Search for missing persons in Eastleigh building enters third day

The race to find survivors in the rubble of the collapsed building in Eastleigh entered its third day, with no victims pulled from the debris.

More than 50 hours later, families of those still missing keep vigil at the scene, clinging to hope that their loved ones will be found alive.

The Kenya Red Cross says 47 people have been reported missing.

“Those still in the rubble if they are there. There are high chances they will be rescued within 72 hours,” said Red Cross Deputy Inspector, Disaster Management Duncan Ochieng’.

The Nairobi Chief Officer, Disaster Management and Coordination Bramwel Simiyu said “teams are working tirelessly to ensure we are able to bring the matter to a close.”

For the rescue teams, every hour counts. Heavy machinery continues to tear through the debris, while emergency personnel work to reach areas where survivors could still be trapped.

But for families gathered at the scene, time is becoming their greatest enemy. They watch, wait and pray, hoping the next breakthrough will bring their loved ones back alive.

Robai Windo, a relative, said: “sisi tunahold kwa hopes kwamba watapatikana”.

For others, hope is increasingly shadowed by the fear that the window for survival is closing.

Another relative Barasa Peter said: “chances za kumpata akiwa hai zinaenda zikipungua”.

On Saturday, rescue teams pulled two survivors, Victor Onyango and Zainab Mohammed, from the rubble, offering a glimmer of hope to families still waiting for news.

MSMEs Principal Secretary (PS) Susan Mang’eni  said rescue teams are working to rescue all remaining persons believed to be trapped in the rubble.

“We are hoping that there no many people there. The team here is working tirelessly to ensure no one who was within the vicinity will be left,” she said.

Now, 54 hours into the operation, excavators continue to clear the wreckage as rescuers explore ways of reaching the other side of the ground floor, where more people are believed to be trapped.