Скачать или смотреть The 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami

The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami was one of the deadliest natural disasters in recorded history. It began on December 26, 2004, when a massive undersea earthquake struck off the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia. The quake, measuring about 9.1–9.3 in magnitude, ruptured a long section of the seafloor, displacing enormous volumes of water and generating powerful tsunami waves. Within minutes, towering walls of water struck coastal areas of Indonesia, devastating communities. Over the following hours, waves traveled across the Indian Ocean, hitting Thailand, Sri Lanka, India, the Maldives, and even reaching East Africa.

More than 230,000 people were killed, millions were displaced, and entire towns were wiped away. The disaster destroyed homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods, leaving profound emotional and economic scars. Many victims were holiday travelers, as the event occurred during the peak tourist season. The tragedy highlighted the lack of an early warning system in the region; many people had little or no warning before the waves struck.

In response, international relief efforts mobilized on an unprecedented scale, providing aid, rebuilding communities, and eventually establishing the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning System. The 2004 tsunami remains a somber reminder of nature’s power and the importance of preparedness and global cooperation.