Rescuers in Nairobi have begun their second week of searching for survivors at the site of a collapsed multi-storey building in Eastleigh. The building, which was still under construction, came down along 9th Street on October 23, trapping several people beneath tonnes of concrete and debris. Emergency response teams have been working tirelessly to clear the rubble and reach those trapped inside. The operation has been ongoing for eight days, with a mix of emotions running high at the site.
The search operation turned tragic on Friday after rescuers recovered a woman's body from the debris. This was the first confirmed fatality since the building collapse. Authorities have confirmed that 16 people remain unaccounted for following a verification exercise conducted by the Kenya Red Cross and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations. Relatives of the missing individuals have been gathering at the site, anxiously waiting for updates on their loved ones.
According to Nairobi North County Commissioner Simon Osumba, about 85 per cent of the debris has been cleared, with the operation now focused on reaching the remaining sections of the collapsed building. The teams are particularly keen on accessing the lower sections of the structure, particularly the basement, where some of the missing people are suspected to have been trapped. Experts have been working through the debris to ensure that all possible areas are searched.
So far, six people have been rescued since the operation began. The rescue teams have been combing through the rubble, using specialized equipment to navigate the complex structure. The building collapse has raised concerns about the safety of buildings under construction in Nairobi, with authorities likely to face scrutiny over their role in the disaster.
The search operation is being conducted by a team of experts, including rescue workers and emergency responders. They have been working around the clock to clear the debris and reach those trapped inside. The Kenya Red Cross and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations have been involved in the verification exercise to determine the number of people unaccounted for.
Local radio stations, including Classic 105, Kiss 100, Homeboyz Radio, Gukena FM, East FM, Radio Jambo, and X FM, have been providing updates on the search operation. The community has been rallying behind the rescue efforts, with many offering support to the families of those affected.
As the search operation enters its second week, authorities are urging caution and patience. The process of clearing the debris and searching for survivors is complex and time-consuming. The incident has highlighted the importance of ensuring that buildings under construction meet safety standards to prevent such disasters.
Key points
- 16 people remain unaccounted for following a verification exercise
- About 85 per cent of the debris has been cleared
- Six people have been rescued since the operation began
