Short History Of...
Introducing: Real Survival Stories - Tsunami in Sri Lanka
Oct 9, 2024
Pat and Pete Etheridge, a couple who survived the 2004 tsunami in Sri Lanka, share their gripping tale of survival. They recount their peaceful retreat shattering into chaos as the tsunami struck. Each faced individual battles for survival and the emotional toll of their separation. Their diverse backgrounds shape their resilience and love for travel. The Etheridges reflect on the aftermath, survivor's guilt, and the profound human connections that emerged from such devastation, illuminating the incredible strength of the human spirit.
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Quick takeaways
- Pete and Pat Etheridge's ordinary holiday took a life-altering turn when they faced the unprecedented chaos of a massive tsunami.
- Pat's scientific knowledge and Pete's instinctive fight for survival exemplified extraordinary resilience as they each navigated their terrifying ordeal.
Deep dives
The Unforeseen Tsunami
On December 26, 2004, an undersea earthquake triggered a massive tsunami that devastated coastal regions, starting with Sumatra. The earthquake caused the ocean floor to lift dramatically, displacing billions of tons of water, which formed towering waves that struck the coast at jetliner speeds. As the tsunami reached land, it created waves over 50 meters tall, sweeping away everything in its path. This catastrophic event caught many people, including holidaymakers like Pete and Pat Etheridge, completely unaware of the impending disaster that was about to change their lives forever.
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