At least 30 people were killed when a massive heap of garbage collapsed at the largest landfill in Guinea's capital, Conakry, following a heavy overnight downpour, according to local authorities.
The landslide occurred around 2 a.m. GMT on Sunday at the open-air Dar es Salam dump site, sending a large volume of waste onto nearby makeshift shelters.
Rescue workers dug through the debris to reach survivors. Six people with serious injuries were taken to hospitals, and many homes were reported destroyed.
Officials said the main landfill serving the city of two million was scheduled to close on Sunday. Residents had been notified to relocate, but many families remained in the area when the collapse happened.
“We will ensure the remaining families are moved to other locations,” said Dienabou Toure, Minister of Territorial Administration, who was at the scene.
Despite its abundant mineral resources, including the world's largest bauxite reserves, Guinea remains one of West Africa's poorest countries, with nearly half its population living below the national poverty line.
