A devastating overnight landslide in Kenya’s western Rift Valley region has claimed the lives of at least 21 people, with over 30 others still unaccounted for, following torrential rains that swept through Elgeyo-Marakwet County.

The tragedy occurred in the hilly area of Chesongoch in Marakwet East constituency late Friday night, as families were buried alive in their sleep by massive mudslides and flash floods. The region is currently experiencing its short rainy season, which has intensified in recent days.

Kenyan Cabinet Secretary for the Interior, Kipchumba Murkomen, confirmed the grim toll on Saturday, stating, “We have confirmed the loss of 21 people to this tragedy, while over 30 people are still unaccounted for as reported by their families.”

The Interior Minister also reported that at least 25 individuals with serious injuries were successfully airlifted from the remote area to the city of Eldoret for specialized medical attention, while others with minor injuries were treated locally.

The scale of destruction is immense, with reports indicating that over 1,000 homes were destroyed by the relentless mudslides. Aerial footage shared by the Kenyan Red Cross showed vast distances covered by mud and floodwaters, highlighting the catastrophic impact on the local community.

Rescue operations, involving government agencies, the military, police, and the Kenyan Red Cross, were initially hampered by the difficult terrain and ongoing flooding. “Access to some of the affected areas remains extremely difficult due to flooding and blocked routes,” the Kenyan Red Cross said in a statement.

Search and rescue efforts were paused overnight but resumed Sunday morning, with military and police choppers on standby to assist with the search, air evacuations, and transportation of crucial humanitarian assistance.

CS Murkomen urged residents living near seasonal rivers and in areas prone to landslides to immediately relocate to safer grounds, emphasizing the continued risks posed by the heavy rainfall.

Chesongoch is a known landslide-prone area, having experienced separate, deadly incidents in 2010 and 2012, and a 2020 flood that washed away a local shopping centre. Authorities continue to appeal to residents in high-risk zones to heed evacuation warnings as the search for the missing continues.