Fishermen community observes sixth anniversary of Tsunami in Chennai

Chennai, Dec.26 (ANI): Over hundred fishermen and fisherwomen gathered at the Marina Beach here on Sunday to pay homage to those who lost their lives in the tsunami disaster in 2004.

They made sand sculptures and poured milk into the sea to commemorate the sixth anniversary of the tragedy.

"It's the sixth year after tsunami, nearly 56 people died here. So, we the affected people have come here to offer prayers and lit candles and expressed our sad feelings," said Siva, a fisherman.

The giant tsunami waves triggered by a powerful earthquake killed over 230,000 people across Asia and Africa and swept across India's south-eastern and southern coast killing 12,405 people and leaving millions homeless.

India was among the most grievously hit, with a death toll of over 7,400 in Tamil Nadu alone.

"Six years before the whole world was stunned by tsunami and all over the world many of our people including Tamils died on this day, so we remember them today and we hope still they live with us, this sad day is condoled and feelings are shared in this beach," said Sasi Kumar, a resident.

The tsunami also made 1.8 million homeless.

A 9.15 magnitude undersea earthquake off Sumatra Island triggered the tsunami, which smashed into shorelines as far away as East Africa. (ANI)