A landfill collapse in central Philippines has led to fears that numerous individuals may be trapped under the rubble. The incident occurred at the Binaliw Landfill in Cebu City, where nearly 50 sanitation workers were engulfed by a towering pile of garbage on Thursday.
Emergency services have been working tirelessly to rescue those affected, with 13 individuals already retrieved alive. Tragically, one person has been reported dead, and efforts are ongoing to locate the missing individuals still trapped beneath the collapsed debris.
Among those impacted were landfill workers, although it remains uncertain if any nearby residents were also involved. Survivors of the incident sustained injuries and have been hospitalized for treatment.
Jaylord Antigua, an office worker at the landfill, described the sudden collapse of the garbage mountain as a traumatic event that occurred without warning, even in favorable weather conditions. Despite facing injuries, Antigua managed to escape the destruction by crawling under debris towards a light, expressing gratitude for a second chance at life.
Search and rescue operations are actively searching for the 38 individuals still missing, according to Cebu Mayor Nestor Archival and the Office of Civil Defence. The city government has assured the public of their commitment to safety and transparency throughout the rescue efforts.
Authorities have shared images showing rescuers using heavy equipment to navigate the devastated area, with anxious relatives waiting for updates on their loved ones. An emergency meeting was scheduled by waste management facility officials to address the situation promptly.
The incident highlights the ongoing safety and health risks associated with landfills and open dumpsites in the Philippines, particularly in areas near impoverished communities. Efforts to improve waste management practices and close illegal dumpsites have been emphasized following past disasters, such as the 2000 Quezon City dumpsite collapse that claimed over 200 lives and initiated legislative changes.