Exactly 4 Years Ago: Tsunami Hits Thailand At 10.00 Am

[george]

EXACTLY 4 YEARS AGO: Tsunami hits Thailand at 10.00 AM

A bit of history:

Approximately two hours following the earthquake just off the northwest coast of Sumatra on 26 December 2004, tremors lasting 5 to 10 minutes were felt in Phuket before giant waves rolled onto the shores of Phuket's Andaman coast on the western side of the island at 10.00 a.m.

Thaivisa.com was one of the first websites to have live coverage of the Tsunami impact. Here are the first forum reports, first posted at 11:03 AM:

The very first early reports:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Tidal-Wave-t23291.html

Continued Live updates of the tragedy:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/6000-Dead-Ti...Tha-t23294.html

Live Video of the impact: Tsunami Hits Thailand

Note: Very strong video! (7 min. 43 sec.)

[george]

Key facts about the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami

The Boxing Day, or Asian tsunami was triggered by an earthquake off the coast of the Island of Sumatra, Indonesia.

The Indian Ocean or the Sumatran-Andaman earthquake, hit just before 1pm NZ time on December 26, 2004.

The magnitude 9.3 quake occurred along the Indian and Eurasian plates and caused a 1,200km section of the earth's crust to surge upward, displacing a large body of water.

In deep water waves travel quickly, but remain low. On reaching shallower water waves move slower but at a greater higher.

The tsunami reached speeds of up to 800km/h and heights of up to 30 metres.

The Nicobar and Andaman Islands were the first coastlines to be hit, less than 10 minutes after the quake. Banda Aceh was hit shortly after.

The tsunami reached Thailand and Sri Lanka after two hours, and Somalia after 7 hours.

The wave spread around the world, with tidal fluctuations being recorded as far away as Iceland and the Eastern United States.

Indonesia suffered the greatest number of casualties, with an estimated loss of nearly 168,000 people, and more that half a million left homeless.

Sri Lanka, India and Thailand also suffered heavy loss of life and destruction.

Casualties occurred in 12 countries and are estimated at around 230,000 with nearly 1.7 million people displaced.

55 countries lost people to the tsunami, many of them tourists. Germany and Sweden suffered the greatest loss of lives among countries not directly hit. 56 New Zealanders died and 276 Australians.

Forensic work was used to attempt to identify many of the victims. DNA testing was also used in authenticating parents claiming lost infants.

The international response to the disaster was unprecedented with over $20m in aid being pledged.

-- Agencies 2008-12-26

[dr_Pat_Pong]

Brings back strong memories eh George ?

[dingdongrb]

My condolences to all the folks around the world that lost family members and loved ones during this tragic time. It was a horrific event and I pray that I will not hear of another like this in my lifetime. May they RIP.

[khaowong1]

I remember it well. I was in Bangkok on the Dec. 23rd with another friend from Phoenix, Arizona. He wanted to head down to Phuket for a few days, and I talked him into going to Pattaya instead. Mainly for the many golf courses close to there. We were on a golf course when we heard about the Tsunami that morning, 26th. Later, after checking, the hotel he had booked a room in Phuket, was gone. He tells everyone I saved his life.

[quangodosh]

The after effects of the Tsunami are still causing distress here in Thailand. I was recently involved in a charity event for the Tsunami orphans of Kao Lak which was devastated by the huge waves. All very distressing.

[animatic]

The day before I was just hired to come to Thailand and help make a short film.

Next day I see this... WHOA! I did finally come the following Feb to Chaing mai.

I figured I would be putting money into the economy and helping the recovery.

Never imagining I would find work and a wife and be here 4 years later...

An interesting off shoot is this tradgedy moved Kunying Porntip into an

internationally recognized and respected forensics professional.

And not doubt aided her in her on going fights with other 'entities'

dodgey takes on forensic facts and fantasies...

Sadly even her best efforts have left nearly 400 persons so far not identified.

Probably because the next of kin were lost to the sea, and there is no one to claim them.

My condolences to the families and friends of the deceased

and more so to those who's family members were never recovered.

Edited December 26, 2008 by animatic

[hamishgillan]

I was safe and dry in Suphan Buri at the time.

I remember all the poor folk standing next to the photo boards in Khao San waiing, saying they had been hit by the Tsunami, how sincere!

I read somewhere that it is a sin to- 'lie for advantage', according to Buddhist lore, obviously that doesn't count in Khao San generally!

(Nice to hear positive things from dingdongrb though....)

Edited December 26, 2008 by hamishgillan

[Pesche]

While Thailand recovered quite fast, rebuilt and cleaned the mess, the people here are still suffering while paying credits. Now a second Tsunami is hitting hard: the global crisis and the loss of face caused by the closing of Suvarnabhumi... This will slow down the progress as everyone is here ready for the season with motivation, tidy Resorts and Hotels...

But little come to enjoy and appreciate the hard work and it hits hard as many are still struggling and waiting for customers and some turnover...

[thaibreaker]

It certainly brings back lots of memories.

At Kamala Beach, Phuket, I didnt even see the first wave before it was too late. It hit me hard, and I was swept away for some time. Struggling in the water, I really thought this was it for me.

I managed somehow to be safe, and I was better prepared for the second wave.

I lost a good friend there that day, and discovered an extraordinary hospitality from the local thais. That still moves me, knowing that I was helped by people who lost very much themselves.

My hotelroom in the second floor was filled up with water, and everything was lost inside. I had only my shorts and t-shirt left, and that was quite a challenge for me then.

I went back to Phuket the next year to get it out of my system, but this day are stuck with me for the rest of my life.

I have chosen another destination in Thailand because of this event, and somehow I find the area around the gulf more safe now.

[toptuan]

A fellow colleague of mine went to a resort on an island in Krabi province for Christmas break. When she arrived, the cabin she had booked next to the beach was still occupied, and she fought the manager hard and long about what "reserved/booked" means to westerners. The manager wasn't about to put out the current occupant of the cabin, and gave my friend the only one left--about 40 meters up a small hill in back of the resort, surrounded by heavy foliage and no view. She was in a rage about her treatment--until IT hit.

She survived, and her cabin, the only one left standing, became a refuge for devastated families in the lower cabins which were wiped off their foundations. They stayed with her for 30-48 hours after the catastrophe, awaiting aid and evacuation.

Her vacation turned into a mission of mercy as she willingly spent the week helping to meet the critical needs of others who originally had what she had wanted--a great view and the sea lapping at her doorstep.

When we have our plans and desires frustrated, it helps to be reminded that sometimes it works out for our good--better than if we'd had our original own way.

Stories like these help me to be an optimist.

Edited December 26, 2008 by toptuan

[shavedPotter]

I thought the wave hit about 8:35 am. Nevertheless A sad memory.

Edited December 26, 2008 by shavedPotter

[hamishgillan]

When we have our plans and desires frustrated, it helps to be reminded that sometimes it works out for our good--better than if we'd had our original own way. Stories like this helps me to be an optimist.

So true, thats why it helps to hold your tongue when dealing with Thais, (and anyone for that matter).

[thaibreaker]

I thought the wave hit about 8:35 am. Nevertheless A sad memory.

No, the earthquake in fact woke me up, my bed was shaking. That was just after 8 a.m. Then I had time for breakfast, and went to the beach and was hit by the first wave just around 10 a.m.

There were 3 big waves, the second one was in fact the hardest were I was, and it was about 15 mins between the waves.

We should have known something was wrong though, because the level of the sea was extremely low.

But I didnt think much more of it when some thais went long way out to collect shells.

I thought the locals knew what was going on, but was very wrong.

[andygunther]

My condolences to the families and friends of the deceased.

I had friends visiting me here in Bkk.

We was choosing between Pattaya or Phuket to spend the Christmas.

I'm happy we did choose Pattaya that Christmas.

[arco27]

I was lucky in Rawai, no damage to my place, but I lost 4 Thai friends in Patong, their little shop turned into a washing machine, no back door, no escape.

The subcontinental taylor next door to my friends who owns the only solid 2 story building in the street told me that when he saw the water coming, he locked his shop and run upstairs. There must have been others in the street and of course next door. Kind of left a sour taste in my mouth and I am still haunted by that day and the moth that followed everytime I go to Patong.

[Jimjim]

I can't believe it's been so long. Feels like yesterday. I was in a wedding in Bangkok when someone called from America to tell me about it. I didn't even know. I went down to the hotel lobby and started watching on CNN. What a stunning, stunning day. A co-worker was down here with his daughter and she overslept so they missed a morning boat trip where all except one person died when the big wave hit their boat. They were driving near the beach and had to escape the waves by driving very fast. They didn't look back as they were fleeing for their lives. They could hear the waves and the screams of the people as they fled. Terrible times.

[Chaichara]

I was DOS in a large Catholic school near BKK at the time. I had hired a new teacher who was due to start after the Xmas-New Year break. On his CV was 'fund raiser'.

I received an e-mail from him canceling his appointment:

"I'm off to Phuket to do some fund raising; I can make more money that way..."

[simon43]

I attended the memorial service in Khao Lak just this morning. Below is a photo from that service which took place by the stranded Navy boat, 2 km inland from the sea.

Simon

Edited December 26, 2008 by simon43

[starkey_rich]

Still make me go cold thinking about it

[paulfromphuket]

i don't cry so easy nowadays since that fate full morning, but today will always be a day when i think of the people i knew and the thousands i did not that perished and had there lives changed for ever and shed some tears.

I don't to this know to this day who of the people i knew in Phi Phi survived, as so many never returned after the clean up, all i know is that some of my most close friends did make and some did not including one wonderful Thai lady called Apple whom i lost forever that day, and she was not my girlfriend in any way by the way just a great friend.

I am not a religious man so will never prey but I just hope that nobody ever has to see and live through such an event again.

I will today raise a toast to the memory of the lost and another to all the wonderful people that in the weeks and months thereafter did so much to ease the pain of others whilst coping with there personal disasters.

I wish the spirt of cooperation then was still as alive today as i am sure the community would be better for it but times move on and memories fade,lets all make sure that we try to build a better place with care for our fellow man and hope to a bright future and we never have to endure anything like it again.

And finally lets never forget that day and how fragile nature makes humanity look.

[bkkjames]

I remember this day... my phone rings in the morning on Boxing Day and its a client asking me if I had the mobile number of someone from their office who was in Phuket saying that there was an Tsunami in Phuket and several people were missing.

Needless to say, the scale of the disaster grew to unbelievable proportions. Sad.

[phuketrichard]

Living in Kamla at the time. It took over 6 months before i went back into the sea and always faced out rather than in. Even now Thais seldom venture down to the beach in the late afternoon to play along the shore as they used to.

A sad tragedy indeed and one that will remain with us all

[alanmorison]

Key facts about the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami

The Boxing Day, or Asian tsunami was triggered by an earthquake off the coast of the Island of Sumatra, Indonesia.

The Indian Ocean or the Sumatran-Andaman earthquake, hit just before 1pm NZ time on December 26, 2004.

The magnitude 9.3 quake occurred along the Indian and Eurasian plates and caused a 1,200km section of the earth's crust to surge upward, displacing a large body of water.

In deep water waves travel quickly, but remain low. On reaching shallower water waves move slower but at a greater higher.

The tsunami reached speeds of up to 800km/h and heights of up to 30 metres.

The Nicobar and Andaman Islands were the first coastlines to be hit, less than 10 minutes after the quake. Banda Aceh was hit shortly after.

The tsunami reached Thailand and Sri Lanka after two hours, and Somalia after 7 hours.

The wave spread around the world, with tidal fluctuations being recorded as far away as Iceland and the Eastern United States.

Indonesia suffered the greatest number of casualties, with an estimated loss of nearly 168,000 people, and more that half a million left homeless.

Sri Lanka, India and Thailand also suffered heavy loss of life and destruction.

Casualties occurred in 12 countries and are estimated at around 230,000 with nearly 1.7 million people displaced.

55 countries lost people to the tsunami, many of them tourists. Germany and Sweden suffered the greatest loss of lives among countries not directly hit. 56 New Zealanders died and 276 Australians.

Forensic work was used to attempt to identify many of the victims. DNA testing was also used in authenticating parents claiming lost infants.

The international response to the disaster was unprecedented with over $20m in aid being pledged.

-- Agencies 2008-12-26

I can't say anything about the ''facts'' quoted here but 23 or 24 Australians died in Thailand, not 276. The wave hit Phuket first and took 20 minutes longer to reach Phang Nga. The tally of Burmese laborers and families killed in Thailand may never be known. The tsunami may have risen to vast heights elsewhere, but here the watermark in the raised foyer of the Sofitel Magic Lagoon (soon to reopen as the Rixos Premium) showed it came through Phang Nga at 9.2 metres. The DNA of ''fathers'' is never used because fatherhood can be difficult to establish conclusively. A lot more reliable information is available on the many links at http://phuketwan.com/tourism/tsunami-missi...s-waiting-hear/ We reported the tsunami in Thailand accurately, and we are still reporting the aftermath.

Edited December 26, 2008 by alanmorison

[tpthai2]

I was in a high-rise condo on the 27th. floor. I woke up with the steel hangers my in wordrobe blanking into each other. I thought it was noise from the next room and went back to sleep only to wake up later that morning checking the news with CNN reporting.

I had just helped a friend travel to Phuket for his Christmas holiday. He never returned. Two overwhelming emotions came forward watching CNN and other reports that day:

A primal fear and a deep heartbreaking sadness.

Some of the posts here have brought back the emotions of that day and those tears to my eyes.

For all those souls that lost there lives on that day may you rest in peace. For all those that still

suffer from the events of that day I pray for your peace.

Edited December 26, 2008 by tpthai2

[newtronbom]

It was because of today, 4 years ago, that I went looking for a "bargain yacht" and ended up with the 50 foot ketch that we have now. I remember seeing Phuket 3 weeks after the wave hit. What a tragedy and what a mess! We ended up buying our yacht from Malaysia, but I will never forget the sights we saw those couple of days, that we were down in Phuket. The hotel we were staying in, had several people die when the wave hit. Most of the ground floor was flooded. Can you imagine my wifes feelings and thoughts, when for no reason, late at night, the toilets started flushing on their own and the room lights dimmed and flickered!! I am not kidding either. The lights shorting out - salt water - yeah, I can deal with that, but how does a toilet flush itself??? Really weird!!

[chiang mai]

I lost a close friend of ten years standing in the Tsunami, a Thai national who was a language translator for the local police, long before the current Tourist Police syndrome. For my part, my BKK travel agent combined with my own indecision probably saved my life, both of which culminated with us being booked into a Samui resort instead of one in Ao Nang. RIP

[angiud]

I cannot forget. Seeing again that youTube video made me shiver and remember that tragical days.

Still thinking of all the families that have lost somebody, in Thailand and in the rest of the countries damaged from the tsunami.

May all the victims rest in peace

[Spee]

NatGeo is re-running their documentary on the tsunami, which covers Thailand and all of the other affected areas. I've seen it many times before although it is no less sobering today.

[thaipapajim]

While we think of & remember those who lost their lives (RIP) perhaps we spare some time for those who were there and survived. Their suffering will go on for the rest of their lives. Dec 26th not a good day anymore.