A landslide at a waste dump in Guinea’s capital killed 30 people, the government reported, following heavy rains that caused the site to collapse.
A landslide at a large waste dump in the Gbessia commune of Conakry, Guinea, killed 30 people, with six seriously injured and 16 lightly injured, according to a government statement. The incident occurred early Sunday after heavy rains triggered the collapse of the site, which engulfed nearby tents and shacks. Rescue workers were using excavators and other tools to clear the area, which witnesses described as large enough to bury an apartment building and other precarious dwellings. The landslide took place shortly after 2 a.m. local time.
The government had announced plans to close the landfill less than a week earlier, citing safety concerns, particularly during the rainy season, which frequently causes landslides and flash floods in underdeveloped urban areas. Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah visited the site on Sunday to assess the damage and oversee the response, urging the public to remain calm and follow instructions from rescue services and authorities. The government has not yet provided further details on the relocation of the waste or the next steps for the affected community.
Why it matters
The landslide engulfed nearby shelters, intensifying the risk for people living near the site.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.
What to watch
Watch whether the government accelerates relocation of waste from the site.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.