Tsunami, The Aftermath is a 2006 two-part mini-series made by HBO Films.
Two years ago, the world shuddered in the wake of the century’s worst natural disaster. Hundreds of thousands lost their lives. Those who survived lost their innocence.
Inspired by true accounts, this mini-series focuses on the harrowing aftermath of the tsunami that devastated the coast of Thailand on December 26, 2004.
Among the fictional characters whose gut-wrenching stories are depicted over the course of three-plus hours and two Parts: a young couple (Chiwetel Ejiofor and Sophie Okonedo) whose desperate search for their missing six-year-old child tests their marriage; a British wife (Gina McKee) whose dependent lifestyle is thrown into chaos when her husband and son go missing; a selfless Thai waiter (Samrit Machielsen) whose seaside village is obliterated, then targeted for redevelopment; a social worker (Toni Collette) whose efforts to provide aid are frustrated by bureaucracy; a British official (Hugh Bonneville) who finds himself overwhelmed by the disaster; and an ambitious reporter (Tim Roth) whose once-in-a lifetime story takes a series of unexpected twists.
Trying to determine the fates of loved ones while fighting to stay alive under extreme circumstances, these and other characters are tested in ways, physical and emotional, that they could never have imagined.
Based on extensive research and interviews with eyewitnesses, Thai families, government officials, seismologists and other experts, the film dramatically explores the interconnectedness of those who suffered loss in this unimaginable tragedy.
It also examines the cultural and personal fault lines that can be ruptured when catastrophe strikes, and demonstrates the challenges in expediting relief and assistance to survivors, even with donations pouring in from all over the world.
In addition to examining the human toll of the tsunami, Tsunami, The Aftermath explores the larger lessons for humanity raised by a disaster of such magnitude.
Among the several storylines in the film is one involving a leading Thai meteorologist (portrayed by Grirggiat Punpiputt), whose earlier report detailing the probability of a tsunami hitting the affected area was minimised by officials.
The tragic irony of such a prediction coming true is tempered by optimism that in the future, scientists might be able to implement early-warning evacuation measures that can save thousands of lives when another tsunami hits.
Filmed on location in Phuket and Khao Lak, Thailand, the film includes archival footage of the catastrophe, and many exterior scenes were filmed at Khao Lak locations decimated by the tsunami.
Tsunami, The Aftermath aired in South Africa on M-Net on Saturday 9 December 2006, at 20h00. The two parts aired one after the other.