Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 20 December 2024
Andaman and Nicobar Administration will solemnly observe the 20th anniversary of the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami on December 26, 2024, at the Tsunami Memorial, Andaman Water Sports Complex, Aberdeen.
The Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands will lead the commemoration by offering floral tributes at the Memorial, followed by other dignitaries paying homage to those who lost their lives in the disaster. An All-Religion Prayer Meeting (Sarva Dharma Prarthana Sabha) will also be conducted at the Memorial, symbolising unity and remembrance.
The Assistant Commissioner (Headquarters), South Andaman, has appealed to the general public, PRI Members, Heads of Departments, and Officers and Officials of the Andaman & Nicobar Administration to participate in the event. The main function will commence at 7:30 AM, and the public is encouraged to gather at the Memorial to honour the departed souls.
The 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, triggered by a massive undersea earthquake off the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia, was one of the deadliest natural disasters in recorded history. With a magnitude of 9.1–9.3, the earthquake unleashed a series of colossal waves that ravaged coastal areas across 14 countries, including India.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands bore the brunt of the catastrophe due to its proximity to the epicentre. Thousands of lives were lost, and thousands were displaced as entire villages were swept away. The southern group of islands suffered extensive destruction.
Nicobar Group of Islands, home to the Nicobarese tribal community, was particularly hard-hit, with villages left in ruins. The tsunami wiped out homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods, leaving survivors to rebuild from scratch. The islands’ geographic isolation compounded relief efforts, but the resilient spirit of the local communities and coordinated efforts by the administration and armed forces brought much-needed relief and reconstruction.
In the two decades since the disaster, significant progress has been made in disaster preparedness and infrastructure development in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Early warning systems, better communication networks, and disaster response training have been implemented to mitigate the impact of such calamities in the future. The annual observance of this day serves as a poignant reminder of the lives lost and a commitment to resilience and preparedness.
The 20th anniversary commemoration will reflect on the profound loss endured and honour the enduring strength of the communities that have rebuilt their lives in the wake of tragedy.