This enormous wave was triggered by a powerful earthquake beneath the Indian Ocean. The earthquake was measured at a magnitude of 9.1 on the Richter scale, originating 18 miles below the ocean’s surface due to the collision of two tectonic plates. This ranks it as the third largest earthquake globally since 1900.
The epicenter was located just off the coast of Indonesia’s Sumatra island.
While the earthquake was significant, the ensuing tsunami was the true cause of destruction, particularly affecting regions like India and Indonesia. The impact extended beyond Indonesia, with countries such as Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, the Maldives, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Thailand all reporting tremors from the quake.
Within just 20 minutes, waves began to strike the shores of nearby islands.
In the Aceh province of Northern Sumatra, Indonesia, waves reached heights of 167 feet, resulting in flooding that extended three miles inland.
Following this devastating event, around 227,899 individuals were either confirmed dead or missing and presumed dead, including both locals and tourists.
The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami thus stands as the deadliest tsunami recorded in history.
Moreover, over 1.7 million people were displaced, and the total estimated damages reached approximately $13 billion.
What eventually became the deadliest tsunami in history astonishingly began with a few small waves.
Even more surprisingly, an unsuspecting tourist managed to capture these first waves on video.
“But then, look, waves.”
He gestures toward the sea where some moderate waves have started to form.
Soon, the waves take on a more serious appearance, even toppling a beach chair. A boat is observed rocking as tourists begin to vacate the beach.
Julian Hadden, who shared the video on YouTube a decade ago, reassured viewers that everyone in the footage survived the tsunami.
In the caption, he stated: “In response to the many questions – all of us featured in this video are still alive.
“We were on the landward side of the island of Koh Ngai, Thailand, so didn’t get a direct hit – rather the wave as it washed around the island.”