NAIROBI, April 22 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The death toll from a mudslide in western Kenya has risen to 12, after eight more bodies were recovered.
The mudslide occurred at the border of West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet counties on Saturday night after a heavy downpour.
A search and recovery operation is underway for more than 20 people who have been reported missing.
Mud and downpours in the area have hampered the operation as roads and bridges were swept away by the floods.
The government has urged people to move to higher ground to avert another disaster. At least 400 households have been affected by the disaster.
The Kenya Meteorological department has issued a heavy rains advisory warning people living in areas that are flood prone to exercise caution because of torrential rains expected until the end of April.
The department said heavy rains are expected in the capital Nairobi and also in western and eastern regions.
Meanwhile, heavy rains have also been reported in Uganda and the county’s President Yoweri Museveni told people to move away from Lake Victoria’s shores as the levels of water had risen.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, thousands have been displaced and dozens killed in flooding in the eastern part of the country.
The East African region had abnormally heavy rainfall in November and December 2019 that led to flooding.
Experts warn that the ongoing rains could be abnormally heavy as well. — NNN-AGENCIES
