Lighting of candles, silent marches mark tsunami anniversary

The 21st anniversary of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami was marked in coastal villages of Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam and Karaikal districts on Friday, with thousands paying tribute to those who lost their lives in one of the worst natural disasters in recent history.

Commemorative events were held in the fishing hamlet of Thirumullaivasal in Mayiladuthurai district, where 116 people lost their lives in the tsunami. A commemoration ceremony was held at the seaside monument under the chairmanship of Sirkazhi MLA Panneerselvam. A silent procession was held from Thirumullaivasal bus stand to the memorial; Here the participants gave gifts of flowers and lit candles. Panchayat representatives, fishermen leaders, political party functionaries and local people attended in large numbers. Similar celebrations were held in more than 28 fishing villages, including Poompuhar, Vanagiri, Thoduvai and Koozhaiyar, and more than 10,000 people attended the commemoration events.

In Nagapattinam district, the district administration organized a commemoration program at the Tsunami Memorial Park where Collector P. Akash and Superintendent of Police S. Selvakumar presented floral gifts. Senior officials, including District Revenue Officer and Rural Development Department officials, attended the event. The 2004 tsunami claimed the lives of 6,065 people in Nagapattinam district alone, apart from causing massive damage to livelihoods and infrastructure.

Commemorative events were held in coastal communities such as Keechankuppam, Akkaraipettai, Nambiyar Nagar and Velankanni, where residents watched silent processions, lit candles and prayed. Many families felt great sadness as they commemorated their relatives who lost their lives in the disaster. Political parties, including DMK, AIADMK, BJP and others, organized separate tribute programs across the district.

Minister paid his respects

In Karaikal, memorial ceremonies were held at tsunami cemeteries and coastal villages. Puducherry Minister PRN Thirumurugan, Collector ASPS Ravi Prakash, MLAs and local representatives offered floral gifts at the memorial on Karaikal beach.

Fishermen and victims’ families gathered at Poovam and Tirumalairayanpattinam, where silent marches and candlelight memorial ceremonies were held.