At least 30 people died and six were critically injured when a massive garbage heap collapsed at Guinea's capital landfill following heavy overnight rains. The disaster occurred around 2 a.m. Sunday at the Dar es Salam open-air dump, sending tons of waste cascading onto nearby makeshift homes.

Rescue efforts were underway as dawn broke, with workers digging through the debris using excavators, shovels, and their hands to search for survivors and recover bodies. The collapse at the main dumping ground for Conakry, a city of two million, happened just days after authorities had declared the site unsafe and announced plans for its closure and relocation.

Territorial Administration Minister Dienabou Toure, who was present at the scene, stated that efforts would be made to relocate the remaining families living in the vicinity. Despite Guinea's significant mineral wealth, including the world's largest bauxite reserves, the nation remains one of West Africa's poorest, with a substantial portion of its population living below the national poverty line.

The unstable dumpsite, saturated by intense rainfall, triggered the deadly landslide that buried numerous shacks and tents constructed from wood, tarpaulins, and metal sheets. Residents described scenes of panic, with families desperately searching for missing loved ones amid the overwhelming stench of waste and earth.

This tragedy highlights the precarious living conditions faced by many in Conakry. The city's poor infrastructure and rapid urban growth have forced vulnerable families to settle in hazardous areas, such as the vicinity of the landfill, despite long-standing warnings about the risks of landslides and flooding.

Authorities had recently issued eviction notices to residents near the Dar es Salam dump, recognizing its inherent dangers. However, many families were still residing in the area when the devastating collapse occurred, underscoring the complex challenges of rehousing and relocating populations from unsafe environments, particularly in resource-limited contexts.

The incident brings renewed attention to the urgent need for improved urban planning, waste management, and infrastructure development in Guinea's capital. The long-term implications for public safety and the welfare of displaced residents remain significant concerns.

Questions persist regarding the exact timeline of the closure announcement, the effectiveness of the eviction notices, and the support provided to families awaiting relocation. The full extent of the damage to property and the long-term environmental impact of the collapsed landfill are also subjects requiring further assessment.