Authors :
Bernard Kipsang Rop; Loice Jepkemboi Kipkiror
Volume/Issue :
Volume 6 - 2021, Issue 10 - October
Google Scholar :
http://bitly.ws/gu88
Scribd :
https://bit.ly/304nOfn
Abstract :
The Kaben Location Lagam escarpment
landslides of Elgeyo-Marakwet County, Marakwet East in
Kenya, are not only recurrent but are highly cataclysmic
and destructive. They cause mayhem whenever they occur.
The first known landslides on the Lagam escarpment of
the Kaben location, occurred during the 1961 El-Nino,
when a major rainstorm hit the area (Kiptungu). The
landslides denudated Embosumer River and left huge
boulders scattered over many farmlands. Four decades
later, on the night of 12th April 2010, a catastrophic
landslide once again hit Kaben location. Embosumer River
was again the perpetrator, having broken its banks due to
excessive water inflow from Lagam escarpment. Fourteen
(14) people lost their lives, others were badly injured and
lots of property was destroyed. A decade later, on Sunday,
19th April 2020, in the afternoon, heavy rains pounded the
area, once more, causing massive mudslides that involved
many rivers and streams. Thus, twenty six (26) people lost
their lives and homes, schools and farmlands were washed
away and several bodies trapped in the mudslide material.
This preliminary study was undertaken to understand the
causes of Lagam recurrent landslides and identify possible
mitigation and preparedness measures. Data was collected
using secondary data analysis and presented in the form of
ground photographs, satellite images and discussions made
thereon. Since then, it is still expected that
recommendations made and mitigation measures
envisaged in this research-related work will draw positive
action from the area residents and all concerned parties in
Kaben Location.
Keywords :
Landslides, Recurrent, Lagam Escarpment, Kaben Location, Marakwet
The Kaben Location Lagam escarpment
landslides of Elgeyo-Marakwet County, Marakwet East in
Kenya, are not only recurrent but are highly cataclysmic
and destructive. They cause mayhem whenever they occur.
The first known landslides on the Lagam escarpment of
the Kaben location, occurred during the 1961 El-Nino,
when a major rainstorm hit the area (Kiptungu). The
landslides denudated Embosumer River and left huge
boulders scattered over many farmlands. Four decades
later, on the night of 12th April 2010, a catastrophic
landslide once again hit Kaben location. Embosumer River
was again the perpetrator, having broken its banks due to
excessive water inflow from Lagam escarpment. Fourteen
(14) people lost their lives, others were badly injured and
lots of property was destroyed. A decade later, on Sunday,
19th April 2020, in the afternoon, heavy rains pounded the
area, once more, causing massive mudslides that involved
many rivers and streams. Thus, twenty six (26) people lost
their lives and homes, schools and farmlands were washed
away and several bodies trapped in the mudslide material.
This preliminary study was undertaken to understand the
causes of Lagam recurrent landslides and identify possible
mitigation and preparedness measures. Data was collected
using secondary data analysis and presented in the form of
ground photographs, satellite images and discussions made
thereon. Since then, it is still expected that
recommendations made and mitigation measures
envisaged in this research-related work will draw positive
action from the area residents and all concerned parties in
Kaben Location.
Keywords :
Landslides, Recurrent, Lagam Escarpment, Kaben Location, Marakwet
