Coastal Indian Lifelines after the 2004 Great Sumatra Earthquake and Indian Ocean Tsunami

Abstract

Damage to the electric power system was confined to the distribution system, in particular to electric power poles that were downed by the tsunami. The power generation plants and substations were over 1 km inland and escaped damage. The telecommunication system performed well, and the postdisaster response was reasonably efficient, but inundation caused the shutdown of equipment. The major Tamil Nadu port, the Port of Chennai, performed well, and its seawalls reduced the tsunami impact. However, all the fish auction stations were damaged, thus affecting many villagers’ livelihoods. The transportation system in the southern coast suffered heavy damage, and much of the infrastructure along the east coast was damaged. Most municipal water storage tanks remained intact. However, seawater contaminated wells and arable land, and the long‐term environmental and ecological effects of this are unknown.