Guinea Landfill Landslide Kills 30 After Massive Waste Mound Collapses

Conakry, Guinea — At least 30 people have died after a massive mound of waste collapsed at a landfill in Guinea’s capital, Conakry, following heavy overnight rainfall.

The disaster struck at around 2 a.m. in the Gbessia commune, when accumulated rubbish gave way and swept into nearby areas where people were living. Tents, shacks and several homes were engulfed by the debris, according to authorities and reports from the scene.

Heavy Rain Triggered the Collapse

Officials said intense rainfall played a major role in the disaster. The wet conditions weakened the enormous waste mound, causing it to collapse and send tons of rubbish and debris toward surrounding residential areas.

The incident occurred during Guinea’s rainy season, a period when heavy downpours can increase the risk of landslides and flooding.

Rescue workers rushed to the landfill after the collapse and began searching through the debris using excavators and other equipment. Witnesses said the landslide was large enough to bury substantial structures as well as the informal dwellings surrounding the dump.

22 People Reported Injured

In addition to the 30 fatalities, 22 people were injured, including six who were reported to be in serious condition. Rescue teams continued clearing the site as authorities worked to determine whether anyone else remained trapped beneath the waste.

The tragedy has devastated families living close to the landfill. One woman, identified as Cire Diallo, told reporters that she lost all five of her children in the collapse.

Government Had Planned to Close the Landfill

The disaster has raised serious questions about safety conditions at the landfill.

Guinea’s government had announced plans to close the site only days before the tragedy. Officials had cited safety concerns and said the waste would be relocated to another location outside Conakry.

Residents living around the landfill had also been instructed to leave because of the risks posed by the unstable waste mound, particularly during the rainy season. However, many people were still living in the area when the landslide occurred.

Djenabou Toure, Guinea’s minister of territorial administration, said authorities would work to relocate families who remained near the dangerous site.

Rescue Operation Continues

Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah visited the landfill to assess the damage and oversee the emergency response. The government urged residents to remain calm, cooperate with rescue personnel and follow instructions from authorities.

Rescue crews faced difficult conditions as they searched through huge quantities of waste and debris. Authorities were also working to determine the full extent of the destruction.

The tragedy highlights the dangers faced by communities living near poorly managed waste sites, particularly in areas vulnerable to extreme rainfall.

A Warning for Conakry During the Rainy Season

The landfill disaster comes as Guinea and other parts of West Africa continue to face serious challenges from flooding and landslides during periods of heavy rain.

For Conakry, the incident has renewed concerns about waste management, informal settlements and the safety of communities located close to unstable landfill sites.

With the government already planning to shut the landfill, attention is now expected to turn toward the relocation of residents and the safe removal of accumulated waste.

For the families affected, however, the immediate priority remains the search for survivors, recovery efforts and assistance for those who have lost loved ones and homes.

The death toll currently stands at 30, with 22 people injured, according to government figures reported following the disaster.