A catastrophic disaster struck the West African nation of Guinea when a towering pile of garbage gave way, claiming the lives of 30 individuals. Official figures released by the government confirm that the tragedy unfolded early Sunday morning at the largest landfill site located in the capital city of Conakry, where an immense mound of waste abruptly collapsed and engulfed nearby makeshift settlements.
Torrential Rains Triggered the Slide
According to local officials, the incident was precipitated by heavy downpours that began around 2 am. The intense rainfall caused accumulated waste in the 'Dar Es Salam' sector to liquefy and shift, resulting in a devastating landslide that buried the adjacent shanties. The disaster left six individuals critically injured and completely destroyed multiple dwellings. Emergency responders immediately mobilized search and rescue operations to locate any survivors trapped beneath the debris.
Evacuation Notices Were Previously Issued
Lieutenant Colonel Balde Mamadou Bailo, a sanitation officer with the military engineering battalion, stated that the decision to close Conakry's primary open refuse dump had been scheduled for Sunday. Authorities had previously distributed eviction notices instructing residents living in the immediate vicinity of the landfill to relocate. While many families heeded the warning and vacated the area beforehand, a number of people were still present when the disaster struck.
Relocation Plans for Affected Residents
Dienabou Toure, the regional administration and decentralization minister who visited the site, stated, "We will ensure that the remaining families are resettled elsewhere, and arrangements will be made for their accommodation." Government efforts are now focused on providing secure housing for those left displaced by the sudden catastrophe.
Fears That Death Toll Could Rise
Authorities have warned that the final death toll from the landfill collapse is likely to increase as rescue teams continue clearing away the massive mounds of waste. Search operations remain ongoing to check for any additional victims trapped underneath, and local residents have been urged to stay clear of the hazardous zone. Previously, a severe landslide struck Indonesia's Java island, causing 21 deaths and leaving numerous people missing.
