What's happened
Since late October 2025, heavy rains have triggered deadly mudslides and floods in Kenya's Elgeyo-Marakwet County and Uganda's Mount Elgon region. Over 30 people remain missing, more than 1,000 homes were destroyed, and dozens have died. Rescue efforts continue amid ongoing rains and difficult terrain, with military and Red Cross teams involved.
What's behind the headline?
Persistent Vulnerability and Climate Impact
The recent floods and mudslides in Kenya and Uganda underscore the chronic vulnerability of hilly and riverbank communities to extreme weather intensified by climate change. The destruction of over 1,000 homes and loss of life reflect systemic challenges in disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience.
Government and Community Response
Kenyan authorities have mobilized military aircraft and emergency teams to conduct search and rescue operations, airlifting injured survivors and delivering relief supplies. However, access remains limited due to washed-out roads and ongoing rains, complicating efforts. Local communities have resorted to manual rescue attempts, highlighting gaps in rapid response capacity.
Regional and Cross-Border Implications
The simultaneous impact in Uganda's Mount Elgon region, with rivers overflowing and villages destroyed, illustrates the transboundary nature of climate risks. Coordination between Kenyan and Ugandan agencies will be critical to managing relief and future mitigation.
Forecast and Consequences
With rains expected to continue, further landslides and flooding are likely, necessitating urgent evacuation and resettlement plans. The government’s commitment to cover medical costs and identify alternative settlements is essential but will require sustained resources and planning.
Broader Lessons
This disaster highlights the urgent need for climate adaptation strategies, improved early warning systems, and infrastructure investment in vulnerable regions. The human toll and economic losses will likely increase without systemic changes, affecting regional stability and development.
What the papers say
Kenyan Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen provided updates on the ongoing crisis, stating on X that "more than 30 people were still unaccounted for" and that "military and police choppers are on standby to transport" relief supplies (All Africa, Nov 3). The Kenyan Red Cross described the affected areas as "still not accessible by road due to mudslides and flash flooding," emphasizing the scale of the disaster (Al Jazeera, Nov 2).
Government spokesman Isaac Mwaura noted that "25 people were still missing and 26 others had been rescued," with military planes deployed for search and rescue (South China Morning Post, Nov 2). The Independent reported that ongoing heavy rains forced search teams to temporarily abandon the site, with roads repeatedly blocked by mudslides, underscoring the persistent danger (The Independent, Nov 2).
Local resident Stephen Kittony recounted hearing a "deafening sound" before fleeing with his children, illustrating the suddenness of the disaster (NY Post, Nov 1). The destruction of over 1,000 homes and washed-away roads was confirmed by multiple sources, including AP News and NY Post, highlighting the extensive damage.
In Uganda, All Africa reported that flooding and mudslides have killed several people and destroyed crops and homes, with communities forced to dig through debris manually due to delayed formal rescue efforts (All Africa, Nov 1). This cross-border impact stresses the regional scale of the crisis.
Together, these sources paint a picture of a severe, ongoing natural disaster exacerbated by climate change, with significant human and economic costs and complex logistical challenges for rescue and relief operations.
How we got here
The Elgeyo-Marakwet area in Kenya and Uganda's Mount Elgon region are prone to seasonal heavy rains causing floods and landslides. These events have repeatedly caused fatalities and displacement, worsened by climate change increasing extreme weather frequency. Past incidents in 2010, 2012, and 2020 have devastated these regions.
Go deeper
- What caused the recent floods and landslides in Kenya and Uganda?
- How is the Kenyan government responding to the disaster?
- What are the long-term impacts of these floods on local communities?
Common question
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What Caused the Kenya Landslide and Is It Still Dangerous?
A devastating landslide in Kenya has destroyed homes and caused multiple fatalities. Heavy rains and unstable terrain are key factors behind this disaster. Curious about what triggered the landslide, how many people are affected, and what risks remain? Below, we answer common questions about this urgent situation and how communities can prepare for future events.
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What’s Causing the Floods and Landslides in Kenya and How Are Countries Affected?
Recent heavy rains have triggered devastating floods and landslides in Kenya, with neighboring countries like Uganda also experiencing similar weather disasters. Many wonder what’s behind these extreme events, how they impact the region, and what’s being done to help. Below, we explore the causes, effects, and ongoing efforts related to these natural disasters.
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Are Floods and Landslides Becoming More Common Worldwide?
Recent events like the devastating floods and landslides in Kenya highlight a growing concern: are these extreme weather events happening more often? Climate change is often linked to increased natural disasters, prompting questions about regional risks and future predictions. Below, we explore the latest trends, affected areas, and what governments are doing to respond to these escalating threats.
More on these topics
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Kenya, officially the Republic of Kenya, is a country in Eastern Africa. At 580,367 square kilometres, Kenya is the world's 48th largest country by total area. With a population of more than 47.6 million people, Kenya is the 29th most populous country.
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Uganda, officially the Republic of Uganda, is a landlocked country in East-Central Africa. It is bordered to the east by Kenya, to the north by South Sudan, to the west by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to the south-west by Rwanda, and to the south