Aceh Tsunami December 26, 2004 | An Eyewitness Story

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That year, I still remember clearly, it was a sunny morning in my hometown. At the beginning, as usual, the sea looked so calm and beautiful, reflecting the peaceful world that seemed to have no problems.

My family and I were sitting on the terrace of the house, enjoying a cup of warm tea while making small talk. However, in the distance, I noticed something strange. The sea water seemed to be receding more than usual.

"But isn't that what happens during high tide?" I thought, trying to calm myself down.

Shortly after that, the sky that had been clear turned gray. Suddenly, we all heard a very loud rumbling sound, like thunder that never stops. Without warning, there came a huge wave that broke the calmness of the morning. The sea receded briefly and then approached again, but this time it carried a very frightening force.

I could see people running frantically to higher ground. Their faces looked so anxious, some didn't even have time to save their valuables. I could only stare blankly, not knowing what to do. The moments when I saw the world crumble before my eyes. The first wave came and crashed onto the beach, carrying everything in its path.

I ran towards my brother's house, hoping to survive. Along the way, I saw destroyed houses, overturned vehicles, and people losing their balance. Fear filled the air, no one knew what to do. My family and I just tried to stay on higher ground, praying that the tsunami wouldn't take us further into destruction.

After a few hours, the waves subsided. All that was left was debris and destruction. It was quiet, filled only with cries and shouts of searching for missing family. We were all exhausted, but still grateful to have survived.

Now, years later, the memories are still vivid. No one can forget the enormity of the disaster, and how the entire village changed in a matter of seconds. We survivors are now trying to rebuild our lives, remembering that disaster comes without warning. But we also know that with togetherness and spirit, we can face it and keep going, even though the wounds may never fully heal.