December 26, 2004 M9.1 Earthquake & Indian Ocean Tsunami In the early morning hours of December 26, 2004, the Earth unleashed one of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded. A massive M9.1 megathrust rupture off the coast of Sumatra violently displaced the seafloor, sending walls of water racing across the Indian Ocean. Within minutes, coastlines were swallowed. Entire communities vanished. Waves traveled thousands of kilometers, striking country after country with almost no warning. By the

In 2004, a large earthquake in the Indian Ocean triggered the largest tsunami in recorded history. One of the countries hit by the tsunami was Sri Lanka, where the wave caused one of the worst train disasters in human history when it hit the Queen of the Sea passenger line, which was carrying 1,500 passengers along Sri Lanka's west coast. Watch Destruction Decoded on Wednesdays at 8pm on National Geographic UK. | National Geographic UK

On December 26, 2004, a massive undersea earthquake near Sumatra triggered one of the deadliest tsunamis in history. Waves up to 30 meters high devastated Indonesia’s Aceh province, killing over 167,000 people and displacing half a million. Entire towns were wiped out, with Lhoknga nearly erased. The tragedy led to global aid efforts and new tsunami warning systems, but its destruction remains unforgettable. | History In Pictures

On December 26th, 2004 a massive earthquake in the Indian Ocean sets off a tsunami that, within minutes, arrives in the bustling city of Aceh, causing unprecedented havoc and devastation. This four-part documentary follows the desperate struggle to survive of city-dwellers in Indonesia and tourists in Thailand caught in the unfolding catastrophe, as well as the scientists working against the clock to warn the world. Discover the power of the human spirit through stories of hope, hardship, and he

After a massive earthquake triggered the deadliest tsunami in recorded history, multiple waves hit the coast of Sri Lanka. Both tourists and locals scramble for safety, as the extent of the wave and its destruction become apparent. Discover the power of the human spirit through stories of hope, hardship, and heroism from the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Parts one and two of Tsunami: Race Against Time premiere tonight at 9pm on National Geographic UK. | National Geographic UK

After a massive earthquake triggered the deadliest tsunami in recorded history, multiple waves hit Thailand. As the waves reach the beaches of popular resorts, locals and tourists work together to save lives. Survivors separated by the waves desperately search for their loved ones. Discover the power of the human spirit through stories of hope, hardship, and heroism from the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Tsunami: Race Against Time premieres Monday November 25th at 9pm on National Geographic UK. | N