On December 26th, 2004 a massive earthquake in the Indian Ocean sets off a tsunami that, within minutes, arrives in the bustling city of Aceh, causing unprecedented havoc and devastation. This four-part documentary follows the desperate struggle to survive of city-dwellers in Indonesia and tourists in Thailand caught in the unfolding catastrophe, as well as the scientists working against the clock to warn the world. Discover the power of the human spirit through stories of hope, hardship, and he

On December 26, 2004, a massive undersea earthquake near Sumatra triggered one of the deadliest tsunamis in history. Waves up to 30 meters high devastated Indonesia’s Aceh province, killing over 167,000 people and displacing half a million. Entire towns were wiped out, with Lhoknga nearly erased. The tragedy led to global aid efforts and new tsunami warning systems, but its destruction remains unforgettable. | History In Pictures

Today marks the 20th anniversary of the December 26, 2004 magnitude 9.1 Sumatra earthquake and tsunami, the third largest instrumentally recorded earthquake. | EarthScope Consortium

After a massive earthquake triggered the deadliest tsunami in recorded history, multiple waves hit the coast of Sri Lanka. Both tourists and locals scramble for safety, as the extent of the wave and its destruction become apparent. Discover the power of the human spirit through stories of hope, hardship, and heroism from the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Parts one and two of Tsunami: Race Against Time premiere tonight at 9pm on National Geographic UK. | National Geographic UK