TSUNAMI - 2004

My vacation ended early in 2004 and I had to return to Maldives on 21^st December. Usually I return after Christmas and New Year. I tried to change the date of my flight but was informed that all the flights during the end of December and early January were full.

At the airport, I met a friend and on landing at Male, the capital of Maldives, we decided to take a room together. Unfortunately, most of the hotel rooms were full and we had to stay at a less convenient place. Next morning we vacated the room and found a better place. Another friend landed at Male on that day and joined us.

On Christmas eve we left for Raa Meedhoo in Raa Atoll, which was our place of work. We traveled by a speed launch. We reached Raa Meedhoo in the afternoon. Next day, it was Christmas and we had lunch together. One of my friends had bought canned chicken from Male and we had it with lunch. The three of us were early. Another colleague from orissa arrived that day. The others would join us only in the first week of January.

On 26^th December, I was at my residence washing my clothes in the morning, when my two friends came rushing to inform me that the sea waves had come deep into the island near the boat jetty. They looked shocked. I couldn't understand. I was staying near the center of the island and the waves did not reach that far. Afterwards, I went to the boat jetty and noticed that the sand was wet for a long distance inland. Water had come inland and gone back. I saw that the sea level was higher than usual. Some boys were placing sacks filled with sand at the gates of their houses near the boat jetty hoping to stop the water if the waves return.

Later that day, I came to know that there was an earthquake near Indonesia which set off the Tsunami. It was the first time I heard the word ‘Tsunami’ which is a Japanese word. It seems in Japan they experience it more often. I got the news that more than two hundred thousand people had died in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Sri Lanka and India due to the Tsunami. I tried to call home to inform them that I was okay but the phone lines were disconnected. Late that night I got a call from my brother in the UK. I told him I was okay and that the Tsunami did not have much affect on our island. I asked him to call home and inform them that I was safe.

Only a few islands in the Maldives were badly affected, though they are all low lying islands. Later on, I watched a program on TV in which an expert gave an explanation. He said since there are more than a thousand small islands in the Maldives, the tsunami waves were able to pass along the gaps between the islands, which resulted in less damage. We were lucky to be unaffected.

KSFE BUILDINGS

KSFE Buildings, Kollam

FACT OR INFORMATION

I usually do not believe everything I see in the news or what is told to me. I accept them as information and not as fact. Unless it is important to me, I do not try to verify the information. It remains with me as information, which may or may not be true. This may be due to the bad experiences I have had, being misled by news and people.

I have met some people who believe every information they get. Such people sometimes get cheated. They may lose their money or find themselves in trouble. It is best not to be gullible.

HOTEL SUDARSAN

Hotel Sudarsan, Kollam

HOTEL NANI

Hotel Nani, Kollam

KASHMIR

I have never been to Kashmir but I have met a few people from Kashmir. Most of the people in Kashmir are muslims and there is a feeling in India that they would prefer to be a part of neighboring Pakistan which is also predominantly muslim. I have never discussed this issue with the few Kashmiris I have met, since I felt it may be a sensitive matter.

One day, I met a Keralite who was working for the Indian Air Force (IAF). He was stationed in Kashmir for five years. I asked him if it is true that the people in Kashmir would prefer to be with Pakistan. He told me it is not true and that it is an impression created by the media and politicians in India. I then asked him the reason for the regular protests and violence in Kashmir. He said Pakistan is fishing in troubled waters. They use small groups to cause some problems but the majority is not involved with Pakistan. I said if only small groups are causing the problems then a solution could be easily found. He told me there is a bigger problem; most of the people in Kashmir do not see themselves as Indian. They are not interested in India or Pakistan. They are seeking Independence.

In India, each state has a different language and culture. There have been demands for independence from some other parts of India. No government in India can allow Kashmir to be an independent country because that would encourage people in other parts of India to seek the same.

PASSPORT SEVA KENDRA

Passport Seva Kendra, Kollam