Kampala Landfill Collapse Death Toll Rises to 24

The death toll from the Kiteezi landfill collapse in Kampala, Uganda, has risen to 24, according to the city authority. The tragedy, which occurred on Friday, claimed the lives of at least four children. Authorities attribute the collapse to "structural failure in waste mass," likely triggered by heavy rainfall. Rescuers are still searching for victims, though Irene Nakasiita of the Uganda Red Cross stated there is no hope for more survivors.

The Kiteezi landfill, located on an impoverished hillside in Kampala, has long been a destination for scavengers and residents despite its instability. The site had been slated for decommissioning for years, but hundreds of garbage trucks still unload there daily. It remains unclear how many individuals are unaccounted for in the aftermath of the collapse. The President of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni, has requested a thorough investigation into the incident, questioning why people were allowed to settle near such a hazardous environment.

He also emphasized the dangers posed by effluent from the site. The collapse underlines the urgent need to address the living conditions surrounding the landfill and the broader issues of waste management in Kampala. The city's growing population, now at 3 million, exacerbates the problem. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)