Heavy rainfall triggers landslide at Conakry’s largest landfill; nearby homes and shelters buried under tonnes of waste
Conakry : At least 30 people were killed and several others injured after a massive pile of waste collapsed at a major landfill in Guinea’s capital, Conakry, early Sunday. Heavy rainfall reportedly triggered a landslide at the site, sending accumulated waste downhill and burying nearby makeshift homes.
According to figures released by the Guinean central government, the incident occurred at the Dar-es-Salam landfill, one of the largest waste-disposal sites in Conakry.
Heavy Rain Triggers Landslide
Officials said heavy rain began around 2 am on Sunday, saturating the large quantities of waste accumulated at the landfill.
The unstable waste mass subsequently collapsed, triggering a landslide that swept into nearby areas and buried several makeshift structures.
Rescue teams were deployed to search for survivors and recover people trapped beneath the debris.
30 People Confirmed Dead
Government authorities have reported 30 deaths in the disaster. Several other people were injured, with six reportedly suffering serious injuries.
A number of houses and other structures located near the landfill were also destroyed in the collapse.
The death toll could potentially change as rescue workers continue searching through the debris and authorities assess the full extent of the damage.
Rescue Operation Underway
Search-and-rescue teams have been working at the site to locate survivors and recover victims.
Emergency personnel are facing difficult conditions because of the unstable waste, continuing rain and the risk of further landslides.
Authorities have been searching areas where homes and temporary shelters were reportedly buried by the collapsing waste.
Landfill Was Due to Be Closed
Lieutenant Colonel Baldé Mamadou Bailo, sanitation officer with the Military Engineering Battalion, said authorities had decided to close the city’s largest open waste dump on Sunday.
The decision came amid concerns surrounding the safety of people living around the landfill and the condition of the waste-disposal site.
Authorities had reportedly issued notices to residents living near the landfill, asking them to relocate.
As a result, a number of residents had already left the area. However, several people were still present when the disaster occurred.
Government Promises Relocation
Diénabou Touré, Minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralization, was present at the disaster site.
She said the authorities would work to ensure that the remaining affected families are relocated to safer areas.
The government is expected to assess the damage and identify families who have lost homes or relatives in the disaster.
A Major Challenge for Conakry
The disaster has once again highlighted the challenges faced by rapidly growing cities in managing waste and protecting communities living near landfill sites.
Large open dumps can become particularly dangerous during periods of heavy rainfall, when accumulated waste becomes unstable and waterlogged.
The incident at Dar-es-Salam has raised concerns over the safety of communities living around the landfill and the need for safer waste-management infrastructure.
Search and Assessment Continue
Authorities continue to conduct search-and-rescue operations at the site while assessing the damage caused by the collapse.
Officials are also working to determine the exact circumstances that led to the landslide and to identify all affected families.
With several people injured and homes destroyed, the government has indicated that relocation and rehabilitation of affected residents will be a key priority following the disaster.
