Met warns of mud and landslides in Kerio escarpments as rains pound region.

The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned of possible landslides in some parts of Kerio escarpments in Elgeyo Marakwet County triggered by the ongoing heavy rains. 

The weathermen fear several earth cracks that emerged during a long dry spell in the area will increase infiltration of rain water and might trigger mud or landslides along the escarpments that stretch from Keiyo South to Marakwet East.

Elgeyo Marakwet meteorological director Simon Cheptot yesterday reported that heavy rains of over 20mm per day will be recorded in several areas of the county towards the weekend.

“Let the residents move to safer grounds.” Mr Chepkok said.

“The heavy rains poses a risk of landslides and mudslides, there is also a risk of rock falls.”

He said the anticipated disaster may block Iten-Tambach-Kabarnet road that meanders across the landslide prone escarpment.

In April last year, the busy road was blocked by rock falls and mudslides, paralysing transport for hours.

Mr Chepkok said floods may be experienced in the lowlands of Kerio Valley owing to impending run-off from the Elgeyo Marakwet highlands.Some of the areas mapped out as landslide prone in Marakwet East constituency include Embolot, Embotut, Endo, Kaben and Mumol.

In Marakwet West subcounty, Kapcherop, Chebororwa and Kipsaya have been listed.

Other areas singled out in Elgeyo Marakwet include Kapchemutwa, Anin and Keu regions of Keiyo North subcounty, while in Keiyo South, Kabechei, Epke, Kocholwo and Tureia have been identified.