Guinea buries 36 victims of Conakry landfill collapse

Guinea has held a mass funeral for 36 people killed when a landfill collapsed in Conakry following heavy rainfall.

Thousands of mourners attended Friday’s ceremony as the country remembered those killed in the disaster last month.

The collapse happened overnight between August 22 and 23 in the Dar-es-Salam neighbourhood. Many of the victims were sleeping when part of the huge rubbish dump gave way near residential homes.

17 Sierra Leoneans among victims

Authorities confirmed an updated death toll of 36 during the funeral.

Among those killed were 17 Sierra Leonean nationals.

The bodies were taken to a mosque in Bambeto, a suburb of Conakry, where Muslim funeral prayers were held.

They were later taken to Bambeto cemetery for burial. Families, religious leaders and government officials attended the ceremony.

Conakry Governor General Mahawa Cisse said Guinea was mourning alongside the families of those who died.

Survivors and relatives also spoke of the devastating impact of the disaster.

Dozens remain in hospital

Around 20 people remain hospitalised following the collapse.

More than 1,600 people have received assistance, according to Guinea’s emergency management agency.

Authorities have also started demolishing homes in areas considered at risk near the landfill.

Officials say the operation is necessary to prevent another disaster.

However, some residents have criticised the conditions surrounding the demolitions and called for help to relocate.