How did the tsunami affect
different countries?
This lesson, we’ll see how the devastation
caused by the earthquake and tsunami was
both serious and extensive. The damage and
loss of life was worst in low lying, densely
populated areas.
The Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami of 2004 was one of the
most deadly and destructive natural disasters in modern history.
The disaster began with the earthquake which destroyed towns
and villages in northern Sumatra. This was followed by the
tsunami which was to cause the most serious damage and loss of
life. The tsunami waves devastated coastal areas throughout the
Indian Ocean region and even reached the coast of Mexico
almost 16,000 km (10,000 miles) away.
No-one will ever know the exact number of people killed as a
result of the tsunami but it is believed to be over 310,000.
Indonesia was worst hit but some 11 other countries were also
seriously affected by the tsunami waves.
So why was the death toll so high and the damage so extensive?
The main reason is that the tsunami was extremely powerful and
affected a very large area.
1. Imagine you are one of the
people in this photo who survived
the tsunami. Describe what
happened, and your feelings at
the time. Try and include these
words:
huge
crashing
roaring
panic
frightened
run
escape
debris
trapped
washed away
escape
relief
friends
family
2. Complete a tsunami disaster FactFile using the table
below.
3. Draw a star diagram like the one below, to explain the
serious damage and loss of life. Write only four or five words
in each box.