2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami (19 years ago)

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In summary, the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, which occurred on December 26, was one of the deadliest natural disasters in history. Triggered by a massive undersea earthquake with a magnitude of 9.1-9.3 off the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia, it generated powerful tsunamis that affected countries around the Indian Ocean, including Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, and Thailand. The disaster resulted in over 230,000 deaths, displacing millions and causing extensive damage to infrastructure and communities. The event highlighted the need for improved tsunami warning systems and international disaster response efforts.
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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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FAQ: 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami (19 years ago)

What caused the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami?

The 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake was caused by the subduction of the Indian Plate beneath the Burma Plate. This tectonic activity resulted in a massive undersea earthquake with a magnitude of 9.1 to 9.3, which subsequently triggered a series of devastating tsunamis across the Indian Ocean region.

How high were the waves generated by the tsunami?

The tsunami waves generated by the earthquake reached heights of up to 30 meters (about 100 feet) in some areas, particularly along the western coast of Sumatra, Indonesia. The waves traveled across the Indian Ocean, inundating coastal areas in multiple countries.

Which countries were affected by the tsunami?

The tsunami affected several countries bordering the Indian Ocean, including Indonesia, Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Myanmar, and parts of Africa such as Somalia. The widespread impact resulted in significant loss of life and destruction of property in these regions.

What were the immediate effects of the tsunami?

The immediate effects of the tsunami included widespread destruction of coastal infrastructure, loss of life, and displacement of millions of people. It is estimated that over 230,000 people lost their lives, and countless others were injured or left homeless as entire communities were swept away by the waves.

What measures have been taken to prevent future tsunamis?

In the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami, significant efforts have been made to improve tsunami warning systems, including the establishment of the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System (IOTWMS). Countries have invested in better monitoring of seismic activity, public education on tsunami preparedness, and the development of evacuation plans to mitigate the impact of future tsunamis.

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