Tsunami20 — The day our lives changed forever

MANILA (Dec. 26, 2024) — Twenty years have passed since the Indian Ocean tsunami struck on December 26, 2004. The deadliest and most destructive tsunami in recorded history killed over 230,000 people and left 2 million people homeless across 14 countries. According to Swiss Re, total losses exceeded US$13 billion and were mostly uninsured.  Indonesia was hit the hardest by the disaster, followed by Sri Lanka and Thailand and India in Asia and the Pacific.

Communities and individuals were also profoundly affected by one of the deadliest disasters in modern history. We share stories of individuals, families, volunteers and Habitat for Humanity staff members for whom the Indian Ocean tsunami left an indelible mark.