On the 26th of December 2004 at exactly 07:58:53, a 9.3 magnitude earthquake struck the West Coast of Northern Sumatra, Indonesia, resulting in the third largest tsunamis to ever take place.
The Indian Ocean Tsunami
As this image shows, the earthquake first struck in Indonesia and the tsunami progressed towards Tamil Nadu (India), Sri Lanka and Thailand. This resulted in an estimated 227,898 deaths in 14 countries but nearly 250,000 missing people are yet to be found.
The Effect on Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka was deeply affected by the tsunami, destroying the lives and cultures of at least 35,000 people. As well as this, nearly 90,000 buildings and wooden homes were demolished after being flooded with waves.
The reason I decided to focus on this country is because I am Sri Lankan and so are my family and friends. During the time of my tsunami, my parents and older brother lived in Sri Lanka and witnessed this disaster. I am so incredibly fortunate to say that they survived and are able to tell me their story today.
At the top of this article, you will find a short audio recording which will hopefully give you an insight as to what it was like to be a part of such a horrifying event like that.
And, if my parents are reading this, thank you so much for taking the time out of your day to share your experience.
By Simra Naslin