Rescuers have discovered signs of life in the recent garbage avalanche that tragically claimed the lives of at least four workers and left over 30 individuals unaccounted for at a landfill in central Philippines. Efforts to locate survivors are being intensified following the incident that occurred in Binaliw village, Cebu City.
Twelve workers were successfully rescued with injuries after a massive heap of garbage collapsed amidst the structures of a waste management facility in the area. Various rescue teams, including police, firefighters, and disaster-response units, are working tirelessly under challenging circumstances to search for additional survivors amid the debris and hazardous conditions.
Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival confirmed the detection of signs of life in specific areas, necessitating cautious excavation and the deployment of a larger crane to aid in the operation. Safety precautions are being strictly enforced due to potential risks within the site, prompting adjustments to the security perimeter and controlled access.
The deceased individuals, which include an engineer and an office worker, were all employees of the landfill and waste management facility. The total staff count at the facility is reported to be 110 individuals. The number of casualties initially reported on Friday stood at two dead and 36 missing, but on Saturday, the death toll rose to four, with no updated figures on the missing persons provided.
The cause of the garbage mountain collapse remains uncertain, as survivors recount the sudden and unexpected nature of the disaster despite favorable weather conditions at the time. One survivor shared his harrowing experience of being trapped in the rubble before managing to escape towards safety.
The impact of the incident on waste disposal operations in Cebu is yet to be fully determined, with preparations underway to address potential challenges in garbage collection. Landfills and dump sites have historically posed safety and health risks in the Philippines, particularly in proximity to impoverished communities where scavenging is common.
Notably, past incidents like the 2000 garbage mound collapse in Quezon City have underscored the need for improved waste management practices and the closure of illegal dump sites across the country, emphasizing the importance of sustainable waste disposal methods.