The Hindu Business Line : Nagapattinam may suffer high economic loss too

THE tsunami, which ravaged Nagapattinam and nearby areas, has left a trail of destruction, not only in terms of human lives lost but also in terms of economic havoc in the region.

While the number of people dead has shot up to around 4,000 in the region, the economic loss suffered by the fishermen community is expected to be substantial.

Speaking to Business Line from Akkaraipettai in Nagapattinam district, Dr J. Radhakrishnan, Thanjavur District Collector, who has been deputed to help the Nagapattinam district administration in organising the relief and rescue operations, said the total number of people feared dead due to the tidal wave is expected to be around 4,000 in the Nagapattinam district.

The number of houses destroyed might be around 20,000 and nearly two lakh persons have been displaced. While about half of them have been accommodated in various camps run by the Government, the rest might have found shelter in the houses of their friends or relatives.

He said an actual assessment of the economic loss caused by the tidal wave would take some time to make. The number of trawlers or fishing vessels lost or damaged severely has been estimated to be around 1,000 in the area. The cost of each trawler is put at about Rs 15 lakh but the actual loss suffered by each of them would vary. Dr Radhakrishnan said the Government has deputed medical teams to treat the injured and help prevent the outbreak of any epidemic. A conservancy staff from outside has been drafted and the army is also helping out in the relief operations.

He said Mr Vivek Harinarain, Secretary, IT, Tamil Nadu, is camping in the area to co-ordinate the relief operations.

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