8The 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami
On December 26, 2004, a 9.1-9.3 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia, triggering a massive tsunami that devastated coastal regions across 14 countries, including Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. The waves reached heights of up to 100 feet, sweeping away entire communities. The disaster claimed the lives of approximately 230,000 to 280,000 people, making it one of the deadliest natural disasters in modern history. In addition to the staggering loss of life, the tsunami displaced millions of people and caused widespread damage to infrastructure, economies, and ecosystems.
