Learning English

On 26 December 2004, a huge earthquake off the coast of Indonesia triggered a devastating tsunami. More than 230,000 people were killed and millions more rendered homeless.

From the devastation there were stories of survival. For many it was just good fortune that they found themselves in a situation where they were able to escape the danger.

Kay Howells was staying on the island of Koh Phi Phi. She and her partner were taking a snorkelling trip when the tsunami struck.

They were in the water when the Thai guides started to call everyone back onto the boats. Water was receding rapidly from the shoreline, a tell-tale sign of a tsunami approaching.

They were able to get back on to their boat before it had to move to a safer position away from the shore. From their vantage point they saw waves hitting the beach, boats being destroyed and people being swept away. They didn't know what happened to the other people on their trip.

At first they thought it was an isolated incident but they soon learned that a vast area was affected. Their hotel on the island was destroyed and over half the people staying there were killed.

Kay was deeply affected by the tragedy of what happened that day.

Every year on the anniversary of the tsunami she takes a walk on the beach with her partner to reflect on that devastating day and their survival.