Guinea Landfill Tragedy: 30 Dead in Conakry Landslide After Heavy Rains
Guinea Landfill Tragedy: 30 Dead in Conakry Landslide After Heavy Rains
Devastating landslide at Conakry's Dar Es Salam landfill kills 30 people after torrential rains. Emergency services race to find survivors. A heartbreaking tragedy unveils the risks faced by vulnerable communities. #Guin
A devastating landslide struck early Sunday morning at Dar Es Salam, the largest landfill in Guinea's capital, Conakry, claiming the lives of 30 people. The tragic incident occurred after torrential rains, which began around 2 a.m., caused a mountainous heap of refuse to collapse, engulfing nearby shacks. Emergency services immediately launched a search and rescue operation at the site, working tirelessly to find survivors amidst the debris.
Authorities reported that six individuals sustained serious injuries, and several homes were completely destroyed in the calamity. The Dar Es Salam site, an expansive open-air waste dump, had been slated for closure on Sunday.
Lieutenant Colonel Baldé Mamadou Bailo, the sanitation officer for the military engineering battalion, confirmed this information.
Locals residing near the landfill had previously received eviction notices, leading many to vacate the area. However, authorities indicated that a significant number of residents were still present when the disaster struck. Dienabou Touré, the Minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralization, visited the scene and addressed the ongoing efforts.
She stated, "We will ensure that the remaining families are relocated elsewhere," highlighting the government's commitment to assist those affected and prevent future tragedies in vulnerable communities.