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

🌊 The Deadliest Tsunami in Recorded History On December 26, 2004, the world witnessed the most deadly tsunami ever documented. A massive 9.1–9.3 magnitude undersea earthquake struck off the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia. It was so powerful it shifted the Earth’s axis and created a series of tsunami waves that spread across the Indian Ocean at the speed of a jet plane. Within hours, coastlines in 14 countries were hit — including Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, and the Maldives. The Impact

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