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Two decades after one of the most powerful earthquakes in history devastated SE Asia, this article examines how new technologies, research and global co-ordination can help increase resilience to future tsunamis.

The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami hit 14 countries across the Indian and Pacific Oceans, claiming over 230,000 lives worldwide. Twenty years later, the pain of the loss remains, but it is accompanied by a story of progress and resilience.

In Gwadar, UNESCO and local agencies held a tsunami evacuation drill for 330 students on World Tsunami Awareness Day. The exercise aimed to boost preparedness in Pakistan’s vulnerable coastal communities, advancing the Tsunami Ready program.

In the months and years that followed the 2004 tsunami disaster, many well-intentioned recovery efforts failed to consider environmental factors, often exacerbating the crisis. Communities were relocated to areas more at risk from future extreme events.

The 2004 disaster galvanized unprecedented global solidarity, cooperation and innovation in disaster preparedness. Early warning systems and public awareness of tsunamis have made significant progress, regional cooperation in many aspects is to thank.

On 26 December 2004, the world experienced one of the most devastating disasters in recent history when the Indian Ocean tsunami struck with unprecedented force, claiming around 230,000 lives and wreaking havoc on fourteen countries.

The profound lessons learned from this disaster have been instrumental in shaping disaster preparedness strategies worldwide, including in the Caribbean.

Two decades after the 2004 tsunami, global efforts like Pacific Disaster Center's projects to improve early warning systems continue. Yet, there are still some room for improvement since half the world is still unprotected by comprehensive early warning.

Explore seven cutting-edge solutions that exemplify how clever design can protect coastal communities and help prevent tsunamis from becoming disasters.

The aftermath of the 2004 tsunami led to the establishment of the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System (IOTWMS) which provides critical tsunami warning and mitigation services to 27 Indian Ocean Basin countries.