Jakarta, Indonesia: a 9.1-magnitude earthquake off Indonesia's western coast triggered one of the deadliest tsunamis in history, claiming over 220,000 lives across 14 countries, from Indonesia to Somalia. Two decades later, ceremonies were held across Asia to honor the victims and remember the catastrophe.

In Indonesia’s Aceh province, where more than 100,000 people perished, emotional memorials began with a siren at the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque, followed by prayers and visits to mass graves. Survivors, such as 54-year-old Hasnawati, recalled the overwhelming devastation that struck without warning.

Other countries like Sri Lanka, Thailand, and India, also marked the occasion with tributes. In Thailand, where over 5,000 people died, including many foreign tourists, mourners gathered at the Ban Nam Khem village memorial. Survivors, such as Napaporn Pakawan, shared their personal losses, saying time has slowed for them despite the years passing.

The tsunami’s waves, up to 30 meters high, struck quickly, devastating coastal regions and killing numerous foreign tourists. With no warning system at the time, the waves crossed the Indian Ocean at extraordinary speeds, leaving little time for evacuation. Today, improved monitoring systems have reduced warning times.

The tragedy also led to significant changes, including a peace deal between Indonesia and Aceh's separatists. In Sri Lanka, survivors held a poignant memorial for victims of a train disaster caused by the waves. The death toll included nearly 300 people in Somalia and others in the Maldives, Malaysia, and Myanmar.

As survivors and relatives gathered in remembrance, the grief and loss endured from that tragic day remain vivid for many.