THURSDAY, March 28, 2024
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Thailand marks 12th anniversary of Indian Ocean tsunami disaster

Thailand marks 12th anniversary of Indian Ocean tsunami disaster

Thailand on Monday commemorated the 12th anniversary of the Indian Ocean tsunami disaster that hit 14 countries on December 26, 2004.

Communities in the six tsunami-hit provinces - Phuket, Krabi, Phang-nga, Ranong, Satun and Trang - held commemorative activities such as giving alms to Buddhist monks for the disaster that killed almost 5,400 people in Thailand.
Thailand was one the countries hit by tidal waves caused by a 9.1-magnitude earthquake off the coast of Indonesia's Sumatra island.
The disaster claimed an estimated 230,000 lives, mostly in Indonesia Maitree Kongkraijak, co-ordinator for the Tsunami disaster network representing Ban Nam Khem community in Phang-nga province told dpa commemorative activities had been organised every year since 2005, with this year's events themed "Towards Sustainable Development".
Maitree said activities were community-based and locals were encouraged to join evacuation drills and educational activities so they were prepared in case another disaster struck.
According to the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department, evacuation drills have been held annually on December 26 in the six provinces which remained at risk of tsunamis.
A disaster official told dpa more than 100 warning towers had been set up along the eastern and western coasts of Thailand.
The tsunami struck during peak tourist season at the beaches and islands in Thailand, killing thousands of holidaymakers as well as workers and villagers.
It was the deadliest tsunami in recorded history.
 

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