Munnar: More landslides could occur at the spot where a portion of the hill collapsed over the Kochi-Dhanushkodi national highway two weeks ago, said a team of experts after visiting the area. The team, led by Dr K S Sajin Kumar, assistant professor at the Geology Department of Kerala University, arrived at this finding after conducting an inspection of the area with advanced equipment, including drones, on Sunday.

As per the team members, only a portion of the collapsed hill had fallen on the highway. Meanwhile, a major section of the hill is in a precarious condition and could lead to further landslides, they said. Additionally, the rocks and soil which fell on the highway are now protruding into the adjacent botanical garden, posing another danger. This debris would slide still further down during heavy rains, pointed out the experts.

“The study was conducted without any directives from the government. But, we are willing to share our findings with the government authorities, if they seek the details,” said the team leader Sajin.

The team also included Dr Rajanish of Kerala University, DDMA hazard analyst T R Rajeev, assistant professor at Mohali IISER Dr Younis Ali and research student A L Achu.

A lorry driver was killed and another person injured when a portion of the hill collapsed over the vehicle near the old government college a couple of weeks ago.