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NAIROBI. – Four people were rescued from the rubble of a collapsed residential building on Tuesday in the Kiamaiko area in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi, a police officer said.

Three of the rescued individuals were taken to a nearby health facility, while one with minor injuries received treatment at the scene, Nairobi County Police Commander Adamson Bungei said. The search and rescue operation for more possible victims is ongoing.

Witnesses said that at least 10 people were searching for scrap metals in the building, which had been marked for demolition by government officials, when it collapsed unexpectedly.

Local residents said that the building was one of several earmarked for demolition following severe flooding that had damaged structures near rivers, especially in informal settlements.

The situation has led to protests in the area, with calls for the provision of alternative housing for those affected.

Cabinet Secretary for Interior and Administration of National Government Kithure Kindiki said that those who have encroached on riparian reserves and corridors must vacate immediately, warning that forceful evacuations will be conducted if necessary.

Heavy rains have been pounding several parts of the country since March, leading to the deaths of 289 people. – Xinhua