The earthquake and tsunami of 26 December 2004: 20 years ago the tragedy that shocked the Indian Ocean

On December 26, 2004, a magnitude 9.3 earthquake with its epicenter off the coast of Sumatrain Indonesiabegot one tsunami devastating that affected numerous countries bordering the Indian Ocean. The event, one of the most powerful ever recorded in recorded history, caused waves up to 30 meters high, crashing into coasts stretching from East Africa to Australia, leaving destruction and death in its wake.

The human toll was catastrophic: over 230 thousand victims, millions of displaced people and incalculable damage. The most affected nations were Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India e Thailandwhere entire communities were wiped out in a matter of minutes. The impact was also felt in East Africa, thousands of kilometers away, demonstrating the devastating force of the tsunami.

The tragedy also revealed gaps in early warning systems in the region. Subsequently, the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning System was established to monitor seismic activity and prevent similar disasters in the future. The 2004 event was not only a tragedy, but also a powerful reminder of humanity's vulnerability in the face of the forces of nature.

Ceremonies in Asia

Ceremonies have begun across Asia in memory of the victims of one of the worst natural disasters in human history. In Indonesia's Aceh province, where more than 100,000 people were killed, a siren sounded for 3 minutes at the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque, followed by Islamic prayers to kick off a series of memorials planned across the region.