Cebu Landfill Collapse: Dozens Missing, Death Toll Rises

A massive garbage pile collapsed at Binaliw Landfill in Cebu City, leaving at least four dead and dozens still missing. The incident trapped around 50 sanitation workers under a refuse mound estimated to be as tall as 20 storeys, prompting urgent rescue operations.

Rescue teams have faced significant challenges due to the unstable landfill, with shifting waste forcing temporary halts to ensure the safety of responders. Cebu rescuer Jo Reyes explained, “Operations are ongoing, but from time to time, the landfill is moving, and that will temporarily stop the operation. We have to stop for a while for the safety of our rescuers.”

As of 10:00 a.m. local time, four fatalities were confirmed, 34 workers remain missing, and 12 have been rescued and hospitalized, according to Cebu City Councilor Joel Garganera. The disaster site, which also contains staff quarters, has complicated rescue efforts due to heavy debris and unstable steel structures.

Garganera highlighted the dangers of towering landfills, especially during rainfall, saying, “The garbage is like a sponge; it absorbs water. Eventually, incidents like this become inevitable.” The Binaliw Landfill, operated by Prime Integrated Waste Solutions, handles roughly 1,000 tons of municipal waste daily, serving Cebu and nearby communities.

Photos released by authorities reveal a massive hill of trash towering over nearby buildings, emphasizing the scale of the disaster. Families of the missing continue to hope for miracles, while authorities prioritize rescuer safety amid the precarious conditions.

This tragic event underscores the risks of large-scale waste facilities and the urgent need for enhanced safety measures in managing municipal waste, particularly in rapidly urbanizing areas.