Describe the factors and consequences of 2004 Tsunami in Indian Ocean.

Causes and Consequences of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami:

On 26 December 2004, a catastrophic tsunami ravaged the coastlines of 14 countries bordering the Indian Ocean:

• 1. Causes of Origin:
  • Magnitude 9.1–9.3 Undersea Megathrust Earthquake: Shallow focal depth (30 km) off the west coast of Northern Sumatra (Indonesia).
  • Tectonic Subduction: Ruptured a 1,300 km fault zone where the Indian Plate abruptly subducted under the Burma Microplate, thrusting the seafloor vertically by several metres and displacing billions of tonnes of ocean water.
• 2. Catastrophic Consequences:
  • Devastating Loss of Lives: Over 230,000 fatalities globally; in India, 16,000+ people died (worst hits in Tamil Nadu - Nagapattinam, Cuddalore, and Chennai).
  • Submergence of Indira Point: India's southernmost geographical tip (Indira Point in Great Nicobar) permanently submerged by 4.25 metres.
  • Ecological & Agrarian Ruin: Salinization of coastal paddy lands, destruction of coral reefs, and flattening of mangroves.
  • Institutional Transformation: Led to the establishment of the Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC) at INCOIS (Hyderabad) in 2007 and enactment of the Disaster Management Act, 2005.