One of the most devastating natural disasters that I know of is the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami. This disaster occurred on December 26, 2004, when a magnitude 9.1 earthquake struck off the west coast of Sumatra, Indonesia. The earthquake triggered a massive tsunami that affected several countries in the Indian Ocean region, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The tsunami waves reached heights of up to 100 feet, sweeping away entire villages, destroying infrastructure and leaving millions of people homeless. The disaster claimed the lives of approximately 230,000 people across 14 countries, making it one of the deadliest natural disasters in modern history. The Indian Ocean tsunami was a stark reminder of the power of nature and the need for preparedness and rapid response in the face of such disasters.