Simulation shows horror reality of 2004 tsunami

A simulation shows the devastating reality of the 2004 tsunami, also known as the Boxing Day tsunami, that claimed 220,000 lives.

The devastating reality of the 2004 tsunami that claimed the lives of more than 220,000 people has been re-created in a terrifying simulation.

This year marks 20 years since the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami — one of the deadliest disasters in modern history.

The Sumatra-Andaman earthquake struck 240km from the coast of Sumatra Island, on the northwest of the Indonesian island group, and 49km below the ocean floor.

It is estimated to have released energy equivalent to 23,000 Hiroshima-type atomic bombs, wiping out hundreds of communities in minutes.

The horror unfolded on December 26, 2004 – Boxing Day – at 7.59am local time.

YouTuber Zack D Films, who has 17 million suibscribers and is known for his simulation clips, explained to viewers how the tsunami began.

“The water started to recede, rapidly, exposing the ocean floor,” he said. “People were confused and started to notice the wave coming closer to the shore.”

His clip showed marine life stranded on the sand as animated people looked around with baffled looks on their faces.

“This was a massive tsunami triggered by an undersea earthquake. As the wave approached it grew in height reaching up to 100 feet at some places,” he continued.

Zack said it slammed into the area with “unimaginable force obliterating everything in its path”.

“The wave swept entire neighbourhoods away leaving nothing behind but rubble.”

YouTuber Zack D. Films created a simulation of the 2004 tsunami that claimed the lives of more than 220,000 people, 20 years ago. Picture: YouTube/Zack D. Films

He said the water started to recede, rapidly, exposing the ocean floor, before a massive wave became visible. Picture: YouTube/Zack D. Films

Sri Lanka felt the wrath of it two hours later where it claimed the lives of more than 35,000 people.

The tsunami hit the coasts of Thailand, killing 8000 people, while Somalia, Maldives, Malaysia and Tanzani also felt the wave.

“With no warning, coastal populations were caught by the pounding waves. Many families that made their living fishing lost everything; the tsunami wiped out whole communities,” World Vision said in a statement.

He said it obliterated everything in its path. Picture: YouTube/Zack D. Films

“The first giant waves from the Indian Ocean tsunami reached Banda Aceh, an Indonesian city of about 300,000 people, within 15 or 20 minutes of the earthquake. Few residents of the densely populated area realised that the earthquake they had felt could cause a tsunami, and there was little time to flee to higher ground.”

More than 227,000 people lost their lives that day across 14 countries and two continents.

Renowned Australian journalist Ray Martin was on the ground in Banda Aceh, Indonesia just days after the wave devastated the city, delivering the harrowing stories that brought the scale of the tragedy into Australian homes.

The tragedy unfolded on Boxing Day at 7.59am local time in 2004. Picture: Paula Bronstein/Getty Images

All over Ton Sai Bay, the heart of Koh Phi Phi shops, restaurants and bungalows were totally wiped out. Picture: Paula Bronstein/Getty Images

A car lies on its side in front of a Starbucks Coffee shop after the tsunami hit Patong beach in Phuket. Picture: AP PicKarim/Khamzin

“I had covered refugee camps, war zones, and flood disasters, but I knew this was going to be bigger, and I remember saying to the crew when we were flying there, ‘This is probably the worst thing we’ll ever see’ – and it really was,” Ray, 79, told TV WEEK.

“The first thing we saw was a football field with hundreds of bodies on it – it was traumatic. It’s probably the most difficult story I’ve ever done.”

20 years later, Ray returns to a city rebuilt, reconnecting with survivors he met during those dark days and says he was astonished by their resilience and strength.

“They were all so lovely, welcoming us in and feeding us – I’m not sure I would have done that if I’d lost all my family,” he says. “They’re just incredibly grateful. It makes you think twice about whining about inconsequential stuff.”

Tsunami: 20 Years On airs Sunday, 7pm, on Nine Network

Meanwhile, World Vision raised more than $US350 million ($A815m) though extensive relief programs with funds going towards infrustructure and community development and sustainment restoration.

“World Vision built 12,000 homes to provide shelter for families, established 200 Child-Friendly Spaces to aid children’s recovery, constructed 84 schools and 60 playgrounds to help restore a sense of normalcy, and set up 27 health clinics to deliver essential medical services,” it explained.

Total material losses from the tsunami were estimated at $US10 million – $A15 million.