Special prayers mark second anniversary of Tsunami

'Boxing day' on which the tsunami tragedy struck many coastal hamlets of Tamil Nadu in 2004, was observed through homage and special prayers to the thousands of victims who lost their lives to the killer waves.

Fishing activity came to a standstill as fishermen refrained from venturing into the sea in memory of their kin, who were swallowed by the tsunami.

At Velankanni and Keechankuppam in Nagapattinam district, which was the worst hit, special prayers and condolence meetings were held and floral tributes were paid to the victims In Cuddalore district, which also bore the brunt of the tsunami, similar meetings were held.

In Chennai, various political parties and fishermen's associations held rallies and silent marches at Srinivaspuram in Mylapore and various parts of North Chennai to pay homage to the victims.

Fishermen observed the day as a "black day" and tied black flags to their anchored boats, even now haunted by their experience of two years ago.

While a few NGOs dedicated several permanent shelters to the affected families on Tuesday, the state government also announced that the final list of the beneficiaries of the permanent housing scheme would be announced by February 2007.