MANILA (Xinhua): The death toll from a landfill landslide in the central Philippine city of Cebu has climbed to 11, as rescuers continued searching on Tuesday for 25 missing workers, authorities said.
Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival told a news conference on Monday that all 18 survivors were injured and have been receiving treatment in hospitals.
"The 72 hours have lapsed already, but we're hoping we still have people who are alive, so that's why we continue to be on this rescue operation," Archival said.
The dumpsite collapse occurred last Thursday at a waste management facility in the city.
Archival acknowledged the concerns of victims' families over the pace of the rescue, but said operations must proceed cautiously to avoid further danger.
"The building is actually a metal structure, and all the parts are interconnected. If we try to lift it, the trapped individuals could be caught in the middle," he said, noting that rescuers are working slowly and carefully based on assessments by the command center.
He also warned of fire risks from gas emissions at the site. "We cannot simply cut the pieces. There is gas spewing, and a spark could trigger a fire, which would be disastrous for both those trapped and our rescuers," Archival said. - Xinhua
