The 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake caught Xmas holiday-makers by tragic surprise.Over 200,000 people were killed by the killer waves generated by a monster quake off the coast of Western Sumatra. The 9.1 tremor rang the planet like a bell. The hum continued for weeks, as the coastal communities of Indonesia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and India struggled with the aftermath. The horror of that morning was televised around the world and every shudder of the Earth is a cause for rightful panic. No one knows when or when the next disaster will occur, although rumors flooded Thailand that the Meteorological Dept denies speculation of massive quake, tsunami Meteorological Department had predicted a powerful earthquake and tsunami for June 12.

Obviously a well-intentioned functionaire had read the wrong info from the tsunami early warning system.

Thais abandoned the beaches and Mam, the mother of Fenway Smith, reported that residents on our soi in Jomtien had moved their possessions to their townhouses’ 2nd floor.

The day and went without misfortune and the Meteorological Department assured the coastal communities that an earthquake in either the Pacific or Indian Ocean would endanger the Gulf of Siam. I had been in a kayak off Koh Samet the morning of the tsunami. Not a ripple in the sea. I returned to shore from my 10 miles voyage. The TV showed images of Koh Phi Phi. Devastation. I knew the island well. Thousands died in their hotel rooms including the King’s grandson. It was a horrible way to go and I understand the fear of the people and to this day keep my eye on the sea.

Ready to run for the hills.

This photo was taken in Phuket. A Swedish mother runs into the sea to help her children to safety. It looks like none of them will survive the onslaught of the sea. They were lucky.

Mam and Fenway are safe too.

We live on the 5th floor.

It is our hill.