Cebu City: Landslide operations have remained under way in Cebu City after a rubbish collapse at the Binaliw landfill claimed at least 11 lives, according to local authorities.
The landslide occurred last week while more than 100 workers were present at the site, with rescuers confirming that 12 injured people have been pulled from the debris and more than 20 individuals still remain missing.
Rescue teams have continued searching through the waste after officials reported that signs of life were detected during operations. Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival said that, despite the difficult conditions, authorities have remained in rescue mode.
Earlier, a local fire official said that survival chances were low several days after tons of rubbish collapsed over workers, highlighting the scale of the disaster.
The landslide has prompted calls for a full investigation into the cause of the collapse and a wider review of waste management practices in the Philippines. Environment authorities have ordered Prime Integrated Waste Solutions, Inc., the operator of the Binaliw landfill, to suspend activities at the site.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has said the company must submit a compliance plan within 90 days and that responsible parties will be held accountable. The Binaliw landfill covers 20 hectares, with three hectares actively used for waste disposal, according to local media citing the site operator.
While investigations continue, a preliminary assessment from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau has pointed to continuous heavy rainfall in recent weeks. The added moisture has made the rubbish heavier and less stable, while engineering factors may also have contributed to the collapse.
Landfills are common in major Philippine cities such as Cebu, which serves as a key trading and transportation hub in the Visayas region. The landslide has once again highlighted the risks faced by waste workers and the urgent need for stronger safety standards.
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