M. Vijayabhama

Mangroves - Tsunami 2004: Ecological Impact to the Mangroves and Shelter Belts of Coastal Tamilnadu, India As a Result of Tsunami 2004 M. Vijayabhama

A very severe earthquake measuring magnitude of 8.9on Richter scale struck northern Sumatra, Indonesia at 06.28 A M IST on 26 December 2004. It caused a severe tsunami to strike parts of south-east Asia, India and Sri Lanka. Sea water inundated several coastal towns and villages taking over 250,000 human lives and affecting close to five million people. The devastating impact of this tsunami on human life became immediately apparent and kick-started massive relief and rehabilitation efforts on a global scale. Its effect on wildlife and their habitats was much less known. The areas with mangrove and casuarina shelter belt were least affected. After the black day of coast (26th December 2004), all the stakeholders were realized the importance of the mangroves and shelterbelts from government to communities. This has to be taken as ?Early Calamity Provides an Opportunity?. It is the correct time to initiate the work for reforest and afforest the coastal line with green cover.