Landslide at waste mound in Guinea’s capital kills 30, government says
A massive landslide at a waste dump in Conakry, Guinea, has resulted in at least 30 deaths following heavy rainfall. The tragedy occurred just days after the government announced plans to relocate the site due to safety concerns.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the severe risks posed by inadequate urban infrastructure and waste management in rapidly growing, impoverished West African cities.
Residents and rescuers search for bodies in the dump site in Conakry on 23 August. Residents and rescuers search for bodies in the dump site in Conakry on 23 August. Guinea Landslide at waste mound in Guinea capital kills 30, government says Dump site in Conakry, which minister had just promised to move, collapsed after heavy rain in west African state
Prefer the Guardian on Google A landslide at a huge waste dump in Guinea’s capital has killed 30 people, the government said on Sunday, after heavy rains overnight prompted it to collapse, engulfing nearby tents and shacks.
The incident occurred less than a week after the government announced plans to close the site and relocate the waste because of the threat it posed, especially during the rainy season, which causes landslides and fatal flash floods each year in crowded, underdeveloped cities across parts of West Africa .
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