<P> The tsunami was detected in the southern parts of east Africa, where rough seas were reported, specifically on the eastern and southern coasts that face the Indian Ocean . Countries apart from Somalia that recorded fatalities include South Africa (the furthest) - 2, Kenya - 1, The Seychelles - 3 and Tanzania - 10 . </P> <P> Tidal surges also occurred along the Western Australian coast that lasted for several hours, resulting in boats losing their moorings and two people needing to be rescued . </P> <P> According to the U.S. Geological Survey a total of 227,898 people died (see table below for details). Measured in lives lost, this is 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 . In an initial 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 fatalities . However, the estimated number of dead and missing in Indonesia were later reduced by over 50,000 . In their Synthesis Report the Tsunami Evaluation Coalition said "It should be remembered that all such data are subject to error, as data on missing persons especially are not always as good as one might wish". A much higher number of deaths (up to 600) has been suggested for Myanmar based on reports from Thailand . </P> <P> The tsunami caused serious damage and deaths as far as the east coast of Africa, with the farthest recorded death due to the tsunami occurring at Rooi Els in South Africa, 8,000 km (5,000 mi) away from the epicentre . In total, eight people in South Africa died due to abnormally high sea levels and waves . </P>

The indian ocean earthquake and tsunami 26th december 2004