A towering mass of compacted waste at the Binaliw Landfill near Cebu City gave way Thursday afternoon, killing at least two people, injuring 12 others, and leaving at least 35 individuals unaccounted for, local authorities confirmed.

The landfill collapse occurred around 4 p.m. local time and overtook nearby homes and buildings, prompting a complex search-and-rescue effort as nearly 500 emergency workers grappled with unsafe conditions and environmental risks.

Landfill Collapse Triggers Emergency Response

According to Cebu City officials, a pile of garbage estimated to be as tall as a four-story building collapsed unexpectedly, causing tons of refuse to sweep through adjacent areas near the disposal site. The Binaliw Landfill, located northeast of Cebu’s urban center, is operated by Prime Waste Solutions Cebu and typically handles 1,000 tons of municipal solid waste per day, as Breitbart reports.

City investigators initially linked the failure to structural weakness at the site, noting that the retaining walls, made of metal, may have buckled under the weight of the trash buildup. In addition, a 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck Cebu in September may have compromised the site’s long-term stability, according to preliminary assessments.

The collapse struck while roughly 110 people, including landfill workers and administrative staff, were on site. Buildings and facilities used for recycling, maintenance, and company management were among the structures either buried or destroyed by the falling debris. Emergency services quickly mobilized, but responders said that navigation through the site remains hazardous.

Rescue Complicated by Dangerous Conditions

Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival underscored the unique danger posed by the unstable mass of garbage. “This is not like other landslides that you can just excavate," he said in remarks to reporters. “If you pull from the top, the bottom is soft.” Archival emphasized the unpredictable nature of the terrain, warning that shifting piles could worsen conditions for trapped victims.

Around 500 emergency workers are currently involved in the response, operating heavy equipment and using specialized tools to stabilize the site. “We are following strict adherence to safety protocols,” Archival noted during a Thursday evening briefing.

Rescuers are navigating not only physical instability but also potentially toxic environmental hazards. Officials warn of combustible methane and other noxious gases building up in the compressed waste, which may endanger both search personnel and any living individuals still trapped under the debris.

Authorities Concerned About Potential Health Risks

City councilor Joel Garganera highlighted growing fears surrounding air quality in the impacted area. “There is a serious concern about toxic air, which could endanger anyone trapped for too long,” he stated, urging the city health department to monitor conditions closely.

Reports from those with missing relatives indicate that not all hope is lost. According to the sister of one trapped landfill engineer, faint calls for help could still be heard from within the pile Friday morning, lending urgency to the ongoing rescue task.

The site, which also stores an additional 600 tons of garbage set for future processing, is being cleared methodically to prevent triggering further collapses. Workers are re-depositing trash away from the rescue zone in small increments rather than in bulk, to reduce stress on the unstable ground.

Background Warnings and Past Catastrophes

Before the collapse, some landfill employees had raised internal concerns about the extraordinary height and weight of the garbage piles. These claims are now under review by city engineers and geotechnical specialists as part of the official investigation into what caused the catastrophic failure.

Thursday’s incident recalls a similar tragedy in Philippine history: the July 2000 collapse of a garbage dump in Manila’s Payatas area killed over 200 people. That event spurred landfill reforms, although compliance with safety regulations has since varied across municipalities.

In the case of Binaliw, waste processing continued at high volumes despite the recent earthquake and staff concerns. Whether regulatory oversight was lacking is a question many are now beginning to ask as the city reviews landfill licensing procedures and inspection protocols.

Lessons to Learn

1. Monitor Environmental Warning Signs: Regular reviews of infrastructure, particularly in high-risk environmental zones like landfills, can prevent major accidents. Unexpected sounds, odors, or repeated staff alerts should always trigger formal assessments.

2. Respond Promptly to Employee Concerns: Internal warnings from on-site personnel who monitor conditions daily should be treated with urgency. Proactively addressing safety issues can mean the difference between prevention and catastrophe.

3. Prioritize Rescue Worker Safety: Public agencies should ensure rescuers are equipped with training and protection for unique hazards when disasters involve gases, unstable surfaces, or toxic exposure. Preparation matters—but no matter how much planning is done, adverse events can still occur. We must never place blame on the victims when tragedies happen.

Why This Story Matters

This event is more than a local accident—it’s a test of how developing city infrastructure coexists with rapid urban growth and waste management demands.

It affects communities, laborers, and the environment, reminding policymakers that landfills, if mismanaged, can inflict real harm. Residents near such facilities deserve transparency, accountability, and safer living conditions.