Sumatra Earthquake (2004)

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The 2004 Sumatra earthquake, also known as the Sumatra-Andaman earthquake, occurred on December 26, 2004, off the coast of northern Sumatra, Indonesia. It was a megathrust earthquake with a magnitude of 9.2–9.3 Mw, making it one of the most powerful ever recorded. The earthquake resulted from the Indian Plate subducting under the Burma Plate, causing a massive rupture along a 1,300 km fault line. This seismic event triggered a devastating tsunami that traveled across the Indian Ocean at speeds of up to 500 mph. The tsunami affected multiple countries, including Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, and others, resulting in nearly 230,000 deaths and widespread destruction. In Indonesia, particularly in Aceh, the tsunami waves reached heights of over 30 meters, causing catastrophic damage. The disaster prompted a global response, with significant aid efforts and the establishment of tsunami warning systems to prevent similar tragedies. The economic impact was profound, with estimated damages of over $14 billion. The event remains one of the deadliest natural disasters in history, leading to major advancements in disaster preparedness and management.