A devastating landslide struck the rural commune of Manéah, about 50 kilometers from Guinea’s capital, Conakry, late Wednesday night, killing at least 15 people and injuring several others.

Triggered by days of intense rainfall, the collapse buried homes housing more than 20 families, prompting a large-scale emergency response.

Initial reports cited 11 fatalities, but updated figures from local authorities and rescue teams have confirmed 15 deaths, with fears that the toll may rise as search operations continue.

The landslide occurred in the Friguiadi Nord district near Mount Kakoulima, where saturated soil gave way, engulfing homes at the base of the slope.

Guinea’s legislative leader, Dansa Kourouma, joined residents and emergency crews in digging through debris. “We must combine our small efforts with the collective effort… to find people alive,” he said, offering prayers for survivors.

Volunteers like Mamadou Bangoura mobilized quickly, bringing heavy machinery and hand tools to the scene despite limited access and dangerous conditions.

The National Agency for Emergency Management confirmed the collapse was caused by prolonged rainfall, highlighting Guinea’s vulnerability to climate-related disasters. Just last year, record floods across West Africa killed over 1,000 people and displaced hundreds of thousands.

Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah visited the site on Thursday, pledging support and announcing stricter zoning regulations to mitigate future risks. Rescue teams from civil protection, the military, and emergency services remain on-site, racing against time to locate missing persons and assist grieving families.

This tragedy underscores the urgent need for climate resilience and disaster preparedness in vulnerable regions across West Africa.

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