The death toll in a collapsed landfill in Central Philippines has risen to 11, authorities confirmed, as hopes of finding survivors continue to diminish. This tragic event occurred at the Binaliw landfill in Cebu City last week while more than 100 workers were on site.
Rescuers have managed to pull 12 injured individuals from the rubble, but more than 20 remain missing. A local fire official indicated the grim reality, suggesting it is unlikely anyone could have survived after tons of debris and trash had collapsed over them.
The incident has ignited demands for an investigation into the cause of the collapse and prompted calls for a comprehensive review of the country’s waste management systems.
In response to the disaster, environment authorities have ordered the suspension of operations at Prime Integrated Waste Solutions, Inc., the landfill's operator, who must submit a compliance plan within 90 days according to the local Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
The department promised to investigate the incident and hold accountable those responsible. Lawmakers, including Senator Imee Marcos, have called for urgent reviews of waste management systems and the working conditions of waste workers, stating, This should have never happened... the lives lost in Cebu demand clear answers and real reforms.
Witness accounts describe horrific scenes as locals observed trash cascading down the landfill. Bienvinido Ranido, a resident whose wife worked at the site, shared a heart-wrenching story of witnessing the calamity as he rushed to the scene after hearing the chaos.
The landfill, which spans approximately 15 hectares (37 acres), was affected by ongoing heavy rainfall, contributing to the instability of the rubbish, according to preliminary reports from the local Mines and Geosciences Bureau.
This tragic event underscores the urgent need for safe waste management practices in cities like Cebu, a major trading center in the region.
