Why were emergency rescue teams unable to cope on Boxing Day tsunami?

Emergency rescue teams struggled to cope with the Boxing Day tsunami due to the sheer scale and devastation of the disaster, which affected multiple countries and overwhelmed local infrastructures. Communication breakdowns and the sheer volume of casualties hindered coordination and response efforts. Additionally, many areas were inaccessible due to debris and destruction, complicating rescue operations. The suddenness of the tsunami left little time for preparation, further exacerbating the challenges faced by responders.