Ceremonies held to mark 2004 tsunami

Commemorations have been held to mark the anniversary of the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami that killed more than 230,000 people in Asia.

In the Thai holiday resort of Phuket, which was severely hit by the massive tidal wave, Buddhist ceremonies were held and flowers laid in memory of the dead.

Similar activities have been taking place across countries with coastline bordering the Indian Ocean.

Six years on, for those affected by the disaster, the events on that day are still difficult.

Patong Beach resident Lary Amsten said:’‘I was in my home in Patong. I saw the water go out. I didn’t understand why. When the water came back, it took away many people. It took away many of my friends. So, it was a very sad day for everyone.’‘

The natural disaster was one of the deadliest ever recorded. Footage recorded at the time showed the sheer force of wave which was prompted by a huge 9.3 earthquake under the ocean floor. Indonesia was hit hardest followed by Sri Lanka, India and Thailand.

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