The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has announced an exhibition to mark the 20th anniversary of the 2004 tsunami, a tragedy that profoundly impacted the Maldives.
Titled “Maldives Commemorating the 2004 Tsunami: 20 Years On,” the event will honor the nation’s resilience and collective recovery efforts while promoting awareness of disaster preparedness. The exhibition is scheduled to run from December 26 to December 29.
In a statement on X, the NDMA highlighted the importance of reflecting on the progress made since the disaster and fostering discussions on enhancing the country’s disaster resilience.
The tsunami, triggered by a massive undersea earthquake near Sumatra, Indonesia, struck the Maldives on December 26, 2004, around 9:20 a.m. Tidal waves measuring 4 to 14 feet swept through the islands, causing widespread devastation. The disaster claimed 83 lives, left 25 people initially reported missing, and injured over 1,300 individuals. Approximately 29,000 people—10% of the population—were displaced, and about 8,000 homes were damaged. Only nine inhabited islands were spared from flooding.
The exhibition aims to commemorate the events of 2004 and the extensive recovery efforts undertaken in the aftermath. It also seeks to emphasize the continued importance of disaster awareness and preparedness in safeguarding the Maldives against future threats.
