Decaying carcasses suspected from Kodiyakarai Wildlife Sanctuary pose health hazard

KARAIKAL: Carcasses of a large number of animals and birds, suspected to be from Kodiyakarai Wildlife Sanctuary, washed ashore on Karaikal beach a day after Cyclone Gaja crossed the coast, and is now posing a threat to public health.

Herds of spotted deer (chitals), and animals like boars, horses, and several migratory birds were spotted dead on the beaches in Karaikal district. 

“We found them on the beaches and informed local officials. However, they are not responding immediately. The decomposing carcasses attract flies and there is a fear of disease outbreak. Officials must take swift action to dispose the carcasses,” said 
M Dhanabal, a fisherman in TR Pattinam.

Many of the animals were allegedly swept away by giant  tidal waves when they were roaming the beaches in coastal villages such as Arukatuthurai, Peiyakuthagai, and Pushpavanam. Some died due to possible heart failure and were found on the villages in Vedaranyam block. 
Dead animals were even found over 60 kilometres inland and on  beaches including the ones in TR Pattinam, Pattinachery and Neravy in Karaikal district. 

There were also flocks of migratory birds like storks, sandpipers, and stints which are found in Kodiyakarai bird sanctuary.