The severe earthquake in Indonesia at 8.6 Reichter scale reminded all about the earlier tsunami which caused loss of thousands of lives and massive destruction. The earthquake was felt even in Kerala and the east coast. Immediate alert was given to all places and preparations to evacuate people, if necessary. But it seems that by this time,  fortunately tsunami may not be there. The time for the waves to reach Andamans is already over and it is reported that there was only 45 cm waves. I spoke to both Com. Kalirajan, Circle Secretary and Com. Ratnambal, Asst. Circle Secretary, A&N Islands and they stated that the danger seemed to be over. The TV reports also indicates that the danger is mostly over. It is fortunate that the danger is over at present. But such things can happen any time. The thing is that the government and the people will have to be on alert.

At this time we remember the loss of lives and destruction that last tsunami  brought on many nations and people. In Andamans and Nicobar, I have seen many paddy-fields even then completely full of sea water, which can not flow back to the sea because of the low level of the field. Many trees are lying unrooted. The ground floor of the telephone Exchange in Bamboo Island, where Ratnambal worked is still merged in mud and earth and only the first floor is visible. The port was completely destroyed, but it has been restored without delay. But lives lost can not be brought back. The case in the eastern and western coastal areas was not different.

The nature has its own way of reacting to the destruction of nature by man. Man has to be careful with nature.