The Kerala coast was significantly affected by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami . The coast located in the shadow zone with respect to the direction of propagation of the tsunami encountered unexpected devastation . Although the tsunami affected parts of Kerala coast , maximum devastation was reported in the low coastal land of Kollam , Alappuzha and Ernakulam districts , particularly a strip of 10 km in Azhikkal , Kollam district . This varying effect along the coast could be attributed to local amplification of tsunami waves in certain regions . About 176 people were killed and 1600 injured in the coastal belt . Further , the tsunami pounded 187 villages affecting nearly 250,000 persons in Kerala . As many as 6,280 dwelling units were completely destroyed , 11,175 were damaged and nearly 84,773 persons were evacuated from the coastal areas and accommodated in 142 relief camps after tsunami . As this tsunami is believed to be first of its kind to have significantly affected the Kerala coast , the post-tsunami field investigations and measurements would give valuable information on various changes brought by the tsunami . Immediately after the tsunami , several organizations have carried out field surveys in many affected areas along the coast
2004 Indian Ocean tsunami
2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami
Geography of Kerala