Tsunami Disaster

The Tsunami Disaster that hit Asia on December 26 2004 resulted in tremendous loss of life and mass destruction.

The tsunami disaster resulted in the deaths of more than 200,000 people in 13 countries. The northern tip of Sumatra in Indonesia was the worst affected area, it is believed some coastal villages lost more than 70% of their population. At least 44% of the population lost their livelihoods since a great majority of people in the Aceh province depend on fishing and agriculture. The tsunami disaster left over 128,000 people dead and 37,000 still missing in this area. Approximately 500,000 people were left homeless. More than six months later bodies and remains are still being recovered due to the biggest tsunami disaster in recent history.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka was the second worst hit by the tsunami disaster. 31,000 people were reported dead and more than 4,000 missing. In Telewatta more than 800 people alone were killed when a passenger train was ravaged by the disaster. More than 400,000 people are estimated to have lost their jobs due to the loss of fishing boats, crops and farms left in the path of the tsunami.

Indian South East Coast

This was the hardest hit area of the mainland. Over 8,850 people were confirmed dead as the tsunami effects were felt as far as three kilometres inland. The India Amaman and Nicobar islands were also greatly influenced by the biggest tsunami. As many as 1,900 islanders were confirmed dead and as many as 55,500 were reported missing from a total island population of at least 400,000. The disaster caused massive destruction; the island was greatly affected as their fresh water sources were contaminated by salt water. More than 600 kilometres of road and the substantial damage to over 14 bridges contributed to the hardship felt by the islanders because of the tsunami.

Thailand

This vacation Mecca generates 40% of the countries 10 billion dollar tourism industry. The tsunami destroyed the area leaving more than 5,300 residents confirmed dead, including more than 2,200 tourists from 36 countries. More than 2,800 people are still missing.

Maldives

This area consisted of over 199 inhabited islands 20 of them were completely demolished by the disaster. Over 81 people reported dead.

Malaysia

The tsunami left at least 68 people dead.

Burma

The official death toll was reported at 61 but due too many isolated fishing and farming families is thought to be much greater.

Bangladesh

Two reported dead by the biggest tsunami.

Somalia

The tsunami reached as far as Somalia resulting in a death toll between 150 to 200 people but believed to be much higher due to many fishermen missing.

Kenya

1 person reported died.

Tanzania

10 reported dead

Seychelles

1 person died.

Due to the enormous aftermath of the disaster the world health organization estimates that over 5 million people were left without basic human needs. The death toll was heightened by the risk of diseases such as dysentery, malaria, respiratory infections and diarrhoea that threatened remaining inhabitants

Days after the tsunami disaster people struggled to stay alive, as the risk of another wave remained a looming threat. Hospitals were chaotic scenes of panic, looting was rampant, and bodies littered the streets. Mass burials and cremations were commonplace as villagers ran out of room to line their dead. Due to the enormity of this catastrophe severe mental trauma will forever affect thousands who watched as their homes and loved ones were swept out to sea.