In remembrance of the tsunami
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December 26, 2007
On December 26, 2007 Plan invites you to remember the victims of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami and to show your support for the survivors who continue to work towards rebuilding their communities.
The following letter was written by Aran, a youth who was 13 years old when the Tsunami struck his community in Thailand:
I remember 26 December 2004 started like any other day — I sat in front of the television early morning watching my favourite cartoons. I could not know that in the next two to three hours one of earth’s biggest disasters would strike, killing many thousands of people.
Many people died instantly, many people lost their valuables and property. Two days after the waves, there were still dead bodies around. I still remember the sight. It was the first time that I ever heard of the word ‘tsunami’.
Many organisations came to help us during the first five days. But we were in a state of shock, making us numb to feel anything. It was very difficult to gain back the sense of self. It further stressed us to realise that there were bad people who sneaked into our houses and stole our valuables.
Three years have passed now. We feel thankful to those who came to help. Today we feel much better, though it does not really mean that we forgot what happened. It is difficult to forget, I believe that people who lived along the Andaman Sea and faced the ‘giant waves’ all feel the same. The earthquakes and the tsunami can happen again anytime without an early warning. But with the experience of the tsunami, I am sure that we are now more alert and cautious.
I am lucky to have received help from various organisations, including Plan. On behalf of my friends and the people in the Andaman communities, I would like to express our sincere thanks for all the kind assistance we received. Thank you very much!!
Aran, 16 years old, Thailand
Donate now to support Plan’s work in communities affected by disasters.
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The following letter was written by Aran, a youth who was 13 years old when the Tsunami struck his community in Thailand:
I remember 26 December 2004 started like any other day — I sat in front of the television early morning watching my favourite cartoons. I could not know that in the next two to three hours one of earth’s biggest disasters would strike, killing many thousands of people.
Many people died instantly, many people lost their valuables and property. Two days after the waves, there were still dead bodies around. I still remember the sight. It was the first time that I ever heard of the word ‘tsunami’.
Many organisations came to help us during the first five days. But we were in a state of shock, making us numb to feel anything. It was very difficult to gain back the sense of self. It further stressed us to realise that there were bad people who sneaked into our houses and stole our valuables.
Three years have passed now. We feel thankful to those who came to help. Today we feel much better, though it does not really mean that we forgot what happened. It is difficult to forget, I believe that people who lived along the Andaman Sea and faced the ‘giant waves’ all feel the same. The earthquakes and the tsunami can happen again anytime without an early warning. But with the experience of the tsunami, I am sure that we are now more alert and cautious.
I am lucky to have received help from various organisations, including Plan. On behalf of my friends and the people in the Andaman communities, I would like to express our sincere thanks for all the kind assistance we received. Thank you very much!!
Aran, 16 years old, Thailand
Donate now to support Plan’s work in communities affected by disasters. Back to top
