More than twenty four people are feared dead following landslides and floods that occurred at Nyarkulian ,Muino and Parua villages in West Pokot County on Friday night.
Others have been critically injured and taken to Kapenguria Referral Hospital as rescue mission continues to recover bodies trapped in the avalanche.
The area experienced heavy downpour overnight which caught many people by surprise.
All roads heading to Nyarkulian and Muino have been rendered impassable as security officers could not be able to access the mudslide prone area.
West pokot County Commissioner Apollo Okello confirmed that at least twenty four people are missing and might have died in the tragedy.
Apollo said seven people from the same family were buried alive in Nyarkulian village, Pokot South Sub County and 17 were buried alive in Muino area, Pokot Central Sub County .
He added that more people might have been trapped in the avalanche. Okello said that the numbers might increase.
Area Governor Prof John Lonyangapuo together with the security team were heading to scene were stranded at river Muruny bridge , along the Kitale-Lodwar highway which has been cut off .
Transport along the road has been paralyzed following the floods in the area. Sonday Location area chie Mr. Joel Bulali said they are still searching for missing bodies .
Governor Lonyangapuo said this is the worst tragedy to have happened in the area.
Lonyangapuo called on the army and the Kenya Red Cross society to help the affect families and at least erect tents to accommodate the families whose houses have been swept away. “We need help because the situation is now getting out of hand, the road linking Kitale Lodwar is cut off completely,” he said.
President Uhuru Kenyatta has passed his condolences to the families, relatives and friends of those who died in the tragedy., outlining that 29 have been confirmed dead. “To those who were injured in the calamitous incident and are receiving treatment in different hospitals, I pray for your quick recovery and restoration,” he said.
The President said various personnel who are meant to offer assistance have been deployed, from the Kenya Defence Forces, National Police Service and Special Programmes, “The operation will continue round the clock until the situation normalizes,” he affirmed.
