By now, the news of this utter devastation by a tsunami has reverberated worldwide. The death toll is astounding and the numbers are bound to escalate. Many are still unaccounted for. Tsunamis are generated by underwater earthquakes that displaces water above them. On this particular occasion, the earthquake measured 8.9 on the Richter scale. This part of the world have not seen many tsunamis and many were ill-prepared for its aftermath. There was a 2 hour delay from the first quake till the tsunami hit the shores of Sri Lanka where devastation appears maximal.

Picture from about.com

The above picture illustrates previous recorded tsunamis. They appear mainly in the Pacific Ocean.

Malaysia is not spared as the northern states of Penang and Kedah were affected. The true level of devastation will only become apparent later as news appear scarce at the moment. The death toll in Malaysia now stands at 45 and is expected to rise. Deaths have been recorded as far south as Sabak Bernam in Selangor.



More updated news at The Star site

Tremors were felt in high rise buildings in the Klang Valley. Even at the University Hospital, ceiling fans and drips were swaying. Some even felt the building sway and mentioned this to the nurses. Structural weakness were a concern. It lasted barely for a few minutes before dissipating.