PHOTOS: West Pokot landslide, the aftermath

The death toll of the West Pokot landslide has hit 53 after residents were buried alive after heavy rains pounded the region.

Tens of thousands are said to have been displaced with the Kenya Defense Forces deployed as part of the multi-agency search and rescue team.

“I am deeply disheartened by the tragic landslides happening in West Pokot. A lot of damage has been done but I however commend the good work from the humanitarian bodies in trying to help the residents. My condolences to the families that lost their loved ones. Poleni,” said Joseph Oded, Ambassador of Israel to Kenya.

On Tuesday, some of the bodies recovered from the West Pokot landslide had to be transferred to Kitale.

This after the Kapenguria mortuary was unable to accommodate the increasing number.

Most sections of Kapenguria-Lodwar Highway and feeder roads were cut off and health workers had to be airlifted to provide emergency services.

Governor John Lonyangapuo, doctors were airlifted to Muino and Tamkal on Monday to attend to survivors.

He decried the number of those displaced saying the number is growing following the West Pokot landslide.