A mountain of rubbish collapsed at a landfill in Cebu City, Philippines, on Thursday, claiming the life of a 22-year-old woman and leaving over 30 people unaccounted for, as reported by local authorities.
Rescue operations have successfully extracted 12 injured sanitation workers from the debris, who were subsequently hospitalized. The mayor of Cebu City highlighted the challenges in recovering trapped workers due to the risk of additional collapses at the landfill.
While the precise cause of the collapse is still unknown, Cebu City councillor Joel Garganera attributed it to poor waste management practices. He noted that the landfill had been inadequately maintained, operating more like an open dumpsite than a sanitary landfill.
Approximately 300 personnel from various government and civilian groups are involved in search efforts, utilizing excavators, ambulances, and fire trucks on the scene.
Conditions at the site have raised alarms among officials, with Mayor Nestor Archival stating that typical excavation techniques could worsen the situation, as the bottom layers of the debris may be unstable.
Community members are anxiously waiting for updates about their loved ones. One resident described the emotional toll on families gathered at the landfill, sharing their hopes and fears as they wait for news.
The Cebu landfill covers an area of about 15 hectares (37 acres). Concerns surrounding the safety and management of landfills have been magnified as Cebu serves a key role in the Philippines' central islands.
This incident serves as a grievous reminder of the pressing issues related to waste management in densely populated urban areas.
