Before tsunami. Image 1 of 2. Satellite image of part of the coastal city of Banda Aceh,Indonesia,on 23 June 2004. Houses,roads,trees,and fields are all seen. On the morning of 26 December 2004,a massive earthquake,the world's largest for 40 years,occurred underwater 250 kilometres from the city. It created huge waves,or tsunamis,that devastated areas around the Indian Ocean. Large parts of Banda Aceh were completely destroyed,and tens of thousands of people died. Many more died elsewhere. The full death toll may never be known. Quickbird satellite image. For the post-tsunami image,see E275/021 |