Siroch village: The Government has intensified disaster mitigation and humanitarian response measures in Siroch Village, Elgeyo Marakwet County, following a landslide incident triggered by sustained heavy rainfall that displaced families and destroyed property.
According to Kenya News Agency, national and county government agencies have activated emergency response interventions, including humanitarian assistance, geotechnical assessments, and relocation advisories, targeting households residing in geologically vulnerable zones. The affected area continues to experience ground instability following the May 2 incident, prompting authorities to enhance surveillance and community sensitization on disaster preparedness and evacuation protocols.
Keiyo North Deputy County Commissioner, Michael Odulwo, noted that the government had activated a multi-agency response framework to coordinate emergency interventions and safeguard affected residents. “We have mobilized all relevant agencies to undertake rapid assessment, evacuation support, and humanitarian response. Our priority is to protect lives and ensure affected families receive immediate assistance,” said Odulwo.
The administrator urged residents residing in high-risk escarpment zones to comply with government relocation directives to minimize exposure to further disasters. “We are advising residents in vulnerable areas to move to safer grounds as a precautionary measure because the region continues to receive heavy rainfall,” he added.
Elgeyo Marakwet Chief Officer for Lands and Disaster Management, Thomas Maiyo, said preliminary assessments indicated that continued rainfall had weakened soil structure and increased susceptibility to slope failure in several sections of the area. “The County government is undertaking a technical assessment of the affected zones to determine the level of risk and identify long-term mitigation interventions, including possible resettlement and land stabilization measures,” said the Chief Officer.
The officer further noted that environmental degradation and uncontrolled surface run-off had exacerbated the vulnerability of some settlements to landslides and mudslides. Field observations indicate extensive environmental degradation, with large deposits of mud, rocks, and uprooted vegetation covering sections of residential land and agricultural areas.
Residents who survived the incident recounted traumatic experiences during the early morning disaster, describing panic as soil masses and debris swept through homesteads. One of the survivors, Evans Korir, said the landslide occurred at approximately 4:00 a.m. after residents heard intense underground rumbling. “I heard a heavy rumbling sound and immediately sensed danger. I attempted to use the door but it was inaccessible, forcing me to escape through the window,” said Korir.
Korir stated that family members escaped in different directions amid poor visibility and rapidly advancing debris flow. “After escaping, I assisted my wife and child. My wife sustained injuries while fleeing,” he added. Korir further disclosed that his brother survived after being trapped beneath soil rubble during the incident.
The landslide caused significant destruction to household structures and livestock shelters, with affected families reporting losses of livestock, clothing, and household items. Affected residents have appealed for additional humanitarian support, particularly food supplies, temporary shelter, and long-term resettlement interventions for communities living in high-risk areas.
Government officials have assured residents that coordinated multi-agency interventions remain ongoing to facilitate relief distribution, assess infrastructural damage, and strengthen mitigation measures against future climate-induced disasters.
