In brief
A survivor recounts their near-miss experience and the massive impact of the tsunami that changed countless lives.
On Boxing Day 2004, a survivor reflects on the terrifying moments before a tsunami struck while they were aboard a ferry to Havelock in the Andaman Islands. Just as the boat left the dock, an earthquake shook the region, triggering a catastrophic tsunami resulting from a 9.1 magnitude quake. With water walls reaching up to 15 meters, the disaster claimed an estimated 228,000 lives across multiple countries, including over 7,000 in the islands. While the survivor and other passengers were mostly unaware of the destruction, they soon returned to a Port Blair devastated by the waves. Amid ruins and personal tragedies, a daunting relief effort began as survivors shared heart-wrenching stories of loss. The events of that day left scars on the region and a legacy of resilience among its people.
