For a lot of people, September 11, 2001 (the attack on the World Trade Center) was a defining moment in their lives. It was tragic, unforgettable, and has changed the way that we view the world. But for me, the December 26th, 2004 tsunami was even more unforgettable. The world's great geological events are unpredictable (though we're getting better at it). Seldom do we witness a Krakatau eruption or, thankfully, a San Francisco earthquake. The tsunami was frightening because it converted an area of what we humans think of as idyllic and tranquil into raging chaos -- within seconds. It was literally something that no one saw coming, and
for many of them, when they did see it coming, it was much too late.
It can be hoped that the tsunami was a once-in-a-lifetime thing. Perhaps there will be better warnings next time.
Here's a picture:
And a Web site with diffrent video of the succession of waves. The third one ("Phi Phi Island") is stunning.
Tsunami in Thailand
And on the plus side, Petra Nemcova survived, though tragically her boyfriend died.
Petra (nice and safe)
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