20th Anniversary of Indian Ocean Tsunami Commemorated

On the 20th anniversary of the Indian Ocean tsunami, thousands gathered across Southeast Asia to commemorate the victims of one of history's deadliest natural disasters, which claimed approximately 230,000 lives. Ceremonies took place in Indonesia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and India, with significant gatherings at mass graves and memorial sites, particularly in Banda Aceh, where many wept as they honored the deceased. Survivors recounted their harrowing experiences, with some still mourning loved ones lost in the tragedy. The disaster, triggered by a 9.1-magnitude earthquake off Sumatra on December 26, 2004, also displaced around 1.7 million people. In Banda Aceh, improved infrastructure and early warning systems have been established since the disaster, highlighting ongoing recovery efforts. As the anniversary served as a reminder of the past, many emphasized the importance of disaster preparedness to prevent future tragedies.