On December 26, 2004, the third largest earthquake in the world struck Sumatra, Indonesia with a force of 9.1 magnitude. Shaking from the earthquake was felt in many parts of South Asia and even in parts of China. One of the most devastating elements of this disaster was the tsunami that was generated by the quake. In total, about 228,000 people were killed; missing or presumed dead and nearly 2 million people were displaced by the events in close to 14 countries. This tsunami and earthquake caused more casualties than any other in recorded history. Landslides became a major issue in Sumatra. Also, mud volcano’s and gas emissions were issues that surrounding countries were faced with as a result of this disaster. (U.S department of, 2011)

Warning systems for tsunamis and earthquakes were not yet developed in Sumatra. The strongest shaking from the quake occurred on the island of Simuelue off the coast Sumatra. People in this area found themselves being thrown to the ground by the incredibly strong shock.  Modern buildings collapsed from not being built to withhold the effects of such a strong earthquake. Landslides were also triggered and even the older buildings that were built lower to the ground suffered some minor cracks in the foundation. Some of the indications that a major disaster was on the rise was the receding sea level. Many did not realize the danger of this earthquake or disaster till after the events happened. While some people took to higher ground to save themselves from the tsunami coming in, some rushed to witness and collect the dead fish washed up on shore. Those who did not take the proper safety precautions were in great danger and the end result was only fatal. Fatalities were high and the damage was prevalent. Large sections of surrounding cities of Sumatra were completely destroyed by the tsunami. An incident was reported where a shark was found in an indoor swimming pool once the water level went down. The Indonesian Police and Army did their best to clear out the thousands of bodies killed from this disaster. They cornered off all areas that were strongly affected to keep those who were not injured away from the damage. Buses and cars were washed out to sea, while tourist areas were greatly affected as well. (ASC India, 2008)

As alarms signaled the strong earthquake the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) acted quickly in hopes they could warn the people in surrounding areas that an earthquake and tsunami were quick to occur. In Hawaii the NOAA Pacific Tsunami Warning Center sent an information bullet out reading an earthquake had occurred in Sumatra, Indonesia. Even though the quake was a strong one, it was not a threat to the U.S or some of the other Pacific islands. As noted by the director of the NOAA Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory, Eddie N. Bernard; “As with any natural hazard, education and warnings are essential. If people know what a tsunami is, what causes it, and what to do in case it happens, fewer lives may be lost.” The Indian Tri-Services, which include the, Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and the Indian Navy; went to Sumatra to provide emergency support. Other parts of the Indian government provided relief material to all areas in need. Indonesia needed all the support they could get to help recover from the earth shattering earthquake and tsunami. (Goldman, 2004)

U.S Department of Interior, U.S Geological Survey. (2011). Magnitude 9.1- off the west coast of northern sumatra Washington, DC: Government Printint Office. Retrieved from http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eqinthenews/2004/us2004slav/#summary

(U.S Department of, 2011)

Asc India, . (2008, February 22). M9.1 sumatra -andaman earthquake and tsunami 2004 [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://asc-india.org/lib/20041226-sumatra.htm

(Asc India, 2008)

Goldman, J. U.S Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (2004). Noaa reacts quickly to indonesian tsunami Washington, DC: Government Printing Office. Retrieved from http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2004/s2357.htm

(Goldman, 2004)