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The Asian Tsunami: One Year After

The tsunami in Southeast Asia on Dec. 26, 2004 killed more than 220,000 people and left 570,000 people homeless. Here, DW-WORLD presents a collection of selected articles from the 12 months that followed.

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One year after the devastation, homes and lives are still being rebuiltImage: AP

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On Dec. 26, 2004, the day after many locals and foreign tourists had celebrated Christmas in locations across Asia, a magnitude 9.3 earthquake splintered the seabed off the coast of northwest Sumatra.

The second biggest earthquake in recorded history unleashed a devastating tsunami that traveled thousands of kilometers across the Indian Ocean, killing more than 220,000 people and leaving 570,000 people homeless in countries as far apart as Indonesia, the Maldives, Sri Lanka and Somalia.

A year later, thousands of victims are still missing, many others remain unidentified and the process of rebuilding lives, homes and hearts is continuing.

DW-WORLD brings you a selection articles that chronicle the seemingly impossible task of recovering from one of the world's most worst natural disasters.

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Reports & Analysis

Indonesia Imports German Tsunami Warning Model

Indonesia has decided to install a tsunami early warning system developed by German researchers in Potsdam who claim the technology is superior to the existing US model in the Pacific.

Asia Marks Tsunami Anniversary Amid Tears, Prayers

Tearful mourners from around the world gathered Monday to light candles and offer prayers on the anniversary of the Indian Ocean tsunami, one of the deadliest natural disasters ever.

Could it Happen Here?

Seen from Europe, the recent tsunamis hit countries half a world away. But European experts say it would be wrong to think that a tsunami couldn't happen here, and say an EU-wide early warning system is needed.

An Endeavor That Needs Time and Money

The German government has generously pledged €500 million ($653 million) over the next three to five years for long-term rebuilding in tsunami-ravaged South Asia. But, how exactly is the money going to be distributed?

German Army Tends To Tsunami Victims

While Indonesia's government on Wednesday limited foreign access to its tsunami-devastated Aceh province, the German army has set up camp there and plans to offer help with a mobile field hospital.

German Tsunami Early Warning System Takes Shape

Almost 11 months after the devastating tsunami in South Asia, a German-developed early warning system has gone into action, with the releasing of the first buoy off the coast of Indonesia.

Waves of Horror

Germans Offer Early Warning Help

There's long been talk of creating a tsunami warning system, but now it's time for action. DW-WORLD spoke to Birger-Gottfried Lühr of the Geo Research Center in Potsdam, which wants to help.

Doing Better Than "Business as Usual"

Three months after a tsunami devastated resorts in South Asia, the region is the focus of the world's biggest tourism fair in Berlin. Tourists are being asked to return, but can the industry learn from past mistakes?

Message at UN Disaster Meeting: Be Prepared

As a UN conference on natural-disaster preventions got underway in Japan, a plan to create a global tsunami warning system was high on the agenda.

German Organizations Take Stock of Tsunami Relief

A German national umbrella organization set up to coordinate non-government relief efforts has said where the donations for tsunami victims have gone and shed some light on how reconstruction work is proceeding.

Tsunami Aid Picks Up as Disease Looms

An unprecedented global aid operation gathered steam Sunday to save survivors of Asia's tsunamis amid signs of disease after the disaster that claimed more than 127,000 lives.