On December 26, 2004, the Indian Ocean tsunami unleashed its fury, leaving behind devastation and tragedy across South and Southeast Asia. This year marks the 20th anniversary of one of the deadliest natural disasters in recorded history, which claimed more than 230,000 lives, displacing about 1.7 million people. Survivors from the hardest-hit areas, particularly Thailand and Indonesia, are still grappling with the haunting memories of the disaster and its aftermath.
Early on the fateful Sunday morning, Neungduangjai Sritrakarn, then just 20 years old, was jolted from her sleep by her mother, who sensed something was amiss. They had only minutes to escape from their home on the Andaman Sea coast of Thailand as the tsunami approached. "There were bodies everywhere," Neungduangjai recalled, describing how her family just managed to flee their village of Ban Nam Khem before the turbulent waters surged ashore, altering their lives forever.
The wall of water, taller than her home, crashed down on her village, devastating the shrimp farm where her family lived and worked. Despite losing five relatives, including her grandparents, Neungduangjai has rebuilt her life, running a bar and restaurant where her family once thrived. "I’m still scared, but I have to live with it, because it’s my home," she said, reflecting on the bittersweet nature of her resilience.
Thousands of miles away, Saudah, whose youngest son Muhammad Siddiq was just six at the time of the tsunami, is still haunted by his disappearance. Living on the island of Sumatra, the waves swept Saudah and her family from the mosque to the treetops. "I laid down holding Siddiq tight and I thought it was just wind,” she recalled with trembling emotions. Although she was separated from him, Saudah continues to maintain hope, believing he may still be alive and on his way home.
The scale of destruction was staggering: the tsunami struck at coastal communities along the Indian Ocean, including Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, and Thailand, killing approximately 230,000 individuals. It was not only the immediate death toll but the psychological scars and fragmented families left behind. For many, like Nahrawi Noerdin, the event prompted action. "After the tsunami, I was alone. My entire family was gone," he stated, sharing how he dedicated himself to volunteering to help other survivors cope with their losses.
The aftermath led to major changes and improvements along these coasts, with survivors working to rebuild their lives and infrastructures. Two decades on, cities like Banda Aceh have been restored, and tourism has returned to Thailand's Andaman coastline. Yet, as communities fully rebuilt themselves, fear and trauma still fester. Survivors find triggers around every corner—an earthquake alert, the sound of sirens, or even the sight of the ocean can cause panic reminiscent of the traumatic waves of loss.
"Even now, if there’s an announcement from the government on TV, or whatever, about earthquakes, everyone will be spooked," said Sanya Kongma, assistant to Ban Nam Khem’s village chief. The frequency of annual tsunami evacuation drills can instill a sense of vigilance but can also serve as stark reminders of the past for many. Somneuk Chuaykerd, who lost her son, admits, "The siren freezes me up every time and sends my heartbeat racing. It’s so scary.”
The coastal areas have implemented protective measures, including evacuation routes and tsunami shelters. Education programs have also been created to inform residents about the signs to look for when at risk. Augus Salim, who recognized the retreating ocean on the day of the tsunami, provided warnings to those around him—foreshadowing the bridge from fear to awareness. “I screamed at people around me, but they were still calm, they weren’t panicking yet," he remembers. Today, his community is certified as tsunami-ready under UNESCO initiatives, boasting regular drills and preparedness plans.
Despite these advancements, Abdul Rahem, who lost his entire family, acknowledges the persistent shadows of grief. Memories of his loved ones feel fresh, and he has worked hard to educate his children about the dangers of tsunamis, so they are prepared. Living on the coast with three daughters, he points to their disconnect from fears, saying, “If someone asked us to live in the mountains, we’d have nothing, no way to live.”
Experts advocate for continued education and preparedness as many coastal regions remain vulnerable. The UN has set goals for all at-risk communities to be prepared by 2030. Though the scars of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami are indelibly etched on the hearts and minds of its survivors, the unity and resilience they show may one day help prevent similar tragedies from occurring.
