Two decades after the devastating 2004 tsunami, survivors and families of victims reflect on the tragedy that reshaped their lives.

Matilde Askengren, who lost her mother Boel in the disaster, recalls their last evening together under the starry skies of Thailand’s Phi Phi Islands.

Despite the loss, Matilde, now 38, says life has turned out well, though it took a different path than expected.

Research shows that Swedish survivors of the tsunami have achieved better income and education levels but harbor deep mistrust toward authorities, particularly the Social Democrats, for their perceived failures during the crisis.

The tsunami left lasting scars, both personal and societal, as survivors continue to grapple with its impact.