The 26th of December 2004, is a day almost all people in South Asia remember; on this fateful day a 9.1 to 9.3 magnitude earthquake in Sumatra led to a megathrust earthquake under the sea, triggering a series of tsunamis with some waves reaching heights of up to 100 feet. Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Thailand, Indonesia and India were amongst the countries affected by this natural disaster and the loss of life and destruction of property were catastrophic.
Built to remember this dark day and the lives lost, the Tsunami Monument in Male is quite a fascinating site that is worth visiting when in the Maldives. The monument can be found in the capital and though you may be staying at a Maldives hotel that is part of a resort island, it still is worth visiting when exploring Male. Resorts like Kandolhu Island Maldives are around a 25 minute seaplane ride away.
Rising above the landscape the captivating design of the Tsunami Monument has a story to tell as well. The balls made of steel represent the twenty atolls of the Maldives, while the upward design is to show the mounting waters of the tsunami. At the heart of the monument are iron rods that have been placed vertically. Each of them signifies a life that was lost and the name of each victim is engraved on them.
A visit to the monument is a poignant reminder of the tragedy that unfolded that day. But it is also one of hope, as the country has rebuilt itself. The area is also a popular place for a relaxed walk or quiet contemplation and if you visit here in the evening, you can catch some breathtaking sunsets too.
Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world. Google+
