A landfill collapsed in Cebu City, Philippines, on Thursday, killing one and trapping dozens. The Binaliw Landfill failure left a 22-year-old woman dead and over 30 missing. Rescuers hospitalized twelve injured sanitation workers pulled from the debris.
The collapse occurred at the privately-owned Binaliw Landfill. Many of the missing are believed to be landfill workers. Search and retrieval efforts are ongoing, involving 300 personnel from government agencies and civilian groups. Excavators, ambulances, and fire trucks are on site.
Cebu City's mayor warned of the difficulty in reaching survivors due to the risk of further collapse. Cebu City councillor Joel Garganera attributed the collapse to poor waste management practices. The exact cause remains under investigation.
Landfill collapses can occur due to factors like slope instability, excessive rainfall, and inadequate compaction of waste. Poor waste management practices, such as insufficient drainage and improper layering, can exacerbate these risks. This incident highlights the critical need for robust landfill engineering and adherence to environmental regulations.
Investigations into the cause of the collapse are expected to continue. Authorities will focus on locating the remaining missing persons and assessing the stability of the remaining landfill structure. The incident will likely prompt a review of waste management practices in Cebu City and potentially across the Philippines.
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