Colombo, May 18 (RHC)-- A massive landslide in a remote area in western Sri Lanka has buried three villages, with rescue workers still looking for 200 missing families.  The landslide struck the central Aranayake area Tuesday night following three days of heavy rain described as the most severe since 2010.

Authorities said Siripura, Pallebage and Elagipitya villages, located about 72 km from the capital Colombo, were buried and that rescue operation has become difficult as electricity has been cut off.

Rescue operations has been further hampered as reaching the mountainous areas is difficult.  Government officials said some 35 people have so far died due to severe weather across the country.

Some 196,000 people have reportedly left their homes due to heavy rain.  Early on Wednesday, some 350 people were transferred to safety during rescue operations.