Fisherwomen mourning near Keecankuppam village in Nagapattinam, remembering family members lost during the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, as part of a remembrance gathering held on the shoreline.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
The 21st anniversary of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami was observed across coastal villages of Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, and Karaikal districts on Friday, with thousands paying homage to those who lost their lives in one of the worst natural disasters in recent history.
In Mayiladuthurai district, commemorative events were held at Thirumullaivasal fishing hamlet, where 116 people lost their lives in the tsunami. A remembrance ceremony was organised at the seaside memorial, led by Sirkazhi MLA Panneerselvam. A silent procession was taken out from the Thirumullaivasal bus stand to the memorial, where participants offered floral tributes and lit candles. Panchayat representatives, fishermen leaders, political party functionaries, and local residents participated in large numbers. Similar observances were held in more than 28 fishing villages, including Poompuhar, Vanagiri, Thoduvai, and Koozhaiyar, where over 10,000 people took part in remembrance events.
In Nagapattinam district, the district administration organised a memorial programme at the Tsunami Memorial Park, where Collector P. Akash and Superintendent of Police S. Selvakumar paid floral tributes. Senior officials, including the District Revenue Officer and officials from the Rural Development Department, participated in the event. The 2004 tsunami claimed 6,065 lives in Nagapattinam district alone, besides causing extensive damage to livelihoods and infrastructure.
Memorial events were held at coastal settlements such as Keechankuppam, Akkaraipettai, Nambiyar Nagar, and Velankanni, where residents observed silent marches, lit candles, and offered prayers. Many families were seen breaking down in grief while remembering loved ones who died during the disaster. Political parties, including the DMK, the AIADMK, the BJP, and others organised separate homage programmes across the district.
Minister pays tributes
In Karaikal, memorials were held at tsunami burial sites and memorials across coastal villages. Puducherry Minister P.R.N. Thirumurugan, Collector A.S.P.S. Ravi Prakash, MLAs and local representatives paid floral tributes at the Karaikal beach memorial.
Fisherfolk and families of victims gathered at Poovam and Tirumalairayanpattinam, where silent processions and candlelight tributes were organised.
Published – December 26, 2025 08:49 pm IST
