Port Blair is the gateway to these enchanted islands that is on the eastern edge of the Indian Ocean. The capital city of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is relatively small in size and today in the 21st century, is a melting pot of people from all parts of India who have come to adopt these Islands as their home. Port Blair is the seat of Civil Administration and also hosts a Tri-Service Command of the Armed Forces. Apart from tourism, fishing and paddy (rice) cultivation form the chief occupation for the locals. Port Blair is a land of tranquility where settlers from all parts of India live in complete harmony. The serenity of these islands was unfortunately disrupted in 2004 by the tsunami that caused a great deal of damage in the Nicobar Islands. However the populated areas of Port Blair and Havelock were unscathed and all geological indications report that the islands are safe.