Shops fall into Kallarkutty reservoir

Cracks had developed on national highway following heavy rain

Two shops on the Adimali-Kumily national highway near the Kallarkutty dam fell into the reservoir waters, along with a portion of the road, following heavy rain on Tuesday. The shops were run by Vazhayil Sasi and Vazhaparambil Scaria by the roadside. Cracks had developed on the road following heavy rain for the past three days. Water passed through the cracks making them deeper on Tuesday. A portion of the sidewall also crashed into the dam.

Tragedy was averted as people had kept away upon seeing the cracks. Sasi had shifted the groceries from the shop to a nearby room in the morning.

Traffic restriction

Three years ago too landslips had caused damage to houses and shops in the area.

Mounds of earth and debris had accumulated in the reservoir. Though the rains subsided on Tuesday there are chances of more landslips there. There are restrictions on vehicle traffic on the road.

The newly announced Adimali-Kumily national highway connects the Kochi-Dhanushkodi national highway with the Kollam-Theni national highway. It passes through the high range area of the district.