Fostering disaster-resistant communities through information, science, and technology, 2004-2005 major accomplishments
On December 26, 2004, the Great Sumatra-Andaman Islands Earthquake and Indian Ocean Tsunami struck with little warning and devastating force. It claimed nearly 300,000 lives across eight countries including Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia, the Maldives and Somalia. The overwhelming loss of lives and property highlights the critical need for early warning, situational awareness, and decision support in a complex and fast-changing environment impacted by disaster events.