The huge waves of tsunami had destroyed the train and only 150 passengers out of 1800+ survived. About 1700 were reported dead, even though only 900 bodies were recovered. The Sri Lankan authorities do not know where the train was washed to. After 4 pm, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa's helicopter identified it. Even though rescue operations was held not more than 150 people survived and the village was also washed away by the deadly waves.