The death toll from the Binaliw Landfill landslide in Cebu City has risen to 25.
This is the latest update as of 5:30 p.m. Thursday, following the recovery of the bodies of a man and a woman early morning.
Meanwhile, rescuers reported that the number of missing people has gone down to 11 from 14.
Cebu City Councilor Dave Tumulak earlier said at least 50 personnel from the Bureau of Fire Protection are at the landslide site to continue the search.
The city is also preparing for a day of mourning at Binaliw on Friday, January 16.
The city council on Wednesday approved the declaration for the victims through a corollary motion of Councilor Jun Alcover to the resolution declaring a state of calamity in Binaliw.
The declaration of a state of calamity gives the city government access to quick response funds that will be used to manage Cebu City’s garbage while the Binaliw landfill is out of commission.
City authorities have attributed the landslide to changes in the landfill’s foundation after a powerful earthquake last year and because of rainwater seeping in.
Editor’s Note: Details in this story have been updated to reflect latest death toll figure/s.
