TSUNAMI 20 years on

What is it like to be caught up in a devastating natural disaster? We speak to a survivor

- JOHANNA BELL

It's been 20 years since the Boxing Day Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami shocked the world. We all watched in horror on 26 December 2004, as we heard the news that a 9.3 magnitude earthquake had struck off the coast of Indonesia, triggering giant waves travelling at speeds up to 500mph and reaching heights of almost 20m in some areas, sweeping away entire families and communities. Without adequate warning systems In place, locals and tourists were taken by surprise and almost 250,000 people were reported missing or dead. Thankfully, many of the affected towns and villages were able to rebuild in the years following the disaster. This month, bereaved families will gather at memorials and on the affected beaches to commemorate their lost loved ones. But how did the experience affect survivors? We speak to one courageous woman who escaped death that dreadful day.

'I CAN'T FORGET ANYTHING FROM THAT DAY - I WISH I COULD'