Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 11 December 2024
To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the devastating 2004 tsunami and its profound impact on the Nicobar district, the Andaman and Nicobar Administration released two poignant documentaries, 20 Years Later and Surviving the Tsunami, on 10th December 2024. The release event, held in the presence of the Chief Secretary, Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, IAS, and Deputy Commissioner of Nicobar district, Ms. Jyoti Kumari, paid tribute to the resilience and recovery efforts of the affected communities.
During the event, Dr. Kumar highlighted the importance of documenting the experiences of survivors, community leaders, and government officials involved in rescue and relief operations. He also underscored the need for continued awareness and sensitisation about tsunamis, particularly for younger generations, to empower the community to respond effectively to potential disasters.
The documentary ’20 Years Later’ delves into the long-term impacts of the tsunami on Tamaloo village in Car Nicobar Island. It contrasts the remnants of the old settlement with the newly developed village, highlighting the transformative changes in the community’s way of life over the past two decades. The film sheds light on efforts to rebuild infrastructure, restore livelihoods, and implement disaster preparedness measures to safeguard the community against future calamities.
Meanwhile, ‘Surviving the Tsunami’ offers a deeply personal narrative, featuring the experiences of Mr. Paul Benjamin, Headman of Tamaloo Village, who lived through the catastrophic event. The documentary captures the emotional toll of survival, the challenges faced during the recovery process, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Through these stories, the film honours the lives lost and celebrates the resilience of those who rebuilt their lives.
The two films serve as both a remembrance and a call to action, reinforcing the need for continued vigilance, awareness, and community preparedness to mitigate the risks of natural disasters.