On the 19th anniversary of the 2004 tsunami, fishermen in Thiruvallur paid heartfelt tributes to the victims at Pazhaverkadu Beach, remembering their family members who perished in the catastrophic event. The fishermen observed a remembrance day on the seashore, sprinkling flowers and lighting candles in memory of their lost loved ones.
The solemn occasion also observed in Tamil Nadu’s Cuddalore district, allowed the local community to reflect on the profound tragedy that befell them and the resilience they have displayed in rebuilding their lives since. In a symbolic gesture, locals prayed with earthen pots, later consigning them to the sea.
Directly affected by the tsunami, fishermen shared their stories of survival and loss, recounting the harrowing experiences they endured. Residents expressed deep sorrow and empathy for the victims and their families during the event, attended by regional leaders and government officials who expressed solidarity.
The devastating tsunami on December 26, 2004, affected various regions in Tamil Nadu, including Singarathoppu Devanambattinam, Dalanguda, Sonanguppam, Sothikuppam, Akkaraikkori, and MGR. In Tamil Nadu alone, 610 lives were lost, with several fishing villages, including Thithu and Billumedu, swept away by the tsunami waves.
The 2004 Tsunami originated from an earthquake on the island of Sumatra in Indonesia. UNESCO data indicates that the earthquake, the third largest since 1900, caused severe damage and casualties in northern Sumatra, Indonesia, and the Nicobar Islands, India. The death toll reached 227,898 in 14 countries across the Indian Ocean.
Indonesia was the worst-hit country, with 167,540 listed as dead or missing, and damages amounted to around 4,451.6 million dollars. Other fatalities occurred in Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, Somalia, the Maldives, Malaysia, Myanmar, Tanzania, Bangladesh, the Seychelles, South Africa, Yemen, and Kenya. Material losses in the Indian Ocean region were estimated at 10 billion dollars, with insured losses reaching 2 billion dollars, according to the International Tsunami Information Center.