A devastating collapse at the Binaliw Landfill in Cebu City has resulted in a confirmed five fatalities, with rescue teams continuing a desperate search for more than 30 individuals still reported missing. The tragedy has cast a pall over the city, prompting a 24-hour emergency response and urgent calls for a review of waste disposal practices.
Seismic and Climatic Forces Blamed for Tragedy
Mayor Nestor Archival, who is also an engineer, provided a technical explanation for the disaster. He identified two major natural events as the primary culprits: the magnitude 6.7 earthquake in September 2025 and the heavy rains brought by Typhoon Tino in November.
Archival detailed a "sponge effect" where the waste absorbed massive amounts of water. This saturation critically weakened the landfill's foundation, ultimately leading to the catastrophic slope failure that buried part of the site.
Round-the-Clock Rescue and Immediate Contingencies
Search and retrieval operations are being led by the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRRMO) alongside other rescue teams. Their work continues non-stop in the hope of finding survivors among the missing.
To prevent a public health crisis and ensure city services continue, an immediate contingency plan has been activated. Asian Energy in Consolacion has temporarily taken over the disposal of the city's garbage, preventing any interruption in collection services.
Investigations and Systemic Reviews Launched
In the wake of the collapse, authorities are moving on two critical fronts. First, a formal investigation is underway to determine the overall accountability for the incident. Second, and equally urgent, is the push for an immediate review of waste disposal methods and protocols.
The goal of this review is clear: to implement necessary changes and ensure a disaster of this scale never happens again in Cebu City. The community and officials alike are focused on both healing from the current tragedy and preventing future ones.
