Reflecting on the Boxing Day Tsunami: 20 Years of Lessons and Recovery

The 2004 disaster claimed over 230,000 lives and reshaped global disaster preparedness and humanitarian efforts.

The Boxing Day tsunami, triggered by a 9.1 magnitude earthquake off Sumatra, killed over 230,000 people across 14 countries and displaced 1.7 million individuals.
Survivors recall harrowing experiences, including being swept away by massive waves and witnessing widespread devastation in affected areas like Sri Lanka and Banda Aceh, Indonesia.
The disaster led to the development of improved tsunami warning systems, including sea-level gauges and deep-ocean sensors, which now provide hours of advance warning in some regions.
Humanitarian efforts following the tsunami highlighted the need for better coordination, tailored aid, and the inclusion of local organizations in disaster response planning.
Experts emphasize the ongoing importance of disaster risk reduction, preventive planning, and addressing the rising number of displaced individuals globally due to climate change and severe weather events.