**Landfill Collapse in Guinea Claims at Least 30 Lives**
**Conakry, Guinea** – A tragic landslide at the Dar-es-Salaam dumpsite in Conakry, Guinea's capital, has resulted in the deaths of at least 30 individuals, as confirmed by a government statement. The incident occurred early Sunday morning, around 3 AM local time (15:00 GMT), following heavy rainfall that triggered the collapse of a large pile of refuse at the country's largest landfill.
In addition to the fatalities, six people have sustained serious injuries due to the landslide, which buried nearby shacks in the Bbessia district's Dar-es-Salaam neighborhood. Eyewitness accounts and local officials indicate that the situation may be dire, with fears that the death toll could rise as rescue efforts continue.
Lancine Sylla, the head of the Dar-es-Salaam suburb, reported that 18 bodies had already been recovered and transported to the morgue. He expressed deep concern for the well-being of those affected and the potential for more casualties as search operations progress.
Lieutenant Colonel Balde Mamadou Bailo, a sanitation officer with the Military Engineering Battalion, noted that the landfill site was scheduled for closure on the same day as the incident. This decision was part of ongoing efforts by the government to address safety concerns surrounding the landfill, which has been a source of risk for nearby residents.
Guinea's Minister for Territorial Administration, Djenabou Toure, visited the site to oversee the rescue operations. She stated that she would wait for the conclusion of the search and rescue efforts before providing an official casualty figure. The government has recently taken steps to expel residents living in close proximity to the landfill and to implement safety measures aimed at preventing such disasters in the future.
The Dar-es-Salaam dumpsite has been a critical waste management facility for Conakry, but it has also faced scrutiny due to its hazardous conditions. The collapse underscores the urgent need for improved waste management practices and infrastructure in the region.
As rescue teams continue their efforts to locate any remaining victims, the community grapples with the aftermath of this devastating event. The government is expected to release further information as the situation develops.
This story remains ongoing, and updates will be provided as more details emerge regarding the rescue operations and the government's response to this tragic incident.