1996 Indian Ocean Earthquake and Tsunami

The 1996 Indian Ocean Earthquake occurred on July 17, registering a magnitude of 7.5 off the coast of the island of Sumatra, Indonesia. This powerful quake triggered a tsunami that affected nearby coastal areas, leading to significant destruction, particularly in Indonesia and parts of the Indian Ocean region. While communities experienced considerable damage and loss of life, the response was complicated by the region's geography and infrastructure. The event highlighted the importance of tsunami preparedness and monitoring, ultimately contributing to advancements in early warning systems for future seismic events and associated tsunamis in the area.