On 26 December 2004, an earthquake off the west coast of Northern Sumatra led to the most destructive series of tsunamis in recorded history, killing more than 220,000 people and affecting the livelihoods of more than 1.4 million. 14 countries were affected around the Indian Ocean. The Indian Ocean Tsunami had the greatest impact on rural coastal communities, many of which were already vulnerable. FAO’s Sylvie Wabbes Candotti has this look back on reacting to such a disaster and the lessons learnt ten years on.