Guinea landfill landslide kills 30

A devastating landslide at a landfill in Guinea's capital, Conakry, has claimed thirty lives. The incident occurred at the Dar Es Salam landfill, the city's largest open-air waste dump in the Bbessia district. Heavy overnight rains triggered the collapse of a massive mound of refuse, engulfing nearby shacks and destroying several homes.Rescue operations are underway, with significant material and human resources deployed to search for individuals buried under the debris. Excavators are clearing the site as emergency teams work to locate survivors and recover bodies. At least six people sustained serious injuries in the disaster, and several others suffered lighter injuries, according to official statements.The Dar Es Salam landfill had been designated for closure on the day of the tragic collapse, highlighting long-standing safety concerns. Authorities had issued eviction notices to residents in precarious dwellings around the site, acknowledging inherent dangers, especially during the rainy season. Despite these warnings, many families remained in the vicinity.Guinea's Prime Minister, Amadou Oury Bah, visited the scene to assess the situation and oversee response efforts. The government committed to ensuring medical care for the injured and providing assistance to all those affected. Officials also pledged to facilitate the relocation of remaining families from the hazardous area to safer locations. This incident underscores critical challenges for rapidly urbanizing areas in West Africa, where informal settlements near hazardous sites are vulnerable to catastrophic events exacerbated by heavy rains.