. >> reporter: this is banda aceh in western indonesia.ough all the hardships one thing kept people going. this coastal area was hit by the tsunami, and everything was swept away in 2004, but only this tree survived. this 25-meter sea oak tree survived the disaster. it is still standing here 11 years after the tsunami watching over the people. the 2004 indian ocean tsunami claimed the lives of more than 60,000 people in banda aceh alone. this photo was taken in banda aceh immediately after the disaster. the lone sea oak tree remains standing on the coastline in the midst of the devastation gave people the courage to go on. sakura narukaya is one of those who found consolation in the tree. the tsunami swept away not only her house but also her 6-year-old granddaughter. >> translator: every time i looked at the shi oak tree, it taught me never to give up. >> reporter: sakura was able to reopen the hotel she owned and pick up the pieces of her life. then she heard the heart-rending news that another tsunami had struck northeastern japan. she

. >> reporter: no region was hit harder by the indian ocean than banda aceh. this is a researcher at a local university where he specializes in disaster management. he interviews local residents to find out what they know about planning for emergencies. the coastal areas have revived with the arrival of new residents, but because more and more of the people here didn't live through the tsunami, the population is losing its awareness of disaster management and this is a concern. >> if we meet the newcomers, for example, i think for him or for her, maybe not -- maybe they are not 100% familiar. and in the case of his relatives come, maybe at the time they don't know where to go. >> reporter: this area was overwhelmed by the massive tsunami ten years ago. most people didn't imagine a tsunami would strike after the earthquake. this man was no exception. he believes his ignorance cost him his parents and siblings. >> because i didn't know about tsunami, i had no experience so i didn't tell her to escape. in case they -- maybe they would be safe. >> reporter: he is

we went from banda aceh to sri lanka and i was in the van with the dart teams. i've never been more proud of people who were just absolutely can-do in trying to make the situation better for those who had lost life as well as property during that terrible tsunami. thank you for your leadership. the hearing is adjourned. >>> tonight on "american history tv," programs on the 50th anniversary of the selma march. at 8:00 p.m. selma 50th anniversary commemoration ceremony with president obama and one of the participants in that march congressman john lewis. at 9:10 a.m., abc news footage of march 25th, 1965 voting rights rally in montgomery, alabama. after that president lyndon johnson's address to congress on voting rights. then the selma 50th anniversary brown chapel a.m.e. church commemorative service. all of this coming up tonight on c-span 3. earlier this month the supreme court heard arguments in a challenge to arizona's authority to draft districts. the court will decide whether the elections clause of the u.s. constitution allows entities other than the state