The Andaman and Nicobar Administration will observe the 21st anniversary of the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004 on December 26, 2025, at the Tsunami Memorial located at the Andaman Water Sports Complex in Aberdeen. The commemoration is intended to honour the memory of those who lost their lives in one of the deadliest natural disasters to affect the island territory.
According to an official press release issued by the Additional District Magistrate, South Andaman, the Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands will lead the observance by offering floral tributes at the memorial. Other dignitaries are also expected to pay homage, marking the solemn occasion that continues to hold deep emotional significance for island residents.
The programme will include an all-religion prayer meeting, or Sarva Dharma Prarthana Sabha, to collectively remember the victims and reflect on the shared loss experienced across communities during the 2004 tsunami. The prayer meeting is intended to symbolise unity and collective remembrance, bringing together people from different faiths and backgrounds.
The administration has appealed to the general public, Panchayati Raj Institution representatives, heads of departments and offices, as well as officers and officials of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, to attend the main function at the Tsunami Memorial. Participants have been requested to assemble at the venue by 7.30 am to take part in the homage-paying ceremony.
The 2004 tsunami had a catastrophic impact on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, claiming thousands of lives, displacing large sections of the population and causing widespread destruction to coastal infrastructure. Entire villages were wiped out, and the disaster left a lasting imprint on the social, economic and environmental fabric of the islands. The annual observance serves as a reminder of the scale of the tragedy and the resilience shown by affected communities in the years that followed.
Over the past two decades, the anniversary has also come to represent a renewed focus on disaster preparedness and resilience in the island territory. The Tsunami Memorial in Aberdeen stands as a permanent reminder of the lives lost and the lessons learned from the disaster, including the importance of early warning systems, community awareness and coordinated emergency response.
Officials noted that the observance is not only an act of remembrance but also an opportunity for reflection on the progress made since 2004 in strengthening disaster management mechanisms across the islands. While no additional programmes have been announced as part of this year’s commemoration, the focus remains on paying respectful tribute in a dignified and inclusive manner.
The administration’s appeal for broad participation underscores the collective nature of the remembrance, as the tsunami affected families across districts, communities and generations. For many islanders, December 26 continues to be a day of mourning, reflection and remembrance.
The main ceremony at the Tsunami Memorial is expected to conclude after the prayer meeting and floral tributes, with attendees dispersing thereafter.
