Expect more landslides, experts tell residents

By Robert Kiplagat

Residents of Baringo Central have been warned of more landslides if the current rains continue.

Rift Valley provincial geologists led by Enock Kipseba urged residents living in areas such as Kabasis and Timboiywo, where two children were buried alive and over 25 houses swept by landslides, to be cautious.

He asked residents to move to safe grounds whenever they notice landslide signs such as cracks or water springs near their homes to avoid loss of lives and property.

Kipseba noted population pressure has forced residents to cultivate on slopes leading to landslides.

“Due to population pressure, people have resorted to cultivating on hilly areas, which were supposed to be conserved leading to loosening of soil,” said Kipseba.

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The geologist told The Standard that, according to their statistics, about 80 per cent of areas affected by landslides lacked vegetation.

He added that thunderstorms, which cause earth vibrations, aggravated the magnitude of landslides.

Killed two children

“Apart from Baringo Central District, other areas that have reported incidences of landslides include Kasisit village in Baringo North and Cheberen in Koibatek District, where major damages were caused by the calamity,”he said. The recent landslides in Baringo Central have displaced more than 5,000 residents, killed two children and destroyed several acres of crops. Currently, affected residents live in four camps namely Kituro,Timboiywo,Kabasis and Tartar. Other areas affected include Kaptui, Ngetmoi, Bosin and Kapkorombo villages.

Leaders, led by Kanu national chairman Gideon Moi petitioned Government to resettle the over 500 families displaced by landslides in Baringo Central to avert further disasters.

The former Baringo Central MP said the landslides can be controlled if proper measures are put in place.