The 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake caused a devastating tsunami that killed over 150,000 people across 11 countries. The earthquake occurred off the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia on December 26, 2004 and had been building forces underground for hundreds of years. When the earthquake struck, it unleashed giant killer waves that spread across the Indian Ocean at jet speeds, crashing into coastal areas and causing widespread destruction and loss of life in Indonesia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, India, and other countries.

1. DESTRUCTIO
N
CAUSED
BY TSUNAMI

3. The 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake was an under sea
mega thrust earthquake that occurred at
00:58:53 UTC on Sunday, 26 December 2004, with
an Epicenter off the west coast of Sumatra
,Indonesia. The quake itself is known by the scientific
community as the Sumatra–Andaman earthquake .
The resulting tsunami is given various names,
including the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, South
Asian tsunami, Indonesian tsunami, and Boxing Day
tsunami.

4. Giant forces that had been building up deep in the
Earth for hundreds of years were released suddenly
on December 26,2004, shaking the ground violently
and unleashing a series of killer waves that sped
across the Indian Ocean at the speed of a jet airliner.
By the end of the day more than 150,000 people were
dead or missing and millions more were homeless in
11 countries, making it perhaps the most destructive
tsunami in history.

7. Safety Tips
*When in coastal areas, stay alert for tsunami
warnings.
*Plan an evacuation route that leads to higher
ground.
*Know the warning signs of a tsunami: rapidly rising
or falling coastal waters and rumblings of an offshore
earthquake.
*Never stay near shore to watch a tsunami come in.
*A tsunami is a series of waves. Do not return to an
affected coastal area until authorities say it is safe.

8. *If you are at the beach and see the tide receding strangely and
completely, evacuate immediately; this is not an invitation to
investigate but one to run in the opposite direction.
*Teach children to recognize the signs of an impending tsunami. Ten
year old Tilly Smith saved her family and other lives in the 2004
tsunami because she listened in geography class.
*As you move very quickly, away from the sea, warn as many people as
possible whilst doing so. Shout clearly and loudly "Tsunami! Head for
high ground!" without stopping your own evacuation. Once the tide
suddenly recedes, it is likely that you have only a couple of minutes at
best before the tsunami arrives.

9. *Evacuate your children, too. Strive to stay together. Give clear
instructions, and make sure they know where to gather if you
become separated .Teach your children in advance how to give
themselves their best chance of survive if separated.
*If a distant tsunami is detected, major cities are alerted a few
hours or less before the tsunami hits. Heed these warnings!
*The first time you hear of a tsunami coming, grab your
emergency kits and drive inland to a city/town where and stay
there until the "all clear" is announced by authorities
*Whenever you hear an official warning of tsunami, don't ignore it
or delay responding. Be ready to evacuate the area, and seek high,
inland sanctuary