A tragic landslide triggered by heavy overnight rains has left one person dead in Gathugu village, Gitugi Ward in Murang’a County. The disaster struck in the early hours of Thursday after continuous rainfall loosened soil on a hillside, burying a residential home as residents slept.
Highlights
- One person confirmed dead in Murang’a landslide.
- Heavy rains triggered soil collapse in Gathugu village.
- Several homes and crops were destroyed in the incident.
- Rescue teams recovered the victim’s body from debris.
- Authorities warn residents in risky zones to relocate.
Main Story
Murang’a County has once again been hit by a deadly landslide, this time in Gathugu village, Gitugi Ward, where heavy rainfall triggered a sudden soil collapse that buried part of a residential homestead.
Landslide Strikes at Night
The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday after hours of continuous rain weakened the hillside. The saturated soil eventually gave way, sliding downhill and crashing onto a home where the victim was asleep.
Residents say the collapse happened without warning, making it difficult for occupants to escape in time.
Emergency Response and Rescue
Following the disaster, local residents quickly alerted authorities, prompting a response from the county disaster management team.
A joint rescue operation was launched, and emergency responders managed to retrieve the body of the deceased from the debris. Officials confirmed that the victim died on the spot due to the impact of the landslide.
Widespread Destruction Reported
Beyond the loss of life, several homes in the affected homestead were destroyed or severely damaged. Farmlands were also affected, with crops washed away as moving soil and debris spread across the area.
Some families living nearby were forced to evacuate as fresh cracks began appearing in surrounding land, raising fears of further landslides.
Authorities Issue Safety Warning
Local leaders have urged residents living in high-risk and landslide-prone areas to move to safer locations as heavy rains continue across the region.
Murang’a County, which lies in a hilly terrain, has repeatedly experienced landslides during rainy seasons due to soil saturation and unstable slopes, leading to recurring loss of lives and property.
Disaster management teams are now monitoring vulnerable zones as weather conditions remain unstable.
Read Also
- US judge releases Jeffrey Epstein’s purported suicide note
- Backlash After Alleged Desecration of Religious Statue Sparks Military Investigation
- Investigation Underway After Fatal Police Shooting in Eastern Cape Residence
