January 02, 2005

(Educators)The tsunami which devastated huge swathes of Southeast Asia and claimed casualties as far away as Somalia in Africa, was one of the worst natural disasters in living memory.

At least 139,580 people are reported to be dead and the UN has warned that the death toll will rise further as flood waters clear and the true scale of the devastation unfolds.

The biggest earthquake in 40 years - measuring 8.9-9.0 on the Richter scale - triggered an enormous series of large waves that spread thousands of miles in a matter of hours.

The epicenter of the earthquake was under the Indian Ocean off the coast of Sumatra.

Countries in Asia and Africa were hit by the disaster. Thailand, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and India are among those that were badly affected. Entire villages and cities have been virtually wiped off the map by enormous waves that crashed onto land at speeds of around 500mph.

An enormous relief effort is under way as an army of aid workers is racing to deliver food and water to millions of tsunami victims to prevent disease and hunger adding to the death toll.

Stay up-to-date with the latest news, pictures and aid appeal information with the Mail online.