2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami (19 years ago)

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I discovered a video in which various people discuss what they witnessed that day - including some survivors.

At the time, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii detected a large earthquake, but initially underestimated the magnitude (M 8.0). Furthermore, they had no instrumentation in the Indian Ocean, so they had no idea where or what happened, nor whether a tsunami wave was generated. They later get a number of 8.5 Mag. They later get an email from colleagues at Harvard who indicate Mag 8.9. The did not know who to call in Indonesia, Thailand or Sri Lanka, and it was too late by the time a warning was issued; they eventually warned the US State Department who contacted nations along the E Coast of Africa. Mauritius and Madagascar got enough warning that people had time to evacuate the eastern coastline.



Some estimates put the earthquake at 9.1-9.3 Mag.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004_Indian_Ocean_earthquake_and_tsunami
It was the most powerful earthquake ever recorded in Asia, the most powerful earthquake in the 21st century, and at least the third most powerful earthquake ever recorded in the world since modern seismography began in 1900. It had the longest duration of faulting ever observed, between eight and ten minutes. It caused the planet to vibrate as much as 10 mm (0.4 in), and also remotely triggered earthquakes as far away as Alaska. Its epicentre was between Simeulue and mainland Sumatra.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004_Indian_Ocean_earthquake_and_tsunami#Earthquake
 
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I remember this devastation. It was one of the first major earthquake events that was able to have quite a bit of video footage available on the internet.
 
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Greg Bernhardt said:
I remember this devastation. It was one of the first major earthquake events that was able to have quite a bit of video footage available on the internet.
One of the discussions we had that day
https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/big-sumatra-quake-wave-hits-sri-lanka-india.57841/

A more recent discussion of the tsunami resulting from the 26 Dec 2004, Mag 9.1 earthquake near Sumatra.
https://www.usgs.gov/centers/pcmsc/science/tsunami-generation-2004-m91-sumatra-andaman-earthquake
 
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What caused the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami?

The 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami were triggered by a massive undersea earthquake off the west coast of Northern Sumatra, Indonesia. The earthquake occurred along a subduction zone where the Indian Plate was being forced beneath the Burma Plate. This tectonic movement caused a rupture along the fault line, releasing a tremendous amount of energy and displacing a large volume of water, which resulted in the tsunami.

How powerful was the earthquake, and what was its impact?

The earthquake that occurred on December 26, 2004, was one of the most powerful ever recorded, with a magnitude of approximately 9.1-9.3. This massive earthquake caused widespread devastation across 14 countries bordering the Indian Ocean. The most severe damage was in Indonesia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, India, and the Maldives. The total death toll was estimated to be between 230,000 and 280,000 people, making it one of the deadliest natural disasters in recorded history.

What areas were most affected by the tsunami?

The areas most affected by the tsunami included the northern Sumatra region of Indonesia, particularly the province of Aceh, coastal regions of Thailand, the eastern coast of Sri Lanka, the southeastern coast of India, and the Maldives. These regions suffered significant loss of life, extensive damage to infrastructure, and widespread displacement of populations.

How did the international community respond to the disaster?

The international response to the 2004 tsunami was unprecedented. Countries around the world offered aid in the form of financial support, medical teams, relief supplies, and reconstruction expertise. International organizations, NGOs, and private donors also contributed significantly. This global effort helped stabilize the affected regions, provided necessary humanitarian aid, and assisted in the long-term rebuilding process.

What were the long-term effects of the tsunami on the affected regions?

The long-term effects of the tsunami included significant changes to the landscape and environment, such as altered coastlines and destroyed ecosystems. Economically, many of the affected areas faced years of recovery as they rebuilt industries like tourism and fishing. Socially and psychologically, the impact was profound, with many communities dealing with loss and trauma. However, the disaster also led to improvements in disaster preparedness and early warning systems in the Indian Ocean region.

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