Deadly Landfill Collapse in Guinea Leaves At Least 30 Dead After Heavy Rains

At least 30 people died and several others were injured after a massive garbage mountain collapsed at the Dar Es Salam landfill in Guinea following heavy overnight rains.

Landfill Collapse Claims Dozens

The garbage mountain at the Dar Es Salam landfill collapsed early Sunday morning on August 23. According to the Associated Press, the tragedy was triggered by intense rainfall during the night from Saturday to Sunday.

Search and Rescue Operations

Authorities stated that individuals living near the dumping site had received eviction notices, but many people were still present at the location when the disaster struck. Search and rescue operations are currently underway. Djenabou Toure, Minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralization, stated at the scene that authorities will ensure remaining families are relocated to another area.

Casualties and Structural Damage

The Prime Minister’s Office of Guinea reported that several homes collapsed as a result of the disaster. At least 30 people were killed, six sustained serious injuries, and 16 suffered light injuries.

Official Response and Ongoing Support

A statement published on X noted that substantial human and material resources have been mobilized since the early hours following the tragedy to search for buried individuals, rescue victims, and recover bodies. Operations continue under the supervision of competent state services, supported by the Red Cross, the Defense and Security Forces, medical teams, administrative and local authorities, and local residents.

Government Inspection and Prior Incidents

Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah visited the site to assess the situation and oversee the mobilization of public services. The prime minister’s office conveyed deepest condolences and solidarity to the grieving families on behalf of the President of the Republic, His Excellency Mamady Doumbouya, and the government. This is not the first such accident in Conakry, as a similar incident occurred in 2017 when several people died due to a garbage landslide.

Political Context

Guinea’s current leaders came to power following a military coup in 2021, during which the military junta overthrew Alpha Conde, the country’s first democratically elected president.