2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami

The 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake was a massive undersea seismic event measuring about magnitude 9.1–9.3, marking one of the strongest quakes ever recorded. It occurred off the west coast of northern Sumatra, Indonesia, and caused the seafloor to shift abruptly. This sudden movement generated a series of powerful tsunamis that radiated across the Indian Ocean, devastating coastal areas in countries like Indonesia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, India, and the Maldives. Over 230,000 lives were lost, and entire communities were displaced. The disaster highlighted the need for improved early warning systems and international cooperation for tsunami preparedness.