Emergency crews in Cebu City, Philippines, are engaged in a critical round-the-clock operation to locate survivors following the catastrophic collapse of a massive garbage mound at the privately operated Binaliw Landfill. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, buried approximately 50 sanitation workers under tons of refuse that fell from what officials estimate was a height equivalent to a 20-story building.
As of Saturday, the confirmed death toll has risen to six individuals, with 32 people still unaccounted for amidst the unstable wreckage. Rescue teams have successfully extracted twelve employees alive from the debris, all of whom have been hospitalized for treatment.
The rescue operation faces significant challenges due to the continuously shifting nature of the landfill material. Jo Reyes, a Cebu rescue official, reported that operations must periodically halt as the garbage mound continues to move, creating additional hazards for rescue personnel. The situation is further complicated by large metal beams that have trapped victims, requiring specialized equipment to cut through the obstructions.
Cebu City Councilor Dave Tumulak, who chairs the city’s disaster council, emphasized the urgency of the mission, stating, ‘We are racing against time, that’s why our deployment is 24/7.’ The city has deployed 20 trucks equipped with hydraulic cranes and cutting attachments to assist rescuers who must crawl through blocked areas to reach potential survivors.
Families of the missing workers maintain vigil at the site, hoping for positive news amidst the grim circumstances. Councilor Joel Garganera described the emotional atmosphere, noting, ‘We are hoping against hope here and praying for miracles.’
The disaster has raised serious questions about landfill safety protocols, with Garganera pointing out that the garbage mountain’s sponge-like properties made it particularly vulnerable to collapse, especially during rainfall. The facility, operated by Prime Integrated Waste Solutions, processes approximately 1,000 tons of municipal solid waste daily and serves as the primary waste management provider for Cebu and surrounding communities. The company has not responded to multiple inquiries regarding the incident.
The collapse has created a dual crisis for the region, simultaneously causing human tragedy while disrupting essential waste management services for the entire metropolitan area.