Hundreds of rescuers raced against time on Sunday to find survivors after a mountain of garbage collapsed on dozens of homes following a fire near the Sri lankan capital two days ago, as the death toll in the tragedy reached 24.
Several heavy earth-moving equipment were digging through the dump in Meetotamulla area in Kolonnawa near Colombo to find survivors as at least six were still reported missing.
The military said 1,000 security personnel, including police and special task forces, have been deployed for rescue operation. It said troops from the Sri lanka light Infantry, Commandos, Gemunu Watch and Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment were carrying out relief operations, the Colombo Gazette reported.
Sri lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, who was to proceed to Vietnam from Japan on an official visit, is to cut short his trip following the tragedy, his office said.
Wickremesinghe’s office said that Japanese Prime Minister Shinzoi Abe, who was in a meeting with him in Tokyo today, has offered Japan’s assistance with the rescue efforts.
The National Building Research Organisation said the site of the accident be declared a “danger zone” and people living in over 130 houses in the area must be relocated for safety.
RMS Bandara, a top building research official, explained the incidents leading to the mishap. “What happened was that the weight of the garbage dump had caused the nearby lands to pop up, causing the collapse of the houses. later the garbage dump had fallen on the houses burying them.”
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Harsha De Silva said nearly hundred people have been moved to temporarily shelters and the government will soon begin shifting more people.
Schools and others facilities will be moved as well.