What You Need to Know
• A refuse heap collapsed at the Dar Es Salam landfill in Conakry, Guinea, killing 30 people.
• Heavy rains triggered the landslide early on Sunday, injuring six others and destroying several homes.
• The landfill was scheduled for closure on the same day, with many locals having received eviction notices.
CONAKRY, Guinea — A mountainous heap of refuse collapsed at the Dar Es Salam landfill in Conakry, Guinea, early on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of 30 individuals, as confirmed by the central government. Authorities reported that heavy rains beginning around 2 a.m. caused a landslide that buried nearby shacks, leading to a search and rescue operation for survivors. Six people sustained serious injuries, and multiple homes were destroyed in the incident. The landfill, the largest in the city, was slated for closure on the same day, and many residents had received eviction notices, although some remained in the area at the time of the disaster. Dienabou Touré, the Minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralization, stated that efforts would be made to relocate the remaining families.
Why It Matters
The collapse of the refuse heap at the Dar Es Salam landfill highlights ongoing issues related to waste management and urban planning in Conakry, Guinea’s capital. The landfill’s closure was part of a broader initiative to address sanitation and public health concerns in a city where 43.7% of the population lives below the national poverty line, according to the World Bank. The incident underscores the vulnerability of communities living near hazardous waste sites, particularly during adverse weather conditions. Historical neglect of infrastructure and environmental safety in Guinea has contributed to such tragedies, emphasizing the need for improved regulations and support for affected populations.
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