Woman Dies, Dozens Trapped Under Debris Following Landfill Collapse in Cebu

Tragedy in Cebu, Philippines

A mountain of waste collapsed at a landfill in Cebu, Philippines, on Thursday, killing a 22-year-old woman and leaving over 30 people missing, authorities reported.

Rescuers managed to pull out 12 sanitation workers who were injured in the incident and were subsequently hospitalized. Many of the missing are believed to be workers at the landfill. The mayor of Cebu told news outlet ABS-CBN that it may be difficult to reach survivors due to the risk of further collapses.

The cause of the collapse is still unclear, but Cebu councilor Joel Garganera indicated that it is likely the result of poor waste management practices. Approximately 300 personnel from government agencies and civil groups have been mobilized for rescue operations. Several excavators, ambulances, and fire trucks have also been observed at the scene.

Mayor Nestor Archival stated on Facebook: "All response teams are fully engaged in locating and recovering the missing. This is not a typical landslide that can be excavated. If you intervene from the top, the bottom is soft. Let’s say someone is there; when you remove the debris, it could make things worse."

Families are anxiously awaiting news about their loved ones trapped under the rubble. A local resident, Belen Antigua, mentioned that her son survived, but she is still waiting for updates about other family members. Around the landfill, families gathered since Friday morning in hopes of finding their children. Michelle Lumapas, whose brothers work at the landfill, expressed her emotional turmoil: "I cannot comprehend my feelings. They said those trapped are calling for help, so there is a possibility that my brother is still there."

The Binaliw landfill spans approximately 15 hectares. Landfills are common in major cities in the Philippines, such as Cebu, which serves as a commercial hub and an important transport point in the archipelago.