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 were hospitalized, according to Archival. The privately-owned landfill collapsed while 110 workers were on site, officials stated. Rescue efforts are being hampered by unstable debris, and crews are awaiting the arrival of more advanced equipment, the mayor added.

"Authorities confirmed the presence of detected signs of life in specific areas, requiring continued careful excavation and the deployment of a more advanced 50-ton crane," Archival said in a Facebook post on Saturday morning. Relatives of the missing are anxiously awaiting news.

Landfill collapses are often caused by a combination of factors, including heavy rainfall, unstable slopes, and inadequate compaction of waste. The Binaliw landfill, like many in developing nations, may have lacked the sophisticated engineering and monitoring systems necessary to prevent such disasters. These systems often employ AI-powered sensors and predictive models to assess slope stability and detect potential hazards before they escalate.

The use of AI in waste management is growing, with applications ranging from optimizing collection routes to sorting recyclables. AI-powered image recognition can identify different types of waste, enabling automated sorting and reducing contamination. Furthermore, AI algorithms can analyze historical data and real-time sensor readings to predict landfill capacity, optimize waste placement, and minimize environmental impact.

The incident highlights the urgent need for improved waste management practices and stricter regulations in the Philippines and other countries facing similar challenges. The deployment of advanced technologies, including AI-driven monitoring systems, could play a crucial role in preventing future tragedies. The incident also raises ethical questions about the safety and working conditions of those employed at landfill sites, particularly in privately-owned facilities.