Indonesian Tsunami 2004

• Where was the epicentre of the EQ?

  The epicentre of the EQ was located in the Indian Ocean, 256km off Banda Aceh on Sumatra's west coast
• When and where did the EQ occur?

  It occurred on 26th December 2004 at 7:59AM local time in the Indian Ocean
• Why did the EQ happen?

  The Indio-Australian plate subducted below the Eurasian plate
• Why was there a tsunami?

  The EQ caused the seafloor to uplift, displacing the seawater above, creating a tsunami
• How large was the tsunami?

  In the open ocean, the tsunami measured less than 1m high. The tsunami travelled at speeds up to 800km per hour
• What was the magnitude of the EQ?

  9.1
• How many people died?

  250,000 people
• How many people were made homeless?

  2 million people
• What countries were most affected?

  Kalutara, Sri Lanka were badly hit with villages and tourist resorts flooded on the coast. The Indian state of Kerala was hit despite the shield of Sri Lanka due to refracting waves. Beach resorts on Phi Phi Island were decimated. Aceh province of Sumatra was most badly hit as it was closest to the epicentre
• What was the death toll in Indonesia?

  The death toll was 170,000 in Indonesia alone
• How many people were displaced?

  1.7 million people were displaced
• What were the economic effects of the EQ?

  Islands reliant on tourism and fishing, such as the Maldives, had to rebuild their industries. Many communities affected were dependent on the fishing industry (250,000 employed). 66% of the fishing fleet was lost. Loss of tourism as people are not returning for psychological reasons. Farming industries cannot operate productively as irrigation is difficult and fields are swamped by saltwater
• What were the environmental effects?

  Mangrove swamps helped to act as a barrier to reduce the energy of the water in some areas. Coastal ecosystems i.e. mangroves, coral reefs and forests were destroyed by the wave surge. Many more ecosystems polluted by human and chemical waste in the floodwater. Arable land was covered in salt - soil becomes infertile
• What was the short-term management?

  Short-term aid, such as water purification tablets, temporary housing and medical supplies were given from international countries. Huge amounts of humanitarian aid required to affected areas. A total of $14 billion was provided in aid. The US provided search and rescue teams. Aid came from UNICEF and Red Cross. Refugee camps and clinics set up by overseas aid workers
• What was the long-term management?

  An early warning system between countries surrounding the Indian Ocean has been set up. Development research into EQ/tsunami management/warning systems/drills. A tsunami warning system has been implemented in Thailand. 4,500 troops were mobilised to Singapore to help with the recovery