Fatshimetrie: Commemorating the 20th anniversary of the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami
Twenty years after the devastating disaster that struck the Indian Ocean in 2004, commemorations have taken place across the region, recalling the tragedy that claimed the lives of thousands of people. In the Thai village of Ban Nam Khem, which was hard hit by the tsunami, about 300 people attended interfaith prayers. In India, hundreds of people gathered in Chennai, where the tsunami killed 10,749 people. Fishing communities, particularly hard hit, paid tribute to the victims by lighting candles and praying. Two decades later, the scars of this tragedy remain visible.
Although time has passed, memories of this ordeal remain vivid for many survivors and families of the victims. The commemoration of this anniversary is an opportunity to remember and pay tribute to those who lost their lives in this unprecedented tragedy. The images of interfaith prayers and candle lighting ceremonies in Ban Nam Khem reflect the resilience and solidarity of the affected communities.
The 2004 tsunami left a profound impact on many countries in the region, and the lessons learned from this disaster have been fundamental to strengthening early warning systems and disaster prevention measures. Significant progress has been made in establishing early warning systems and disaster preparedness, but much remains to be done to ensure the safety of coastal communities in the face of such events.
On this occasion of commemoration, it is essential to reflect on the lessons learned from this disaster and to continue working together to strengthen the resilience of coastal communities and reduce the risks of natural disasters. Remembering the lives lost and the courage of the survivors, we commit to continuing efforts to prevent such tragedies from happening again in the future.