Jan 9, 2026, 3:43 p.mJan 9, 2026, 3:43 p.m
A huge garbage avalanche at a landfill in the Philippines left one person dead and many more buried.
According to the city administration, persistent rains made the garbage mountain unstable.Image: keystone
At least 34 people are missing after large amounts of trash buried a recycling plant and several homes on Thursday, local authorities said. Rescue workers also searched for missing people at night.
Rain made the garbage mountain unstable
According to the city administration, persistent rains made the garbage mountain unstable. Most of the missing people are employees of the landfill and recycling plant; In addition, nearby simple residential buildings were partially buried.
Footage on social media showed the collapsed roof and crushed metal frame of the recycling plant, as well as widely scattered trash. After the garbage avalanche, a cloud of dust could be seen over the area, and children’s screams and cries could be heard.
The Philippines has been struggling with massive waste disposal problems for years.Image: keystone
Sixty-seven people were rescued from trash, rubble and rubble, 12 of whom were receiving medical treatment, Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival said. The city is located around 560 kilometers south of Manila, the capital of the Southeast Asian island nation.
A similar accident happened in 2000
The Philippines has been struggling with massive waste disposal problems for years. Open landfills are considered a risk, particularly in poorer residential areas.
In July 2000, after days of heavy rain, a huge mountain of garbage began to slide in a slum area of Quezon City in the Manila area. More than 200 people were killed and many more were missing. As a result, stricter rules were adopted – but their implementation is considered inadequate. (sda/dpa)