Introduction
On December 26, 2004, a 9.0 Richter scale earthquake occurred north of
Sumatra Island. (1) The result of this extensive earthquake caused a huge tsunami
which later struck many countries on the coast of the Indian Ocean causing nearly
217,000 deaths and approximately 125,000 injured. In recorded history it is the
largest number of deaths caused by a tsunami (1). After the earthquake, the tsunami
hit Thailand at Kata and Patong beach in Phuket first. The height of the waves was
about 4-5 meters (2). Less than 10 min later, the tsunami struck the Khao-Lak area, a
renowned tourist attraction site. The height of the waves at Khao-Lak was even
higher, up to 10 meters (2). Within a half an hour of the strike, the areas were flood
and subsequently covered by mud and debris. An estimated 8,500 victims were
injured and 5,395 were killed by the tsunami. The force of the waves destroyed
everything in its path. The Thai authorities together with volunteer rescue teams from
across Thailand and other nations mobilized
to rescue and treat the victims.