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Witness History

Surviving Chile's tsunami

Feb 27, 2025
Alison Campbell, a Chilean survivor of the 2010 tsunami, shares her gripping story of survival on the Juan Fernandez Islands. She recounts the terrifying night when the tsunami struck, and her family's frantic escape from the rising waters. Amidst chaos, Alison highlights the fierce bond between her grandmother and granddaughter, and the emotional turmoil faced in the aftermath. Her experience sheds light on resilience and the profound psychological impacts of such a disaster, making listeners reflect on the fragility of safety.
09:58

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Alison Campbell's harrowing experience of fleeing rising waters during the tsunami showcases individual resilience in the face of disaster.
  • The significant loss of life and destruction in the aftermath of the tsunami highlights the profound impact of natural disasters on communities.

Deep dives

Survival Against the Odds

In February 2010, a powerful earthquake struck off the coast of Chile, triggering a massive tsunami that reached the Juan Fernandez Islands, where Alison Campbell was holidaying with her granddaughter. In the chaos of the tsunami's arrival, Alison and her granddaughter, Maura, were forced to flee their lodging after being alerted by a frantic warning. As they struggled through the rising waters, they became separated, navigating through debris and floating objects. Despite the harrowing ordeal, they managed to reach higher ground, aided by a local who guided them to safety, reflecting their resilience amidst the disaster.

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