Guinea Landfill Collapse Kills 30 After Heavy Rain Hits Conakry

CONAKRY – At least 30 people were killed after a massive mound of rubbish collapsed at the Dar-es-Salam landfill in Guinea’s capital, Conakry, early Sunday, August 23, 2026, burying nearby homes and shelters following heavy overnight rain.

The Guinean government said the disaster occurred at around 2 a.m. local time in the Bbessia district. Six people were seriously injured and another 16 suffered minor injuries, while rescue teams continued searching through the debris for possible survivors.

In a statement, the government said, “Significant material and human resources have been deployed to search for any people who may still be buried, to rescue the victims and to recover the bodies.” Authorities also said measures were being taken to provide medical care to the injured and assistance to people affected by the disaster.

The collapse occurred at the Dar-es-Salam landfill, one of the main waste disposal sites serving Conakry. Reuters reported that heavy overnight rainfall destabilized a huge mound of waste, sending debris into nearby tents and makeshift structures.

Local neighborhood leader Lancine Sylla said residents had already recovered a number of bodies before the government announced its official death toll.

“We have pulled out 18 bodies that were taken to the morgue,” Sylla told AFP, according to Al Jazeera.

Associated Press reported that Guinea’s Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah visited the disaster site as rescue workers operated excavators and other heavy machinery to clear the collapsed waste mound.

The tragedy has drawn additional attention because Guinean authorities had already warned of safety risks around the landfill. The government had ordered measures to remove people from the surrounding area, while the site was reportedly scheduled to be closed on Sunday, the same day the collapse occurred.

The Guardian, citing Reuters, reported that the planned closure was linked to concerns over the landfill’s safety, particularly during Guinea’s rainy season, when landslides and flash floods pose recurring risks across parts of West Africa.

The disaster highlights broader challenges facing Conakry, including waste management, rapid urban growth and the vulnerability of communities living close to hazardous infrastructure. Rescue operations remain underway as authorities search for additional victims and assess the full extent of the damage.

Guinean officials are now expected to review safety measures at the landfill and accelerate efforts to relocate residents living in high-risk areas to prevent another disaster.