Chief Minister Achuthanandan said one lakh durable houses will be built in four years across coastal areas of Kerala under the new aid package.

He sought central assistance to implement a Rs 1,441-crore scheme drawn up by the state government for nine coastal districts vulnerable to disasters caused by the sea. The scheme is meant for resettling people vulnerable to erosion by the sea, creating basic infrastructure and rehabilitating fisherfolk in areas affected by the tsunami.

The foundation stone for a three-storey Tsunami Smriti Mandapam was laid by Kerala’s Civil Supplies Minister C Divakaran. The structure, designed by architect Jyothi Sankar, will display the names of those who died in the tragedy.

In Tamil Nadu, politicians and officials placed wreaths on memorials constructed in the collectorate premises and in villages in Nagapattinam district. In most coastal villages, fishermen did not venture into the sea and hoisted black flags on beaches. Commemorative prayers were held in churches.

In the coastal district of Cuddalore, a pall of gloom descended as people observed the second anniversary of the tsunami. Condolence meetings, floral tributes and processions were organised in 51 coastal villages in Cuddalore, which lost 648 people to the waves.

An 11-member music troupe from Puducherry performed in an orphanage housing 58 children who lost their parents to the tsunami in a programme organised by the Lions Club.

The Tamil Nadu Fishermen’s Federation took out a silent procession to the seashore at Cuddalore that was joined by MLAs, NGO representatives, students and fishermen. College and school students lit candles at Chennai’s Marina Beach and in their institutions in memory of the victims.