The same houses that once rekindled in them the will to survive soon turned death traps. When the sea pulled the carpet from under their feet in 2004, the Tamil Nadu government and various NGOs came forward to provide the survivors of the tsunami with a roof over their heads. Yet, the same roofs have sprung leaks, and walls developed cracks. Twenty years later, thousands of such houses are in a terrible state of disrepair.
Erstwhile Nagapattinam district bore the brunt of nature's wrath that Sunday morning. At least 6,065 people died, hundreds went missing, thousands were injured and lakhs displaced. As part of rehabilitation, nearly 9,000 houses were raised in the present Nagapattinam district and 7,000 in Mayiladuthurai district today, which was carved out of the former. A recent survey found that as many as 6,000 houses in Nagapattinam and at least 4,000 in Mayiladuthurai are in disrepair.
This story is from the December 27, 2024 edition of The New Indian Express Nagapattinam.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 27, 2024 edition of The New Indian Express Nagapattinam.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
A Guilty, Albeit Predictable, Pleasure
In sequels to 'happily ever after' romantic films, the narrative often tests the strength of the lead couple's bond by introducing obstacles—be it physical distance or a potential rival sparking jealousy.
Getting to Do Spy Stuff is Fun
Keira Knightley speaks to Sally James on playing a secret agent in her latest spy thriller, Black Doves
A Story of Uneasy Love
The fast-paced love story between a Muslim girl and a Hindu boy explores the tension between tradition and modernity
Making 2025 Your Best Year
Eleven infallible strategies to transform New Year resolutions into habits
Sax and the City
The best hop, skip and jump spots for aficionados of jazz in its birthplace where the music never stops and feet never stop tapping
Making Her Blush Permanently
A latest beauty trend everyone is buzzing about has a tattoo element
Memorial for Manmohan is a Requiem for a Lost Dream
Dead people never really die. They are kept alive through man's endless need for ritual, both in the private and public realm.
It Maybe the Best of Times, but It is Surely the Worst of Times
Manmohan Singh, former PM and finance minister who launched India's 1991 economic reforms, died last week.
The Winning Edge
Entrepreneur Stuti Jalan is taking the story of Indian women to the global stage
Why H-1B Visa Is In Maga Crosshairs
Of these high earners, more than 25% were women. And more than 65% of these well-heeled H-1B applicants from India were sponsored by smaller US-based companies. The H-1B applicants sponsored by US companies generally had higher salary offers compared to those sponsored by companies based in India—who are anyway availing less number of visas in this category. Here's a look at the H-1B visa program and why it stirs a political pot and muddies the debate on immigration.
