According to the U.S. Geological Survey a total of 227,898 people died. Measured in lives lost, this it was one of the ten worst earthquakes in recorded history, as well as the single worst tsunami in history. Indonesia was the worst affected area, with most death toll estimates at around 170,000. However, another report by Siti Fadilah Supari, the Indonesian Minister of Health at the time, estimated the death total to be as high as 220,000 in Indonesia alone, giving a total of 280,000 casualties.

It is also the fifth deadliest natural disaster since 1900.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_natural_disasters_by_de...

A large proportion of those killed were children.

There were no deaths in The Philippines from the tsunami.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004_Indian_Ocean_earthquake_an...

ck2, you are definitely an interesting character. You go on anti-military rants, have anti-gun posts, attack the Red Cross as corrupt, criticize the US news, but claim not to understand one of the worst modern natural disasters. I don't suppose you live in the New York City area? I get the feeling we could have quite a few long debates. :-)