Tragedy in Guinea as landslide claims lives after heavy rains
- A landslide occurred in Maneah, Guinea, on Wednesday night due to heavy rains.
- The incident resulted in the deaths of at least 11 people and injuries to 10 others.
- Authorities are continuing search and rescue efforts while assessing the community’s needs.
In Guinea, recent heavy rains led to a devastating landslide that struck homes in the rural community of Maneah. This tragic event occurred on Wednesday night, around 7 p.m., resulting in the death of at least 11 individuals and seriously injuring another 10. The authorities reported that the landslide was triggered by significant rainfall that caused part of a mountain to collapse. The area affected is located in Coyah Prefecture, approximately 50 kilometers from the capital, Conakry. Eyewitness accounts describe a terrifying moment when the mountain gave way, burying houses under mud and debris. Local resident Kone Pepe recounted seeing the mountain collapse and the ensuing chaos as the mud engulfed the homes, stating that no survivors were found alive after the landslide. Search and rescue operations continued late into Thursday as authorities worked to recover victims and assess the area for additional dangers. The National Agency for Emergency Management issued a statement confirming the severity of the situation and expressing concern that the death toll could rise as search efforts progressed. Furthermore, Mory Condé, the minister of urban planning and housing, visited the site to oversee rescue operations and provide a firsthand assessment of the disaster's impact on the community. As of now, the focus is on ensuring the safety of the surrounding areas and assisting those affected by this tragedy. While heavy rains are not uncommon in the region, the landslide highlights broader issues related to infrastructure and disaster preparedness in Guinea. Rural communities often face significant challenges during the rainy season, and the government is now faced with the urgent need to improve safety measures and warning systems to prevent similar disasters in the future. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by extreme weather events, particularly in vulnerable regions where the combination of heavy rainfall and unstable terrain can lead to catastrophic consequences. In the aftermath, discussions are likely to unfold regarding infrastructure investments, disaster response strategies, and the importance of community awareness and preparation for future rainfall events. The resilience of affected communities will be tested as they begin to rebuild and recover from this tragic event, and the government will need to take proactive steps to ensure that such a disaster does not occur again.