Dec 26: Nature's Fury Unleashed - Tsunami & Earthquake Devastate Millions

• Dec 26, 2004: Indian Ocean Tsunami, triggered by a 9.1 magnitude earthquake off Sumatra, devastated 14 countries.
• Waves up to 30 meters high killed over 227,000 people, with 128,000 deaths in Indonesia alone.
• The tsunami reached Banda Aceh in 15-20 minutes, leaving no time for reaction.
• India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Maldives were severely impacted, displacing 1.7 million people.
• Dec 26, 2003: A 6.3 magnitude earthquake destroyed Bam, Iran, killing over 20,000 and injuring 50,000.

Why It Matters: December 26 marks two devastating natural disasters: the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami and the 2003 Bam earthquake.