Picture source: X/Inquirer
An avalanche of garbage collapsed at a waste segregation facility in Cebu City in the central Philippines, killing one worker, injuring several others and leaving many missing, police said on Friday.The incident happened in the village of Binaliw, where a large mound of waste and debris suddenly gave way and buried people working at the landfill. Twelve people were pulled out alive, but at least 38 others were believed to be trapped under the rubbish.One of those rescued, a woman who worked at the landfill, died on the way to the hospital, according to regional police director brigadier general Roderick Maranan, reported news agency Associated Press. The other survivors suffered injuries and were taken for treatment.Search and rescue teams worked through the night, using caution as they climbed over unstable piles of waste. Dozens of rescuers remained at the site on Friday, continuing efforts to locate those still missing. Cebu City mayor Nestor Archival said the numbers were still changing as rescue work continued. In a statement posted on Facebook, Archival said, “All response teams remain fully engaged in search and retrieval efforts to locate the remaining missing persons with strict adherence to safety protocols.” “The city government assures the public and the families of those affected that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure safety, transparency, accountability and compassionate assistance as operations continue,” Archival said.Police said one of the buildings hit by the collapsing waste was a warehouse where workers sorted recyclable materials. The landfill employs about 110 people.
