Tsunami Survivor Tales

Tsunami Survivor Tales

FIRST TIME TO THE SITE?
Start by reading the INDEX - THE PLACE TO BEGIN? positioned in right hand column of this weblog
Friday, August 12, 2016
An introduction to the Tsunami Survival Site
Howdy. Thank you for visiting the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami Survivor web site.
Each particular person who survived the tsunami has chosen the best way to stay their life ahead. For me, I selected to tell the tales of survivors in order that household, college students and the world could perceive what occurred, what it felt like, and what it mean to survive.
If you're a reader, yow will discover many survivor tales on this web site, beginning with my very own over on the appropriate hand side.
If you are a survivor, please feel free to succeed in out to me to share your story of survival - each on the day of the tsunami, and the years to come.
A great way to know the enormity of the event is to first watch this video from the Thompson Reuters Basis and Media Storm to get a way of what happened, where and how fast. You possibly can then learn extra weblog posts and stories to study of what occurred.
Please keep the survivors in your thoughts.
Rick Von Feldt. Tsunami Survivor.
rvonfeldt@
Tuesday, July 26, 2016
On A Boat in the course of the Tsunami
Editor Be aware: This can be a transcript despatched to me by Karsten Aichholz, a expat and entrepreneur residing in Bangkok. Karsten has an internet site and podcast about living in Bangkok. Karsten interviewed Daniel Kvarnemo, a then boat excursion information in Thailand. Right this moment, Daniel is a Social Research and Swedish instructor in Bangkok.
This transcript is an excerpt of an audio interview with Daniel Kvarnemo who at the time of the tsunami was a information on a snorkeling excursion boat for tourists in Krabi.
You'll be able to hearken to the audio model of the interview on the Surviving a Tsunami episode of the Brewed in Bangkok podcast The interview was carried out by Karsten Aichholz
Karsten: Where had been you at the time?
Daniel: I used to be working at this company where we had been taking individuals out on a ship and I used to be one of the two workers in the water. I and some of the visitors were within the water. After which my captain, he begins honking the horn on the ship. I was questioning: Okay what's going on now? However that they had mentioned that there is likely to be a bit of present in the water, so I thought okay perhaps there's an excessive amount of current on this part of the ocean and we'll go elsewhere. So I collect up all the vacationers and all people will get up on the boat and they have been form of not too happy about not being allowed to be within the water but we said oh we will go some other place.
Karsten: What do you imply they weren't too pleased?
Daniel: They were like "nicely we paid for this and we want to be here". We nonetheless did not know what was going on.
Karsten: So the vacationer have been like "We paid for this, we wish to be within the water?"
Daniel: Yeah, but right now no one knew anything of what was happening. So we get on the boat, the captain mentioned we need to go shortly as a result of boats are sinking in Phuket. I'm thinking: That's hours from right here, that has nothing to do with us. But he was experienced and sensible. We had been between Krabi and Phi Phi Island subsequent to an island called Bamboo Island and started going full velocity ahead in direction of Phi Phi.
Karsten: So that you had been out within the open water mainly and you just heard there have been like boats sinking...
Daniel: Yeah he heard it on the radio
Karsten: How far were you away from the island?
Daniel: From Bamboo island?
Karsten: Yeah the subsequent closest island, you have been looking for shelter there right?
Karsten: Properly no we're shifting away from Bamboo Island because it's a small flat island and we were swimming distance from Bamboo which is maybe just a few kilometers from Phi Phi Islands. We nonetheless did not notice what was occurring. At this time I might say the phrase tsunami didn't imply too much to me and I assume a fairly big part of the inhabitants. So when we are like between these 2 island Bamboo and Phi Phi, I remember seeking to my right and so far as I can see, the entire horizon is just like a white wall. I am pondering huh, what the F is that?
Karsten: What do you imply - white wall, like...?
Daniel: Yeah as far as the eye can see the horizon is not flat and blue with a line between the sky and the sea, instead it seems to be like a white wall and it's coming in direction of us.
Karsten: Is it like in the motion pictures where you...?
Daniel: It wasn't fast paced like you can see, however you look at it and you then understand oh shit it's a big wave coming. So we advised everyone put on your life jackets. We did not have life jackets for everyone, me being a great staff member had to surrender my life jacket. As an alternative put on 2 wet suits provides you buoyancy like floating when you had the wet fits on.
Karsten: How did you feel about that?
Daniel: Well did not really feel too nice about it, I'm considering like oh shit this might be bad.
Karsten: Were you thinking there was a threat to your life?
Daniel: Definitely considering it is very seemingly that we'll get hit by this large wave coming our way and higher be prepared for being in the water.
Karsten: So were you thinking this wave was going to show over the boat?
Daniel: Positively pondering it was going to hit the boat and possibly toss us over the aspect yeah.
Karsten: Was that the moment the place you're like reflecting on life or...
Daniel: No it didn't go that far, as a result of it was nonetheless quite far in the distance and now a few years later it's kind of bizarre to think about it, but I remember all people placed on the life jackets. We stood at the fringe of the boat and we introduced up cameras and we had been filming it, my buddy still has the file he says he's going to send it to me. I met him a few days ago and we type of reminisced about this and we could see when the waves got here in, they broke over the reefs, the waves went over the timber at Bamboo Island so definitely if we had stayed there we might have been screwed. However our captain then since he knew what was going on he acquired us to security and we have been hiding behind Phi Phi type of sheltered from the swells of the wave.
Karsten: Phi Phi Island which is...?
Daniel: One of the two Phi Phi Islands, Phi Phi Don the massive one we have been behind a very well-known vacationer vacation spot which form of shaped like an hour glass, so there are 2 high peaks and in between there is low floor where you could have the seashore the place most individuals were staying and most motels had been situated. So when the wave struck Phi Phi mainly washed away the low mendacity buildings within the center.
Karsten: Did you see that?
Daniel: We could not see it from where we have been but we heard on the radio people calling for help and assistance, boats sinking and so forth. But when that happened we saw the waves crashing over the other islands the place we had been after which we waited round, we heard on the radio people asking for help did not know what was happening actually bloody scorching December in Thailand solar shining. Then got here the tourists not realizing what would occur they usually have been getting upset once we say like all people needs to remain on the boat we do not know what is going on on, they stated oh but we need to go swimming.
Karsten: This was after the wave hit
Daniel: This was after the wave. I can also that I didn't know actually it was a tsunami so we saw the wave, I texted my household: "Big F wave. I'm okay.".
Karsten: You texted it after the wave?
Daniel: Yeah and after that connection died. My brother informed me afterwards that he was like "Oh what's this?" then turned off his telephone. A few hours later it's on TV all over the world basically. However no less than then they knew that I used to be protected. One other weird thing that occurred after we have been ready behind the island was that we get like a back draft or a second swell. I suppose the water go up on the land and then was going again and when it got here back then it kind of rocked the boat once more. We waited around there with other boats for many hours, no person knew what are we going to do. This happened within the morning first in the afternoon we resolve okay lets go up to open water once more and go back to Krabi predominant land. So maybe 10 boats or something went around the similar time headed to major land and then we may see when we're getting closer to shore we may see damaged boats, they had been lifting up bodies on the piers.
Karsten: At this level you just knew there was wave, you hadn't seen any affect you just thought: Okay that was a giant wave. You had no idea that this wave...
Daniel: Not how bad it had been to an extent no, we might see and heard individuals crying for assist we seen wrecked boats coming in. We noticed dead individuals, like they're lifting useless individuals up on the pier.
Karsten: Was there a second if you, it took you to understand those had been individuals or you have been like...
Daniel: I do not really have a clear image of it. It was after sundown when we got here in and it was like form of somewhat bit within the peripheral subject that extra like darkish shadows lifted up piled up. And then for the subsequent 2 days I volunteered on the hospital. It was obviously unorganized, injured people separated from their families. For me it was okay. I did not should cope with figuring out our bodies like some of my friends who helped out shocked folks discovering their relations; people have been bloated within the water which was kind of horrible for them. I was simply walking around within the hospital asking folks for his or her identification and gathering names and info.
Karsten: You talked about when this wave first hit, you heard cries for help on the radio, were these in English? Have been there in there in Thai? Did you hear like chatter, how did you...?
Daniel: I wasn't within the cabin it was retold to me I think it might have been in Thai after which I used to be instructed this is what happened they call in for help and so on. But no one actually dared to go throughout to the opposite aspect, we didn't know what was taking place.
Karsten: So the tourists had been obviously oblivious to what was occurring
Daniel: At least in the beginning yeah
Karsten: And the captain sort of had a hunch, how did the crew react?
Daniel: There were 2 Thai crews and the very experienced Thai captain and his deck hand. And we possibly had been like 5 westerners working for this company after which as an instance maybe 20 vacationers. I feel the staff - Thai and western - we extra understood there was something severe that had occurred and lots of the tourists had been annoyed about sitting around. They have been actually sizzling and sweaty. And after a number of hours we began to run out of food and water...
Karsten: Was there like a change within the mood while you started to come back back within the harbor and you would see okay this is really serious, did you see the tourists form of caught as much as the fact?
Daniel: I don't know if I can actually bear in mind different folks change, however I am sure that... we did discuss to individuals later we met up days after and later in the night all of us met at the assembly level. After which it form of dawned on those who it was critical: So severe that it went across to Africa and a whole bunch and hundreds of people died. Because in Ao Nang I believe like 2 people died.
Karsten: Ao Nang is...
Daniel: Is in mainland Krabi the place you might have one of the vital well-known vacationer resort areas.
Karsten: Okay, so once you... how did that really feel, you arrived on the harbor and the moment you set back foot on land, what went through your head?
Daniel: Obviously it is a very big sigh of reduction, being on mainland you're feeling safe on land and you can begin relax about not being on a ship on the ocean I guess
Karsten: Isn't that a bit ironic, on condition that the explanation you were secure is since you have been on a ship?
Daniel: I would not go as far as saying that's why you are safe, some persons are protected on the open sea however they're only secure on the open sea if it is deep sufficient in order that the wave does not construct up.
Karsten: At the time how many days every week were you working?
Daniel: 6 days a week for this company and when I used to be off I went diving
Karsten: Okay might there have been any constelation where you had been on land like...
Daniel: In Ao Nang it wouldn't have been a problem really. There's a large sea wall down by the beach that took like the biggest hit. And I feel it's completely different angles as effectively so like a few of the beach entrance store locations have been form of a bit messed up. Lengthy tail boats got destroyed, 2 folks died who were out on the next Island but nothing compared to like Phi Phi and Khao Lak and Phuket which have been a lot worse hit.
Karsten: And that is only a distance of like 30-forty km?
Daniel: Might be something like that, it is like a brief distance drive.
Karsten: So did that change you, I mean you apparently have been a really active diver at the time, did that change you relationship with the sea did you get afraid of going out once more?
Daniel: No I wasn't affected by that I suppose it's such a small and unusual event it's nothing that I considered that it would happen again.
Karsten: So you spent 2 days volunteering at this hospital, taking down details of people and was then there a point the place you mentioned I had sufficient I can not take this anymore or...?
Daniel: No for me that wasn't the point but after like 2 days the government started to get extra organized and correct so the assistance organizations acquired concerned. But the first 2 days lots of the victims of this situation they had been asking "who are you?", "why are you doing this?" and "it is actually received that you simply do but why is not the federal government here, why do not they do something". The Swedish government really bought a whole lot of critic about having a delayed response considering what number of Swedes are down in Thailand.
Karsten: Did that event change your outlook on some things in life?
Daniel: I don't actually think so however after all you are fortunate and you admire that you had that luck and also you notice in the event you hadn't had this experienced captain I could have been useless mainly.
Monday, November 30, 2015
The Story Behind The Tsunami Warning System
Nithin Coca has written an ideal article on how the brand new Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning System (IOTWS) became fully operational finally in 2013. It coordinates efforts to detect and warn folks world wide when the specter of a tsunami has occurred.
The story behind the Indian Ocean tsunami warning system
The Kernel / The Daily Dot
By Nithin Coca on November 29, 2015
It took nearly three hours for the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the deadliest pure catastrophe in human history, to travel from its epicenter near Sumatra, Indonesia, to the japanese coasts of India and Sri Lanka. By then, it had already devastated Phuket, Thailand; Banda Aceh, Indonesia; and India's Andaman and Nicobar Islands—and was making international headlines.
It was 2004, well into the era of the Internet, mass communication, cellphones, and social networking, but for fishermen and villagers in southern India and Sri Lanka, it might as effectively have been 1904. Though warnings have been sent to the Indian coast guard, there were no protocols for getting that lifesaving info to villages removed from city centers.
The tsunami hit with virtually no warning, killing more than forty seven,000 people in simply these two international locations. Throughout the Indian Ocean, the final estimated dying toll was more than 220,000, nearly all of whom received completely no advance notice.
Within the wake of the tragedy got here a new drive for a tsunami warning system.
Friday, December 26, 2014
A 10 yr reflection on the anniversary of the Indian Ocean Tsunami
Right now marks the ten 12 months anniversary of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami.
All over the world, in both private and non-private moments, people, households and communities are stopping to remember the impression of an earthquake that produced a tsunami that reached, in some places, over a hundred ft (30+ meters).
Ten years in the past, I used to be residing in Singapore, and found myself on a seashore in Phuket, Thailand when the catastrophe hit. At the moment, my life has placed me in Sydney, Australia.
Like many survivors or households of people misplaced within the tsunami, for the final months, I knew the ten yr anniversary was coming. It's another year than 9. One yr less than eleven. However the number ten seems to be a number that if far sufficient away from 2004 that it requires you examine in to see how you feel a couple of horrifying and sad anniversary.
During the last week, I've hung out being interviewed by newspapers and making television appearances as a spokesperson” for survivors. Nobody has asked the question. But I'm certain some should wonder. Rick, it is ten years later. Why don't you move on?” They do not dare ask it within the interviews. But many ask that associated question to search out out, Are you continue to suffering from the loss?”
December 26, 2014 "Sunrise" Channel 7 interview of Rick Von Feldt
on the 2014 Tsunami, Sydney Australia
For survivors that lost loved ones - a son or daughter - a brother - a girlfriend, boyfriend or spouse - the answer will all the time be, Of course I suffer.” Anniversaries remind people of the lack of others - but also the horrific seconds - minutes and hours in the course of the day and days following of the tsunami.
For different survivors, like myself, who occurred to get a fortunate break that day, we replicate on what may have been. However as many tell me, the goal is to place it prior to now - and move on. We have been fortunate enough to have survived. Why hold dwelling on what might need been?
For me, writing and providing a website for studying helps two completely different folks. With the tsunami now actually being part of history (it's amazing to me that it is already 10 years in the past!), I wish to preserve the tales alive of survivors for others to examine. Daily, near 500 individuals read this site. It may be just for a minute. Others write to me and tell me they read the primary story, and go on to read story after story, drawn in to the drama of life and survival. Certainly one of my favourite uses of the web site is when entire faculty lessons choose to study the tsunami. It could be for a literature class - they usually read in regards to the tsunami. Different times, it's a science challenge and they wish to be taught about the science behind the tsunami. Either means - the stumble upon the web of those tales - and it all of a sudden turns into real. Real individuals. Actual challenge. Real horror. Actual loss. And real survival.
Three weeks ago, a college librarian in Knoxville, Tennessee wrote and requested if I would be all for talking to a class about my experiences with the tsunami. When attainable, I always say yes to any college type mission. Once the teacher introduced the challenge, different lecturers suddenly wished to participate. By the point my actual Skype name occurred, the event was broadcast by way of televisions to each classroom in the faculty. The dialogue and interview lasted practically half-hour. Later, the librarian wrote and mentioned that the dialogue made a human affect on how kids understood what actually occurred.
Each survivor - every family member or good friend that lost someone - offers with the horror, memory and loss in different methods. For me - I write, and represent the story of survivors.
Each of also has our personal problem that we should additionally overcome.
My journey to Phuket in 2004 was to be close to the ocean. Born in the course of America, I was not privileged to stay near the water growing up. But after seeing the Pacific Ocean for the first time as a young teenager, I was hooked by the sound - the positioning and the life giving in addition to damaging nature of the ocean.

Over the last ten years, I have returned to the ocean. I have convinced myself that I will likely be okay on those visits. I at all times know where the tsunami evacuation routes are. I am conscious of the highest spots round me. Pals or family touring with me won't see me doing this. It's my own small ritual. However it is on my thoughts.
When strolling on beaches, low tides scare me. In all trustworthy, I don't fairly consider them.
For me, in 2004, the tsunami began with what appeared to be a low tide. It received lower and lower. However few individuals stopped and said, When does it cross over from low tide to a tsunami withdraw?” Most did not - and many paid the price for it.
For the final ten years, certainly one of my goals is to sleep in a cabin on the beach. I have not been ready to do that. During the day, when I can see the water and the seashore - I always really feel as if I'm in management. I can run. I can climb a tree. I can see the low tide getting decrease - and make the selection to scream and shout to everybody to get off the beach - a tsunami is coming” which I have carried out in my desires and nightmare countless occasions over time.
If you are in a bedroom, with the door closed, that's not really easy. For the final ten years, I have returned to the seaside, however all the time stayed in motels in ultimately the fourth story or taller. Or away from the beach. And when I could still hear the ocean, I felt myself hold my breath when for some purpose, I didn't hear that common splash of wave.
My objectives to commemorate this ten year anniversary was to stay in a cabin, on a seaside.
I wasn't prepared to do that in Phuket. But two weeks ago, I returned to Thailand, and went to a different island referred to as Koh Chang. It's an island south of Phuket - and is more protected by the Gulf of Thailand than the Andaman Sea going through Phuket.
Koh Chang Thailand - in the Gulf of Thailand, much less uncovered to a tsunami than Phuket.
I rented a cabin within 10 meters of the seaside - and spent each night watch the sunset. I spent moments each day reflecting on the fantastic thing about nature - and the unintended occasions when nature collides. Each day - I saw the low tide, and watched fastidiously to see how far it would exit - and when it must be returning. I focused on the wonder and blessings and sunsets. And not on what could be unhealthy or may go mistaken.
That's the path that almost all survivors have taken over the last ten years. Some have returned to Phuket to retrace their steps. Others have gone with household or pals to present the a glimpse of the unhealthy bedtime story that they have tried to share for therefore a few years.
In the long run, we grieve, have fun and miss the people who did not survive that day. And the rest of us do what we are able to to move on - to rejoice - to recollect and to dwell.
To all of those who misplaced someone particular on December 26, 2004, I am serious about you today. And to the survivors - might you might have the energy to move on and thrive in your personal way. How did every of you commemorate the day? And please let me know if I may help share your story.
TOP STORIES of the Boxing Day Tsunami 10 Year Anniversary
At present, survivors and families and associates of these misplaced in the Asian Tsunami (Boxing Day Tsunami) commemorated the ten year anniversary of the disaster.
On and off today, I've been following media for organizations offering great protection of todays anniversary. Listed below are some of my favorites:
European lay flowers for ten year anniversary of Boxing Day Tsunami
MORE SURVIVOR TALES including Rina and Mustafa from Aceh, Indonesia. Mustafa, father of Rina was away when the tsunami hit and thought he had lost her father. But she survived.
Earlier than and After picture of Banda Ache
EXTRA SURVIVOR TALES together with stories from Louis Cryer, Zoe Cryer and Felix Cryer in Sri Lanka. And the story of Tom and Arlette Stuip who had been holidaying in Khao Lak, Thailand, together with a photo from Marlene Lohmann. The story of Kay Howells on Phi Phi Lei - all at:
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
10th Anniversary Tsunami Remembrance Occasion introduced by organizations and governments
December 26, 2014 will mark the 10 year anniversary of the Indian Ocean Tsunami. Here's a itemizing of occasions which have been submitted to commemorate the events throughout Asia.
If survivors are planning to attend occasions, a number of totally different news organizations are enthusiastic about interviewing attendees. Please contact (check back for added requests)
Annie Phrommayon
annie.phrommayon@
THAILAND
The Thai authorities will manage a remembrance occasion entitled Ten Years on: Remembering the Indian Ocean Tsunami” on 26-27 December 2014.
The two-day occasion will take place on the Police Boat T813 Tsunami Memorial, Khao Lak, Takua Pa district, Phang-nga province.
The objective is to recollect those who misplaced their lives and show help to those who survived from the large tsunami of 26 December 2004. The tsunami catastrophe 10 years ago was super in both scale and scope, leading to unprecedented loss of life. It devastated the coasts of more than 10 international locations around the Indian Ocean.
Six Andaman coastal provinces in southern Thailand have been affected, with the dying toll rising to over 5,000, comprising each Thais and foreigners, who were vacationing or residing here. The six provinces have been Phang-nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, Ranong, and Satun. The worst of the damage was concentrated in the resort town of Khao Lak in Phang-nga.
The remembrance occasion will show the regeneration of communities affected by the tsunami and create confidence in Thailand's effective early-warning systems and disaster preparedness.
The ceremony on 26 December will start on four:30 p.m. There shall be speeches and poetry studying, wreath-laying, and observance of silence. It will finish with a candle-light memorial ceremony. On 27 December, there will likely be journeys to 2 local communities which have survived the tsunami and returned to regular life ever stronger. The 2 communities are Ban Nam Khem and Ban Thung Rak.
Individuals will embrace Thais and foreigners, people who survived the tragic occasion, kin of those that lost their lives, members of the diplomatic corps, and high-degree representatives from the United Nations as well as from countries affected by the tragedy.
A Media Center will probably be established at the remembrance site, the Police Boat T813 Tsunami Memorial, and likewise at Pullman Khao Lak Katiliya Resort & Villas.
Police Boat T813 Tsunami Memorial, Khao Lak, Takua Pa district, Phang-nga province.
GRAVESITE IN PHUKET BEING CLEANED UP for anniversary
As reported by the PhuketWan Tourism Information. Let's hope the federal government helps get ready for the vacationers who will be visiting Phuket.
Tsunami Graves Lined in Weeds
-graves-coated-weeds-10th-anniversary-thailands-massive-wave-attracts-21324/
Tuesday, January 15, 2013

By John Thompson
(Editor's Observe: John Thompson was in Khoa Lak through the 2004 Tsunami. Just lately, he attended a displaying of The Inconceivable.” This is a observe from John Thompson, describing his experience from seeing the film, and his subsequent reflections). You possibly can learn John's authentic story right here.
It is not very often a film is made about an event that obtained worldwide consideration whereincan picture yourself in each scene. The opening moments in The Inconceivable, of a family enjoying Christmas day at the Khao Lak Orchid hotel had been particularly significant to me, since I also spent that
similar day at the same hotel. Christmas night I also spent at a beach entrance restaurant watching lanterns being released into the sky.
The morning of December 26 I ate breakfast on an outside patio at my bungalow hotel, watching a British family with two young boys playing within the surf (the boys survived, but their mother and father would end up dying later that morning)." Despite the extraordinary particular effects that went into recreating the tsunami, I did not discover that part especially frightening. I supposed when you could have lived via the true factor, it simply isn't potential to re-reside it in a movie. Perhaps it's as a result of my experience was barely completely different. I saw the wave coming, didn't acknowledge what it was, watching on the seaside until it was virtually too late. Then I began operating away from the wave, with a gaggle of people, on a street main up from the seashore. A couple of block up the street I noticed there was no method I might outrun the wave, and darted into a strong trying hotel building. That cut up-second determination doubtless saved my life, and I want I had known as out to the other individuals working on the street to do the identical, but almost no one did; all of them saved operating up the road.
The Not possible did deliver again many recollections of these moments. The fleeing of the birds, the push of air, the full inundation with water after the preliminary crashing wave handed via.
(Authentic Picture from John Thompson taken on December 26, 2004 in Khao Lak)
Parts that weren't quite the identical have been the screams from folks in the water that I can still distinctly hear, the raging muddy water, and the irony of such a devastating occasion happening on a stunning morning with a brilliant blue sky. After the initial wave rushed by way of, I and the few folks remaining in the resort, climbed to the highest level in the lodge, much like how the mom and son in the film climbed into a tree fearing another wave. There we waited for a number of hours, watching and listening to the water slowly drain again into the sea. Other than the sound of the draining water, it was quiet. There have been few individuals left. Finally when the water receded enough in order that our refuge was no longer a synthetic island, but once again linked to land, the small group of us on the roof climbed down and commenced choosing our means via the mud, down power lines, overturn vehicles, and other debris, making our technique to higher floor and safety. Like within the film, we salvaged water and drinks from the resort, and made tourniquets out of lodge towels for just a few badly injured individuals.
That evening, I and lots of other survivors camped out in the jungle on a hill prime, hopefully above the reach of any additional waves, although I do keep in mind talking with folks about the opportunity of another wave could even attain our peak. By morning, helicopters have been buzzing our camp, though no reduction assist gave the impression to be in site on the ground, so I and one other survivor began climbing up the highway in direction of the following village. We quickly got a journey to a bus station where we caught an in a single day bus to Bangkok. Just a few days later, after getting a new passport, shopping for new garments and other necessities, I flew again to Krabi on an American Air Power C-130, where I and a buddy volunteered at a hospital. Later we rented a jeep and drove back to Khao Lak, the place the devastation was nonetheless very fresh. Similar to the movie, we saw our bodies piled in vans, lined up on the side of the road, and stacks of coffins. The scent of decaying, rotting, bloated, water-logged flesh was overpowering, and never possible to convey in a movie. We looked at postings on bulletin boards of photographs of our bodies and lists of lacking folks.
The movie really captured the horrific time that survivors went via trying to find members of the family with whom they had simply hours before been having fun with an idyllic Christmas vacation. The randomness of why people survived versus those that did not is hard to grasp. Out of couples and households, it was unusual that each one members of the family made it by means of alive. As for me, I'm perpetually grateful that I ended up on the aspect of randomness of people who lived. Survivors of the tsunami share a particular connection, knowing what it's like to come so close to dropping every part. For people who had been lucky sufficient not to have had to reside through it, The Unattainable does a very credible job of offering a glimpse into the chaos and suffering caused by the 2004 tsunami.
Monday, January 07, 2013
Survivors applaud "The Unimaginable."
It's Sunday evening in California. This weekend, the film The Unattainable” (Director Juan Antonio Bayona and screenwriter Sergio G.Sanchez ) and starring Ewan McGregor , Naomi Watts and TomHolland premier in large screen at over 500 screens across the USA. As I mentioned in last weeks weblog publish, I noticed the film a few week ago, realizing I wished - wanted - to see this movie earlier than friends and family noticed it this weekend.
As I anticipated, the weekend has been crammed with blended emotion. Various relations, buddies, and even strangers attended the film. And following the film, felt compelled to name me or send me emails. Most of their reaction was, Rick, I had no idea that is what you went by way of.”

This afternoon, I spent about forty five minutes talking on the telephone with one other tsunami survivor. He was additionally on Khoa Lak , the identical seashore that Henry (Erique) and Maria and their three boys had been on as dipicted in the film. That is about 15 miles north of Patong where I and others experienced the identical tsunami in Phuket. We had not talked in three years. But we each knew, as the anticipation of the release of this movie, that we would finally find a technique to call and talk with one another when this movie got here out.
One of the issues that each Peter and I agreed on was the small details of the movie. The truth is, there have been gadgets that we both agreed were so real that we had even forgotten them from our actual experiences.

Over the past 8 years, I've been asked many instances to elucidate how did it really feel to be in the course of the tsunami?” Nicely meaning reporters and good friend urge us to explain the small print.
But this movie shows” the small print.
The most effective example of how this film gets it right is in the swirling debis ofwater” For therefore long, I have tried to clarify to individuals how dangerous the water was. Big shards of glass from damaged out resort plate glass home windows, items of tuk-tuks and big chunks of pieces of constructing crammed the water. Once a person requested, Could not you simply swim” within the water. However as this movie so well describes, it was like being in a washing machine of lethal particles.
The director and writer additionally accurately depicted the sense of desperation as mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters walked round on the lookout for lacking loved ones. Because most individuals had their personal belongings swept away, they didn't even have footage. And they also have been strolling around desperately making an attempt to explain their children or moms or fathers. And because there have been guests from around the globe, and lots of were in shock, people would stroll proper as much as you and start to speak in Swedish or German or Spanish - not even realizing or understanding that you did not perceive.
There was one other interesting moment and a poignant second for me, when Henry Belon (Ewen McGregor) is shown within the film calling his spouse's parents. McGregor struggles to clarify that he has misplaced his wife and two of the kids. On the other end of the road, you hear a father attempting to grasp what he is being advised. That moment within the scene struck me additionally as very real.
I remember calling my mother and father again in Kansas, and making an attempt to clarify to them to not be fearful, but finally they would see something on the tv a couple of wave in Thailand, but that I had survived.” I remember her response was calm, virtually unbelieving. Like many individuals on the earth, true phrase and news of the devastation didn't reach mainstream media till four-6 hours after the primary wave had hit. And even then, information stations like CNN reported that …25 individuals had been killed…” No one knew the level of destruction till days later. The cellphone name was meant to inform someone that I was ok. However later, as I mirrored on it, it was also a solution to report back to the outside world that I had lived. That I was ok.
As I talked about in my in my preliminary journal entries, I had a cell phone that lasted for hours that morning. Over 200 folks used the phone to call home to places all world wide, principally to say, I'm okay. I'm alive.” For days afterwards, I continued to get return cellphone calls, asking to speak to people who had initially used the phone. I had no thought of find out how to find them or what to even say. However I'd take down a cellphone quantity and description simply in case. About 24 hours after the original calls, I started to get telephone calls from individuals who had heard about my telephone quantity from others who had heard from their family members. The cell telephones that worked that day were important moments of comfort for many people that fateful day.
With different survivors this weekend, we talked about memories of issues we had forgotten. We talked in regards to the splitting of families, and the struggle on whether or not to move on to a hospital, or keep have been you were to search for missing individuals. The film precisely showed an element that has been slightly embarrassing to discuss up until now. The velocity and turbulence of the water as so strong, that it did take away clothes. IN the film, Maria Belon is shown with ripped clothes. Nevertheless it has been reported that she, like many others, had their clothes completed stripped away. Standing on the cliff, many survivors came to us completely bare, and bleeding badly.
We also talked in regards to the publish 24 hour false tsunami warnings.” The next day, after the tsunami had struck, there could be moments in which you would be working to assist clear debris, and immediately, locals around you'd begin to run. At least 5-10 occasions, false warnings could be spread through cell phones to different cell telephones. And folks would just begin operating.
There were different details that the movie didn't show. The amount of dead our bodies strewn about have been tough. You see in the film the rows of them at hospitals or make shift morgues. Most of that occurred after about 24 hours. However earlier than that, there have been our bodies jammed into particles all over the place.


For the final 10 days, I've been reading some reviewers who must level out what they did not like about the movie. Most have to level out that the film skips over or ignores the feelings of the locals. I do not suppose that this is an and/or” discussion. This movie was about 5 individuals and what happened to them. There may and needs to be one other movie about the amazing local those that have been additionally impacted by the tsunami. Additionally they felt ache. They also misplaced loved ones. They were crying and damage and scared similar to folks round us.
After the tsunami struck, many of the locals left the resort I was staying in. If that they had survived, many had properties inland and left to go be with family. But not with out grief. Most locals had an aunt or uncle or cousin who they knew have been killed that day on the seaside. But the process of discovering and navigating and dealing with the process of discovering / mourning and deciding what to do subsequent was very different.
Each of the survivors I have linked with over the past days applaud this film. We now have a sense that others are really understanding what we went by means of. We additionally hope future films will be fabricated from what the locals also went by means of - not solely in Thailand, but in addition in the other nations the place 220,000 extra individuals had been killed.
It is doubtless that many of will have nightmares once more for a few days. However the difference is that this time, once we wake up, we are able to talk to people who have seen the movie, and have slightly better idea what we experienced.
Because of the actors Ewan McGregor, Naomi Watts, Tom Holland, Samuel Joslin and Oaklee Pendergast for bringing the characters to life. Due to Director Juan Antonio Bayona and screenwriter Sergio G. Sanchez for attempting to make it real. Because of Maria Belon for sharing her survivor story with the world.
Because of this, a couple of of us are somewhat more healed.
(I invite other survivors to touch upon their response to the film. Or others to ask us questions. - Rick Von Feldt)
Saturday, January 05, 2013
How the cell phone saved my life
A brand new Discovery Channel Series is beginning to air this month in Asia and Europe - and can soon be airing in the US. It's called, How We Invented The World” It is a four-part collection that examines the four inventions that outline the trendy world - cell phones, vehicles, planes and skyscrapers. The collection not solely talks in regards to the invention, but additionally The People and connections that made them potential.”
The primary episode options the mobile phone. For the episode, the producers learned of the impact the mobile phone had on me throughout the 2004 Asian Tsunami ( my mobile phone story here ). They came to San Francisco and interviewed me for the episode. And the in the first show, recreated the moments across the mobile phone and how it saved my life that day. If it had not been for the cousin of my taxi driver, and the cell phone connection between the 2, I may not be residing right this moment.
If you are in Asia, the episode airs this week. It has already aired in the UK, but you will discover repeats. I've not seen the release date but for the sequence within the US. I am impressed with the trouble and research that went into every episode.
In the meantime, right here is an excerpt about how the cell phone helped save my life that day in Phuket, Thailand. ( See video here ).
Thursday, January 03, 2013
"The Impossible" painfully exhibits the reality of a tsunami
Three days ago, I had the chance to sit in a theatre in San Francisco to see the limited release of " The Unattainable" I'm nonetheless making an attempt to select the perfect phrases to explain my response to the film.
However I feel that I can speak for tsunami survivors from around the world. That is the primary time a movie has captured the chaos, ache and horror of the 2004 SE Asia tsunami
There are numerous tales from the tsunami, many of which are captured on this web site. This story is only one. For vacationers who skilled the tsunami and survived, the film reveals many correct feelings and realities of what happened. The best may be the feeling of what it was wish to be in the swirling "washing machine like" swell of waves and water. And secondly, the sense of grief and frustration by so many individuals who wandered round for the 72 hours following the first wave, searching for lacking family members.
It's not a simple movie to observe - neither for survivors or for movie goers. However it's actual. Trustworthy. And worth seeing.
I will put up more reactions to the movies over the next a number of days, and so please test again. And when you were a survivor, and noticed the film, please additionally share your ideas and reactions.
I've responded to some online evaluations and articles concerning the films including these:
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
SURVIVOR John Thompson - Why I was one of the few to survive, I will not ever know.
John Thompson - Khao Lak Tsunami Survivor

John Thompson, Khao Lak Tsunami Survivor
Info from the web site of John Thompson. Reproduced here by permission.

Copyright © 2005-2010 John M. Thompson Contact jmt@ for photograph use permission and questions/feedback.
Thailand: 8,245 Lifeless
Why I was one of the few to survive I will not ever know. My fortune was partially as a result of luck and partially due to a few calculated gambles. This web site tells the story of how I survived one of many world's most harmful pure disasters in modern history.
Having narrowly cheated loss of life, I am left with a sense of utmost optimism for my future. Maybe as a result of I got here so near shedding every part, that now each day of life seems like a brand new starting. Being laid off from my job upon my return residence was not a crisis. Mixed with surviving the tsunami I noticed it as a chance to reassess the place my life has been going and how I might rebuild my career in a meaningful manner.
This website is devoted to the memory of the hundreds who were much less lucky than I on the fateful day of 26 December 2004. Special thanks go to those I used to be with during and after the catastrophe - Petra, Bob, and Timothy.
Here is a timeline of what happened to me these days in Khao Lak, Thailand.
Saturday, 25 December 2004 sixteen:53:25
Arrived at Khao Lak. Explored space north of bungalow at Khaolak Orchid Seashore Resort.
Enjoyed Christmas dinner at Ristorante Da Gorgio after which later had desert at a beach front bar.
Sunday, 26 December 2004 08:00
Whereas laying on mattress, considering whether or not or not to sleep in longer, felt vibrating sensation for about two minutes. Didn't think it was an earthquake and thought nothing of it after vibrating stopped.
9:00 Enjoyed breakfast at Mai's Quiet Zone on open patio overlooking the beach. Watched two boys from English family I had met when checking in the day past taking part in frisbee within the waves.
9:45 Stopped by motorbike rental shop and paid 200 Baht for another rental day.
10:00 Bought memento shirt and some meals at market throughout the road from bike rental shop.
10:10 Began bike journey with eventual purpose of trying out the Poseidon Bungalows which had been really helpful to me. Additionally supposed on visiting the Ton Pling Waterfall on the way.
10:17 Unsuccessful try at finding "View Level" as listed on the map. Continued driving down the road.
10:21 Parked bike at Sea Gull Andaman Resort and walked down to inspect seashore and what appeared to be a particularly low tide.
10:26:16 Observed picket longtail boat struggling in the water and ultimately flip over. Also saw many individuals standing on the shore taking a look at one thing, which I then assumed was the struggling boat (but on reflection I think they had been looking at the approaching wave or the bay empty of water). Took camera out of bag to take image of boat.
10:26:23 Seven seconds later: After taking image of boat, the bay had already utterly stuffed with water and I took image of what I believed was just an additional giant wave.
10:27:14 Fifty two seconds later: After I realized the wave was not stopping on the shore I and others at the seashore started working as fast as doable. Since I already had the digital camera out, I took an image over my shoulder as I ran, hoping to capture the dashing wave.
Working from the Waves - Photograph by John Thompson
10:28:04 Fifty seconds later: It was obvious that the wave was not stopping and that I used to be not going to be able to outrun the wave so I ran up the entrance entrance to the closest large building, dodging falling roof tiles, and hoping that the constructing would not be washed away or collapse. Took photo of now flooded road as I ran into the lodge.
10:31:41 Climbed up on wood balcony railing and prayed I was excessive sufficient above the water. The water ultimately got here up to the top of the railing and then started receeding. Began taking images as the water drained out.
View of the Courtyard - Photograph by John Thompson
Lady on mattress in the water
2004 11:01:04 Sought refuge in alcove at highest level within the building. Was bracing for extra waves which by no means got here.
John Thompson, On the Roof - Waiting for the water to recede - Photograph by John Thompson
12:04:sixteen Almost 2 hours after seeing the struggling boat, the water lastly drained out far enough in order that it seemed secure to walk out.
Walking Through The Rubble - Picture by John Thompson
12:20:34 Hitched ride on a passing pickup truck back into primary seashore of Khao Lak. Photographed some of the devastation as seen from the road.
Sunday, 26 December 2004
14:11:14 Photographed what was believed to be a second wave but which turned out to be a false alarm. Spent the remainder of the day and night in safety on prime of excessive hill.
Monday, 27 December 2004
09:27:39 After being scared back to the hill by several false alarms, Tim and I finally made our means by way of the wreckage to retreive a few of his belongings from his third floor hotel room before starting hike out of the area.
11:26:50 During one other false alarm we had been pushed to navy staging area the place we had been lastly taken by private automobile to a bus station to catch VIP bus to Bangkok.
Friday 31 December 2004
06:59:32 Solomon and I inspected donated goods at army aspect of Bangkok airport while ready for transport aircraft again to Krabi.
Saturday 1 January 2005
09:39:23 Distributed donations to house owners of broken longtail boats in Krabi space.
Saturday 1 January 2005
12:18:37 First return vist to Khao Lak area to find out extent of harm. Toured area and local hospitals with Jenny, a aid worker for American medical support organization.
Sunday 2 January 2005
12:18:25 Toured ruined resort island of Phuket. Photographed destruction at Patong seaside.
Every day Collection of recently discovered bodies - Picture by John Thompson
Uncovered bodies ready to be identified - Picture by John Thompson
Monday 10 January 2005
14:55:03 Second return journey to Khao Lak. Distributed hundreds of dollars of aid support to refugee camp near Takua Pa.
Tuesday eleven January 2005
09:08:eleven Ultimate little bit of aid work. Distributed donated cash to Monitee Temple in Krabi.
Saturday 22 January 2005
07:12 Returned residence to California after persevering with journey to southern Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore.
December 26, 2005
MY STORY - ONE YEAR LATER
After coming within 15 seconds of an almost sure loss of life one year ago in the present day, one of the crucial widespread questions I'm asked is "How did that have change your perspective on life?" To reply that query, I look again on how I've lived during this past 12 months.
As all people understand who come so close to loosing every part, the one factor that really issues is life. Whereas it is nice to have bodily issues with out life none of these issues matter. In recognition of this simple premise, I try to make the most of life, by continuing to travel, mixing work with play when potential, and creating new hobbies.
After returning from Thailand, I spent some additional time traveling, spending a month in Peru exploring the Amazon and climbing peaks high in the Andes. In Might I got here into possession of a new sailboat and have sailed virtually every weekend since then. Beginning in July I began working once more as an lawyer. Although I at present work for a legislation agency, I proceed to explore other career alternatives.
As for the future, I am sure the teachings from the tsunami will stick with me endlessly. Not at some point has gone by the place I've not somehow been reminded of the traumatic and overwhelming occasions of 1 12 months ago. I've not been able to answer the query as to why I survived when over 223,000 folks did not, inlcuding the truth that eighty% of Thailand's tsunami casualties occured in Khao Lak.
This website is about SURVIVAL. On December 26, 2004, hundreds of thousands of individuals witnesses, experienced and survived a tsunami. This weblog by Rick Von Feldt journals their experiences of survival. (Rick Vonfeldt)
INDEX - The place to start
PHUKET TSUNAMI began out as one particular person's blog on what he saw in PHUKET THAILAND. It has now grown in to greater than that - with many other FIRST HAND ACCOUNTS from Asia on what individuals noticed and experienced in the TSUNAMI of December 26, 2004
RICK VON FELDT'S 10-PART first hand account and journal entries.
Part 1: THE START: What I needed to say earlier than the the electrical energy went out again Half 1: THE BEGINNING
Half 5: NIGHTTIME WITHOUT ELECTRICITY - A reflection after the horror Half 5: NIGHTIME
Part 6: THE AGONY OF LEAVING - Writing from the airport Part 6: LEAVING
Half 7: WE DIDNT UNDERTAND - WE WERE SIMPLY PARALYZED -Others begin to replicate Part 7: UNDERSTANDING?
SHOULD LEARN is Luke Simmonds amazing story of being out to sea crusing - and getting swept inland with the tsunami - only to go on to help out others who were harm and injured! LUKE SIMMONDS
27 IMAGES - Rick Vonfeldt took 27 photos instantly after the disaster. You may see the devistation to Patong Seashore. PHOTOS OF THE WRECKAGE
A FIVE MINUTE EXCERPT from Nationwide Public Radioof Rick Von Feldt's journal learn on NPR RADIO Go here to PAY ATTENTION: JOURNAL LEARN ON-LINE
ABOUT RICK VON FELDT
Rick Von Feldt, an American, was based in Asia at the time of the tsunami. From the moment the tsunami hit in Patong Seaside in Phuket, Thailand, he documented his observations and insights to the emotion and devistation. Later, his objective was to ascertain a website for other survivors to put up their experiences. But it also serves as a function for others to be taught first hand what happened in these awful moments of the tsunami. The web site has been featured on CNN, BBC, quite a few newspapers and magazines - and is featured now as a part of text books and cirriculm for college students to learn about what happened.
You can write to Rick at: rvonfeldt@
eleven FIRST HAND ACCOUNTS
SURVIVOR DAVE LOWE DAVE LOWE Dave was working in Maldives, when water taller than your complete island hit. Learn his heroic and frightening story.. And an REPLACE from Dave after he went again for the DAVE LOWE ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY
MARK NELSON Mark was one of those on the GROUND FLOORING of Patong Beach. He was staying on the Ban Thai resort on Patong Seaside. He tells of his story when the primary wave hit.
DENNIS HOOGENKAMP DENNIS HOOGENKAMP writes a series of emails about his TSUNAMI EXPERIENCES and work in Phuket, Kao Lak, takuapa and Aceh in Sumatra.
SURVIVING DAD AND MOM of Leanne Cox This can be a very sad story. Leanne Cox was never discovered. Nevertheless, her mother and father write to letters to their daughter, even thought she never would read them.
SALY HUYTON Four friends are woke up by an earthquake while on the island of Phi Phi. Their story is shocking.
FIONA AND SIMON A boyfriend and a girlfriend come collectively in Thailand for a a lot wanted trip ' and barely survive.
PAT BENTON Pat describes her and her husband's 'œTHREE DAYS OF HELL IN KHAO LAK'
FELIX, LOUISE & ZAC IN PHI PHI Man, Ladies and son combat for their life.
NAOMI BOWMAN's STORY Naomi Bowman describes her experience on Phi Phi ' and what she is now doing to make a distinction.
CHARLEY MARSHALL's story Gary Marshall, father of 8 year old Charley ' sends in Charley's phrase of what occurred to him.
SURVIVOR MARK BRANDON (with Jason Beech and Rick Everett)
MARK BRANDON describes the first moments of when the primary wave hit as he was standing within the foyer across from the seashore'¦'It wasn't so much the peak of the wave, but its crushing power and pace'¦' MARK BRANDON, JASON BEECH, RICK EVERETT
SURVIVOR MARK OBERLE MARK OBERLE Mark and his family arrive to Phuket and had been awoken by the earthquake. As a physician, he describes what he noticed that morning. PHYSICIAN MARK OBERLE
SURVIVOR ALAN DE ROER and AURELIE FERRANT
SURVIVOR DOROTHY WILKINSON
DOROTHY WILKINSON and her companion Tom were visiting Tom's 58 12 months outdated parents who had moved to Thailand. They decided to go to the island of Khao Lak. Dorothy's companion and his mother and fatherwashed away. Dorothy snapped her coccyx, crushed three vertebrae, almost severed her left arm at the elbow where there was a hole the scale of a tennis ball, and her head was so badly gashed that her skull was uncovered. She thought she was going to die. But with the help of others ' she survived. DOROTHY WILKINSON and COLIN and CAROLE FAIRBAIRN
SURVIVOR VERNON OLSON
VERNON OLSON was in Patong when the tsunami smashed into the resort town. Despite being knocked over and swallowed up by the waves, the sixty six-yr-outdated escaped without severe damage. However he displays on the 40 people who died around him. VERNON OLSON
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