Rescue workers in Cebu City, Philippines, are racing against time to find dozens of people still missing after a landslide at the Binaliw landfill on Thursday. Mayor Nestor Archival said on Saturday that signs of life had been detected at the site, two days after the collapse.

Four deaths have been confirmed, and 12 people have been hospitalized, according to Archival. The privately-owned landfill collapsed while 110 workers were on site, officials stated. The challenging conditions at the site, including unstable debris, are hampering rescue efforts, with crews awaiting the arrival of better equipment, the mayor added.

The landslide occurred at the Binaliw landfill, a site used for waste disposal in Cebu City. Landfills, while essential for waste management, pose significant environmental and safety risks. Landslides can occur due to factors such as heavy rainfall, unstable slopes, and improper waste management practices. These incidents highlight the need for stringent regulations and monitoring of landfill operations to prevent future disasters.

Mayor Archival announced in a Facebook post on Saturday morning that authorities had detected signs of life in specific areas, necessitating careful excavation and the deployment of a more advanced 50-ton crane. Relatives of the missing are anxiously awaiting news.

The focus remains on the ongoing search and rescue efforts. Authorities are working to stabilize the site and bring in additional resources to aid in the recovery operation. The incident underscores the critical importance of safety measures and proper management in landfill operations to protect workers and prevent environmental disasters.