The wounds might have healed. But the scars remain and near and dear ones mourned the deaths of their kin in the worst ever natural disaster that struck the east coast 20 years back.Silent rallies, tearful homage and special worships in memory of those, who were swept away by the deadly tsunami, this day in 2004, marked the observation of the 20th solemn anniversary in Tamil Nadu.
The massive tsunami, triggered by deadly tidal waves had claimed more than 8,000 lives and devastated coastal districts of Chennai, Cuddalore, Nagapattinam and Kanniyakumari, besides leaving a trail of horror memories.Tamil Nadu Governor R.N.Ravi participated in the Tsunami Remembrance Day March along with the fishermen community people and paid floral tributes to the tsunami victims on the Marina beach front loop road near the Light House.
He also lit candles as part of s solrmn cande light vigil and poured pots of milk into the sea as a mark of respect to those whose lives were snuffed out by the tidal waves on that deadly Sunday morning.In most of the fishing hamlets fishermen observed the day as black day. In some of the districts, fishermen stayed away from the sea as a mark of respect to the victims.
'Though the tragedy occurred 20 years back, it is still vivid in our memory as if it had occurred today', one of the fishermen said, justifying their decision to stay away from sea.A survivor, who was four years old, when the tragedy occurred, now married and has a daughter, said the horrific incident was still vivid in her memory."I am very young...I don't know happened. Even now, I cannot recollect how
I fortunately survived", she said, adding, the incident will never fade away from her mind and heart.In the coastal districts, hundreds of people, including weeping women, showered flowers into the sea as a mark of remembrance of those who perished in the tragedy.Reports from Cuddalore, Kanniyakumari, Kancheepuram and the worst-affected Nagapattinam said special prayers were held and candles were lit at the memorial to pay respects to the victims.Silent processions were also taken to mark the occasion. (UNI)
