Tsunami Survivors Remember 2004 Disaster

The 2004 Boxing Day tsunami, triggered by a 9.1-magnitude earthquake, remains a significant memory for survivors and families of victims, claiming over 230,000 lives across 14 countries. Deborah Garlick's parents, who lost their only child in the disaster, found solace in retracing her last journey through photos recovered from a damaged film. Meanwhile, community members like Pastor Peter Jenkins mobilized efforts to rebuild Kamala Beach's Ban Kamala School, raising £87,000 for reconstruction. Others, such as Peter Baines, a forensic investigator, faced the grim task of identifying victims and later established a charity to support children orphaned by the tragedy. As Phuket transitioned into a tourism hub, the haunting memories of that fateful day continue to affect those who experienced the disaster firsthand. The tsunami's legacy is a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of community resilience in the face of unimaginable loss.