Memorials, processions mark Tsunami 11th anniversary in Tamil Nadu

Chennai: Floral tribute and processions across Tamil Nadu on Saturday marked the 11th anniversary of the deadly Tsunami waves that struck the state on this day in 2004 claiming over 7,000 lives, leaving a trail of destruction.

Memorial services were held at Chennai, Cuddalore, Puducherry and Nagapattinam, which were worst hit by huge Tsunami waves generated after an under-sea earthquake off Sumatra Islands in Indonesia.

The deadly waves claimed several lives and rendered many homeless. Commemorating the anniversary, fishermen associations arranged for prayers and memorial services, with the victims' families pouring milk in the sea at the famous Marina Beach here.

Fishermen in Chennai did not venture into the sea. In the coastal areas of Nagapattinam district, where about 6,000 people had lost their lives, people observed a minute's silence to pay tribute to the victims.

Fisheries Minister K A Jayapal, District Collector S Pazhanisamy and other officials led a silent march, candle processions and floral tributes. At Vailankanni, a special mass was conducted at the Shrine Basillica. All the shops remained closed as a mark of respect to victims.

At Nagore, tributes were paid to those buried in the land owned by the Dargah. The graveyard of the dargah of Saint Hazrath Syed Shahul Hameed Quadir Wali at Nagore, which is over 500-year-old, had witnessed mass burials of the victims.

In all the 72 Tsunami-hit hamlets of Nagapattinam people paid homage to the departed souls and many were seen sobbing. Fishermen in the district also did not venture into the sea today. About 5,000 school children took out a silent procession in Cuddalore to mark the anniversary.

Chief Minister N Rangasamy led the Union Territory of Puducherry to pay homage. Representatives of various fishermen associations held special condolence meetings in the villages and paid homage.

Hundreds of fishermen from 12 villages ravaged by the Tsunami at Karaikal in the Union Territory of Puducherry took out silent processions, placed wreaths and lit candles at the memorial sites. In fishing hamlets such as Pattinacherry, Karaikalmedu and Kottucherrymedu, people hoisted black flags in memory of the departed souls.