Death Toll Rises in Chesongoch Tragedy
Tragically, at least 15 lives have been lost due to a severe mudslide that hit Machember village in Mukurtwo Location, Elgeyo Marakwet County, on the night of Friday, October 31.
In a statement released on Saturday, November 1, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura conveyed the government’s deep sorrow and support for the victims and their families.
“The Government, deeply regrets the loss of lives and property due to the ongoing short rains and expresses heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the affected families and especially those who lost their loved ones following last night’s mudslide at Machember village in Mukurtwo Location of Elgeyo Marakwet County,” he said.
According to Mwaura, the situation remains dire as emergency teams continue to comb through the debris in search of survivors.
“Search and rescue efforts are still ongoing following which 15 deaths have been confirmed so far, with 25 others having been retrieved from the mud with serious injuries.
“Ten others were airlifted to Moi and Teaching Referral hospital for treatment while six others of the affected, are being evacuated to a safer place with efforts to search for the other 30 persons who have not been accounted for put on high gear,” he added.
Mwaura mentioned that the government has rallied all the necessary agencies to work together in coordinating the response efforts and to deliver immediate help to the communities that have been affected.
“As government, we are providing the necessary humanitarian assistance with police and military helicopters having been deployed and medical supplies and equipment dispatched from the Moi Airbase to the affected area.
“The evacuation has faced some hampering over the continuous heavy downpours but the exercise shall continue until all of the marooned families are moved to safe places as the government continues to monitor the situation across the country,” he further said.
The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), along with the National Police Service, the Ministry of Interior, and the National Disaster Operations Centre, are teaming up with the Kenya Red Cross to carry out rescue operations and evacuations.
In another update, the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) has put out a traffic advisory for drivers in Elgeyo Marakwet County due to a recent landslide.
The agency, which is in charge of maintaining and rehabilitating rural roads, is advising motorists to stay alert, consider using alternative routes, and follow the guidance of traffic and emergency personnel on-site.
“The Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KERRA) would like to issue an alert and advisory to all motorists using roads in Elgeyo Marakwet County due to a landslide rendering the area impassable.
“Motorists are advised to seek alternative routes in the meantime and comply with any directives from traffic officers and emergency personnel deployed on the roads to prevent further incidents,” the advisory read.
Death Toll Rises in Chesongoch Tragedy
