Communities remember 20 years since Indian Ocean tsunami tragedy

On December 26, 2024, people in Indonesia and other affected countries marked the 20th anniversary of the Indian Ocean tsunami, which killed around 230,000 people. In Aceh, mourners visited mass graves and held prayers, remembering their lost loved ones. Survivors reflected on their grief, with many still searching for missing family members. In Banda Aceh, hundreds gathered at the Baiturrahman Mosque, where sirens sounded for three minutes to honor the earthquake's timing. Rebuilding efforts have improved infrastructure and established early warning systems in coastal areas. Memorials were also held in Thailand, India, and Sri Lanka, where communities paid respects to the victims and shared their sorrow.