 Vora noted after the 2002 exploration that the underwater site probably contained additional structures and artifacts, and merited future exploration (Vora).Immediately before the 2004 tsunami struck the Indian Ocean, including the Bay of Bengal, the ocean water off Mahabalipuram's coast pulled back approximately 500 meters.Tourists and residents who witnessed this event from the beach recalled seeing a long, straight row of large rocks emerge from the water.