Three years pass by: killer waves still haunt survivors!

Chennai, Dec 26 (UNI) The wounds have healed. But the scars still remain in the minds of the survivors, who were witness to the nature's fury which struck in the form of tsunami in 2004.

Exactly three years after the killer waves devoured nearly 8000 lives in the coastal areas of Tamil Nadu, including 206 in Chennai city, the survivors still have vivid memories of how the killer waves pulled their near and dear ones into the jaws of death.

The world opened its heart to the victims of the calamitous tsunami, and its generosity could be seen everywhere.

A journey along the coastal areas of the state underscores how widespread the assistance has been. Signboards of the projects of several NGOs and from International organisations, to name only a few.

Fishing boats and temporary shelters carry stickers and decals identifying the charitable groups that offered the donations.

There was no dearth of aid as it poured in from all quarters, though the hearts of many victims were slow to heal as the devastating tsunami took away what no amount of generosity can ever replace.

''I am always thinking of my son, who perished in the tsunami'', a survivor from Srinivasapuram said, with tears welling his eyes.

The decorated portrait of his beloved son presented a grim reminder of the tragedy, he said, hinting that no amount of grant or assistance will replace his sorrow.

''The government gave us assistance and other facilities. Can I get my son back'', the survivor recalls.

Similar was the story of several people, who had lost their near and dear ones on that ill-fated Sunday.

No amount of compensation and the healing touch provided by the government machinery and droves of NGOs could compensate the human losses suffered, was the common refrain among the survivors.

UNI