A massive refuse mound collapsed at the Dar Es Salam landfill in Conakry, Guinea, early on Sunday, killing 30 people after heavy overnight rains triggered a catastrophic landslide, according to the central government. The disaster buried nearby shacks and tents in the Gbessia commune, leaving six people seriously injured alongside 16 others who sustained lighter injuries, the government stated.
Rescue Operations and Site Conditions at Dar Es Salam
Emergency crews deployed excavators and manual tools to search for survivors amid debris that witnesses said was large enough to bury an apartment building. Heavy rains starting at roughly 2 a.m. washed over the open-air waste dump, causing the structural collapse. Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah visited the site on Sunday to assess the damage and supervise rescue efforts, urging residents to remain calm and follow instructions from emergency authorities, according to government reports.
Did you know? Guinea holds the world’s largest bauxite reserves and rich untapped iron ore deposits at Simandou, yet 43.7% of the population lives below the national poverty line, according to World Bank figures.
Imminent Closure Plans and Evacuation Efforts
The tragedy struck less than a week after officials announced plans to shutter the facility due to severe environmental and safety hazards. Lt. Col. Baldé Mamadou Bailo, a sanitation officer with the military engineering battalion, stated that the site had been designated for closure on Sunday. While authorities had issued eviction notices forcing many locals to leave, numerous residents remained near the hazard zone when the collapse occurred. Dienabou Touré, the minister of territorial administration and decentralization, visited the scene and stated that the government would ensure remaining families are relocated elsewhere.
Urban Infrastructure Challenges in West Africa
Heavy annual rains routinely trigger flash floods and landslides in underdeveloped urban sectors. According to World Bank data, 3.7 million out of Guinea’s 15.1 million citizens live on less than $4.20 a day, underscoring the socio-economic pressures that drive populations to settle near hazardous municipal infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the landslide at the Conakry landfill?
Heavy overnight rains starting at approximately 2 a.m. washed over the massive refuse heap at the Dar Es Salam landfill, triggering a structural collapse that buried nearby dwellings, according to the central government.
How many people were killed in the disaster?
The central government confirmed that 30 people died in the landslide, with six individuals sustaining serious injuries and 16 others receiving treatment for light injuries.
Was the landfill scheduled to be closed?
Yes. Authorities announced plans to close the site because it posed severe safety risks during the rainy season, with a sanitation officer confirming the dump was designated for closure on the day of the disaster.
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