twenty years later, the world has learned the lessons of the 2004 tragedy in the Indian Ocean

Twenty years later, the tragedy which struck a large area of ​​the Indian Ocean the day after Christmas 2004 remains anchored in memories. Who has not had their eyes glued to these images of rare violence, showing gigantic waves of nearly 30 meters crashing onto the coast of the Indian Ocean, in particular Indonesia, Thailand, Sri Lanka? Lanka and India, and carrying away men and buildings like wisps of straw? This tsunami remains the most intense and deadliest, with a number of deaths estimated at more than 225,000. A figure undoubtedly below reality. This unprecedented event has led to a profound questioning of the strategy of monitoring, warning and preparing populations.

« The 2004 tsunami was the trigger for many changes, including among researchers. Scientifically, it reframed us »remembers Hélène Hébert, then a postdoctoral student and who today coordinates the National Center…