Twenty years ago, on December 26, 2004, a devastating tsunami struck 14 countries, claiming over 230,000 lives.

Triggered by a 9.1 magnitude undersea earthquake off Indonesia, the waves reached speeds of 700 km/h and heights of 30 meters, destroying everything in their path.

Survivors like Balder Olafsen, who lost his mother and sister, and Supharat Srilao, who was separated from her son, recall the chaos and heartbreak of that day.

The tragedy highlighted the lack of warning systems in the Indian Ocean, leading to the development of global tsunami alert systems.

Today, survivors continue to share their stories, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and international cooperation to prevent such loss in the future.