Landfill Collapse in Conakry, Guinea Kills at Least 30 Amid Heavy Rains

In the early hours of August 23, 2026, heavy rains lashed Conakry, the capital of Guinea. The downpour caused a massive mound of waste at the Dar es Salam landfill, the city's largest dump site, to become unstable.

Many people live or shelter in makeshift homes and tents near this landfill, despite known risks. The site had long been slated for closure due to safety concerns, according to local authorities cited by the South China Morning Post and SVT. However, the closure had not yet taken place when the disaster struck.

Shortly before dawn on August 23, the saturated waste pile gave way. The collapse sent tons of debris crashing onto nearby homes and shacks, burying residents as they slept.

Emergency services and local volunteers rushed to the scene to search for survivors. The BBC and multiple other outlets reported that the disaster killed at least 30 people. Injuries ranged from six to over twenty, with varying figures reported by different outlets including The Hindu and Sky News.

Throughout the day, authorities worked to recover bodies and assist the injured. The government urged residents to follow emergency instructions and called for community support. A prominent opposition figure also commented, highlighting the broader implications for Conakry's vulnerable communities, according to Franceinfo.

By August 24, rescue operations continued with teams searching for missing people beneath the debris. The incident drew attention to longstanding problems with waste management and infrastructure in Conakry, a city of 1.5 million people.

As of August 24, the official death toll stands at 30. Rescue teams are still on site, searching for survivors and recovering bodies. The government has confirmed the disaster and is coordinating ongoing emergency efforts, according to Euronews and France24.

The landfill collapse has renewed calls for urgent improvements in waste management and stricter safety measures for sites located near residential areas. The tragedy has also highlighted the precarious conditions faced by many of Conakry's poorest residents, who live in informal settlements near the landfill.

Rescue operations are expected to continue until all missing persons are accounted for. Authorities face pressure to investigate the cause of the collapse and accelerate plans to close or secure unsafe landfill sites. There are growing demands for better protection and relocation options for families living near hazardous waste dumps.