World Reflects on 20 Years Since 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami

Memorials held across Asia honor over 227,000 lives lost in the deadliest tsunami in recorded history.

The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, triggered by a 9.1-magnitude earthquake off Indonesia, claimed over 227,000 lives across 14 countries and displaced 1.7 million people.
Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, and Thailand experienced the highest fatalities, with Indonesia losing approximately 130,000 people.
Survivors and families gathered at mass graves, memorials, and beaches in affected areas, including Aceh (Indonesia), Peraliya (Sri Lanka), and Ban Nam Khem (Thailand), to pray and lay flowers in remembrance.
Personal stories of survival and loss were shared, highlighting the resilience of those impacted and the global humanitarian response that followed the disaster.
Memorial events emphasized the importance of disaster preparedness and awareness for future generations, with local officials advocating for improved emergency planning and education.