A high-magnitude earthquake, 9.0 on the Richter scale, struck southern Asia at 00:58 UTC, 6:58 AM local time. The epicentre was 320 km west of Medan, just off the west coast of the Indonesian island of Sumatra. The earthquake was followed by tsunamis that killed nearly a quarter of a million people, mostly in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and India. The coastal regions of India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Indonesia, Maldives, Malaysia, and Myanmar were all severely affected. Bangladesh, the Seychelles, Somalia, Kenya, and Tanzania also suffered damage and loss of life.

Before and after tsunami satellite images, Tarangambadi Surroundings Tamil Nadu

Source: Envisat SAR data, 29/12/04 and 01/01/05

Acquired: 01/01/05

Copyright: Courtesy National Remote Sensing Agency, Govt. of India

Post-tsunami satellite map, IRS Before After Tsunami Karaikal India

Source: IRS-P6 AWiFS data

Acquired: 02/01/2005

Copyright: Map produced 02/01/2005 by UNOSAT

Before and after tsunami satellite images, Katchall

Source: IRS-P6 AWiFS data, 21/12/04, 26/12/04, and IRS-P6 LISS-III data, 04/01/05

Acquired: 21/12/04, 26/12/04, 04/01/05

Copyright: Courtesy National Remote Sensing Agency, Govt. of India

Before and after tsunami satellite images, Pumpukar Surroundings Tamil Nadu

Source: Envisat SAR data, 29/12/04 and 01/01/05

Acquired: 01/01/05

Copyright: Courtesy National Remote Sensing Agency, Govt. of India

Before and after tsunami satellite images, Great Nicobar Patitiya Nicobar Islands

Source: IRS-P6 AWiFS data, 21/12/04, and Radarsat SAR data, 31/12/04

Acquired: 21/12/04, 31/12/04

Copyright: Courtesy National Remote Sensing Agency, Govt. of India

Before and after tsunami satellite images, Great Nicobar Pulobaha Nicobar Islands

Source: IRS-P6 AWiFS data, 21/12/04, and Radarsat SAR data, 31/12/04

Acquired: 21/12/04, 31/12/04

Copyright: Courtesy National Remote Sensing Agency, Govt. of India

Post-tsunami satellite map, IRS Before After Tsunami Agasympalli India

Source: IRS-P6 AWiFS data

Acquired: 02/01/2005

Copyright: Map produced 02/01/2005 by UNOSAT

Post-tsunami satellite map, IRS Before After Tsunami Chennai Indiar

Source: IRS-P6 AWiFS data

Acquired: 02/01/2005

Copyright: Map produced 02/01/2005 by UNOSAT

Post-tsunami satellite map, IRS Before After Tsunami North Camorta Nicobar

Source: IRS-P6 AWiFS data

Acquired: 02/01/2005

Copyright: Map produced 02/01/2005 by UNOSAT

Post-tsunami satellite map, IRS Before After Tsunami North Center Nicobar

Source: IRS-P6 AWiFS data

Acquired: 02/01/2005

Copyright: Map produced 02/01/2005 by UNOSAT

Post-tsunami satellite map, IRS Before After Tsunami North Katchall Nicobar

Source: IRS-P6 AWiFS data

Acquired: 02/01/2005

Copyright: Map produced 02/01/2005 by UNOSAT

Post-tsunami satellite map, IRS Before After Tsunami Trinkat Nicobar

Source: IRS-P6 AWiFS data

Acquired: 02/01/2005

Copyright: Map produced 02/01/2005 by UNOSAT

Post-tsunami satellite map, Malacca Nicobar

Source: Landsat ETM, 08/08/1999 and SPOT 5 data, 2.5 m resolution, 29/12/2004

Acquired: 01/01/2005

Copyright: Map produced 01/01/2005 by UNOSAT

Post-tsunami satellite map, Maldives Dhigafinolhu

Source: SPOT 5 data, 2.5 m resolution.

Acquired: 31/12/2004

Copyright: Map produced 31/12/2004 by UNOSAT

Post-tsunami satellite map, Maldives Gulhi

Source: SPOT 5 data, 2.5 m resolution.

Acquired: 31/12/2004

Copyright: Map produced 31/12/2004 by UNOSAT

Post-tsunami satellite map, Maldives Guralahu

Source: SPOT 5 data, 2.5 m resolution.

Acquired: 31/12/2004

Copyright: Map produced 31/12/2004 by UNOSAT

Post-tsunami satellite map, Maldives Mafushi

Source: SPOT 5 data, 2.5 m resolution.

Acquired: 31/12/2004

Copyright: Map produced 31/12/2004 by UNOSAT

Before and after tsunami satellite images, Kerala

Source: IRS-1D LISS data, 19/12/04 and 27/12/04

Acquired: 27/12/04

Copyright: Courtesy National Remote Sensing Agency, Govt. of India

Before and after tsunami satellite images, Tottapalli, Kerala

Source: IRS-1D LISS data, 19/12/04 and 27/12/04

Acquired: 27/12/04

Copyright: Courtesy National Remote Sensing Agency, Govt. of India

Before and after tsunami satellite images, Paravur, Kerala

Source: IRS-1D LISS data, 19/12/04 and 27/12/04

Acquired: 27/12/04

Copyright: Courtesy National Remote Sensing Agency, Govt. of India

Before and after tsunami satellite images, Chirayinkil, Kerala

Source: IRS-1D LISS data, 19/12/04 and 27/12/04

Acquired: 27/12/04

Copyright: Courtesy National Remote Sensing Agency, Govt. of India

Before and after tsunami satellite images, Trinkat

Source: IRS-P6 AWiFS data, 21/12/04, 26/12/04, and IRS-P6 LISS-III data, 04/01/05

Acquired: 21/12/04, 26/12/04, 04/01/05

Copyright: Courtesy National Remote Sensing Agency, Govt. of India

Before and after tsunami satellite images, Nicobar

Source: IRS-P6 AWiFS data, 21/12/04, 26/12/04, and IRS-P6 LISS-III data, 04/01/05

Acquired: 21/12/04, 26/12/04, 04/01/05

Copyright: Courtesy National Remote Sensing Agency, Govt. of India

Before and after tsunami satellite images, Camorta

Source: IRS-P6 AWiFS data, 21/12/04, 26/12/04, and IRS-P6 LISS-III data, 04/01/05

Acquired: 21/12/04, 26/12/04, 04/01/05

Copyright: Courtesy National Remote Sensing Agency, Govt. of India

Before and after tsunami satellite images, Camorta

Source: IRS-P6 AWiFS data, 21/12/04, 26/12/04, and IRS-P6 LISS-III data, 04/01/05

Acquired: 21/12/04, 26/12/04, 04/01/05

Copyright: Courtesy National Remote Sensing Agency, Govt. of India

Before and after tsunami satellite images, Nancowry

Source: IRS-P6 AWiFS data, 21/12/04, 26/12/04, and IRS-P6 LISS-III data, 04/01/05

Acquired: 21/12/04, 26/12/04, 04/01/05

Copyright: Courtesy National Remote Sensing Agency, Govt. of India

Before and after tsunami satellite images, Male, Maldives

Source: IRS-P6 LISS-IV MX data, 09/02/04, IRS 1D PAN, 03/01/05

Acquired: 03/01/05

Copyright: Courtesy National Remote Sensing Agency, Govt. of India

Before and after tsunami satellite images, Huhule, Maldives

Source: IRS-P6 LISS-IV MX data, 09/02/04, IRS 1D PAN, 03/01/05

Acquired: 03/01/05

Copyright: Courtesy National Remote Sensing Agency, Govt. of India

Before and after tsunami satellite images, Tamil Nadu Coast Tamil Nadu

Source: IRS-P6 LISS-III data, 15/08/04 and Envisat SAR data, 29/12/04

Acquired: 29/12/04

Copyright: Courtesy National Remote Sensing Agency, Govt. of India

Before and after tsunami satellite images, Pondicherry Tamil Nadu

Source: IRS-P6 LISS-III data, 15/08/04 and Envisat SAR data, 29/12/04

Acquired: 29/12/04

Copyright: Courtesy National Remote Sensing Agency, Govt. of India

Before and after tsunami satellite images, Cuddalore Tamil Nadu

Source: IRS-P6 LISS-III data, 15/08/04 and Envisat SAR data, 29/12/04

Acquired: 29/12/04

Copyright: Courtesy National Remote Sensing Agency, Govt. of India

Before and after tsunami satellite images, Tirumullaivasal Tamil Nadu

Source: IRS-P6 LISS-III data, 15/08/04 and Envisat SAR data, 29/12/04

Acquired: 29/12/04

Copyright: Courtesy National Remote Sensing Agency, Govt. of India

Before and after tsunami satellite images, Pumpukar Tamil Nadu

Source: IRS-P6 LISS-III data, 15/08/04 and Envisat SAR data, 29/12/04

Acquired: 29/12/04

Copyright: Courtesy National Remote Sensing Agency, Govt. of India

Before and after tsunami satellite images, Tarangambadi Tamil Nadu

Source: IRS-P6 LISS-III data, 15/08/04 and Envisat SAR data, 29/12/04

Acquired: 29/12/04

Copyright: Courtesy National Remote Sensing Agency, Govt. of India

Before and after tsunami satellite images, Karaikal Tamil Nadu

Source: IRS-P6 LISS-III data, 15/08/04 and Envisat SAR data, 29/12/04

Acquired: 29/12/04

Copyright: Courtesy National Remote Sensing Agency, Govt. of India

Before and after tsunami satellite images, Nagappattinam Tamil Nadu

Source: IRS-P6 LISS-III data, 15/08/04 and Envisat SAR data, 29/12/04

Acquired: 29/12/04

Copyright: Courtesy National Remote Sensing Agency, Govt. of India

Before and after tsunami satellite images, Nagappattinam Surroundings Tamil Nadu

Source: IRS-P6 LISS-III data, 15/08/04 and merged image IRS LISS-III, 15/08/04 and Envisat SAR data, 29/12/04

Acquired: 29/12/04

Copyright: Courtesy National Remote Sensing Agency, Govt. of India

Before and after tsunami satellite images, Vedaranniyam Tamil Nadu

Source: IRS-P6 LISS-III data, 15/08/04 and Envisat SAR data, 29/12/04

Acquired: 29/12/04

Copyright: Courtesy National Remote Sensing Agency, Govt. of India

Before and after tsunami satellite images, Vedaranniyam Surroundings Tamil Nadu

Source: IRS-P6 LISS-III data, 15/08/04 and Envisat SAR data, 29/12/04

Acquired: 29/12/04

Copyright: Courtesy National Remote Sensing Agency, Govt. of India

Before and after tsunami satellite images, Pumpukar Surroundings Tamil Nadu

Source: Envisat SAR data, 29/12/04 and 01/01/05

Acquired: 01/01/05

Copyright: Courtesy National Remote Sensing Agency, Govt. of India

Before and after tsunami satellite images, Karaikal Surroundings Tamil Nadu

Source: Envisat SAR data, 29/12/04 and 01/01/05

Acquired: 01/01/05

Copyright: Courtesy National Remote Sensing Agency, Govt. of India

Before and after tsunami satellite images, Nagappattinam Surroundings Tamil Nadu

Source: Envisat SAR data, 29/12/04 and 01/01/05

Acquired: 01/01/05

Copyright: Courtesy National Remote Sensing Agency, Govt. of India

Before and after tsunami satellite images, Nagappattinam Surroundings Tamil Nadu

Source: Envisat SAR data, 29/12/04 and 01/01/05

Acquired: 01/01/05

Copyright: Courtesy National Remote Sensing Agency, Govt. of India

Before and after tsunami satellite images, View Of Nicobar Islands

Source: IRS-P6 AWiFS data, 21/12/04, 26/12/04, and Radarsat SAR data, 31/12/04

Acquired: 21/12/04, 26/12/04, 31/12/04

Copyright: Courtesy National Remote Sensing Agency, Govt. of India

Before and after tsunami satellite images, Little Nicobar Pulo Milo Nicobar Islands

Source: IRS-P6 AWiFS data, 21/12/04, and Radarsat SAR data, 31/12/04

Acquired: 21/12/04, 31/12/04

Copyright: Courtesy National Remote Sensing Agency, Govt. of India

Before and after tsunami satellite images, Little Nicobar Kola Auva Nicobar Islands

Source: IRS-P6 AWiFS data, 21/12/04, and Radarsat SAR data, 31/12/04

Acquired: 21/12/04, 31/12/04

Copyright: Courtesy National Remote Sensing Agency, Govt. of India

Before and after tsunami satellite images, Great Nicobar Nicobar Islands

Source: IRS-P6 AWiFS data, 21/12/04, and Radarsat SAR data, 31/12/04

Acquired: 21/12/04, 31/12/04

Copyright: Courtesy National Remote Sensing Agency, Govt. of India

Before and after tsunami satellite images, Great Nicobar Pulo Kunji Nicobar Islands

Source: IRS-P6 AWiFS data, 21/12/04, and Radarsat SAR data, 31/12/04

Acquired: 21/12/04, 31/12/04

Copyright: Courtesy National Remote Sensing Agency, Govt. of India

Before and after tsunami satellite images, Great Nicobar Kopenheat Nicobar Islands

Source: IRS-P6 AWiFS data, 21/12/04, and Radarsat SAR data, 31/12/04

Acquired: 21/12/04, 31/12/04

Copyright: Courtesy National Remote Sensing Agency, Govt. of India

Regional Topographic map, with affected areas, population density and digital elevation model

Source: UNJLC

Regional Topographic map, with affected areas, population density and digital elevation model.

Source: UNJLC

Topographic map of Sumatra, with affected areas, population density and digital elevation model.

Source: UNJLC.

Carte topographique régionale, montrant des zones touchées, densité de la population et modèle numérique du terrain.

Source: Centre de logistique des Nations Unies.

Potential population affected by Tsunami over the whole area.

Source: European Commission, Joint Research Institute.

Copyright: Population density data from Landscan 2002 Elevation data from SRTM (NASA)

Regional map of countries most affected by the Tsunami. Show zones under 30 meters elevation.

Source: UNOSAT, USGS, NASA (SRTM30/ETOPO2/MODIS), Global Insight.

Potential land affected by Tsunami over the whole area.

Copyright: European Commission, Joint Research Institute. Regional land cover map generated by a partnership coordinated by JRC, part of Global Land Cover 2000 project.

Regional map of tsunami-affected areas, scale: 1:12,000,000

Source: GLCF, NASA, USGS. MODIS-Terra Mosaic SRTM (3 arc seconds). Shows coastal areas under 20 meters elevation. Map produced 28/12/2004 by UNOSAT.

Other info: Elevation data: SRTM (3 arc seconds). Shows coastal areas under 20 meters elevation. Map produced 28/12/2004 by UNOSAT.

Source: IRS-P6 L4 MX imagery 12/01/2004-27/12/2004, before and after tsunami

Copyright: Courtesy National Remote Sensing Agency, Govt. of India

Source: IRS-1D LISS-III imagery, 21/12/2004, IRS-1C LISS-III imagery, 30/12/2004, Car Nicobar Island

Copyright: Courtesy National Remote Sensing Agency, Govt. of India.

Source: IRS-1D LISS-III imagery, 21/12/2004, IRS-1C LISS-III imagery, 30/12/2004, Car Nicobar Island

Copyright: Courtesy National Remote Sensing Agency, Govt. of India.

Source: IRS-P6 L4 MX imagery 12/01/2004-27/12/2004, before and after tsunami

Copyright: Courtesy National Remote Sensing Agency, Govt. of India

Source: IRS-P6 AWiFs imagery 18/12/2004

Copyright: Courtesy National Remote Sensing Agency, Govt. of India

Source: IRS-P6 AWiFs imagery 18/12/2004-28/12/2004, before and after

Copyright: Courtesy National Remote Sensing Agency, Govt. of India

Source: IRS-P6 AWiFs imagery 18/12/2004-28/12/2004, before and after

Copyright: Courtesy National Remote Sensing Agency, Govt. of India

Source: IRS-P6 AWiFs imagery 18/12/2004-28/12/2004, before and after

Copyright: Courtesy National Remote Sensing Agency, Govt. of India

Source: IRS-P6 AWiFs imagery 18/12/2004-27/12/2004, before and after

Copyright: Courtesy National Remote Sensing Agency, Govt. of India

Source: IRS-1D LISS-III imagery, 21/12/2004, IRS-1C LISS-III imagery, 30/12/2004, Car Nicobar Island

Copyright: Courtesy National Remote Sensing Agency, Govt. of India.

Source: IRS-1D LISS-III imagery, 21/12/2004, IRS-1C LISS-III imagery, 30/12/2004, Car Nicobar Island

Copyright: Courtesy National Remote Sensing Agency, Govt. of India.

Source: IRS-1D LISS-III imagery, 21/12/2004, IRS-1C LISS-III imagery, 30/12/2004, Car Nicobar Island

Copyright: Courtesy National Remote Sensing Agency, Govt. of India.

Source: IRS-P4 OCM, IRS-P6 AWiFs imagery 26/12/2004

Copyright: Courtesy National Remote Sensing Agency, Govt. of India

Source: IRS-1D LISS-III imagery, 21/12/2004, IRS-1C LISS-III imagery, 30/12/2004, Car Nicobar Island

Copyright: Courtesy National Remote Sensing Agency, Govt. of India.

Source: IRS-1D LISS-III imagery, 21/12/2004, IRS-1C LISS-III imagery, 30/12/2004, Car Nicobar Island

Copyright: Courtesy National Remote Sensing Agency, Govt. of India.

Source: IRS-P6 AWiFs imagery 21/12/2004-26/12/2004, before and after tsunami

Copyright: Courtesy National Remote Sensing Agency, Govt. of India

Source: IRS-P6 AWiFs imagery 21/12/2004-26/12/2004, before and after tsunami

Copyright: Courtesy National Remote Sensing Agency, Govt. of India.

Source: IRS-P6 AWiFs imagery 21/12/2004-26/12/2004, before and after tsunami

Copyright: Courtesy National Remote Sensing Agency, Govt. of India

Source: IRS-P6 AWiFs imagery 21/12/2004-26/12/2004, before and after tsunami

Copyright: Courtesy National Remote Sensing Agency, Govt. of India

Source: IRS-P6 AWiFs imagery 21/12/2004-26/12/2004, before and after tsunami

Copyright: Courtesy National Remote Sensing Agency, Govt. of India

Source: IRS-P6 L4 MX imagery 12/01/2004-27/12/2004, before and after tsunami

Copyright: Courtesy National Remote Sensing Agency, Govt. of India

Source: IRS-P6 L4 MX imagery 12/01/2004-27/12/2004, before and after tsunami

Copyright: Courtesy National Remote Sensing Agency, Govt. of India

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