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Kenya landslide: At least 24 killed after heavy rains Kenya landslide: At least 29 killed after heavy rains
(about 4 hours later)
At least 24 people are reported to have died in landslides caused by severe weather in West Pokot county, Kenya. At least 29 people have died in landslides caused by severe weather in West Pokot county, Kenya.
Officials told local media that the bodies of at least 12 people, including seven children, were recovered on Saturday.
The landslides, affecting the villages of Nyarkulian and Parua, were reportedly caused by heavy rains.The landslides, affecting the villages of Nyarkulian and Parua, were reportedly caused by heavy rains.
Officials say the villages have been cut off by flooded roads and at least one bridge was reportedly swept away.Officials say the villages have been cut off by flooded roads and at least one bridge was reportedly swept away.
Joel Bulal, a local administrator, told the Daily Nation newspaper that rescue efforts had been underway to try and recover people who are missing. President Uhuru Kenyatta said in a statement that his "heartfelt condolences" were with the relatives and friends of the victims.
County Commissioner Apollo Okello said others may be trapped but said searches were being hampered by ongoing poor weather conditions. Mr Kenyatta said there had been "massive destruction" of property and infrastructure, and that he has ordered armed forces and rescue services to the area to help.
"We are trying to reach where the bridge had been swept by floods, it is still raining," he was quoted by the Standard news website as saying. Seven children were among the dead recovered so far, officials said.
Interior Minister Fred Matiang'i confirmed that rescue operations were "ongoing", adding that "harsh weather conditions" were hampering a full assessment of the damage.
Images on social media showed trees, mud and other debris scattered across roads.Images on social media showed trees, mud and other debris scattered across roads.
In a tweet, the Red Cross confirmed they were responding to reports of the "massive" landslides. The Red Cross has confirmed it is responding to reports of the "massive" landslides.
Kenya's meteorological department issued a warning of heavy rains on 18 November, telling people in "landslide-prone" areas to be on "high alert".
Countries throughout east Africa have been affected by the downpours in recent weeks.
Landslides and flash floods have killed people in Ethiopia and Tanzania while hundreds of thousands have been displaced in Somalia by heavy rains.
Scientists warn that a weather system called the Indian Ocean Dipole is making flooding worse in the area.
Known as the Indian Ocean "El Niño", it occurs when the western part of the Indian Ocean becomes significantly warmer than the eastern part.