Tsunami anniversary highlights history's deadliest earthquakes

On December 26, 2004, a 9.1 magnitude earthquake struck the Indian Ocean, causing a devastating tsunami that affected countries like Indonesia, Thailand, and Sri Lanka. Over 230,000 people died, marking it as the worst tsunami disaster in history. The earthquake occurred at 7:59 AM local time, generating waves up to 30 meters high. The disaster led to long-term damage in many communities, destroying tourist areas and towns across 15 countries. Other significant earthquakes include Japan's 2011 quake, which caused a nuclear disaster, and the 1964 Good Friday earthquake in Alaska. The strongest recorded earthquake, a 9.5 magnitude quake in Chile in 1960, resulted in massive destruction and homelessness.