hit reefs. In the Maldives, too, coral reefs seemed to have suffered only minor damage, experts say. Pollution has emerged as the biggest threat to the chain of low-lying atolls. The waves destroyed disposal sites and swept away rubbish, toxic chemicals and debris from wrecked buildings, scattering them across many islands. The government says 36 islands may have been hit by sewage contamination and clean-up will take years. The giant waves also caused widespread damage to the coast and initial reports estimated more than 10 million square metres of beach on 130 islands have been eroded. --More 1234 Local Time 0934 GMT
