Rescuers Detect Signs of Life in Cebu Garbage Avalanche

Rescue teams in Cebu City, Philippines, have identified signs of life amid a devastating avalanche of garbage that has resulted in at least four fatalities and left more than 30 individuals missing. The incident occurred at a landfill in the village of Binaliw on Thursday and has prompted an urgent response from local authorities.

As of Saturday, twelve workers have been rescued with injuries following the collapse of a massive mound of waste at the facility. This disaster unfolded among the low-slung buildings of the waste management site, triggering a race against time for rescuers, including police, firefighters, and disaster-response personnel. They are navigating hazardous conditions caused by unstable debris and the risk of further collapses.

Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival confirmed that officials detected signs of life in specific areas of the rubble. He emphasized the necessity for careful excavation and announced the deployment of a more advanced 50-ton crane, which is currently en route with police escort. “Safety of responders remains paramount due to hazards such as unstable debris and acetylene risks, prompting adjustments to the security perimeter and controlled access,” Archival stated.

Among the deceased are an engineer and a female office worker, both employees at the landfill, which has a total workforce of 110. The initial report indicated two fatalities and 36 individuals missing, but this figure has since risen to four confirmed deaths, as stated by Archival. The mayor did not provide an updated count of those still unaccounted for.

Survivors have recounted harrowing experiences during the incident. Jaylord Antigua, a 31-year-old office worker at the landfill, described the suddenness of the collapse. He reported that it occurred without warning despite favorable weather conditions. “The wall of garbage cascaded down and destroyed the administrative office I was in,” he said. Antigua managed to escape with bruises by crawling through the darkness and debris, driven by fear of further landslides. “I saw a light and crawled toward it in a hurry because I feared there would be more landslides. It was traumatic. I feared that it was my end, so this is my second life,” he added.

The cause of the garbage avalanche remains under investigation. This incident raises concerns about the stability of the landfill and its implications for garbage disposal in Cebu, a bustling port city with a population nearing one million. Mayor Archival mentioned that preparations are underway to address potential garbage collection challenges, though further details were not provided.

Landfills and open dumpsites often pose significant safety and health risks in the Philippines, particularly in areas adjacent to impoverished communities where residents frequently scavenge for discarded items and leftover food. The history of such disasters is troubling; in July 2000, a similar incident in Quezon City resulted in over 200 fatalities when a garbage mound collapsed after days of heavy rain, prompting national legislation aimed at improving waste management practices.

Authorities continue to prioritize the search for survivors as they navigate the dangers posed by the unstable environment and the ongoing risks associated with the debris. The situation remains fluid, with updates expected as rescue efforts progress.