The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Cuddalore News : False tsunami alarms upset fishermen

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Feb 05, 2005

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Cuddalore

False tsunami alarms upset fishermen

By Our Special Correspondent

CUDDALORE, FEB. 4. The fishing community is exercised over the recurring rumours about the tsunami, which tend to leave them feeling insecure and unsettled. The latest one to drove them out of their tenements came on Thursday when the police raised a "false alarm" and evacuated them in the night.

The police personnel went around the coastal villages at about 7.30 p.m. on Thursday announcing that an earthquake was reported in Indonesia which might trigger another tsunami, and therefore, those living in the vulnerable areas ought to move to safety.

This caused a hurried exodus of the people, along with their modest belongings, from these villages to the Caper Hills on the outskirts of the town and Thiruvahindrapuram. The police subsequently said at 9.30 p.m that the tsunami would not recur, as the information was not correct. On hearing this, the distraught people returned to their homes to spend a sleepless night.

This was the second time that such a false alert was given. Earlier, it had come from the Central Government on December 30, four days after the disaster struck on December 26. On that occasion too, the people had scrambled for safety.

Alert panchayats first

The Thevanampattinam Panchayat president, Sadasivam, said that it was shocking that officials were spreading rumours, causing disquiet among people who were already feeling unsettled. He wondered how could the villagers be evicted without confirming the veracity of information.

Mr. Sadasivam further said the people in the coastal areas were spending sleepless nights ever since the tsunami, and until they get pucca buildings to settle down, they would have to live in constant fear. The problem should not be worsened by the "so-called official versions that create unnecessary panic among the people." The president said in future if any advance warning were to be given, the officials should first alert the panchayats who in turn would take necessary steps to shift the people.

He appealed to the officialdom "not to pass on any hearsay as confirmed news and cause unwarranted dislocation."

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