The death toll from massive landslides that occurred early Saturday morning in northwestern Kenya has risen to at least 60, Al Jazeera reported, citing Kenyan authorities.

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta offered his sincere condolences to the bereaved families and directed the deployment of resources rescue personnel from various security and humanitarian agencies.

"My thoughts and prayers, and those of our entire nation are with families, friends and relatives of those who lost their beloved ones in the unfortunate incident. Please accept my heartfelt condolences," he said. "To those who were injured in the calamitous incident and are receiving treatment in different hospitals, I pray for your quick recovery and restoration.”

"I have further directed Regional Commissioners in flood and landslide prone regions of our country to work very closely with our security and humanitarian teams to ensure that citizens in these areas are urgently moved to safer grounds," he added.

County governor John Lonyangapuo joined the president in sending his condolences to victims of the landslide.

According to an official statement from the cabinet secretary for the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government, Dr Fred Matiang'i, the landslides occurred at around 2.30 a.m. Saturday morning following unusually heavy downpour.

Researchers have warned that warming oceans are causing unpredictable weather patterns in East Africa.

Heavy rains and floods have killed more than 50 people and forced hundreds of thousands of people from their homes across East Africa, aid groups said earlier this month.

Kenya is experiencing a heavier than usual rainy season, Kenya Meteorological Department said in early November.

(With input from PSCU and Reuters)