The Hindu Business Line : Over 80 killed in Kerala, 61 in AP

OVER 80 people were killed and many more injured as a tsunami triggered by the earthquake in Indonesia swamped large stretches Kerala's coastline this morning. Official figures put the number of deaths at 89, but the death toll may rise, say officials.

Alappuzha and Kollam are believed to be the worst affected, with a majority of the deaths reported from these two districts.

Several other costal districts in Kerala, including Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Kozhikode and Kannur were hit by the tsunami.

Deaths were also reported from Ernakulam district.

In many places, boats and fishing equipment were washed away and houses damaged by the surging waters.

In Andhra Pradesh the tidal waves left 61 people dead and 800 people were reported missing.

Most of the victims were either fishermen or people having a dip in the seawaters.

Triggered by the massive quake that had hit the Sumatra Island in Indonesia, the tidal waves lashed the entire 972-kilometre long coastline in the State. The seismic energy released by the earthquakes in oceans triggered large tidal waves that travelled thousands of kilometres.

Dr Rajasekhara Reddy, Chief Minister, who visited Prakasam, Guntur and Krishna districts in the evening, has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 1 lakh for the kin of the deceased adults and Rs 50,000 for the kin of children died due to the swirling seawaters.

Addressing newsmen at the Begumpet airport after his visit, Dr Reddy said the there was not much property loss.

More Stories on : Natural Calamities | Natural Calamities | Andhra Pradesh | Kerala

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