Fisherfolk living in hamlets along the coastline in Ennore are in the grip of fear after high tides battered the shore over the last few days. On Monday night, at around 11pm, huge waves breached the bunds of the shore and entered some houses. Residents stacked up sandbags along the shore on Tuesday morning as a makeshift solution. K. Bharathi, president of the South Indian Fishermen Welfare Association, said, “The rough sea has left two men injured and several boats damaged. Those who ventured into the sea are finding it difficult to return as some boats have capsized at sea and their catch of fish was lost. The scenario in Pudupatinam is also bad with high tides lashing the coast.” Chinna Kuppam, a fishing hamlet near Ennore, has also been badly hit with some houses being damaged on Monday night. S Vincent, a fisherman, said, “On Monday, the waves were huge and intense, giving us a sleepless night. Some of the fisherfolk who have been affected are now housed at shelters near the fish market. “It is sad that officials or police did not come to our help during this crisis. Members of the fishing community have been badly affected and it is time the state government and fisheries department surveyed the damage and ensured compensation for the affected families,” said K Bharathi, another fisher. Fishermen said that though the sea is rough at times, it has been unusually so for the last four days, with no respite. A fisherman, M Kumar, said, “The fisheries authorities should ensure that those living along the coastline are moved to safer places such as marriage halls and community halls as it is hazardous to be living near the shore with high tides lashing the houses.”