Deadly landslide hits Nairobi slum

Reuters 2012-04-04

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At least four people are feared dead, and scores more are trapped, after a devastating landslide hit Nairobi.

The disaster was caused by heavy rainfall in the Kenyan capital.

The landslide took place in one of the city's biggest slums, burying shanty homes made of mud and tin.

The avalanche struck just before dawn on Wednesday, sending boulders tumbling down a hillside into a residential area.

Residents struggled to rescue those trapped with their bare hands and crude tools.

(SOUNDBITE) (Kiswahili) UNNAMED MATHARE SLUM RESIDENT, SAYING:

"It was the first three rows and we were only able to rescue three people from the first row, we are not sure how the others in row two and three are. There are so many people still trapped under the rubble."

As relatives await news of their loved ones, rain continues to fall on Nairobi.

More rains are expected, and residents have been advised to seek out higher ground.

Travis Brecher, Reuters

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