Sri Lanka Police today confirmed that so far around 145 houses had sustained damages as a result of the collapsed garbage dump in Meethotamulla while a total of 625 persons belonging to 180 families have been displaced by the disaster. 

The displaced persons have been provided temporary shelter at the Terrence N De Silva Maha Vidyalaya in Kolonnawa and nearby community centers and relief measures have been taken, a statement said.

SP Rohan Fernando has been placed in charge of the operation to rescue those affected by the incident. 

The open garbage dump caught fire and collapsed on dozens of shanties at around 3.00pm yesterday (14) while the death toll currently stands at 11, including six females, with more bodies expected to be recovered as search operations continue. 

Seven injured persons have been admitted to the Colombo National Hospital and are currently receiving treatment. 

The police, tri-force and the Disaster Management Center (DMC) together launched rescue operations yesterday while four teams comprising police and tri-forces personnel are carrying out excavations at Nagahamulla, Neilgewatta, Daham Mawatha and 23 Watta areas under the supervision of four ASPs.

Power supply to the area was cut off as a precautionary measure and troops are braving the obstacles to evacuate and provide relief to the affected victims.

Military Spokesman Brigadier Roshan Senevirathne requests area residents and relatives of the local inhabitants to provide information (of the victims/affected) to officials at the special information centre established at the Meethotamulla Sri Rahula vidyalaya.