At least 30 people have been killed after a mound of rubbish at a major waste site collapsed onto nearby homes in Guinea's capital, Conakry. The disaster occurred in the city's Dar-es-Salam area in the early hours of the morning following heavy rain overnight.
Dar-es-Salam Landfill Collapse Claims 30 Lives
The government has confirmed the death toll, with another 22 people injured, including six seriously. The search for survivors is ongoing, with resources and personnel – including the military – deployed to the scene.
Local residents gathered near the site as rescuers used excavators to comb through the mountain of scattered rubbish. One woman told local media her five children had died in the disaster, sparking fears that the death toll will rise further.
Past Disasters at the Site
This is not the first time the Dar-es-Salam landfill has been the site of a disaster. A landslide at the site killed 10 people in 2017. Neighbourhood leader Lancine Sylla had warned of the dangers of the landfill, saying, "We have pulled out 18 bodies that were taken to the morgue."
Response to the Disaster
Guinea's Prime Minister Mamadou Oury Bah visited the scene to assess the situation and oversee the search efforts. The government has promised to provide support to those affected by the disaster.
The people of Conakry are in shock after the devastating collapse. Many are left wondering how such a tragedy could occur in a city where waste management is a major concern.
What Happens Next
The search for survivors is ongoing, and the death toll is expected to rise. The government has promised to investigate the cause of the disaster and take steps to prevent similar incidents in the future. As the people of Conakry come to terms with the tragedy, they are also looking to the government to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
The collapse of the Dar-es-Salam landfill highlights the need for improved waste management in Guinea's capital. As the city continues to grow, the need for safe and effective waste disposal systems becomes increasingly pressing.
Source: Joy Online
