2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake And Tsunami

2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake an Tsunami Author Name Institution Name On December 26, 2004, a severe earthquake struck off the coast of Sumatra with a magnitude of 9.1. After a few hours, a tsunami reached out the Indian Ocean and killed nearly 215,000 people in Thailand, Maldives, India, Sri Lanka and Indonesia. Hundreds of women and children were reported missing in India and Sri Lanka, and the Maldives and Thailand reported over 200 casualties and immense economic damages. Previously, it was believed that the magnitude of the earthquake was 8.8. However, in February 2005, experts claimed that its magnitude was 9.1. More than 1000 tourists vacationing in India, Thailand and Sri Lanka were reported missing or dead. Both the earthquake and tsunami taught us different lessons, such as the governments need to implement powerful detection systems to ensure our safety and protection. Poor people are forced to live in backward areas; in case of a cyclone, earthquake, typhoon, tsunami or tornado, they cannot migrate to safer places due to transportation issues. Thus, governments and NGOs must arrange everything as soon as possible. Despite a gap of seven hours between the two disasters, the officials and human welfare organizations could not transfer the people to safer places (Strand, & Masek, 2014). The earthquake itself served as an initial warning sign of another disaster. The humanitarian response to the two incidents was prompted by the worst natural disasters of modern times. Different countries pledged money to save the lives of victims and helped them recover from deadly waves as soon as possible. For instance, the United States offered $34 million, the United Kingdom provided $25 million, and Japan donated $33 million. Similarly, Germany and Australia had pledged $28 million, Saudi Arabia $11 million and France $19 million. Spain approved $67 million as emergency aid and sent two...