Hope Rises in Eastleigh as Number of People Feared Trapped in Collapsed Building Drops to 11

The search and rescue operation at the collapsed building in Nairobi’s Eastleigh area has recorded a significant development after the number of people feared trapped under the rubble dropped from 16 to 11.

The National Disaster Management Unit Director, Duncan Ochieng, confirmed on Monday, November 2, that five individuals who had previously been reported missing had been reunited with their families after authorities established that they were not at the disaster scene when the building collapsed.

The development has offered a measure of relief to families who have spent days anxiously waiting for information about their loved ones following the October 23 disaster.

However, the rescue operation remains ongoing, with emergency teams continuing to search the wreckage for the 11 people who are still feared trapped beneath the debris.

According to Ochieng, rescuers have been working around the clock to clear the rubble and establish whether anyone remains trapped inside the collapsed 18-storey building.

The operation has been complicated by the limited space around the site, which has made it difficult for heavy machinery to operate efficiently.

Authorities have indicated that only two excavators are currently working at the scene, with one being used to spread and clear debris while the other focuses on excavating the rubble.

Rescue officials have warned that rushing the exercise could expose emergency responders and people living in neighbouring buildings to additional danger.

The collapsed structure is surrounded by other buildings, some of which remain occupied, forcing rescuers to proceed cautiously as they remove the remaining debris.

The operation is estimated to be approximately 85 per cent complete, with rescuers now concentrating on the remaining section of the structure.

Officials have indicated that the final wall could hold crucial information about the whereabouts of the missing individuals, as some people may have sought refuge there while attempting to escape when the building came down.

The exercise could take another two to three days, depending on the challenges encountered during the clearance of the remaining debris.

The latest update comes after rescue teams recovered the body of a woman from the wreckage on October 30, marking a tragic moment in the prolonged search.

Relatives of the missing people have continued gathering near the disaster site, hoping for news about their loved ones.

The collapse has also disrupted businesses in the busy Eastleigh commercial area, with traders facing difficulties accessing their premises and serving customers.

Meanwhile, investigations are continuing to establish the circumstances that led to the building’s collapse, with questions raised about construction standards, regulatory approvals and the enforcement of safety regulations.

Authorities have urged the public to rely on verified updates as rescue teams work to establish the fate of those still unaccounted for.

As the operation enters its 11th day, families remain hopeful that the search will finally provide answers and bring an end to their painful wait.

https://peopledaily.digital/news/eastleigh-building-collapse-number-of-people-feared-trapped-drops-from-16-to-11?fbclid=IwdGRjcAVVd9hleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBwZG9mBXNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABH2GcAkATdb_z7hQgGHcaJ_9vWrmmFPer2I7mkc-zzG0D4DdlWVaV0LrPRu-__aem_raplJ-0l-hL1QyyTud3nSg

Smm254News feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com