Chennai, Dec 26 (IANS): People along Tamil Nadu's coastal districts affected by the 2004 tsunami paid tearful homage to the thousands who were swallowed by the killer wave on this day 10 years ago.

Over 8,000 people were killed in Tamil Nadu by the giant wave in 2004.

On the 10th anniversary of the tragedy, relatives and friends of those who lost their lives held silent rallies and special services in the tsunami affected areas like Velankanni, Nagapattinam, Cuddalore, Chennai and others.

They offered milk and flowers at the sea for the dead.

Fishermen in many villages stayed away from fishing as a mark of respect to the victims.

In many coastal districts, shops were closed as a mark of respect to those who were killed by the giant wave.

"Rallies and prayers were held. Fishermen did not go for fishing in Nagapattinam district," V.Kumaravelu, an activist, told IANS from Nagapattinam.

"While people have rebuilt their lives, many did get the central government's relief amount. The tsunami houses are in a bad condition and many do not even have water connection. This is the major problem now for the people," he said.