Janice R. Andrews
A survivor of the deadly 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami recalls the terrifying experience that claimed over 225,000 lives across Asia and Africa. On December 26, the tsunami, triggered by a powerful 9.1-magnitude earthquake off Indonesia, unleashed waves up to 100 feet high.
The survivor described the overwhelming roar of the approaching water and the immense force that destroyed entire towns. “It felt like the earth was striking back,” they recalled. Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, and Thailand were among the hardest-hit countries, with entire communities wiped out.
As the 20th anniversary approaches, this personal account serves as a poignant reminder of the need for disaster preparedness and resilience. Though significant rebuilding has taken place, the emotional scars of the tragedy continue to resonate deeply with those who lived through it.
