2. The 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami
On December 26, 2004, a massive undersea earthquake triggered one of the deadliest tsunamis in history, with waves reaching up to 30 meters. Affecting 14 countries, the disaster claimed around 230,000 lives, primarily in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and India.
Coastal communities were devastated, with entire villages swept away in minutes. The tsunami left millions displaced, making it one of the most catastrophic natural events of the modern era.