A rubbish dump landslide in the Sri Lankan capital Colombo killed at least six and injured 11, as emergency workers dug into the mountain of trash to save survivors buried in dozens of houses.

Fire fighters fought to extinguish a fire at the top of the estimated 300-foot rubbish dump which had collapsed after the flames engulfed it. 

Witnesses said that at least 40 houses may have been buried in the landslide.

The government deployed troops and police to help with the rescue operation on the island nation's traditional new year's day.

Source: MENA