Indonesian tsunami of 2004

The 2004 Indonesian tsunami occurred on December 26, triggered by a massive undersea earthquake with a magnitude of 9.1–9.3 off the west coast of northern Sumatra. The quake caused the seafloor to suddenly uplift, displacing a huge volume of water and generating a series of powerful waves that traveled across the Indian Ocean at high speeds. These waves inundated coastal areas in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, and beyond, causing devastating destruction and loss of life. This event is one of the deadliest tsunamis in recorded history, highlighting the importance of early warning systems and preparedness for seismic and oceanic disasters.