News & Stories

Sri Lanka

Special Features

From destruction to hope: 20 years after the Indian Ocean tsunami

In 2004, a massive undersea earthquake off the coast of northern Sumatra, Indonesia, triggered colossal tsunamis that inundated coastal areas across the region, catching communities off-guard and causing widespread destruction. One of the most devastating natural disasters in recorded history, the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami impacted multiple countries and claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. Read about how World Vision responded and our ongoing efforts in the region.

From the Field

Lesser-known crises and World Vision’s impact

When it comes to disaster response, World Vision stands at the forefront, responding swiftly to crises, both major and lesser-known, that impact vulnerable communities globally. From aiding displaced children in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict to supporting millions affected by Amazon droughts and helping families in Sri Lanka’s internal upheaval, our commitment extends beyond the headline-making disasters. With a presence in nearly 100 countries, we respond with life-saving essentials to all types of disasters and equip vulnerable children, families, and communities with long-term solutions.

From the Field

2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami: Facts and FAQs

Explore the profound impact of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami that was triggered by a massive undersea earthquake and resulted in nearly 230,000 casualties and widespread destruction. Learn about World Vision’s humanitarian efforts as we led a disaster response, raising over $350 million for relief and rehabilitation lasting more than a decade and spanning across Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, India, and Myanmar.