Rescue operations in Cebu City, Philippines, entered a critical phase on Saturday following the catastrophic collapse of the Binaliw landfill on Thursday. Municipal authorities confirmed the death toll has risen to four, with at least 36 individuals remaining unaccounted for amidst the rubble. The tragedy occurred during peak operational hours, with 110 workers present on-site, leading to widespread damage to several structures and facilities within the landfill perimeter.
Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival provided updates via an official Facebook post, indicating that twelve injured individuals have been hospitalized. Rescue teams, utilizing advanced detection equipment, have identified signs of life in specific sections of the collapse site, prompting the deployment of a 50-tonne crane for precise excavation efforts. The complex rescue operation requires meticulous debris removal to avoid further endangering potential survivors.
Families of missing workers maintained vigil at the disaster perimeter, expressing hope despite diminishing odds. Jerahmey Espinoza, whose husband remains among the missing, conveyed the collective anxiety and resilience of affected families, stating, ‘They haven’t seen him or located him ever since the disaster happened. We’re still hopeful that he’s alive.’
The incident has raised serious questions regarding landfill safety protocols and infrastructure stability in rapidly urbanizing areas. Previous weather patterns, including recent rainfall, are being investigated as potential contributing factors to the structural failure. This disaster represents one of the most severe industrial accidents in recent Philippine history, highlighting vulnerabilities in waste management systems.