15 years of tsunami that destroyed Southeast Asia: "It still haunts me"

More than 230,000 people across the Indian Ocean perished in the 2004 disaster, which hit many communities in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thinald and many other countries. "Sometimes I dream the wave is coming, I'm still scared"

15 years of tsunami that destroyed Southeast Asia: "It still haunts me"

Communities across Asia today mark the 15th anniversary of the deadly tsunami that has claimed the lives of more than 230,000 people across the Indian Ocean. It was one of the deadliest natural disasters in the world, beginning after Christmas in 2004, with a terrific 9.1 magnitude earthquake north of Sumatra Island. The huge noise created tsunami waves, reaching 17.4 meters, and washed off vulnerable coastal areas in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand and nine other countries.

Memorial ceremonies took place in Aceh province, Indonesia, where entire villages were raided and more than 125,000 people perished. Since the disaster, the district has been largely rebuilt, with more than 25,000 residential, commercial, government and school buildings rebuilt, though the district is in danger of frequent earthquakes.

Memorial ceremony for the 2004 tsunami victims in Chennai, India (Photo: Reuters)

Memorial ceremony for 2004 tsunami victims in Chennai City, India, December 26, 2019 (Photo: Reuters)

In Thailand, where more than 5,300 people, including tourists visiting the resort, were killed in a memorial ceremony, calling for awareness raising and disaster preparedness. "The government wants to upgrade safety standards and create awareness in all sectors to prepare and protect residents from disasters," Deputy Interior Minister Nipon Bunyamani said at the opening ceremony. He added that on December 26, the National Accident Prevention Day was marked.

Later, foreign officials placed a memorial center in Fang Nga County, to pay tribute to King Nomi Bumi Jensen, who was riding a motorcycle off the coast at the time of the tsunami.

"It still haunts me, I remember it all the time," said Swani of Liwan, 28, who lost her parents and five of her relatives when the waves hit Fang Nga province. "Sometimes I dream that the wave is coming, I'm still scared. Sometimes I want to move elsewhere, but it's impossible. I was born here, my parents died here."

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The area is almost completely destroyed. Destruction in Banda Aceh province, Indonesia, after the tsunami (Photo: AP)

Demolition in Banda Aceh province, Indonesia, after tsunami, December 30, 2004 (Photo: AP)

In addition, an interfaith prayer service will be held in memory of Muslim, Christian and Buddhist victims. Survivors from Ban Nam Kam, the Thai village most severely affected by the disaster and lost about 1,400 people, will light memorial candles in the evening.

Even in India, where more than ten thousand people were killed, and in Sri Lanka, where more than 35,000 people were killed, survivors performed memorial services.

Memorial ceremony in Bengal Bay in India (Photo: Reuters)

Memorial ceremony for the 2004 tsunami killed in Bengal Bay, India, December 26, 2019 (Photo: Reuters)

Chennai memorial ceremony in India (Photo: Reuters)

Memorial ceremony for the 2004 tsunami killings, Chennai City, India, December 26, 2019 (Photo: Reuters)