Two dead and 35 missing after landfill collapse sends avalanche of rubbish into village

Two people have died and 35 others are missing after a landfill collapse in the Philippines.

Reports suggest they are trapped in an avalanche of rubbish and debris from a waste management facility that spilt in the village of Binaliw. It prompted the Cebu City government to deploy rescue teams, ambulances, and heavy equipment as authorities assessed possible damage to nearby houses.

Twelve people were also injured in the incident. According to local media, the efforts of search teams have been hampered by hazardous conditions.

Councillor Joel Garganera, chair of the city council's environment committee, said the collapse happened after 4pm (8am UK time) on Thursday. He said: "The steel trusses are massive, the garbage is soft, and there is a constant risk of movement.

"There is also a serious concern about toxic air, which could endanger anyone trapped for too long." An employee at the landfill, Joey Boy Gealon, described hearing screams and loud crashing sounds - telling the Cebu Daily News the collapse happened without warning. He alleged employees have been concerned about the height of the rubbish for several years.

Prime Waste Solutions Cebu, which operates the facility, said in a statement: "The safety and wellbeing of our employees, contractors, and neighbouring communities remain our top priority." One of the buildings hit by the wall of debris was a warehouse where workers separated recyclable waste and rubbish, said police brigadier general Redrico Maranan. He added that it remains unclear if nearby houses were also affected.

Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival said: "All response teams remain fully engaged in search and retrieval efforts to locate the remaining missing persons with strict adherence to safety protocols.".