CONAKRY: A landslide at a landfill in Guinea’s capital, Conakry, has killed 30 people, the government said.
The disaster happened early Sunday after heavy overnight rain caused a huge mound of waste to collapse.
The falling waste buried tents and makeshift homes near the landfill.
Six People Seriously Injured
The landslide occurred at about 2 a.m. local time in the Gbessia commune of Conakry.
According to the government, six people suffered serious injuries. Another 16 people received lighter injuries.
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Rescue teams continued searching the site for survivors.
Witnesses said the landslide was large enough to bury an apartment building and several makeshift homes.
Mother Loses Five Children
The disaster has left several families devastated.
A woman named Cire Diallo told reporters that she lost all five of her children in the landslide.
She said she had no option but to put her trust in God after the tragedy.
Heavy Rain Triggers Disaster
Heavy rain overnight appears to have caused the landfill collapse.
Guinea is currently experiencing its rainy season. Officials have warned about the risks linked to the landfill.
The government had already announced plans to close the site because of safety concerns.
Government Planned Landfill Closure
Guinea’s Minister of Territorial Administration, Djenab Toure, announced the landfill’s closure on Thursday.
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She said the site posed a serious danger, especially during the rainy season.
The government planned to move the waste to a location outside Conakry.
The latest tragedy has raised fresh concerns about waste management and safety in the capital.
