Landslide at Cebu City Landfill: Search Continues for Missing, Concerns Raised Over Waste Management
Cebu City, Philippines – Search and rescue operations are ongoing at a landfill in Cebu City, Philippines, following a massive landslide on Thursday, January 9th, 2024. The disaster has left dozens missing, and relatives are anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones.
Jerahmey Espinoza, whose husband is among the missing, told Reuters, “They haven’t seen him or located him ever since the disaster happened. We’re still hopeful that he’s alive.”
As of January 10th, 2024, authorities have confirmed at least 65 people are missing, tho the exact number is still being persistent.The landslide occurred at the Binaliw landfill, which covers approximately 15 hectares (37 acres).
The cause of the collapse remains under inquiry, but local officials suspect poor waste management practices played a significant role. cebu City Councillor Joel Garganera explained to The Freeman that operators had been excavating soil from the mountain of waste and then adding more garbage on top, creating an unstable structure. This practice of layering waste without proper stabilization is believed to have contributed to the landslide.
Landfills are a common feature in major Philippine cities, including Cebu, a key trading and transportation hub in the Visayas region. The incident highlights the challenges of waste disposal in a rapidly urbanizing nation and raises concerns about the safety of landfill operations.
Rescue efforts are hampered by the unstable ground and the sheer volume of debris. Authorities are utilizing heavy equipment and search dogs in the ongoing operation.
Sources:
* BBC News: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-67884499
* Inquirer.net: https://www.inquirer.net/news/national-central-visayas/cebu/65-missing-after-landslide-at-cebu-city-landfill-reports