2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami (19 years ago)

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The 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake, measuring between 8.0 and 9.3 in magnitude, was one of the most powerful earthquakes recorded, particularly affecting Asia. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center initially underestimated its magnitude and lacked instrumentation in the Indian Ocean, leading to delayed warnings. The earthquake's epicenter was located between Simeulue and mainland Sumatra, and it resulted in significant geological effects, including vibrations felt globally and the triggering of distant earthquakes. The event lasted between eight and ten minutes, causing widespread devastation and generating a tsunami that impacted several countries. Some nations, like Mauritius and Madagascar, received timely warnings, allowing for evacuations. The earthquake is noted for its extensive video documentation available online, marking a significant moment in disaster response and media coverage.
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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.
 
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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