Red Cross deploys drones in race to rescue Chesongoch landslide victims
By Kiprono Keileb, November 2, 2025The Kenya Red Cross has intensified rescue and humanitarian operations in Chesongoch, Elgeyo Marakwet County, following the devastating landslide and flash floods that struck on the night of Friday, October 31, 2025.
The disaster left a trail of destruction, killing 21 people with homes swept away and families displaced as heavy rains triggered mudslides across the hilly terrain.
In a statement shared on X posted on Sunday, November 2, 2025, the Kenya Red Cross shared the photos of the level of destruction.
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“Photos show the scale of destruction in Chesongoch following the landslide and flash floods,” the humanitarian agency confirmed that intense rescue and recovery efforts are ongoing, with the deployment of drones to help locate survivors and assess areas that remain inaccessible.
“Intense search and rescue operations continue, including the use of drones by the Kenya Red Cross,” the statement read, highlighting the use of technology to reach cut-off zones where heavy mud and debris have blocked roads.
Access to the affected areas, the Red Cross noted, remains difficult, but teams on the ground are making significant progress. “Access to affected areas remains a challenge, though significant progress has been made,” the organisation stated, emphasising that responders are working under tough terrain conditions and unpredictable weather.
Families who lost their homes or were evacuated from risky areas have been temporarily housed at Chesongoch Primary School. “Displaced families are currently hosted at Chesongoch Primary School,” the statement added.
The humanitarian agency also confirmed that “more injured people were airlifted today to Eldoret for treatment” as emergency response teams continued to evacuate those in critical condition.
Alongside rescue efforts, the Kenya Red Cross is providing relief to the affected community. “Families in Chesongoch will receive food and shelter support,” the statement said, assuring residents that help will continue to reach those in need as the situation stabilises.
The landslide in Elgeyo Marakwet has once again drawn attention to the growing impact of heavy rains and flash floods in Kenya’s highland regions. For many families in Chesongoch, the Kenya Red Cross’ swift action has been a lifeline amid grief and loss, as search and rescue operations continue into the weekend.