By: The Trek News Desk
A major accident was reported from the Philippines after a huge mound of garbage collapsed at the Binaliw landfill in Cebu City on Thursday. The incident claimed the life of a 22-year-old woman, while more than 30 people are feared trapped under the debris.
According to local authorities, rescue teams managed to pull out 12 injured sanitation workers from the rubble, all of whom were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. Most of those missing are believed to be labourers working at the landfill site at the time of the collapse.
The Mayor of Cebu City told local media that the unstable condition of the debris is making rescue operations extremely risky. He explained that removing waste from the top could trigger further movement underneath, as the lower layers remain soft and unstable, potentially worsening the situation for those trapped.
While the exact cause of the collapse remains under investigation, local leaders have indicated that poor waste management practices may have contributed significantly to the event. It was reported that soil excavation and the creation of new garbage mounds had weakened the structure of the landfill, increasing the risk of such a disaster.
Around 300 personnel from various government departments and volunteer groups have been deployed for search and rescue operations. Heavy machinery, ambulances, and fire service vehicles are actively engaged at the site.
In a social media statement, the mayor confirmed that all response teams are continuing efforts to locate missing persons and safely remove debris.
Meanwhile, anxious family members have gathered near the landfill, waiting for updates about their loved ones. Some relatives said they could hear cries for help from beneath the rubble, raising hopes that survivors may still be found.
The Binaliw landfill covers an area of nearly 15 hectares. Open dumping sites like this are common in major Philippine cities, where rapid urban growth and inadequate waste management systems remain serious challenges.
Source: News Agencies
