Remembrance of 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami

The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, triggered by a massive 9.1 magnitude earthquake off Indonesia, struck on Boxing Day, leading to the deaths of approximately 230,000 people across 14 countries. Survivors recount harrowing experiences, such as a hotelier who was pregnant and a man who escaped by climbing atop a train carriage. In Thailand, the waves devastated the coastline, killing thousands including many foreign tourists, while Sri Lanka witnessed one of the worst rail disasters in history as a train was engulfed. The disaster not only caused immense loss of life but also transformed the socio-political landscape of affected regions, particularly in Aceh, Indonesia. Two decades later, communities are still in recovery, sharing stories of resilience amid the lingering scars of loss. The tsunami's impact remains a poignant reminder of nature's power and the enduring spirit of those who survived.