Tsunami
More than 1,000 people died December 26, 2004 when a tsunami struck this island.
Lohdalum Bay was hit the hardest with the majority of the bungalows and restaurants along the beach destroyed. As of 20, January 2006 there has been little re-building on this beach due to land right issues but should be built back soon. There is a memorial for those killed in the tsunami on the beach facing Lohdalum Bay. Every year there is a small memorial service where family members and friends come to pay their respects and talk about those they lost. A moment of silence is observed at the time the tsunami hit.
There were three waves: the first one flooded the Lohdalum Bay, the second destroyed all of the wooden buildings and the third and largest ruined stone buildings as if they were made of sand. The whole tsunami lasted for only three minutes (from 10:29 am to 10:32 am) but it nearly destroyed the whole island.
Many organisations have been supporting Ko Phi Phi, these include Government of Japan supporting the local hospital, Round Square supporting the local school.
Read more about this topic: Ko Phi Phi Don