Candle light vigil, silent rallies mark 15th tsunami anniversary in TN

The wounds might have healed. But the scars remain. Silent and solemn rallies, tearful homage, lighting candles and special worships in memory of those swept away by the deadly tsunami, this day in 2004, marked the observation of the 15th solemn anniversary in Tamil Nadu on Thursday.

The massive tsunami, triggered by deadly tidal waves had claimed more than 8,000 lives and devastated the coastal districts of Chennai, Cuddalore, Nagapattinam and Kanniyakumari, besides leaving a trail of horror memories.

In most of the fishing hamlets fishermen observed the day as a 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 15 years back, it is still vivid in our memory as if it had occurred today'', the fishermen said, justifying their decision to stay away from sea.

The family of fishermen Habibulla at Koraikuppam village in Tiruvallur district was still yet to recover from the shock and horror when he saw his wife being washed away by the giant waves.

On that fateful Sunday in 2004, his wife had went out to purchase fish for lunch at a stall near the shore. But she did not return home. Habibulla only saw her body floating in the waters.

''I am yet to recover from the shock. The incident is still vivid in my mind...even 15 years'', he added.

In the coastal districts, tens and 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 and Ministers and respective District Collectors placed wreaths at the Tsunami memorial, lit candles and observed two minutes' silence as a mark of respect to the victims.

In Nagapattinam, Minister O S Maniam paid tributes by placing a wreath at the tsunami memorial. He also poured milk into the sea, lit candles and observed two minutes' silence.