The Hindu Business Line : 80 killed as tsunami hits Kerala coastal areas

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.

The State Government has ordered the evacuation of families living in vulnerable areas along the coast.

In Vizhinjam near Thiruvananthapuram, several hundred people have been shifted to safer areas.

The Government also sought the Navy's assistance.

It has also announced the setting up of a 24-hour control room at the State secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram.

The telephone numbers of the control room are 0471-2333198 and 2158700.

According to official sources, an emergency Cabinet Meeting will be held on Monday to take stock of the situation.

According to an official press release, the Kerala Revenue Minister, Mr K.M. Mani, has instructed the District Collectors of the affected districts to take all necessary measures to address the damage caused by the tidal surge.

The District Collectors have also been asked to pay compensation of Rs 50,000 to the families of those killed, the release says.

Government officials have also been directed to take necessary steps to find alternative accommodation for those whose houses have been damaged in the flooding, the release adds.

In Kollam, people living in the costal regions have been asked to move to safer locations, says an official press release issued by the District Collector.

Relief camps have been set up in schools across the district.

A control room has been set up in the Kollam Collectorate (Telephone Number 0474-2795186/ 2793473), the release adds.

Dr M. Baba, Director, Centre for Earth Science Studies -

Thiruvananthapuram emphasised that people living in the costal areas of the State should be extremely vigilant for the next few days.

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