Over 15 people are believed to be dead and over 200 missing due to landslide that occurred in the hill country of Sri Lanka early this morning.

More than 10 bodies have already been recovered by teams who are conducting rescue operations, multiple sources confirmed. 

Meeriyabaddawatta, a village near Haldummulla, was severely affected due to landslide and over 120 houses in the area have been completely destroyed, Sarath Lal Kumara, Assistant Director of the Disaster Management Centre told Asian Mirror.  

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14 bodies have already been recovered by rescue teams and hundreds are believed to be under the rubble, the DMC further added.

Most of the houses that have been destroyed are ‘line houses’ that are occupied by estate workers.

However, rescue missions, which are still underway, are being hampered due to poor weather conditions, reporters on the ground told Asian Mirror. In addition to rescue workers, military personnel have also been deployed to assist in rescue missions in Koslanda, Haldummulla and Meeriyabedda.

Disaster Management Minister Mahinda Amaraweera has confirmed media that over 150 people are missing.

The Sri Lanka Army said two camps have been set up in Ampitikanda and Koslanda doe displaced persons.  Education officials on Wednesday announced that ten schools in the Haldumulla education division will remain closed till Monday due to the disaster. 

Meanwhile, people are strictly advised to stay away from the areas that are affected due to possibility of more landslides.   

President Mahinda Rajapaksa, a short while ago ordered relevant authorities to expedite ongoing operations and rescue those who are trapped in the area.