The 10th anniversary of the tsunami devastation of Alappad island in Kollam went by on Friday without any official observance ceremony. For several weeks from December 26, 2004, the entire district administration machinery was centred at Alappad. District administration authorities said the anniversary was not observed since there was no government directive in this regard.
But unofficial functions were held at the Smrithi Mandapam at Azheekkal in Alappad, constructed by the government in memory of those who died in the tragedy. District administration officials said they were unaware of such functions.
Revenue Minister Adoor Prakash; local MP K.C. Venugopal; and MLA C. Divakaran paid tributes at the mandapam. A few residents of the nearby Mata Amritamanadamayi Math and relatives of those who died in the tragedy also arrived at the mandapam.
In memory of children claimed by the tsunami, students from schools at Azheekkal and Kuzhithura offered prayers at the mandapam. Mr. Prakash said the government would deploy lifeguards at Azheekkal beach. He said he would bring to the attention of the Chief Minister the problems faced by those staying in colonies constructed to rehabilitate those affected by the tragedy.