Thailand tsunami

On Boxing Day, December 26, 2004, an earthquake far out in the Indian Ocean triggered a Tsunami or massive tidal wave which washed over the western shore of Thailand, leaving over 225,000 people dead or missing and literally billions of dollars in immediate financial damage, plus untold billions spend in cleanup and relief efforts.

The Boxing Day Earthquake in the Indian Ocean was the second largest ever recorded on a seismograph. It registered an astonishing 9.1 or 9.2 on the Richter Scale. The violence of the earthquake actually caused the entire planet to move slightly in its orbit. The earthquake triggered tremors as far away as Alaska.

The Thailand tsunami which caused waves 100 feet high rolled across shoreline housing, resorts and commercial establishments in the countries of Sri Lanka, Thailand, Indonesia and India.

The Thailand tsunami results impacted the lives of family members whose bodies may never be recovered. Because there is never a sense of closure in such cases, The Thailand Tsunami can have negative impacts far beyond the physical and emotional damage suffered.

As a somewhat more wealthy and stable economy than some of the other hardest hit areas, the Thailand tsunami nonetheless had significant economic damage. Much of the seacoast areas of Thailand are an attraction to tourist, snorkelers, divers and others. The line of extra luxurious resort hotels was changed in a heart stopping few minutes from abodes of the rich and famous from around the world to devastated buildings. Many of the resort vacationers were simply washed away by the out rushing waters as the Thailand tsunami wave returned to the deeper waters.

The beautiful and luxurious hotels were destroyed. Marine debris was left far inland at the high reach of the Thailand tsunami. as well as buildings, automobiles and garbage which was moved out of its place by the power of the surging water.

Just the physical devastation left behind is staggering. Humanitarian efforts from the around the world are ongoing. but the economic damage done by the Thailand tsunami is double-pronged. First, the buildings and infrastructure were destroyed. amounting to billions of dollars in potential damages. Second, the blow to the tourist industry has a ripple effect. Tourists are easily scared away by the fear of the unknown. The Thai people who staffed the tourist facilities are not needed because of the loss of business.

When the tourists stay away, the economic effect on the country is devastadion.