'It felt like a sudden earthquake' - Philippines landfill collapse survivor recounts 'traumatising' ordeal

Jaylord Antigua, a landfill worker in the central Philippines, recounted his survival after a garbage avalanche at the Binaliw landfill in Cebu nearly buried him alive during its collapse on Thursday (January 8).

“It felt like a sudden earthquake, and in a few seconds there was a loud impact that caught us by surprise. I was thrown off my feet, and I don’t remember what happened next. I feared for my life,” Antigua told Reuters on Sunday (January 11) when he returned to the landfill.

When the dust settled, Antigua found himself and another colleague lying on the ground. He then managed to crawl outside and called for help. Though he sustained only minor bruises, the emotional trauma has lingered.

“I still can’t sleep well. I keep remembering the ordeal. It was the first time I had come face to face with death. It’s a miracle to have survived,” he said.

Antigua had hoped to help with search and rescue efforts, but was barred by rescuers. His two cousins remain trapped under the garbage, and he is anxiously awaiting updates.

"I can't believe that garbage has killed them," he said.

The Binaliw landfill collapse, which occurred with 110 workers on site, caused significant damage to several structures and facilities. The Bureau of Fire Protection confirmed on Sunday that six people had been killed, while 31 remained missing. Search and rescue operations are ongoing.

Production: Jay Ereno, Peter Blaza/Reuters