10:58
Helicopter crash in Sri Lanka kills six
A helicopter crash in Sri Lanka has resulted in six fatalities, according to military sources cited by AFP on Friday.
Survivors and families honour victims of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami
Reuters
On the 20th anniversary of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, survivors and families across Southeast and South Asia gathered to honour the 230,000 victims. Memorials were held in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, and Thailand, where emotional tributes and prayers were offered.
Twenty years ago, on December 26, a magnitude 9.15 earthquake beneath the Indian Ocean triggered one of the deadliest tsunamis in recorded history.
This disaster claimed over 226,000 lives, left nearly 2 million people homeless, and caused catastrophic devastation across 14 countries. Entire communities were wiped off the map, with over 50,000 bodies never recovered.
Indonesia was the hardest hit, with 166,000 people dead or missing. In Banda Aceh, the devastation was overwhelming, but extensive reconstruction efforts have since rebuilt a new city atop the ruins. Sri Lanka and Thailand also suffered catastrophic losses, while fatalities were reported as far away as Port Elizabeth in South Africa. Waves towering up to 17.4 meters obliterated coastlines, with destruction extending as far as the east coast of Africa, affecting nations like Kenya, Somalia, and Tanzania.
Across the affected region, survivors, families, and communities gathered at memorial sites to honor the lives lost. Many visitors, including relatives of the lost, laid flowers and paid their respects in solemn silence.
At the time, no formal warning system existed, leaving victims with no chance to escape the approaching waves. Today, a $400 million early-warning system connects 28 countries. It includes 101 sea-level gauges, 148 seismometers, and nine buoys, designed to mitigate future risks.
Despite these efforts, concerns about the system’s maintenance and effectiveness remain. Experts caution that complacency and preparedness gaps still leave millions vulnerable to another catastrophic wave.
00:51
Modi visits Sri Lanka to boost ties
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Sri Lanka to strengthen ties and sign key agreements, including a defence pact and energy projects.
19:00
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka celebrates Navam Perahera festival
Thousands of visitors gathered in Sri Lanka's capital, Colombo, to see the spectacular annual spiritual festival. The streets came alive with elephants, vibrant lights, energetic dancers, and a display of tradition - making it a night to remember.
15:39
Sri Lanka reports nearly 50,000 dengue cases in 2024
Sri Lanka reported nearly 50,000 dengue cases in 2024, with 24 fatalities and a case fatality rate of 0.05%. The Western Province accounted for 44.1% of cases. In January 2025 alone, 2,045 cases have already been recorded, highlighting ongoing public health challenges.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment