First and Last Tsunami Commemoration
The earthquake and tsunami disaster of December 26th 2004 took over 280,000 lives and devastated coastal areas and communities around the Indian Ocean. The five most affected countries were Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Thailand and India. In Thailand, the tsunami swept through the Andaman coastline and neighboring islands causing mass destruction. The impact hit top tourist beach destinations of Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi, Ranong, Trang and Satun.
The earthquake and tsunami disaster of December 26th 2004 took over 280,000 lives and devastated coastal areas and communities around the Indian Ocean. The five most affected countries were Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Thailand and India. In Thailand, the tsunami swept through the Andaman coastline and neighboring islands causing mass destruction. The impact hit top tourist beach destinations of Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi, Ranong, Trang and Satun.
In Trang province, there was loss to life, infliction of injuries, loss to belongings, fisheries and agriculture in many districts, especially the coast and islands. Despite this, Trang suffered the least loss compared to other beach destinations. With only 5 reported deaths (3 Thais and 2 Foreigners) and over 160 partially destroyed homes – as compared to thousands in neighbouring provinces. It is believed that the destruction against the coastline was not that great because Trang still maintains many of its natural ecology and forest. It was for this reason that Lifelong Learning Foundation began its cooperation with many international organizations working in the affected areas with the aim to safeguard our natural resources for the next generation.
Each year, the Andaman region will pay tribute to those who have lost their lives in the disaster. The first and last anniversary was held at Haadyao Pier in the year 2005. It became the last event to be held in Trang because of the province’s decision that it was not in the best interest of the tourism industry to remind future tourists of the tragedy. The people’s sentiments along the coast and islands were strongly voiced and accepted by the Provincial Government. Today, if you should visit the coast and islands of Trang, the only sign that such a catastrophe had occurred in the area are evidenced by tsunami warning signs that point for escape to higher ground.