Tsunami and Its Aftermath

Although Porayar, which lies 1 km. from the coast, was not directly hit by the 2004 tsunami, many people lost friends and family members. I met one man who was swept inland by the wave about 1 km. and miraculously escaped with only minor injuries! Above is a chart seen at a local social service agency which records the loss of human and animal lives in the surrounding villages.
A mass grave is pictured also.
There was much evidence of recovery efforts along the coast with new housing and fishing fleets.
Fortunately people can once again enjoy the pleasures of the beach, even though bathing suits are taboo and way too revealing for Indian ladies. Women still go in the water sari-clad as did my friends Pushpa and Florence, creche teachers, and Florence's son. I couldn't resist joining them, even in my clothes, knowing we would be travelling back to Porayar by bus. The air temperature was in the 90's and the water was like bath water.