Indonesia marks 12 years since tsunami in Aceh hinh anh 1The province of Aceh after the tsunami in 2004. (Photo: The Guardian)

Hanoi (VNA) – Thousands of Indonesian people prayed for their loved relatives at churches and mass graves on December 26 to mark 12 years since a tsunami devastated the northernmost province of Aceh on Sumatra island - one of the worst disasters in history.

About 170,000 people lost their lives when a 9.1- magnitude earthquake struck Aceh province, generating massive waves which hit coastal areas and even spread to Somalia.

The commemoration was held several weeks after a 6.5 magnitude earthquake hit Pidie Jaya district also in Aceh province, killing over 100 people, pulling down hundreds of buildings and forcing nearly 84,000 local residents to evacuate.-VNA

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