DISASTER MANAGEMENT

ON
INDIAN OCEAN TSUNAMI(2004)

SUBMITTED TO: PROF. HIMANI AHLAWAT

SUBMITTED BY:
VANSHIKA GANDHI (24LLM020)
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The success and end result of this project required a lot of guidance and support from
many people and we are very honoured to have achieved this during the completion of
this project. The competence of this project results exclusively from the said
supervision and assistance of the mentor Prof. Himani Ahlawat.

We respect and thank Prof. Himani Ahlawat for giving us the opportunity to do the
project work and for giving us all the support and guidance that enabled me to complete
the project properly. We are very grateful to her for giving us so much support and
guidance despite having a very busy schedule to oversee the work of the university.
TABLE OF CONTENT

Sr. Page
Topic
No. No.
1. Introduction 5
2. Geographical and Historical Context 6
3. Main Events and Causes 8
4. Impact of the Tsunami 11
5. Human Rights Violation 13
6. Conclusion 14

ABSTRACT

The Indian Ocean Tsunami of 2004, often referred to as the "Boxing Day Tsunami," remains
one of the most catastrophic natural disasters in human history. On December 26, 2004, a
massive undersea earthquake off the coast of Sumatra triggered a series of tsunami waves that
devastated the surrounding coastal areas. The event claimed over 230,000 lives, displaced
millions, and left behind a trail of destruction that took years to recover from.
This report provides a detailed analysis of the causes, impacts, and responses to the 2004
tsunami. By exploring the scientific, humanitarian, environmental, and social aspects of the
event, the report aims to highlight the lessons learned and the ongoing efforts to prevent such
a disaster from happening again.

KEYWORDS:

Tsunami, Disaster Management, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Earthquake

INTRODUCTION

With a death toll of about 350,000, the Indian Ocean tsunami caused by the deep-sea
earthquake near northern Sumatra on 26 December 2004 was the worst natural disaster of that
kind in recorded human history 1 . The shaking was felt not only in Indonesia, but also in
Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. Apart
from the sheer number of deaths, two unique features of this tsunami make it a valuable

1
This death toll includes the 142,000 people who are unaccounted for (missing). The five previous deadliest tsunami were
the following (estimated death tolls are in parentheses): Indonesia, 27 August 1883 (36,000); Portugal, 1 November
1755(30,000); Japan, 15 June 1896 (27,000); Japan, 21 May 1792(14,000); and Japan, 27 March 1933 (3,000) (Abbott 2004)
laboratory for the study of disaster management issues in the new millennium. First, it was the
world’s first truly global disaster, with lives shattered in a dozen countries and on two different
continents. Second, the response to the disaster was global in a way rarely seen before: in
addition to the aid given by donor governments and agencies, tens of millions of ordinary
citizens reached into their pockets to help. In some donor nations, such as the United Kingdom,
United States, Italy, and Germany, the private donations surpassed the sizable government aid
commitments, and for the first time corporate donors figured prominently among private
donors.
The devastation caused by the tsunami has revealed a close connection between the
magnitude of the damage caused by the killer waves and the extent that environmental
regulations were violated in the affected countries. Although the height of the waves and their
global spread were purely the work of nature, there is clear evidence that the enormous loss of
human life was partly a result of modern progress, the ruthless destruction of natural defenses
such as coral reefs and coastal mangrove forests, and the construction of oceanfront hotels and
villas in violation of coastal conservation legislation.

GEOGRAPHICAL AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT

The Indian Ocean is a vast body of water that spans about 70 million square kilometers. It is
bordered by several countries, including Indonesia, India, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Australia.
This ocean is a crucial waterway for global trade and home to some of the world's most
populous coastal nations.

Historically, the region has experienced several smaller tsunamis, but none of the magnitude
and scale of the 2004 event. The most devastating tsunamis in the region have generally been
triggered by seismic activities along tectonic plate boundaries. The 2004 tsunami occurred
along a subduction zone where the Indian Plate meets the Burma Plate. This particular zone is
known for frequent tectonic activity, but the lack of significant earthquake-driven tsunamis in
the recent past contributed to a lack of preparedness among local communities. 2

The Indian Ocean region, especially in Southeast Asia, had no comprehensive tsunami warning
system before 2004, which exacerbated the devastation. Countries along the coast lacked the
infrastructure and resources to warn their populations or evacuate vulnerable areas in time.

THE INDIAN OCEAN TSUNAMI (2004): AN OVERVIEW

On December 26, 2004, a powerful undersea earthquake struck off the western coast of
northern Sumatra, Indonesia, generating one of the largest earthquakes ever recorded in modern
history. This earthquake, which is now referred to as the Sumatra-Andaman earthquake, was
the initial trigger that caused the devastating Indian Ocean Tsunami. The earthquake’s
epicenter was located approximately 160 kilometers (100 miles) west of the Aceh province of
Sumatra, Indonesia, at a depth of about 30 kilometers (19 miles) beneath the ocean floor. It
occurred at 00:58:53 UTC (Coordinated Universal Time), or 7:58 AM local time in Indonesia.

The earthquake's epicenter was along a subduction zone, where one tectonic plate is forced
beneath another. This was a tectonic event of enormous magnitude, with a series of aftershocks
and a long rupture that lasted for over 10 minutes, releasing an immense amount of seismic
energy. The tremor shook large portions of Southeast Asia and was felt as far as India, Thailand,
and even Africa.

The earthquake caused the seafloor to shift dramatically, lifting some parts of the ocean floor
by as much as 15 meters (49 feet) and displacing a massive volume of water. The seismic
activity from the earthquake sent shockwaves through the surrounding areas, and within
minutes, tsunami waves began to form and spread across the Indian Ocean.

MAGNITUDE AND SEISMIC DETAILS

The Sumatra-Andaman earthquake had a magnitude of 9.1–9.3 on the Moment Magnitude

Scale (Mw), making it one of the largest earthquakes ever recorded. The scale measures the

2https://www.istructe.org/IStructE/media/Public/Resources/report -eefit-Indian-Ocean-tsunami-
20190815.pdf
total energy released by an earthquake and is considered more accurate than the older Richter
scale for large events.

Key seismic details of the earthquake include:

• Magnitude: 9.1–9.3, depending on different scientific estimates

• Epicenter: Offshore, near the western coast of Sumatra, Indonesia
• Depth: Approximately 30 kilometers (19 miles) below the ocean floor
• Duration: The shaking lasted between 8 to 10 minutes, with the most intense shaking
occurring within the first 3 minutes3

MAIN EVENTS AND CAUSES

The Indian Ocean tsunami of December 26, 2004, was caused by a megathrust earthquake
along the Sumatra-Andaman subduction zone, where two tectonic plates met and triggered
a violent release of energy.4 Several key geological and tectonic processes played a role in
causing the catastrophic event:

1. Tectonic Plate Movements: Subduction Zone Dynamics

The primary cause of the Indian Ocean tsunami was the interaction between two major tectonic
plates: the Indian Plate and the Burma Plate (also known as the Sunda Plate).

• Subduction Zone: The earthquake occurred at a subduction zone, a region where one
tectonic plate is forced beneath another. In this case, the Indian Plate, an oceanic plate,
was pushed beneath the continental Burma Plate (which includes parts of the Andaman
Islands and Sumatra). This is one of the most active and seismically unstable regions in
the world, and it has a long history of major earthquakes.
• Indian Plate: The Indian Plate is moving northward at a rate of approximately 5 cm
per year. As it moves, it collides with the Burma Plate, pushing the heavier oceanic
Indian Plate down into the Earth’s mantle beneath the lighter continental Burma Plate.
• Burma Plate: The Burma Plate, under immense pressure from the Indian Plate, is
forced upward during the collision, causing the seafloor to rise. The stress between

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/314787881_The_Indian_Ocean_Tsunami_Economic_Impact_
Disaster_Management_and_Lessons
4 https://www.britannica.com/event/Indian -Ocean-tsunami-of-2004
 these two plates builds up over time, and when it is suddenly released, it results in a
violent earthquake.

When the plates suddenly “slip,” a massive amount of energy is released, causing the ground
to move. This shift in the seafloor is the primary cause of the tsunami that followed the
earthquake.

2. Megathrust Earthquake

The Sumatra-Andaman earthquake was classified as a megathrust earthquake, one of the

most powerful types of earthquakes that occur in subduction zones. This type of earthquake is
characterized by the sudden release of massive amounts of energy as a result of the rapid
displacement of large sections of the Earth's crust.

• Earthquake Magnitude: The earthquake had a magnitude of 9.1–9.3 on the Moment

Magnitude Scale (Mw), making it one of the largest earthquakes ever recorded. The
seismic event lasted for about 8 to 10 minutes, during which time a huge section of the
seafloor was displaced.
• Sudden Seafloor Uplift: The primary impact of this earthquake was the vertical
displacement of the seafloor. When the plates suddenly moved, the Indian Plate was
forced downward, and the Burma Plate was pushed upward, resulting in the seafloor
rising by several meters in certain locations. This violent displacement of the ocean
floor displaced a huge volume of water, creating the tsunami waves.

3. The Role of Submarine Faults

In the area where the earthquake took place, the Sumatra-Andaman Subduction Zone is
home to several major submarine faults. The earthquake occurred along one of these faults,
where the two tectonic plates (the Indian Plate and the Burma Plate) are sliding past each other.

• Seismic Fault: The fault in question is known as the Sunda Megathrust, and it runs
from the Andaman Islands down to the western coast of Sumatra. The section of this
fault that ruptured on December 26, 2004, was one of the largest seismic events in
recorded history.
• Pressure Buildup: Over decades and centuries, immense pressure had been building
up along this fault line due to the constant movement of the tectonic plates. The plates
were locked together because the rough edges of the plates caught on each other,
preventing them from sliding smoothly. When the pressure exceeded the strength of the
fault, it caused a sudden rupture, releasing enormous amounts of energy in the form of
seismic waves.

4. Displacement of Water and Tsunami Generation

The displacement of water caused by the earthquake is what generated the tsunami. When the
seafloor shifted, it disturbed the overlying water column, displacing a massive volume of
water and creating tsunami waves. These waves spread out from the epicenter in all directions,
traveling across the Indian Ocean at incredibly fast speeds.

• Tsunami Formation: Unlike typical ocean waves, which are generated by wind,
tsunami waves are caused by the vertical displacement of the ocean floor. The water
displaced by the earthquake forms waves that can travel at speeds of 500 to 800
kilometers per hour (about 310 to 500 miles per hour) in deep water. These waves,
although initially small in height, can grow significantly when they approach shallow
coastal areas.
• Energy and Speed: The tsunami waves that resulted from this earthquake carried a
huge amount of energy, which allowed them to travel across vast distances. The tsunami
affected coastlines thousands of kilometers away from the epicenter, including
countries like Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, and even reached the east coast
of Africa.

5. Lack of Early Warning Systems

A key factor that exacerbated the impact of the tsunami was the lack of an early warning
system in the Indian Ocean region. Unlike the Pacific Ocean, which has an established tsunami
warning system, the Indian Ocean region did not have such a network in place. This meant that
there was no system to detect the earthquake and issue warnings to vulnerable populations.

• No Time for Evacuation: Since the tsunami waves traveled at such high speeds,
coastal areas in places like Sumatra, Sri Lanka, and Thailand were hit within minutes
of the earthquake. The lack of early warning left people with little time to evacuate to
higher ground, contributing to the high death toll.
• Global Awareness and Change: In the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami, international
organizations and governments took significant steps to establish a regional tsunami
warning system for the Indian Ocean, ensuring that such a catastrophe would not catch
populations unaware again.

6. Aftershocks and Continued Seismic Activity

Following the main earthquake, the region experienced several aftershocks and secondary
seismic activity, which continued to displace the ocean floor and contribute to further minor
tsunami waves in the region. While these aftershocks were not as large as the original
earthquake, they still caused further devastation, particularly in areas that had already been
severely damaged by the initial waves.
THE IMMEDIATE IMPACT OF THE TSUNAMI

The immediate aftermath of the tsunami was devastating. The waves crashed into coastal
communities with little or no warning, wiping out entire villages, towns, and infrastructure.
Indonesia's Aceh Province, located on the northern tip of Sumatra, was the hardest-hit area,
with an estimated 170,000 deaths in Indonesia alone. Coastal areas in Thailand, India, Sri
Lanka, and the Maldives also experienced significant destruction.

Casualties and Injuries: The human toll was staggering. Over 230,000 people from 14
countries lost their lives, making it one of the deadliest natural disasters in history. The tsunami
caused severe injuries to tens of thousands of others, many of whom required immediate
medical attention. Hospitals in the affected regions were overwhelmed, and there was an urgent
need for medical supplies, staff, and equipment.

Destruction of Infrastructure: The tsunami swept away homes, schools, hospitals, and
essential infrastructure. Roads and bridges were destroyed, making it difficult for aid to reach
remote areas. In some places, entire villages were lost to the waves, and critical infrastructure
such as airports and ports were either damaged or rendered completely inoperable. The extent
of the destruction made initial rescue operations incredibly challenging. 5

Impact on Livelihoods: The destruction of agricultural land, fisheries, and tourism

infrastructure significantly impacted the economies of the affected nations. Fishing villages
along the coasts of Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand were particularly vulnerable as
they depended heavily on the sea for their livelihoods. Farms were inundated with saltwater,
rendering them unusable for years, and crops were lost, leading to food insecurity in many
regions.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

The tsunami wreaked havoc on the environment, particularly on coastal ecosystems that were
already under stress from human activity. The physical force of the waves caused substantial
damage to beaches, coral reefs, mangrove forests, and coastal wetlands.

Coastal Erosion and Habitat Loss: The tsunami’s waves led to significant coastal erosion,
particularly along the beaches of Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and India. Entire mangrove forests,
which act as natural barriers against storm surges and erosion, were wiped out. The loss of
these ecosystems had long-term consequences for biodiversity and the local fishing industry,
which relied on these ecosystems for sustainable fish populations.

Destruction of Coral Reefs: Coral reefs, which are vital to marine biodiversity and act as
buffers for coastal areas, were severely damaged. Large swaths of coral reefs were crushed by
the force of the tsunami, or buried under layers of sand and debris. The recovery of these reefs
is slow, and it could take decades to restore them to their former state.

5https://recovery.preventionweb.net/collections/recovery -collection-2004-indian-ocean-earthquake -
and-tsunami
Soil and Water Contamination: The tsunami inundated vast areas of agricultural land with
seawater, leading to soil salinization and the destruction of crops. The flooding also caused
contamination of freshwater sources, leading to outbreaks of waterborne diseases in some
regions.

GLOBAL RESPONSE TO THE TSUNAMI

The global response to the 2004 tsunami was swift and immense, with governments,
international organizations, and NGOs working together to provide immediate relief and long-
term assistance to the affected countries. Several nations sent military personnel, humanitarian
aid, and medical teams to the hardest-hit areas.

International Aid and Humanitarian Efforts: The United Nations coordinated the relief
efforts, with contributions from multiple nations and organizations. Governments like the
United States, Japan, and Australia pledged billions of dollars in aid. Non-governmental
organizations (NGOs) such as the Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders, and UNICEF played
a critical role in providing immediate humanitarian assistance, including food, water, shelter,
and medical care.

Challenges in Aid Distribution: Despite the massive influx of aid, logistical challenges
hindered timely distribution to the affected regions. Damage to infrastructure, including roads
and airports, meant that getting relief to remote communities was a major challenge. The
international community also faced difficulties in coordinating a response on such a massive
scale, which led to some delays in aid reaching the most desperate areas.

Donations and Financial Assistance: Over $14 billion in aid was pledged by governments,
corporations, and individuals. The outpouring of donations was unprecedented in scale, with
millions of people worldwide contributing. However, the long-term distribution of funds posed
challenges, with concerns over transparency and the effectiveness of aid reaching the most
vulnerable populations.6

HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATION AND CHALLENGES FACED BY

AFFECTED COMMUNITIES DURING AND AFTER THE TSUNAMI
The Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004 caused widespread devastation across multiple countries,
affecting millions of people. While the primary focus was on humanitarian relief and recovery,
the disaster also raised significant human rights issues in the aftermath. From the immediate
response to the long-term recovery, the tsunami exposed gaps in governance, systemic
inequalities, and challenges in ensuring the rights and dignity of those affected.

6https://recovery.preventionweb.net/collections/recovery -collection-2004-indian-ocean-earthquake -
and-
tsunami#:~:text=Given%20the%20extremely%20urgent%20situation,more%20than%20600%20local%2
C%20national%2C
This section explores the human rights violations and challenges faced by affected
communities during and after the tsunami. 7

1. Rights to Life and Security

The most fundamental human rights violation caused by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami was
the loss of life and security of affected populations.

• Disproportionate Loss of Life:

o The immediate impact of the tsunami led to over 230,000 deaths, with many
people perishing without any opportunity to protect themselves due to the lack
of early warning systems in the region. The absence of such a system,
particularly in countries like Sri Lanka, India, and Indonesia, left
communities vulnerable to the sudden waves.
o Coastal populations, particularly in rural areas, often lived in informal
settlements or remote villages, which were disproportionately affected. These
communities did not have adequate infrastructure, including emergency shelters
or evacuation routes, which left them especially exposed to the risks posed by
the tsunami.
• Lack of Early Warning Systems:
o The Indian Ocean region had no regional tsunami early warning system at the
time of the disaster. This omission is a significant human rights issue, as
governments failed to protect the lives of their citizens. In countries like Sri
Lanka and Indonesia, where the tsunami hit hardest, the lack of warning
systems meant that people had no time to evacuate, resulting in unnecessary
deaths.
o Despite the fact that tsunami warnings were available in other parts of the world
(like the Pacific Ocean), governments in the Indian Ocean region did not
prioritize setting up a warning system, contributing to the scale of the disaster.

2. Displacement and Housing Rights

In addition to the loss of life, the tsunami caused large-scale displacement, leading to further
human rights violations in the form of loss of housing, shelter, and long-term displacement.

• Forced Displacement:
o The tsunami caused millions of people to lose their homes. In Indonesia, Sri
Lanka, and India, many communities lived in coastal settlements that were

https://www.americanbar.org/groups/crsj/publications/human_rights_magazine_home/human_rights_v
ol33_2006/fall2006/hr_fall06_lewis/#:~:text=Land%20titles%20and%20inheritance%20rights,class%20i
s%20also%20at%20issue.
 either completely wiped out or rendered uninhabitable. These communities
were often relocated to temporary shelters or camps, where they faced harsh
conditions.
o The Andaman and Nicobar Islands in India, Aceh in Indonesia, and Sri
Lanka’s southern coastal regions were among the most devastated. While
immediate relief efforts provided temporary housing, the lack of permanent,
sustainable housing plans meant that people lived in camps or makeshift
shelters for months or even years after the disaster.
• Land Ownership and Property Rights:
o In some cases, the survivors faced land disputes after being relocated. In
Indonesia, particularly in Aceh, there were reports of land grabbing and
disputes over property rights in the aftermath of the tsunami. Some displaced
families found that their original lands were given to developers, which is a
violation of the right to housing under international human rights law.
o Eviction without Compensation: In some cases, survivors were forcibly
evicted from temporary shelters to make way for development projects, often
with insufficient compensation or resettlement plans. This resulted in continued
insecurity for vulnerable populations, especially women, children, and the
elderly.

3. Right to Health and Medical Assistance

The tsunami caused widespread destruction of healthcare infrastructure, which led to

violations of the right to health for survivors.

• Overburdened Healthcare Systems:

o Many healthcare facilities in affected areas were either damaged or destroyed,
which meant that survivors had limited access to healthcare in the immediate
aftermath.
o In Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and India, hospitals and clinics were overwhelmed
with injuries, while healthcare workers lacked the necessary resources
(medications, equipment, staff) to meet the growing demand. This led to
preventable deaths, especially in the case of people with chronic conditions or
infectious diseases.
• Mental Health Impact:
o Psychological trauma was widespread, as survivors had lost family members,
homes, and their livelihoods. The mental health needs of survivors were often
overlooked in the rush to provide immediate aid, leading to long-term mental
health issues, including depression, PTSD, and anxiety.
o Human rights violations occurred as the affected populations did not receive
adequate mental health support or access to counseling services in the early
stages of recovery.
4. Gender and Vulnerability: Women’s Rights Violations

The 2004 tsunami disproportionately affected women and children, leading to gender-based
human rights violations.

• Increased Gender-Based Violence:

o In the aftermath of the tsunami, there were reports of increased gender-based
violence (GBV), including sexual violence, particularly in relief camps where
women and children were vulnerable. In Sri Lanka and Indonesia, where large
numbers of people were displaced and living in temporary shelters, incidents of
rape, sexual assault, and exploitation were reported.
o The collapse of family structures and the absence of strong law enforcement
mechanisms in many areas made women more vulnerable to exploitation by
criminals and even some members of the military or police forces.
• Unequal Access to Relief:
o Women, especially in rural and patriarchal societies, often faced
discrimination in relief distribution, with men having greater control over
resources, including food, water, and shelter. Women were frequently excluded
from decision-making processes related to recovery and reconstruction efforts,
which limited their ability to advocate for their human rights.
o Additionally, pregnant women and mothers with young children faced
discrimination in accessing medical care, which compounded the difficulties
they faced in the aftermath of the disaster.
• Impact on Children:
o Children were particularly vulnerable to separation from their families. The
tsunami caused many families to be separated as parents were killed or lost
contact with their children. Thousands of children became orphans, facing
uncertain futures without adequate support or protection.
o In some cases, children were trafficked or exploited in the aftermath, making
them victims of both the disaster and human trafficking networks that took
advantage of the chaos.

5. Refugee and Migrant Rights: Discrimination in Relief Efforts

Many of the affected regions in the Indian Ocean region contained significant populations of
migrants, refugees, and ethnic minorities who were often discriminated against in the
delivery of aid.

• Exclusion of Migrants:
o In Sri Lanka and Thailand, some migrant workers and refugees were excluded
from aid distribution. Migrants often lacked proper documentation, which left
them unable to access the assistance provided by the government or
international agencies.
 o The lack of recognition for migrant communities’ human rights exacerbated
their vulnerability, as they were not only displaced but also marginalized during
the recovery process.

6. Environmental Degradation and Indigenous Rights

The tsunami not only impacted human lives but also caused environmental damage that
violated the rights of indigenous populations and local communities.

• Destruction of Ecosystems:
o Coastal areas were heavily impacted, with the destruction of vital ecosystems,
such as mangroves and coral reefs, which serve as natural barriers against
future tsunamis and floods. These environmental changes disproportionately
affected the livelihoods of local communities that depended on fishing and
agriculture.
• Loss of Traditional Lands:
o In areas such as Aceh and the Andaman Islands, indigenous communities lost
their homes and traditional lands. Government resettlement programs often
displaced these communities to make way for tourism and development
projects, violating their right to land and self-determination.
CONCLUSION

While the Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004 was a natural disaster of unprecedented scale, its
aftermath revealed significant human rights violations and challenges. The lack of early
warning systems, forced displacement, discrimination, gender-based violence, and denial
of health and shelter rights left survivors particularly vulnerable, especially women, children,
refugees, and indigenous populations. These violations highlight the need for stronger
protection mechanisms and human rights-based approaches in disaster preparedness and
recovery efforts.

The tsunami’s impact zone was vast, affecting multiple countries across the Indian Ocean. The
physical and human geography of these regions, along with their vulnerability to natural
disasters, determined the severity of the damage. Coastal areas with flat topography, high
population densities, and inadequate disaster preparedness systems were particularly hard -hit.
The aftermath of the tsunami required large-scale humanitarian responses, which began with
immediate relief efforts and continued through long-term recovery and reconstruction
initiatives.