Mourners leave tributes on 20th anniversary of the world’s deadliest tsunami
Survivors and relatives of victims of the Boxing Day Tsunami held memorials in Thailand to mark the disaster’s 20th anniversary today.
Families laid flowers and lit candles in Phuket and Phang Nga provinces on the east coast of the country, where at least 5,046 people died.
The tsunami was caused by a magnitude 9.1 earthquake and killed at least 228,000 people across six countries on December 26, 2004.
Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, and Thailand had the highest fatalities.
It displaced millions, caused widespread destruction, and led to international humanitarian efforts.
Sharon Howard lost her fiancee, David Page, 44, and sons Mason, eight, and Taylor, six, in the disaster.
The family had been holidaying in the beach resort of Khao Lak when the deadly waves crashed onshore.
Sharon, 57, laid flowers at the hotel they stayed at today to commemorate the tragedy.
‘I was dreading going back to Thailand, absolutely dreading it, but it’s something I had to do for myself,’ she told the Sun.
‘My family don’t understand but we all grieve differently and they prefer to leave it in the past and remember them as they were.
‘But I knew I would regret it if I didn’t go.’
Local official Siwat Rawangkun chaired religious ceremonies for Buddhists, Christians, and Muslims before placing flowers at the Ban Nam Khem Tsunami Memorial Park in Phang Nga.
Many locals and foreign tourists also brought offerings and flowers to mourn their loved ones.
Wanwisa Nonthong, a 37-year-old local, lost three family members in the tragedy and continues to mourn them.
She said she still cannot forget the tragedy and continues to mourn for her loved ones.
She has since become proactive in dealing with tsunamis by learning about them, downloading earthquake warning applications, and practising evacuation procedures.
In Phuket, Patong mayor Chalermsak Maneesri chaired the ceremony at Patong Beach, joined by government officials and locals.
Thai and foreign participants placed flowers on a table to mourn the victims of the incident.
Chalermsak said that the event was not only a tribute to those lost but also aimed to raise awareness among locals.
He also emphasised the importance of cooperation between the public, private, and community sectors in preparing for emergencies and boosting tourists’ confidence.
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