IDUKKI: The timely intervention of local people averted a tragedy on Tuesday as two shops fell into the Kallarkutty dam reservoir near Adimali even as a part of the National Highway caved in following a landslide due to torrential rain.
The mishap occurred around 11.30 am as the shops belonging to Vazhayil Sasi and Vazhepparambil Scaria fell into the water after a crack developed in the area. However, Sasi had moved the belongings in the shop in the morning as informed by the local people.
A crack in the retaining wall was noticed by the natives on Monday night and it was developing into a major one as hours passed by.
The area is vital to smooth traffic as a large number of vehicles moving to the Idukki side and Panikkankudy area pass through the route. In a landslide in the area during the monsoon three years ago, a lot of shops and houses had fallen into the dam site causing heavy damage.