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The waves have receded but memories of that fateful December-26 tsunami wrecking havoc have not. For the people in Akkaraipettai and Keechankuppam villages in Nagapattinam - a district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu - that day was the worst. Understandably, not many want to recall the loss of their loved ones and the devastating way in which their lives changed. The adults of the largely fishing community here are working hard to overcome the pain and suffering that the catastrophe brought in its wake. Those who managed to get their fishing boats and gear in shape have ventured out to the sea again. The not-so-lucky ones can be seen braving the summer heat and making nets across different pockets of the district. The worst-hit are the ones who once owned large mechanised boats. There are not enough carpenters to rebuild the damaged boats and get their lives back on track. Whether or not the money comes in, life moves on. At the temporary shelters, woman cook food and take care of the children while some of the men look dazedly into the distance. The trauma hasn't worn off yet. It will be a long, long time before it does ...
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