The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has announced plans to hold a commemorative exhibition to mark the 20th anniversary of the devastating 2004 tsunami. 

The event, titled 'Maldives commemorating the 2004 tsunami, 20 years on' aims to honour the resilience and collective efforts of the nation in rebuilding after the disaster, while promoting awareness of disaster preparedness.

In a statement shared on X, the NDMA emphasised the importance of reflecting on the progress made since the tragedy and fostering discussions on how the Maldives can further strengthen its disaster resilience. The exhibition will run from December 26 to December 29.

The tsunami, which struck on December 26, 2004, was triggered by a powerful undersea earthquake off the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia. Tidal waves ranging from 4 to 14 feet swept across parts of the Maldives at approximately 9:20 a.m. The disaster caused significant destruction, with 83 people confirmed dead and 25 initially reported missing. Over 1,300 individuals suffered injuries, while an estimated 29,000 people—around 10 per cent of the population—were displaced. Approximately 8,000 homes were damaged, and only nine inhabited islands managed to avoid flooding.

The upcoming exhibition seeks to commemorate these events and the extensive recovery efforts that followed, while highlighting the ongoing need for disaster awareness and preparedness in the Maldives.