorning.
The Red Cross said its personnel have responded to the emergency.
More follows.