20 Years After the Indian Ocean Tsunami, Communities Lead the Way in Disaster Preparedness

December 26, 2024

The Indian Ocean tsunami on December 26, 2004, devastated entire regions across Southeast Asia, claiming over 230,000 lives and displacing millions. In the 20 years since, communities across the region have made significant progress in how they prepare for and respond to natural disasters, now increasing in frequency and worsening with accelerating climate change. In Indonesia, where the tsunami hit hardest, Mercy Corps and partners have spent the last two decades working with governments and local communities to establish early warning systems, tsunami evacuation routes, and disaster-resistant shelters. 

Ade Soekadis, Executive Director of Mercy Corps Indonesia, says: 

“The 2004 tsunami was a turning point in global disaster response, leading to groundbreaking efforts in disaster risk reduction and emergency preparedness. Today, communities in disaster-prone Indonesia are undeniably safer and better able to withstand crises than they were two decades ago, thanks to locally led efforts like community-based disaster response teams and regular evacuation drills. If a similar tsunami struck Aceh today, I can confidently say communities would fare far better.” 

"While there has been important progress to help communities prepare for and withstand disasters, this work is more important than ever as natural disasters grow more frequent and intense, and new patterns of weather and extreme weather events pose increasing threats to communities. The hard truth is that no level of preparedness can eliminate the risks communities face entirely. Early warning systems, evacuation plans, and resilient infrastructure give us a critical edge, but they must be continuously updated and adapted to meet the realities of a changing planet.”  

“The next disaster will come – it's our duty now to ensure communities don’t suffer the same level of catastrophe again and build the foundations for future prosperity.” 

 

Notes to Editors:

  • Mercy Corps Program Manager Dewi Hanifah, who joined Mercy Corps response in 2005, is available for interviews.

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