Post - Tsunami Damages Assessment, Relief and Rehabilitation Measures in the Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu, South India

The present study is based on the post tsunami survey conducted in January 2005 along the south west coast of India. This paper illustrates the variation of tsunami intensity along the coasts of Kanyakumari district and the consequent morphological changes occurred in the coastal area during tsunami. 33 coastal habitations of Kanyakumari district faced the wrath of tsunami waves. We have attempted to study shoreline modifications using beach profile survey, tsunami sand deposits, inundation distance, run up elevation and tsunami height. The coastal environment changes through online survey on human losses, housing and shelter, fisheries, agriculture and damages of infrastructure were studied in the study area. The major destructions identified in this area were 3m-4m sea water rise leading to erosion activities and changes in the beach slope variation. Many gentle slope regions have been transformed into steeply sloped regions. This unknown killer wave causes causalities and mass destruction in the coastal environment due to unaware of tsunami. The shallow waters of bays and estuaries have initiated the seizing. Maximum wave activity observed in the tsunami area closely to that of the bay, low lying areas etc. Initial relief by way of food, clothing, shelter and first-aid medical help has reached most of the affected communities by NGO’s and Government agencies were discussed. The paper also explained the innovative comprehensive long-term rehabilitation program aimed to go beyond basic restoration and rather upgrade standard of living to ensure sustained well-being and prosperity of the tsunami affected people.