Reporters who are in Haldummulla and Koslanda told Asian Mirror that landslides are still rampant in the area due to inclement weather conditions.

Heavy rains have already hampered rescue operations that have been carried out by security forces and DMC teams.

Our provincial correspondent added that Sri Lanka Air force helicopters have also been deployed for rescue missions as there was a difficulty for other parties to access the affected areas due to heavy rains and possibility of more landslides.

Media personnel have also been removed from the area for safety reasons.

Speaking to BBC a short while ago UPFA Parliamentarian Uditha Lokubandara said that at least 350 were missing. He also added that there was no trace of over 120 line houses occupied by estate workers.

Meanwhile, government officials has stated that prior warnings were given to people in the affected area to evacuate in 2005 and 2012 due to possibilities of heavy landslides. They added that none of the residents took the warnings into serious consideration.