Thirty people have been killed after a huge mound of waste collapsed at a landfill in Conakry, Guinea, following heavy overnight rainfall.

The incident took place at about 2 a.m. on Sunday in the Gbessia commune, according to the Guinean government.

The collapse at the Dar Es Salam landfill buried nearby tents and shacks and damaged homes in the surrounding area.

Authorities said six people were seriously injured and 16 others sustained lighter injuries.

Rescue teams were sent to the site and were using excavators and other equipment to clear the debris and search for victims.

The incident has renewed concerns about the safety of the landfill, particularly as Guinea experiences its rainy season.

Government officials had already announced plans to close the site earlier in the week because of the risks associated with the accumulated waste.

The waste was expected to be relocated outside Conakry as part of the closure plan.  

Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah visited the site on Sunday and supervised the response.

The government urged residents to remain calm and follow instructions issued by rescue workers and other authorities.

The disaster also underscores the broader challenges confronting Conakry, where rapid urban growth, limited infrastructure and poverty have placed pressure on waste management systems.

Guinea is rich in natural resources, including some of the world’s largest bauxite reserves, but large sections of its population continue to experience significant economic hardship.