World

Kenya flooding death toll rises to 60, with 7 others missing

Authorities in Kenya says the death toll from heavy rains that unleashed floods in the west of the country has risen to 60, and seven others are missing.

Victims include 5 people swept away in car

Passengers from stranded vehicles cross floodwaters on foot, on the road from Kapenguria, in West Pokot county, in western Kenya on Saturday. (The Associated Press)

Authorities in Kenya says the death toll from heavy rains that unleashed floods in the west of the country has risen to 60, and seven others are missing.

An official of the West Pokot county government said Sunday 53 people died, mostly in mudslides in Saturday's deluge. She said seven people were reported missing. The death toll increased from 34.

The official requested anonymity because she wasn't authorized to speak to the media.

Officials say another five people were swept away while travelling in a car. Two other people were killed after they drowned when a river burst its banks.

The torrential rain is uncommon for this time of year. Experts have said the changing weather patterns have a huge impact because close to 100 per cent of Kenya's agriculture is rain-fed.