Tragedy struck in the Philippines as a massive landfill collapse in Cebu City has resulted in one confirmed death and left more than 30 individuals missing. The disaster occurred on Thursday at the Binaliw Landfill, where the precarious structure of piled waste gave way, leading to urgent rescue operations.
Authorities are still investigating the exact cause of the incident, but Cebu City councillor Joel Garganera indicated that the collapse was likely tied to inadequate waste management practices. He noted that operators at the site had been engaging in risky activities, such as cutting into the landfill for soil while simultaneously piling garbage on top, resulting in an unstable environment. “It’s not a sanitary landfill. It’s already an open dumpsite,” Garganera explained to local media.
Among the missing are believed to be workers from the landfill itself. Rescuers were able to save 12 injured sanitation workers from the rubble, who were subsequently transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. The difficult conditions have raised concerns among rescuers about the potential for further collapses, complicating ongoing search efforts.
Cebu Mayor Nestor Archival provided updates on the situation via Facebook, stating that around 300 personnel from various government and civilian groups were deployed to the site with excavators and emergency vehicles on standby. “All response teams remain fully engaged in search and retrieval efforts to locate the remaining missing persons,” Archival remarked, stressing the challenges posed by the unstable debris.
Families are anxiously waiting for news about their loved ones still trapped under the collapse. One resident, Belen Antigua, shared her pain, expressing relief that her son survived but worry for other relatives who are still unaccounted for. Another family member, Michelle Lumapas, was hopeful yet distressed, revealing that families had come together to search for their children since the morning following the disaster.
The urgency behind rescue efforts highlights the risks associated with improper waste management, a significant issue that authorities must address to prevent future tragedies. The community is coming together in support as they await updates, fostering a sense of hope amid the despair.