Aceh celebrates the 18th anniversary of the Indian Ocean tsunami

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Indonesians celebrated the 18th anniversary of the deadly Indian Ocean tsunami that struck on December 26, 2004. The disaster left more than 220,000 dead or missing in a vast area stretching from Southeast Asia to East Africa.

A tsunami was caused by a massive earthquake that hit the coast of the Indonesian island of Sumatra. More than 160,000 people were killed in the province of Aceh, on the northwestern tip of the island.

A memorial service was held Monday at a cemetery in Aceh. Prayers were offered at eight o’clock in the morning, around the time of the earthquake. Police and army officials scattered rose petals on the ground to mourn the victims.

The locals put on a play, re-enacting the devastation caused by the high tide.

A 64-year-old man, whose parents are still missing, recalls that the tsunami turned the city into a hellish landscape. He said that some people believe that a major tsunami will only happen once every 300 years, but he believes one can strike again at any time.

A 17-year-old girl said she was never taught at school about disaster or how to prepare for it. She said young people should communicate with each other and learn more about natural disasters.

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