The death toll from Sri Lanka rubbish dump collapse has climbed to 16, including four children, after a huge rubbish dump collapsed on to their homes, the BBC reported Saturday.

The 300ft-high (91m) pile of rotting debris had shifted after floods and a fire, then collapsed on Friday.

At least 40 homes on the edge of the dump were destroyed, with four children aged between 11 and 15 killed.

There had been concerns over the safety of the site in Colombo, with residents demanding it be cleared.

Emergency officials told the BBC that up to 20 people may remain buried in their houses, with the Sri Lankan army now coordinating the recovery.

Source: MENA