ISTANBUL

The death toll from a landslide in Kenya’s Rift Valley has risen to 26, as rescue teams continue searching for dozens of people still reported missing following heavy rains, the country's interior minister said on Sunday.

Kipchumba Murkomen told reporters that 26 people have been found dead and 25 others are still missing.

The landslide occurred early Saturday in the Elgeyo Marakwet East region, which is in its rainy season and lies 320 kilometers (200 miles) northwest of the East African nation’s capital, Nairobi.

Murkomen said on Saturday that preparations were underway to deliver more food and non-food relief to affected families, with military and police helicopters on standby to assist in transportation.

Authorities have appealed to residents in high-risk zones to heed evacuation warnings as rescue operations continue in Elgeyo Marakwet.

Recent heavy rainfall has caused flooding and landslides across several counties, displacing hundreds and damaging key infrastructure.