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We remember those who perished in 2004 tsunami: PM Lee

SINGAPORE – The tsunami that took some 230,000 lives in 14 countries exactly 10 years ago “shows starkly how fragile and uncertain human life is, and how resilient and united we must be in the face of adversity”, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong today (Dec 26).

An Indonesian Buddhist woman light incense sticks during a prayer for the victims of Indian Ocean tsunami one day ahead of its 10th anniversary at a mass grave in Banda Aceh, Aceh province, Indonesia,  Dec 25, 2014.  Photo: AP

An Indonesian Buddhist woman light incense sticks during a prayer for the victims of Indian Ocean tsunami one day ahead of its 10th anniversary at a mass grave in Banda Aceh, Aceh province, Indonesia, Dec 25, 2014. Photo: AP

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SINGAPORE – The tsunami that took some 230,000 lives in 14 countries exactly 10 years ago “shows starkly how fragile and uncertain human life is, and how resilient and united we must be in the face of adversity”, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong today (Dec 26).

“Natural calamities will happen again. We must be prepared for them, and work together to protect ourselves,” wrote Mr Lee in a Facebook post as he recalled visiting Banda Aceh and Meulaboh in Indonesia days after the disaster.

“This was the closest land to the epicentre, and the worst hit. The SAF (Singapore Armed Forces) were already there, mounting our largest relief effort ever, to support our close neighbour. Our Home Team, NGOs, and individual Singaporeans were also helping,” said Mr Lee. “I was overwhelmed by the extensive damage. But despite the trauma, grief and uncertainty, the survivors were determined to recover and not give up.”

Today, many of the destroyed areas are now “bustling with life” and survivors have rebuilt their lives, Mr Lee noted. “But we also remember those who have perished,” he added.

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