The Andaman and Nicobar Islands on Thursday observed the 21st anniversary of the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, with a solemn remembrance ceremony organised by the Andaman and Nicobar Administration at the Tsunami Memorial near the Water Sports Complex in Sri Vijaya Puram. The occasion marked more than two decades since one of the worst natural disasters in the region’s history, which claimed thousands of lives and caused widespread destruction across the islands.
The Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands led the commemorative event, paying homage to those who lost their lives in the catastrophe. Floral wreaths were placed at the memorial as a mark of respect, with senior officials of the administration, representatives of local bodies, prominent citizens and students joining in the observance. The gathering reflected a collective act of remembrance, underscoring the enduring impact of the tsunami on island communities.
The ceremony included the offering of floral tributes by senior officers of the administration and councillors of the Sri Vijaya Puram Municipal Council, along with participation from school students. The presence of students was seen as a reminder of the importance of passing on the memory of the disaster to younger generations, many of whom were not born when the tsunami struck the islands on December 26, 2004.
An all-religion prayer meeting was held as part of the programme, bringing together different faiths in a shared moment of reflection. This was followed by a two-minute silence observed in memory of those who perished in the disaster. The Sarva Dharma Prarthana Sabha symbolised unity and collective mourning, a tradition that has continued annually since the tragedy.
The 2004 tsunami remains etched in the collective memory of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which were among the worst affected regions in India due to their proximity to the earthquake epicentre off the coast of Sumatra. Entire coastal settlements were washed away, infrastructure suffered extensive damage, and many families were displaced. The disaster also led to significant changes in the islands’ geography, with reports of land subsidence and altered shorelines in several areas.
Over the years, the administration and disaster management authorities have undertaken various measures aimed at strengthening preparedness and response mechanisms. While the anniversary event focused on remembrance rather than review, the observance served as a reminder of the vulnerabilities of island territories to natural calamities and the continuing need for awareness, resilience and disaster readiness.
The Tsunami Memorial at Sri Vijaya Puram has become a focal point for annual commemorations, serving both as a site of mourning and as a symbol of collective resilience. Each year, the anniversary draws officials, citizens and students, reinforcing a shared commitment to remember the lives lost and the lessons learned from the tragedy.
As the islands marked 21 years since the disaster, the subdued ceremony reflected a balance between grief and remembrance, acknowledging the profound loss suffered while reaffirming the resolve to honour the memory of those who died. The observance concluded without fanfare, in keeping with the solemn nature of the occasion, leaving attendees in quiet reflection on a tragedy that continues to shape the history and consciousness of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
