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KANYAKUMARI, INDIA, February 8, 2005: The Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari, which became inaccessible after the tsunami, has re-opened for tourists. The ferry service, which connected the landmark, has resumed. Many domestic and international visitors have flocked to the point where the three seas meet. “We are from Kashmir. We feel great that we could be a part of the inauguration,” said a tourist. While over a million and a half tourists visit the town every year, the suspension of boat services alone has caused a loss of US$149,000 after the tsunami. Now locals are hoping that the revival will set right their crippled economy. But issues still remain. The shortage of drinking water since the day of the tsunami still continues. “We are trying to build a canteen. Vivekananda Memorial is a trust and not under the government. We are trying to have a tie up and take necessary action,” said Thalavai Sundaram, Health Minister, Tamil Nadu. Spectacular video shot from the Memorial showed the tsunami wave nearly emptying the ocean to the rock bottom between the Memorial and the shore, then the wave crashing in and splashing over the 160-foot statue of Saint Tiruvalluvar located just adjacent to the Memorial in the ocean. Hundreds died on the shore, but none of the Memorial. The boats transporting tourists to the Memorial were damaged and fishermen had to rescue more than 400 people.

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