Death toll from Kenya landslides rises to 56 as heavy rains lash country's north west
A man holds a hen as people wade in flood waters after heavy rains that caused landslides, in the village of Sebit, West Pokot County, Kenya November 24, 2019. REUTERS/Stringer NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES.
MOMBASA (Reuters) - The death toll from landslides in northwestern Kenya triggered on Saturday by unusually heavy rains has risen to at least 56 people, a local official said.
The downpour began on Friday in West Pokot County, which borders Uganda, and worsened overnight, causing flooding and mudslides that swept away four bridges and left villages inaccessible by road.
Samuel Poghisio, a senator from the county, told Reuters by phone on Sunday that 56 people were confirmed dead and an unknown number were missing. By Saturday afternoon, local officials had reported 36 dead.
People cross a bridge damaged by heavy rains that caused landslides, in the village of Sebit, West Pokot County, Kenya November 24, 2019. REUTERS/Stringer NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES.
"Rescue operations are frustrated by more rain and fog," Poghisio wrote in a text message, adding that police helicopters were struggling to reach the flooded areas.
Kenya's president on Saturday deployed rescue personnel from agencies including the army and the police to try and prevent the "further loss of lives".
Researchers have warned that warming oceans are causing unpredictable weather patterns in East Africa.
A man looks at the destruction left by heavy rains that caused landslides in the village of Sebit, West Pokot County, Kenya November 24, 2019. REUTERS/Stringer NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES.
Heavy rains and floods have killed more than 50 people and forced hundreds of thousands of people from their homes in the region since October, aid groups said earlier this month.
Kenya is experiencing a heavier than usual rainy season, the Kenya Meteorological Department said in early November.
People cross a bridge broken by heavy rains that caused landslides, in the village of Sebit, West Pokot County, Kenya November 24, 2019.REUTERS/Stringer
(Reporting by Joseph Akwiri; Writing by Maggie Fick; Editing by Kirsten Donovan)
People stand near a bridge broken by heavy rains that caused landslides, in the village of Sebit, West Pokot County, Kenya November 24, 2019. REUTERS/Stringer NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES.People stand next to a bridge destroyed by heavy rains that caused landslides in the village of Sebit, West Pokot County, Kenya November 24, 2019. REUTERS/Stringer NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES.People walk in the mud after heavy rains caused landslides in the village of Parua, West Pokot County, Kenya November 23, 2019. REUTERS/Moses LokerisHouses are seen covered by mud after heavy rains caused landslides in the village of Parua, West Pokot County, Kenya November 23, 2019. REUTERS/Moses LokerisHouses are seen covered by mud after heavy rains caused landslides in the village of Parua, West Pokot County, Kenya November 23, 2019. REUTERS/Moses Lokeris
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