COLOMBO - The Sri Lanka Disaster Management Center(DMC) on Wednesday said that over 250 people remain missing, hours after a massive landslide which buried over 150 houses in Haldammulla, located between Southern and Eastern Sri Lanka.

DMC spokesman Sarath Lal Kumara said that rescue operations were underway and a few bodies had also been recovered.

Officials said that 18 bodies had been recovered by noon on Wednesday even as there was a warning of more landslides in the area.

Security Forces Head Quarters Commander, Major General Mano Perera said that the security forces were involved in a massive rescue operation.

Some houses were buried in over 30 feet of mud following heavy rains in the area the previous night.