Asian Tsunami

The 2004 tsunami was the most devastating natural disaster of our time. What contributed to the magnitude of the killer wave, and how can a similar tragedy be prevented?, On 26 December, 2004, the largest earthquake in 40 years strikes deep beneath the Indian Ocean. Lasting eight minutes and stretching a record 1,600 kilometres in length, the earthquake's massive strength surpasses measurement on the Richter scale. Just after 8:15 AM, billions of tonnes of water speed towards land with a force equivalent to more than 30,000 Hiroshima bombs. Within minutes, the terrifying wall of water makes landfall, engulfing entire towns in its path. Deadly currents and dangerous debris tear buildings apart, as people across South Asia fight for survival. Ultimately claiming the lives of more than 250,000 people, it is the most devastating tsunami in recorded history and scientists are puzzled by the extraordinary size and savagery of the waves. Tsunami experts must analyze the geologic episode, looking for clues behind the tsunami's overwhelming force. Their findings re-define tsunami prediction and reveal that tsunamis may pose a greater threat than previously realized.