SUMMARY
On December 26, 2004, a powerful tsunami struck the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The stories of several survivors illustrate their harrowing experiences during this disaster.
I
Sanjeev, a policeman stationed on Katchall Island, managed to save himself, his wife, and their baby daughter as the waves approached. However, when he heard cries for help from John, the cook at a guesthouse, he jumped into the water to rescue John’s wife but was tragically swept away.
Ten-year-old Almas Javed was visiting her mother’s family in Nancowry Island for Christmas. One morning, while her family was sleeping, they felt tremors. Almas’s father noticed the sea receding, indicating an imminent tsunami, and quickly woke everyone to flee. As they ran, Almas’s grandfather was struck and fell, and her father rushed to help him, only for both to be swept away by the first giant wave.
Meanwhile, Almas’s mother and aunts clung to the leaves of a coconut tree, calling out for help, but when a powerful wave uprooted the tree, they were also washed away.
In the chaos, Almas found a floating log and climbed on it for safety. Exhausted and traumatized, she fainted. When she woke up, she was in a hospital in Kamorta, and later she was brought to Port Blair. Despite surviving the ordeal, Almas is still deeply traumatized and does not want to discuss the incident with anyone.
These stories highlight the bravery and quick thinking of individuals during the tsunami, as well as the profound loss and emotional scars left on survivors, especially children like Almas. The tragedy serves as a reminder of the destructive power of nature and the importance of community support in the aftermath of such disasters.
II
On 26 December 2004, the Smith family from South-East England was celebrating Christmas at a beach resort in southern Thailand. Ten-year-old Tilly Smith and her seven-year-old sister were enjoying their holiday when deadly tsunami waves, triggered by a massive earthquake off northern Sumatra, were on their way. As the water began to rise, Penny Smith, Tilly’s mother, initially felt confused and frightened. However, Tilly sensed danger and recalled a geography lesson about tsunamis, which she had learned just two weeks before their trip. She saw the sea swell, foam, and form whirlpools, prompting her to scream for her family to get off the beach.
Tilly’s parents quickly took her and her sister to the hotel’s swimming pool, where other tourists followed them, but Tilly described it as if “the entire sea had come out after them.” In a panic, she urged everyone to run. The family found refuge on the third floor of the hotel, where the building withstood three tsunami waves. Had they stayed on the beach, they likely would not have survived. After the disaster, they met other tourists who had tragically lost entire families. Tilly’s knowledge from her geography lesson had forewarned them about the danger. Upon returning to England, Tilly shared
her terrifying experience with her classmates, illustrating the critical importance of education and preparedness in the face of natural disasters.
III
Before the tsunami struck the coasts of India and Sri Lanka, many animals displayed unusual behavior, seemingly sensing the impending disaster. Eyewitnesses observed elephants moving to higher ground, dogs refusing to go outside, flamingoes leaving low-lying areas, and zoo animals retreating to shelters. This has led some to believe that animals may have a sixth sense or heightened hearing that helps them detect natural disasters. While the tsunami tragically killed over 150,000 people, few animals were reported dead. For example, in Sri Lanka’s Yala National Park, although human lives were lost, only two animal carcasses were found. A Sri Lankan man also noted that his dogs refused to go for their daily beach walk, likely saving his life.
Chapter Explanation
PASSAGE
These stories are all from the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago.
Ignesious was the manager of a cooperative society in Katchall. His wife woke him up at 6 a.m. because she felt an earthquake. Ignesious carefully took his television set off its table and put it down on the ground so that it would not fall and break. Then the family rushed out of the house.
Word Meaning:
- Archipelago – a group of islands.
- Cooperative society – an organization owned and operated by a group of individuals for their mutual benefit.
- Earthquake – a sudden shaking of the ground caused by the movement of tectonic plates.
Explanation:
The stories focus on individuals from the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago. Ignesious, the manager of a cooperative society in Katchall, was awakened by his wife at 6 a.m. after she sensed an earthquake. Demonstrating foresight, Ignesious carefully moved his television set from its table to the ground to prevent it from falling and breaking. Following this, the family quickly evacuated their home to ensure their safety. This moment illustrates the quick thinking and preparedness needed during emergencies.
PASSAGE
When the tremors stopped, they saw the sea rising. In the chaos and confusion, two of his children caught hold of the hands of their mother’s father and mother’s brother and rushed in the opposite direction. He never saw them again. His wife was also swept away. Only the three other children who came with him were saved.
Word Meaning:
- Tremors – small, quick shaking movements often caused by an earthquake.
- Chaos – a state of complete disorder and confusion.
- Swept away – carried off suddenly and forcefully by a strong current or force.
Explanation:
After the tremors ceased, Ignesious and his family witnessed the sea rising ominously. In the ensuing chaos, two of his children grabbed the hands of their maternal grandfather and uncle, rushing away in a different direction. Tragically, Ignesious never saw them again. His wife was also swept away by the powerful waves, leaving him with only the three children who had accompanied him. This heart-wrenching experience highlights the devastating impact of the tsunami and the unpredictability of such natural disasters, leading to the loss of loved ones amidst the turmoil.
PASSAGE
Sanjeev was a policeman, serving in the Katchall island of the Nicobar group of islands. He somehow managed to save himself, his wife and his baby daughter from the waves. But then he heard cries for help from the wife of John, the guesthouse cook. Sanjeev jumped into the water to rescue her, but they were both swept away.
Word Meaning:
- Cries for help – calls made by someone in distress, seeking assistance.
- Swept away – carried off suddenly and forcefully by a strong current or force.
Explanation:
Sanjeev, a policeman stationed on Katchall Island in the Nicobar group, managed to save himself, his wife, and his baby daughter from the approaching tsunami waves. However, upon hearing cries for help from John, the cook at a guesthouse, he felt compelled to act. Sanjeev jumped into the turbulent waters to rescue John’s wife but tragically, both were swept away by the powerful currents. This incident reflects the bravery and selflessness exhibited by individuals during a crisis, illustrating the perilous situations that arise during natural disasters.
PASSAGE
Thirteen-year-old Meghna was swept away along with her parents and seventy-seven other people. She spent two days floating in the sea, holding on to a wooden door. Eleven times she saw relief helicopters overhead, but they did not see her. She was brought to the shore by a wave and was found walking on the seashore in a daze.
Word Meaning:
- Swept away – carried off suddenly and forcefully by a strong current or force.
- Floating – resting on the surface of a liquid without sinking.
- Daze – a state of confusion or bewilderment, often caused by shock or exhaustion.
Explanation:
Thirteen-year-old Meghna was swept away by the tsunami along with her parents and seventy-seven other individuals. For two harrowing days, she floated in the sea, clinging to a wooden door for survival. Despite seeing relief helicopters overhead eleven times, none of them noticed her. Eventually, a wave brought her to shore, and she was found walking along the beach in a daze. This poignant story highlights Meghna’s resilience and the sheer will to survive in the face of overwhelming odds, as well as the challenges faced by victims during such catastrophic events.
PASSAGE
Almas Javed was ten years old. She was a student of Carmel Convent in Port Blair where her father had a petrol pump. Her mother Rahila’s home was in Nancowry island. The family had gone there to celebrate Christmas.
Explanation:
Almas Javed, a ten-year-old student at Carmel Convent in Port Blair, was visiting her mother Rahila’s home in Nancowry Island to celebrate Christmas. Her father operated a petrol pump, indicating that the family had a stable livelihood. This backdrop sets the scene for the family’s holiday gathering, highlighting the normalcy and joy of their lives before the impending disaster, and emphasizes the contrast between their festive occasion and the chaos that followed.
PASSAGE
When the tremors came early in the morning, the family was sleeping. Almas’s father saw the sea water recede. He understood that the water would come rushing back with great force. He woke everyone up and tried to rush them to a safer place.
Word Meaning:
- Tremors – small, quick shaking movements often caused by an earthquake.
- Recede – to move back or withdraw, especially regarding water levels.
- Rushing back – moving swiftly towards a place, often with force.
Explanation:
Early in the morning, while Almas’s family was still sleeping, tremors shook the ground. Almas’s father noticed the sea water receding, which indicated that a tsunami was imminent. Understanding the danger, he quickly woke everyone up and attempted to lead them to a safer location. This moment highlights the father’s quick thinking and instinct to protect his family in a life-threatening situation, showcasing the urgency and fear that accompanied the unfolding disaster.
PASSAGE
As they ran, her grandfather was hit on the head by something and he fell down. Her father rushed to help him. Then came the first giant wave that swept both of them away.
Explanation:
As Almas’s family fled to safety, her grandfather was suddenly struck on the head by an unknown object and fell to the ground. In a desperate act of bravery, her father rushed to assist him. Tragically, just at that moment, the first giant wave crashed in, sweeping both of them away. This harrowing event underscores the chaos and unpredictability of the tsunami, as well as the immense danger faced by those trying to escape, highlighting the heartbreaking loss experienced by Almas and her family.
PASSAGE
Almas’s mother and aunts stood clinging to the leaves of a coconut tree, calling out to her. A wave uprooted the tree, and they too were washed away.
Word Meaning:
- Clinging – holding on tightly to something for support or safety.
- Uprooted – removed from the ground, especially by force.
- Washed away – carried off by water, often leading to loss or destruction.
Explanation:
While Almas’s father was trying to help her grandfather, her mother and aunts desperately clung to the leaves of a coconut tree, calling out for Almas. In a devastating turn of events, a powerful wave uprooted the tree, causing them to be washed away. This tragic moment illustrates the overwhelming force of the tsunami and the desperate attempts of family members to stay together during the chaos. It highlights the profound sense of loss and helplessness felt by those caught in the disaster, further deepening the emotional impact of Almas’s story.
PASSAGE
Almas saw a log of wood floating. She climbed on to it. Then she fainted. When she woke up, she was in a hospital in Kamorta. From there she was brought to Port Blair.
The little girl does not want to talk about the incident with anyone. She is still traumatised.
Word Meaning:
- Fainted – to lose consciousness temporarily.
- Traumatized – deeply affected by a distressing experience, leading to emotional or psychological difficulties.
Explanation:
After the chaos of the tsunami, Almas spotted a log of wood floating in the water and climbed onto it for safety. However, the exhaustion and shock caused her to faint. When she regained consciousness, she found herself in a hospital in Kamorta. Eventually, she was transferred to Port Blair. Despite her survival, the traumatic experience left a lasting impact on Almas, and she is reluctant to discuss the incident with anyone. This reflects the profound emotional scars that such disasters can leave on young survivors, emphasizing the need for support and understanding in the aftermath of tragedy.
II
PASSAGE
Now here is a story from Thailand.
The Smith family from South-East England were celebrating Christmas at a beach resort in southern Thailand. Tilly Smith was a ten-year-old schoolgirl; her sister was seven years old. Their parents were Penny and Colin Smith.
Word Meaning:
- Celebrating – observing a special event with festivities.
- Beach resort – a place near the beach for vacationers.
- Schoolgirl – a female student attending school.
Explanation:
The Smith family from South-East England was celebrating Christmas at a beach resort in southern Thailand. Tilly Smith, a ten-year-old schoolgirl, and her seven-year-old sister were part of this festive gathering, along with their parents, Penny and Colin Smith. This setting highlights the warmth and joy of family holidays, creating a contrast with any impending challenges that may arise, emphasizing the significance of family bonds during special occasions.
PASSAGE
It was 26 December 2004. Deadly tsunami waves were already on their way. They had been triggered by a massive earthquake off northern Sumatra earlierthat morning.
Word Meaning:
- Deadly – capable of causing death or destruction.
- Tsunami – a series of large ocean waves typically caused by underwater earthquakes or volcanic eruptions.
- Triggered – caused to happen or occur.
Explanation:
On 26 December 2004, deadly tsunami waves were heading toward the coast, having been triggered by a massive earthquake off northern Sumatra earlier that morning. This context introduces a sense of impending disaster, contrasting sharply with the festive atmosphere of the Smith family’s Christmas celebration. The mention of the earthquake emphasizes the suddenness and unpredictability of natural disasters, setting the stage for the chaos that would soon disrupt their lives.
PASSAGE
“The water was swelling and kept coming in,” Penny Smith remembered. “The beach was getting smaller and smaller. I didn’t know what was happening.”
Word Meaning:
- Swelling – increasing in size or volume.
- Beach – the land along the edge of a body of water, typically covered with sand or pebbles.
- Happening – occurring or taking place.
Explanation:
Penny Smith recalled that “the water was swelling and kept coming in,” indicating a rising tide that was dangerously encroaching upon the beach. She observed that “the beach was getting smaller and smaller,” reflecting her growing alarm as the water advanced. Her statement, “I didn’t know what was happening,” captures the confusion and fear during this sudden crisis. This moment underscores the contrast between the joyful holiday spirit and the imminent threat of the tsunami, highlighting the chaos and unpredictability of nature as it intrudes upon their lives.
PASSAGE
But Tilly Smith sensed that something was wrong. Her mind kept going back to a geography lesson she had taken in England just two weeks before she flew out to Thailand with her family.
Word Meaning:
- Sensed – perceived or detected something.
- Geography lesson – a class focused on the study of the Earth’s landscapes, environments, and the relationships between people and their environments.
- Flew out – traveled by airplane to a destination.
Explanation:
Tilly Smith sensed that something was wrong as she observed the rising water. Her thoughts returned to a geography lesson she had attended in England just two weeks prior to their trip to Thailand. This connection reveals Tilly’s awareness and intuition, suggesting that her recent education on tsunamis equipped her with critical knowledge about the unfolding situation. This moment emphasizes her foresight and the importance of education in understanding natural disasters, contrasting with the confusion experienced by her mother, Penny, and highlighting Tilly’s role in recognizing the impending danger.
PASSAGE
Tilly saw the sea slowly rise, and start to foam, bubble and form whirlpools. She remembered that she had seen this in class in a video of a tsunami that had hit the Hawaiian islands in 1946. Her geography teacher had shown her class the video, and told them that tsunamis can be caused by earthquakes, volcanoes and landslides.
Word Meaning:
- Foam – a mass of small bubbles formed on the surface of a liquid.
- Bubble – to produce bubbles; to form small pockets of air in a liquid.
- Whirlpools – circular currents of water caused by opposing forces.
Explanation:
Tilly observed the sea slowly rise, foaming, bubbling, and forming whirlpools, which alerted her to the danger. She recalled a video shown in her geography class about a tsunami that struck the Hawaiian islands in 1946. Her teacher had explained that tsunamis can be caused by earthquakes, volcanoes, and landslides. This recollection underscores Tilly’s understanding of the signs of an impending tsunami, highlighting her ability to connect her classroom knowledge to real-life events. This awareness contrasts with the panic of those around her, emphasizing her proactive response in a crisis situation.
PASSAGE
Tilly started to scream at her family to get off the beach. “She talked about an earthquake under the sea. She got more and more hysterical,” said her mother Penny. “I didn’t know what a tsunami was. But seeing my daughter so frightened, I thought something serious must be going on.”
Word Meaning:
- Scream – to cry out loudly, often in fear or excitement.
- Hysterical – exhibiting overwhelming emotion, often to the point of being uncontrollable.
- Frustrated – feeling distressed or upset due to being unable to change or achieve something.
Explanation:
Tilly began to scream at her family to get off the beach, sensing the imminent danger. Her mother, Penny, recalled Tilly’s frantic behavior, noting that “she talked about an earthquake under the sea” and became increasingly hysterical. Although Penny admitted, “I didn’t know what a tsunami was,” her daughter’s fear prompted her to realize that something serious was unfolding. This moment illustrates Tilly’s urgent awareness and instinct to protect her family, contrasting with Penny’s initial confusion and fear. It highlights the theme of parental concern and the instinctive response to crisis, emphasizing the intensity of the situation as they faced the impending disaster together.
PASSAGE
Tilly’s parents took her and her sister away from the beach, to the swimming pool at the hotel. A number of other tourists also left the beach with them. “Then it
was as if the entire sea had come out after them. I was screaming, ‘Run!’”
Word Meaning:
- Tourists – people traveling for pleasure and recreation.
- Screaming – shouting loudly, often in fear or excitement.
Explanation:
Tilly’s parents moved her and her sister away from the beach to the hotel’s swimming pool, accompanied by other fleeing tourists. Tilly described the scene as if “the entire sea had come out after them,” emphasizing the overwhelming force of the tsunami. In a state of panic, she screamed, “Run!” This moment captures the urgency and chaos of the situation, illustrating Tilly’s instinct to warn her family and others about the impending danger. The vivid imagery of the sea rushing in heightens the tension and highlights the desperate fight for safety, contrasting sharply with the earlier holiday atmosphere.
PASSAGE
The family took refuge in the third floor of the hotel. The building withstood the surge of three tsunami waves. If they had stayed on the beach, they would not have been alive.
Word Meaning:
- Refuge – a safe place or shelter.
- Withstood – to endure or resist something difficult or harmful.
- Surge – a powerful rush or wave of water.
Explanation:
The family found refuge on the third floor of the hotel, where the building successfully withstood the surge of three tsunami waves. The statement implies that had they remained on the beach, they likely would not have survived. This moment underscores the critical decision to seek higher ground, illustrating the life-saving importance of quick thinking in a crisis. It emphasizes the contrast between the safety of the hotel and the perilous situation on the beach, highlighting the theme of survival amidst disaster and the instinct to protect one’s family.
PASSAGE
The Smiths later met other tourists who had lost entire families. Thanks to Tilly and her geography lesson, they had been forewarned. Tilly went back to her school in England and told her classmates her terrifying tale.
Word Meaning:
- Lost – to have suffered the absence of someone, often due to death or separation.
- Forewarned – informed in advance about a possible danger or event.
- Terrifying – causing extreme fear or anxiety.
Explanation:
After the tsunami, the Smiths encountered other tourists who had lost entire families, highlighting the tragedy that many faced. Thanks to Tilly’s awareness from her geography lesson, they had been forewarned about the danger, allowing them to escape in time. Upon returning to her school in England, Tilly shared her terrifying tale with her classmates. This moment emphasizes the profound impact of Tilly’s education on their survival and illustrates the power of knowledge in crisis situations. It contrasts the joy of their holiday with the harsh reality of loss, reinforcing the themes of resilience and the importance of preparedness in the face of natural disasters.
III
PASSAGE
Before the giant waves slammed into the coast in India and Sri Lanka, wild and domestic animals seemed to know what was about to happen. They fled to safety. According to eyewitness accounts, elephants screamed and ran for higher ground; dogs refused to go outdoors; flamingoes abandoned their low-lying breeding areas; and zoo animals rushed into their shelters and could not be enticed to come back out.
Word Meaning:
- Giant waves – large, powerful ocean waves, often linked to natural disasters like tsunamis.
- Slamming – striking forcefully, referring to the waves hitting the coast.
- Eyewitness accounts – testimonies from those who directly observed an event.
- Fled – ran away quickly from danger.
- Enticed – attracted or persuaded to engage in an activity.
Explanation:
Before the giant waves struck the coasts of India and Sri Lanka, animals showed a remarkable instinct for danger. Elephants screamed and moved to higher ground, while dogs hesitated to go outside. Flamingoes abandoned their low-lying breeding areas, and zoo animals rushed into shelters, resisting attempts to lure them out. This behavior illustrates a profound connection between nature and instinct, emphasizing that animals often sense impending danger before humans do. It highlights the theme of survival instincts in the animal kingdom amid looming disaster.
PASSAGE
Many people believe that animals possess a sixth sense and know when the earth is going to shake. Some experts believe that animals’ more acute hearing helps them to hear or feel the earth’s vibration. They can sense an approaching disaster long before humans realise what’s going on.
Word Meaning:
- Sixth sense – an intuitive ability to perceive something beyond the five physical senses; in this context, it refers to animals’ heightened awareness of impending danger.
- Acute hearing – a heightened ability to hear sounds, often better than the average human.
- Vibration – a rapid motion or oscillation, especially of the earth’s surface during seismic activity.
- Sense – to perceive or become aware of something.
Explanation:
Many people believe that animals have a sixth sense that allows them to predict earthquakes. Experts suggest that animals’ acute hearing enables them to detect vibrations in the earth before humans can, giving them an early warning of impending disasters. This belief emphasizes the idea that animals may possess an extraordinary awareness of their environment, allowing them to sense danger long before humans realize what is happening. It highlights the theme of instinctual survival, showcasing the differences in perception between humans and animals.
PASSAGE
We cannot be sure whether animals have a sixth sense or not. But the fact is that the giant waves that rolled through the Indian Ocean killed more than 150,000 people in a dozen countries; but not many animals have been reported dead.
Word Meaning:
- Rolled through – moved smoothly and continuously, suggesting the overwhelming nature of the waves.
- Reported dead – documented or confirmed deaths.
Explanation:
While we cannot definitively say whether animals possess a sixth sense, the aftermath of the giant waves in the Indian Ocean highlights a striking contrast between human and animal experiences during disasters. These waves resulted in the deaths of over 150,000 people across a dozen countries, yet there are few reports of animal fatalities. This observation raises questions about animals’ potential instincts and awareness, suggesting that they may have sensed the impending disaster and fled to safety. It underscores the theme of survival instincts in animals, contrasting their outcomes with the tragic consequences faced by humans during such catastrophic events.
PASSAGE
Along India’s Cuddalore coast, where thousands of people perished, buffaloes, goats and dogs were found unharmed. The Yala National Park in Sri Lanka is home to a variety of animals including elephants, leopards, and 130 species of birds. Sixty visitors were washed away from the Patanangala beach inside the park; but no animal carcasses were found, except for two water buffaloes. About an hour before the tsunami hit, people at Yala National Park had observed three elephants running away from the Patanangala beach.
Word Meaning:
- Cuddalore coast – a coastal area in India where the tsunami caused significant destruction and loss of life.
- Perished – died, especially in a sudden or tragic manner.
- Yala National Park – a national park in Sri Lanka known for its diverse wildlife.
- Carcasses – the dead bodies of animals.
Explanation:
Along the Cuddalore coast in India, where thousands lost their lives, animals like buffaloes, goats, and dogs were found unharmed, indicating their possible instinctual response to the approaching disaster. In Sri Lanka’s Yala National Park, despite sixty visitors being swept away from Patanangala beach, only two water buffalo carcasses were reported. Remarkably, prior to the tsunami, three elephants were seen fleeing the beach, suggesting their heightened awareness of danger. This scenario emphasizes the theme of animal instincts in the face of disaster, contrasting their survival with the tragic fate of humans, highlighting their unique ability to sense impending threats.
PASSAGE
A Sri Lankan gentleman who lives on the coast near Galle said his two dogs would not go for their daily run on the beach. “They are usually excited to go on this outing,” he said. But on that day they refused to go, and most probably saved his life.
Word Meaning:
- Daily run – a regular exercise routine, in this case, walking or running on the beach.
- Outing – an excursion or trip, typically for enjoyment.
Explanation:
A Sri Lankan gentleman near Galle noticed that his two dogs, usually eager for their daily run on the beach, refused to go that day. Their unusual behavior likely spared his life, as it may have been an instinctual response to the impending tsunami. This incident illustrates the theme of animals’ intuitive abilities to sense danger, emphasizing the connection between their instincts and human survival. It highlights the profound impact of animal behavior on human lives, suggesting that such instincts can be life-saving in critical situations.