It’s been nearly 10 years since an earthquake off the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia sent a massive tsunami that devastated the island and damaged areas over 3,000 miles away.
The large wave hit hardest in Indonesia, Thailand, India and Sri Lanka, but also reached the shores of eastern Africa.
At least 280,000 people are dead or missing as a result of the wave that caused billions of dollars in damages.
And now ten years later, the people of Indonesia have worked hard to heal from this tragedy and rebuild their home.
These photos show the devastation and the progress made in 10 years.
This is Banda Aceh, 150 miles from the massive earthquake’s epicenter. The photo on the left was taken four days after the quake.
This ATM was submerged in a Holiday Inn pool nearby wrecked cars. It’s in the province of Phuket in Thailand, one of the hardest hit areas.
Did you notice the large boat at the top of the image? The photo was taken in Banda Aceh, Indonesia nearly two weeks after the earthquake. Ten years later, the boat that washed up onto people’s homes is still remembered.
This aerial shot shows the devastation caused by the Indian Ocean tsunami to the west of Aceh on Jan. 8, 2005.
The aerial shot was taken from a US Navy Seahawk helicopter from carrier USS Abraham Lincoln. Coastal Lampuuk made an incredible recovery as the 10-year anniversary approaches.
This earthquake was a 9.1 magnitude and the resulting tsunami reached a height of 30 meters, or 100 feet.
While this event reminds us of the power of nature, its also a perfect example of human resilience and determination. The global community flocked to the Indonesian region to provide whatever aid necessary to those left behind.
An event – “Hold Me Tight” will be held on Dec. 26 and Dec. 27 in the Phang-nga province to mark the anniversary with displays of wrecked fishing boats.
“The victims of the 2004 tsunami will not be forgotten. We want to express our heartfelt appreciation to both national and international organisations which worked hard to ease the suffering of victims and their families,” Foreign Ministry’s permanent secretary Sihasak Phuangketkaew told bangkokpost.com.