Remembering Tsunami 2004: ‘I wanted to know’

Searing scene: An aerial photograph taken on Jan 6, 2005, showing the scope of destruction at Banda Aceh after the Dec 26 tsunami. — CHUA KOK HWA/The Star

The Star’s WONG CHUN WAI was among the first foreign newsmen to arrive in tsunami-ravaged Aceh. This is his original report, updated and with a fresh perspective to mark the 10th anniversary of the tragedy.

It was bizarre but then I am a journalist at heart. I had to be there. I wanted to know what the stench of death was like in tsunami-hit Aceh.