This Is Actually Happening 388: What if you woke up in a tsunami?
Dec 16, 2025
Ani Naqvi, a survivor of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and an inspiring author and coach, shares her harrowing near-death experience. She recounts waking to the tsunami and fighting for survival, driven by an inner voice that urged her to live. As she navigated the chaos, Ani took charge to help others, using her journalistic skills to organize rescues. Transitioning from survivor guilt to purpose, she explores healing through meditation and her journey into coaching, transforming trauma into light.
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Waking Up Inside A Tsunami
- Ani Naqvi woke up to her hut flooding and was submerged within seconds, fighting to find air amid flying debris.
- She recalled a voice telling her "you do not want to die," which anchored her will to survive and helped her resurface.
From Survivor To First Responder
- Ani got thrown into trees and trapped under debris but kept fighting and eventually found friends amid the chaos.
- She then used basic first aid supplies and helped triage survivors despite her own injuries.
Narrow Escape And A Bird's Eye View
- After several waves, locals led survivors to a small hill that briefly saved them from another incoming tsunami.
- Helicopters later airlifted them, giving a shocking aerial view of the flattened coastline.
