Cebu city: Philippine rescue workers are still searching for more than 30 people missing after a massive garbage dump collapsed, as the death toll rises to at least six. Rescuers wearing helmets, along with excavators, are scrambling through a multi-story-high pile of garbage in search of missing persons after a massive waste dump in Cebu City, central Philippines, collapsed on January 8, burying more than 50 sanitation workers. At least six people have died, 12 have been rescued and hospitalized, and 34 remain missing. Approximately 110 people were working on the dump at the time of the collapse.

According to Thai News Agency, this landfill is privately operated in Cebu City, serving the city and surrounding communities. The estimated volume of waste is as high as a 20-story building, posing a safety risk to rescue workers due to the massive amount of debris and the potential for further collapses. Frequent shifts in the pile have necessitated temporary suspensions of operations for the safety of rescue personnel.

The deceased and missing were all workers who lived on the premises. Rescue officials will continue their search mission despite the fading hope of finding survivors under the garbage pile after almost four days, as many family members are still anxiously awaiting updates near the scene.