Monday, December 26 2005 14:50 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Nagapattinam (TN): Residents of this worst tsunami-affected district paid homage to the 6,065 people who had lost their lives in the tragedy, on the 1st anniversary of the disaster here today (Dec 26, 2005).

A memorial park was opened at the Collectorate by District Collector J Radhakrishnan, where children orphaned by the tsunami placed wreaths at a pillar followed by offering of floral tributes.

A minute of silence was also observed in memory of the victims of the tsunami.

People took a pledge on the occasion that they would be fully aware of the disaster and create awareness about it in society.

Three books on tsunami relief 'Lest we forget', 'Road to Recovery' and 'Task Force Plan for Prevention and Mitigation of Disaster' were also released on the occasion.

Our heads bow before the tsunami victims and we pledge to overcome the tragedy and emerge stronger, Radhakrishnan said.

The memorial pillar consists of a globe placed over a wave at its mantle besides a clock recovered from the naval office which shows 9:17 AM, the very time the tsunami struck this coastal district.

The park also has 6,065 decorated plants symbolising an equal number of people who perished in the disaster.