Seven have been injured in the garbage dump collapse in Meethotamulla, hospital sources said.

The injured were taken to the Colombo National Hospital.

A section of the Meethotamulla garbage dump collapsed on residents earlier today.

As many as 40 houses have been damaged in the collapse.

An Airforce helicopter was deployed to help battle a fire that has broken out in the dump.

The road to Meethotamulla has been closed and police advise commuters to use alternate routes so as not to hamper relief efforts.