Kathmandu— At least 30 people were killed and six others seriously injured when a large section of the primary landfill serving Guinea’s capital, Conakry, collapsed early Sunday morning. The incident occurred around 3 am local time (15:00 GMT) in the Dar-es-Salam neighborhood of the Bbessia district after heavy rains caused a landslide that engulfed several nearby shacks. Authorities had recently ordered residents to evacuate the area due to concerns about potential collapses, and the site was scheduled for closure on Sunday.

Landslide Triggers Fatalities

A mountainous pile of refuse gave way following sustained heavy rainfall, burying homes constructed near the landfill. Emergency responders are currently working to recover bodies and provide assistance to those affected by the disaster. Lancine Sylla, head of the Dar-es-Salaam suburb, expressed fears that the death toll could rise further as search efforts continue. “We have pulled out 18 bodies that were taken to the morgue,” he stated.

Site Scheduled for Closure

The landfill was already slated for closure on Sunday, according to Lieutenant Colonel Balde Mamadou Bailo, a sanitation officer with the Military Engineering Battalion. The government had previously issued orders for the expulsion of residents living near the site and implemented safety measures in anticipation of potential collapses. Guinea’s minister for territorial administration, Djenabou Toure, visited the scene to oversee rescue operations and assess the damage.

Ongoing Rescue Efforts

Minister Toure indicated that an official casualty count would be released once search and rescue efforts are completed. Teams continue to comb through the debris in hopes of locating additional victims or survivors. The incident highlights the dangers posed by poorly managed waste disposal sites, particularly in areas prone to heavy rainfall.

Rescue operations are ongoing as authorities work to determine the full extent of the damage and provide support to those affected by this tragic event.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.