The Abuses and Offences Committed During the Tsunami Crisis

The tsunami crisis of 26 December 2004 in South and Southeast Asia brought out the best and worst behaviours of humankind. The “worst behaviours”, some of which were criminal, should be taken as an important case study for criminology. The abuses and offences that took place following the disaster were committed by both the victims and other parties involved either directly or indirectly, e.g. authorities distributing donations and fundraisers. The tsunami provides a representative case study of a natural disaster situation, and reflects much of the opportunistic behaviour of a significant section of humankind even given the cost of human suffering. This paper discusses the reported “worst behaviours” or abuses and offences committed by different groups and tries to provide explanations for such criminogenic behaviours. Social disorganisation theory and opportunity theory will be discussed.