What was the financial cost of the Indian Ocean Tsunami?

The financial cost of the Indian Ocean Tsunami is estimated to be around $15 billion. This figure reflects the wide-ranging impact of the disaster that struck on December 26, 2004, affecting several countries, including Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, and Thailand. The tsunami caused severe damage to infrastructure, homes, and livelihoods, displacing millions of people. Additionally, the cost encompasses not only the immediate physical damage but also the longer-term economic consequences, such as loss of tourism and agriculture, which are critical to the economies of the affected regions.

This estimate helps illustrate the scale and severity of the disaster, highlighting the devastating effects on both human lives and economic stability. The figure is significant and serves as a reminder of the need for preparedness and effective response strategies for natural disasters.