Central Kenya has been struck by tragedy after powerful landslides swept through villages, claiming the lives of at least 26 people as torrential rains continue to batter the region.
The disaster occurred in the Murang'a county area, approximately 60 miles from the capital Nairobi, where entire families were caught unaware by the sudden collapse of earth and rock. Rescue teams are working against time to search for survivors amid challenging conditions.
Rescue Efforts Hampered by Weather
Emergency services face significant obstacles as ongoing heavy rainfall and unstable terrain complicate rescue operations. Local authorities have reported that multiple homes were completely buried under mud and debris, making it difficult to reach potential survivors.
"The situation remains extremely dangerous," one rescue coordinator explained. "We're dealing with continuing rainfall and the very real threat of additional landslides in the area."
Community Devastation
Survivors have described terrifying moments as the ground gave way without warning. Many residents lost everything in the disaster, with homes, livestock, and personal belongings completely destroyed by the force of the landslide.
Local schools and community centres have been converted into temporary shelters for those displaced by the disaster, with humanitarian organisations rushing to provide essential supplies including food, water, and medical aid.
Regional Weather Crisis
The landslides come as East Africa experiences unusually heavy seasonal rainfall, with several neighbouring countries also reporting flood-related incidents and casualties. Meteorological services have issued further warnings for continued heavy precipitation across the region.
Climate experts note that such extreme weather events are becoming more frequent in the region, raising concerns about long-term environmental changes and disaster preparedness in vulnerable communities.
