Australian TV special

Tsunami:

20 Years On

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Boxing Day tsunami

One of the world’s deadliest disasters

On Boxing Day morning in 2004, the deadliest tsunami on record surged across the Indian Ocean. Waves devastated the coastline of 12 countries in South East Asia. Around 230,000 people lost their lives. And Australians responded.

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01:40

Your impact

An outpouring of generosity

Our biggest emergency response

In the days and weeks that followed, Australians like you gave with your hearts. With your support, we launched our largest single relief response across five countries, including Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Thailand. In 90 days, we reached one million people.

World Vision staff loading emergency supplies onto a plane during the 2004 tsunami response.
A boy in dusty clothing picking through the rubble of a street devastated by the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami.

Rebuilding homes and lives

Thanks to Australian generosity, we built schools, homes, clinics and fishing harbours. We strengthened coastlines. We got people back on their feet with jobs, training and tools. Today, we’re still working with affected communities to rebuild children’s futures.

Tsunami recovery effort

When disaster strikes, Australians show up

Recovery effort in numbers

0
homes built
0
people supported with jobs and skills training
0
schools constructed
0
mangroves planted to strengthen coastlines
  • $118M
    in Aussie donations
  • $541M
    raised for World Vision globally
  • 1.1M
    people helped to rebuild their lives

20 years later

Your support lives on

Frequently asked questions
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Did you know?
We have nearly 35,000 staff in 100 countries. That means we can act with speed and strength in a crisis.
A Thai community leader and World Vision disaster committee head stand proudly in front of a restored mangrove forest lining a river.
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Be there when it counts

Your donations mean we can be first on the ground in an emergency. Once there, we can deliver life-saving aid and ongoing support.

Help us be ready when emergencies strike

Charity donations of $2 or more are tax-deductible in Australia. We’ll send you a receipt in your name to use at tax time.