A mountain of rubbish collapsed at a landfill in the central Philippines on Thursday, killing a 22-year-old woman and leaving more than 30 people missing, authorities have said.
Rescuers pulled 12 injured sanitation workers from debris at the Binaliw Landfill in Cebu City, who were later hospitalized.
Many of the missing are believed to be workers at the landfill. The mayor of Cebu told news outlet ABS-CBN that it may be difficult to reach survivors because of the potential for further collapse.
The cause of the collapse is still unclear, but Cebu City councillor Joel Garganera said it was likely the result of poor waste management practices.
Some 300 people from various government agencies and civilian groups have been deployed to the privately-owned landfill. Several excavators, ambulances, and fire trucks have also been seen on site.
Mayor Nestor Archival stated that all response teams remain fully engaged in search and retrieval efforts to locate the remaining missing persons. He warned that retrieval efforts must be cautious to avoid further casualties.
The Binaliw landfill covers about 15 hectares (37 acres) and is critical for waste management in Cebu City, a major city in the Philippines.
Families are anxiously waiting for updates on their loved ones, with some expressing their hope that survivors may still be trapped and calling for help.
