TSUNAMI – ONE YEAR AFTER

Last year, this time, the giant killer waves of Tsunami struck the coasts along eleven nations, killing nearly 2,00,000 people and destroying properties worth billions of dollars. The earthquake of 8.9 Richter magnitude originated in the Indian Ocean just north of Simeulue island, off the western coast of northern Sumatra, Indonesia. The resulting Tsunami devastated the shores of Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand and other countries with waves up to 30 m (100 ft). Of the 13 districts that were struck by the tidal waves along Tamil Nadu's coastline, Nagapattinam, Cuddalore and Kanyakumari were the worst affected. Nagapattinam alone accounted for 6,065 deaths in the catastrophe, which was 76 per cent of Tamil Nadu's total toll.
All the countries around the Indian Ocean, from Indonesia to Somalia, are observing the first anniversary of the tsunami with memorial services and silent prayers.

To commemorate the first Anniversary of the incident, the Districts affected by Tsunami in Tamil Nadu, India are observing the day, today (Monday, 26th December 2005). Year on, a huge reconstruction operation has brought hope to hundreds of thousands living in temporary shelters. This commemoration is not only to remember the past incident, but also focuses on the future development, to prepare for such occurrence in the coming years.

Hit by Disaster – Cuddalore:
Tsunami caused a serious damage in the coast of Cuddalore district. 99,704 persons belonging to fifty-one fishing hamlets in Cuddalore and Chidambaram Taluks were affected severely due to Tsunami Disaster in Cuddalore District. A total number of 11,804 families were affected and 61,054 persons were evacuated and provided shelter in temporary camps as a part of rescue and relief operations. 610 people lost their lives due to this tragedy and 38 were reported missing. 2100 farmers were affected directly due to Tsunami and 1592.98.2 hectares of land turned saline and unfit for agriculture.

Tsunami Anniversary – Cuddalore:

In order to commemorate first Tsunami anniversary, the community along with the NGO’s working in their particular affected communities, planned the programmes with guidance from District Administration – Cuddalore. Mr. Gagandeep Singh Bedi, Collector, Cuddalore District and Mr. Shanmugam, District Revenue Officer, Relief and Rehabilitation, Cuddalore District are visiting the special programmes organized by the respective communites. Some of the progammes organized by community are given below:

Hit by Disaster – Villupuram:
72840 persons belonging to fifty-one fishing hamlets in Vanur and Dindivanam Taluks were affected severely due to Tsunami Disaster in Villupuram District. A total number of 9.500 families were affected. 47 people lost their lives due to this tragedy and 1 was reported missing. 1588.2 hectares of land turned saline and unfit for agriculture.

Tsunami Anniversary – Villupuram:
First Tsunami anniversary day is observed on 26.12.2005 at Koonimedukuppam under the auspicious Chairman ship of the Collector, Viluppuram District. Programme started at 8.30 a.m. today & will prolong through out the day.