The tsunami in 2004 and the lessons learned

Date:	03.12.2024
Time:	17:30 - 21:00
Location:	Spielfeld Digital Hub, Berlin Kreuzberg

On 26 December 2004, a massive earthquake in the Indian Ocean triggered one of the most devastating disasters of the 21st century. At least 230,000 people died, many remained missing. End of December marks the 20th anniversary of the tsunami on the coasts of the Indian Ocean. A catastrophe with dramatic consequences for the people in the region and a decisive turning point in the humanitarian aid system, which had to admit to many mistakes.

In our third and last event together with German Red Cross on this topic, we wanted to explore the questions: What has really improved in the humanitarian system since the 2004 tsunami? Where do we stand compared to then? How would the humanitarian response work, what mechanisms would be in place today if such a disaster happened again? What would be the current challenges?

We discussed this with:

• Lars Peter Nissen, Director ACAPS
• Christof Johnen, Head of International Cooperation, German Red Cross
• François Grünewald, former President of Groupe URD
• Dr Meike Riebau, Director of Advocacy and Policy, Save the Children

Ralf Südhoff, Director Centre for Humanitarian Action, was moderating.

The event was recorded: