Case study: Indian Ocean Tsunami
2004
Indian Ocean Tsunami 2004
Title:
The Impact and Response to the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami
Introduction
On December 26, 2004, one of the deadliest natural disasters in recorded history struck
the Indian Ocean region. Triggered by a massive undersea earthquake of magnitude 9.1–9.3
off the west coast of Northern Sumatra, the resulting tsunami caused catastrophic
destruction across multiple countries, including Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and the
Maldives. The tsunami claimed over 230,000 lives and displaced millions, with far-reaching
economic, social, and environmental impacts.
The underlying causes
On 26 December 2004 there was a massive and sudden movement of the Earth’s crust
under the Indian Ocean. This earthquake was recorded at magnitude 9 on the Richter
Scale and as it happened under the ocean, caused a devastating sea wave called a
tsunami.
The epicentre of the earthquake occurred 200 kilometres west of the island of Sumatra in
the Indian Ocean. The earthquake itself was caused by the subduction of the Indo-
Australian plate under the Eurasian plate.
As the Indian plate (part of the Indo-Australian plate) moved underneath the Burma plate
(part of the Eurasian plate) the crustal rocks stuck as they moved past one another. At
08:00 local time, the pressure build up was too great and the crustal rocks snapped,
causing an earthquake.
When this happened the sea floor was pushed upwards displacing a huge volume of
water and creating the devastating tsunami waves.
Problem/Challenge
The 2004 tsunami revealed numerous critical challenges in the areas of disaster
preparedness, infrastructure resilience, and rapid-response mechanisms.
1. Lack of Early Warning Systems:
The Indian Ocean did not have a coordinated tsunami warning system, unlike the
Pacific Ocean, which had such a system in place since the 1940s. This lack of foresight
and preparedness resulted in communities remaining unaware of the impending
danger. The lack of warning, especially in coastal villages, directly contributed to the
high casualty rate.
2. Severe Infrastructure Damage:
Coastal infrastructure, including homes, roads, hospitals, and ports, suffered
extensive damage. The waves swept through communities, demolishing structures and
making rescue operations challenging. Essential services like electricity and clean
water were disrupted, creating additional risks for survivors.
3. Massive Displacement and Homelessness:
In the worst-affected areas, including Aceh (Indonesia) and coastal parts of Tamil
Nadu (India), millions were displaced from their homes. The loss of homes and entire
neighborhoods led to urgent needs for shelter, food, and clean water. Temporary
refugee camps quickly formed, but conditions were often crowded and unsanitary.
4. Health Risks and Sanitation:
The immediate risk of waterborne diseases like cholera and dysentery was high due to
contaminated water supplies and poor sanitation conditions in camps. Survivors
suffered physical injuries, malnutrition, and psychological trauma. Medical teams and
resources were stretched thin in meeting these urgent needs.
5. Economic and Environmental Impact:
The tsunami decimated local economies. For instance, fishing industries in Sri Lanka
and Thailand saw massive losses, as boats and equipment were destroyed. The
tourism sector in countries like Thailand and the Maldives suffered as well.
Environmentally, the tsunami damaged coral reefs, mangrove forests, and agricultural
land through seawater intrusion, which affected coastal ecosystems for years.
Impact on landscape and population
Landscape
Some smaller islands in the Indian Ocean were completely destroyed.
Coastal buildings were completely destroyed making people homeless.
Fishing villages were completely destroyed.
Lines of communication, including phone lines, were cut off.
Electricity power lines were cut off.
Roads and railways were destroyed.
Fires broke out due to severed water pipes.
People
Approximately 250,000 people are estimated to have been killed, including many tourists
on the beaches of Thailand.
There was an outbreak of diseases such as cholera due to a lack of fresh water supplies.
There was a lack of food as many fish died and farms were destroyed.
Thousands of people were made homeless.
Thousands of people lost their jobs as tourist hotels in Thailand were destroyed and
fishing vessels were washed ashore.
Immediate Response Efforts
Search and Rescue Operations: Countries sent search teams to locate survivors and manage
injuries.
Medical Aid and Disease Prevention: Mobile medical facilities and emergency supplies were
deployed, while clean water and sanitation stations were set up in crowded camps to prevent
disease.
Distribution of Essentials: Humanitarian agencies distributed food, water, and blankets.
Temporary shelters were established.
Psychosocial Support: Counselors provided support, especially for children, to address
trauma and loss.
Long-Term Recovery and Rehabilitation
Reconstruction: Coastal infrastructure was rebuilt with disaster-resistant materials and
designs, focusing on homes, schools, and hospitals.
Economic Recovery: Fishermen received boats and equipment, while small businesses were
given grants and loans.
Environmental Rehabilitation: Damaged coral reefs and mangrove forests were restored to
help protect coastlines.
Capacity Building: Governments trained disaster response teams and developed local
emergency plans
Preparedness Measures
Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning System: Established in 2006, this system includes seismic
monitoring, tsunami buoys, and tide gauges to provide real-time alerts.
Public Awareness and Education: Coastal communities now undergo regular evacuation drills
and education on recognizing natural tsunami warning signs.
Community-Based Disaster Preparedness: Local response teams, evacuation routes, and safe
zones are maintained, helping communities react quickly.
Improved Infrastructure and Natural Barriers: Elevated housing and protection of mangrove
forests provide resilience against future disasters.
Conclusion
The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami was an unprecedented disaster that had devastating effects
across multiple countries. It underscored the importance of disaster preparedness,
international cooperation, and resilient infrastructure. While the response and recovery
efforts were successful in many ways, the tragedy also highlighted the need for continuous
improvements in early warning, community preparedness, and post-disaster support.
