Sumatra-Andaman Island Earthquake and Tsunami of December 26, 2004: Lifeline Performance

On December 26, 2004, one of the largest earthquakes during the last hundred years occurred in the Indian Ocean, outside of Sumatra and the Andaman Islands. This earthquake set into motion a transoceanic tsunami that struck coasts of the Andaman Sea, Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean, and Arabian Sea. Damages to lifelines as well as enormous casualties were reported in the wake of this disaster.This monograph provides a summary of the damage observations throughout the affected region. Topics covered include: geoscience and tsunami generation, roadway transportation systems, electrical power systems, water systems, wastewater systems, railway systems, airports, seaports and harbors, telecommunications systems, social services, and tsunami warnings, de-alerts and warning systems. This report will be beneficial to all those involved in developing policies to improve preparedness for future tsunami events, including public officials, engineers, scientists, planners, design professionals, facility owners, and the public.