By Marline Atieno
A devastating landslide struck Kiambu County, following heavy rains, resulting in multiple fatalities and significant damage.
The disaster reportedly took place on the 15th of May evening around 7 PM, when homes near the escarpments were buried under falling masses of soil.
This unfortunate incident transpired merely a fortnight after the Kenya Meteorological Department issued a warning about potential landslides in various regions of the country.
The calamity has so far claimed at least two lives, a mother and her child in Cianda village, Kiambaa while others remain unaccounted for.
The landslide has also wreaked havoc by demolishing homes and agricultural land and severely impacting infrastructure, notably the Nairobi-Kisumu railway line in Thogotho being left dangerously suspended.
After the incident, the area was sealed off and designated as a danger zone.
Emergency services were immediately dispatched to the scene, where rescue operations are currently underway.
Kenya Red Cross and other humanitarian organizations have mobilized to assist with the rescue efforts.
“A landslide has taken place in the Kimende Escarpments of Kiambu County, with several individuals believed to be trapped,” announced the Kenya Red Cross.
Local authorities have reported that at least six homes were completely buried, with an unknown number of occupants inside at the time of the incident.
Drivers and other road users travelling on the Kimende-Matathia Road were advised to find alternative routes.
The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a warning of continued heavy rainfall in the coming days, heightening fears of further landslides in the already saturated region.
Residents in vulnerable areas are being urged to stay alert and heed evacuation warnings.