From pillar to post for tsunami relief: man losing mind

Madurai, Feb 19 (UNI) A 29-year-old youth battered by the 2004 killer tsunami at the pilgrim centre Vailankanni is still struggling to avail of the relief announced by the Government.

On the verge of become mentally affected, T Azhagumuthu, of Parapatti near Alanganallur, and his wife Sarasu, have been running from pillar to post seeking relief.

The couple, who came to the Collectorate to submit yet another petition, were turned back by the officials who told them that no more relief would be extended for the tsunami-affected.

Narrating their tale of woe, Sarasu said her husband was on a pilgrimage to Vailankanni on that fateful day, December 26, 2004. He and his associate, Karunanidhi, were pulled into the sea by the powerful waves. While Karunanidhi had a miraculous escape with minor injuries, Azhagumuthu was washed ashore along with dead bodies.

Admitted to the Thanjavur Medical College Hospital, he was later referred to the Government Rajaji Hospital here. Dissatisfied with the treatment there, he was taken to a private hospital.

According to Sarasu, the Vadippatti Teshildar conducted an inquiry and recommended relief for Azhagumuthu in 2005 itself. But the relief was yet to reach them.

UNI