On 26th December 2004, at about 9.20 a.m. the District Collector, Kollam received information from the local councilor that the pattern of tidal waves in the Arabian Sea, at Vadi and Thankassery of Kollam city, was found to be unusual. Between 12.00 noon and 1.00 pm, a massive and powerful tidal wave attacked Alappad Panchayat of Karunagapally Taluk and has caused loss of life and wide spread damage to the properties. In the process, the revenue officials of Alappad village and the police officials, who were on duty to deliver the warning, survived the attack with injuries. However, the Tidal Wave has killed 130 people in the district (129 in Alappad alone) and injured 1475 persons. The tidal wave also caused loss of livestock like goats, cattle, hens etc. and damaged vegetation.