Eighteen people died when their homes were buried in mud following a night of downpour in Kakamega North District. Another 56 people were injured in the tragedy. Kuvasali village, on the border of Kakamega North and Nandi North districts, was in mourning as residents came to terms with the catastrophe. The tiny village, perched on a steep slope, woke up to shock and disbelief after a nightlong downpour triggered the first landslide on Saturday.According to reports, the first landslide was at dawn, which claimed a man, his wife and daughter. They were buried alive in their house as they slept. The second landslide took place at the same place at around midday as villagers were trying to retrieve the bodies of the family members.The recovery efforts were interrupted when the earth around the houses came tumbling down. Unconfirmed reports say 18 people were buried alive but the number could be higher. Western Provincial Commissioner, Mr Abdul Mwasera, who rushed to the scene after attending President Kibaki’s rally at Kakamega town, confirmed the death toll of 18 and 56 injured casualties, who were taken to Malava District Hospital. Most of those buried by the mudslide were neighbours who had rushed to the scene to help recover the bodies of the first victims. Survivors said the second landslide rumbled like thunder as a large section of earth melted downhill, where the rescuers were working.Two bodies of the first family had been recovered by the time the second landslide occurred, burying four more houses alongside the people. Kuvasali village is in Ikoli sub-location, Malava constituency, and is about 50 kilometers from Kakamega town. The District Commissioner, Mr Kennedy Nyaiyo, who was the first administrator on the scene, said: "There are many people under there, up to 20."Residents, who were watching from across a valley, wailed helplessly as a second mudslide descended down the steep hill.Residents said the first landslide buried completely the house the family was sleeping" We found the bodies of a young girl and her mother but could not find the father," said on resident. The three were said to have been the only ones sleeping in the house. Mr Mutonyi Shiunwa, the father of the man, said: " We were asleep at about 4 am when we heard a loud noise like that of an aero plane. When I went out, I saw a large pile of mud on top of my son’s house."He identified his late son as Kefa Mutonyi, daughter-in-law as Kevali Mutonyi and their daughter, as Sheila Naliaka.He narrated how his shock heightened as he watched the second mudslide bury more villagers alive.Mwasera said President Kibaki had sent a message of condolences to the families and Sh100,000 to assist in the rescue efforts. Cabinet minister and area MP, Mr Soita Shitanda, rushed to the scene shortly after the second landslide. On Saturday night, the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) opened an enquiry centre at the village to assist affected families with information.KRCS area Relief Officer, Mr Maurice Onyango, said the organisation would give relief supplies including tarpaulins and blankets to the affected families. After the first landslide, Nyaiyo urged the residents to vacate the area.The DC was accompanied by the Officer Commanding Police Division, Mr John Mwinzi. Western Provincial Police Commissioner, Mr Peter Kavila, arrived later with a team of senior officers. By Saturday night, most families were camping outside, ready to sleep under the pouring rain for fear of another landslide.Authorities feared the number of casualties could rise as relatives continued to report missing persons.