20 Years after The 2004 Tsunami, People Gathered in Various Nations to Mourn The Loss of Lives

A fine morning when people were busy with their scheduled tasks and hustle, raised sirens that warned people of a larger wave. Unbothered, people worked on their tasks. However, soon the waves swept away people and houses. The cause was a 9.1 magnitude earthquake that occurred near Sumatra Island in Indonesia. The magnitude was so strong that long waves were formed from the faultline. This resulted in the initiation of Tsunamis in India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and nine other countries. The worst-hit nations, Sri Lanka and Indonesia witnessed a higher number of deaths.

Alone, north Sumatra claimed close to 120,000 lives, making it one of the worst-hit nations. Survived people recall the horrific incident and how they managed to escape the situation. People across the world have come forward to mourn the loss of their loved ones after 20 years of the incident.

The 2004 Tsunami caused the ocean floor to open more than 1200 km which led to the release of air bubbles, sent in various directions. These air bubbles converted into massive waves that affect the nearing shores. The amount of energy released through the ocean floor crack is equivalent to 23,000 times of Hiroshima Nuclear bombing.

It has been 20 years since the devastating incident and the year 2024 marks the mourning of the victims. Thailand placed pictures of the victims on the Tsunami Memorial wall on December 26th to bid an emotional farewell to their loved ones. In Indonesia, a girl named Aisha was seen performing prayers for her parents in Ulee Lheue, a massive grave where the victims are laid to rest.

The popular train Queen of Seas arrives with the families of the victims near a special monument to commemorate the loss of the loved ones. Pereliya in Sri Lanka is located close to the sea, which swept away many people in the deadly 2004 Tsunami. A picture of candles on the mass grave of Pereliya has also reached a sensation on social media.

The loss could never be forgotten as people were not just swept away but the survivors had limited access to food and shelter. The rescue operations took close to 15 days keeping the victims stranded in difficult situations.

Some of the precautions added post the incident included warning systems which are deployed in Naval ships and can detect any form of large waves from a long proximity. These ships send the message to the coast guards who then process it to the officials present on the shore. Moreover, safe houses near the shores are built to safeguard the people living in low-lying areas. 2004 Tsunami engraved pain and fear among the survivors. While for others, a hope remains intact to never be a part of such feared calamity.