The Indian Ocean Tsunami refers to a catastrophic event that occurred on December 26, 2004, wherein a massive earthquake under the Indian Ocean triggered a series of devastating tsunami waves. This event is also commonly known as the Boxing Day Tsunami. The tsunami was caused by a 9.1-magnitude earthquake near the west coast of the Indonesian island of Sumatra. The resulting seismic activity displaced an immense volume of water, leading to the formation of powerful tsunami waves.
The Indian Ocean Tsunami had a profound impact on numerous countries bordering the Indian Ocean, including Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, and the Maldives, among others. The tsunamis struck with little warning, leading to massive loss of life, destruction of infrastructure, and long-lasting socio-economic consequences.
The immense scale of this disaster is reflected in the statistics. It was estimated that the tsunami waves reached heights of up to 100 feet in some areas and traveled at speeds of over 500 miles per hour. The death toll from the event reached unprecedented numbers, with an estimated 230,000 to 280,000 people losing their lives.
The Indian Ocean Tsunami brought global attention to the importance of early warning systems and disaster preparedness. In the aftermath of this catastrophic event, efforts were intensified to enhance international cooperation and establish effective early warning systems to minimize the impact of future tsunamis.
