November 18th 2024.
It's hard to believe that it has been 20 years since the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami struck Asia on December 26th, 2004. This natural disaster took the lives of over 225,000 people and left a dozen countries in ruins. The sheer power of the 9.1 magnitude earthquake and the resulting waves was unimaginable, and it swept through countries like Indonesia, Thailand, and Sri Lanka, leaving behind pure carnage.
Louis Mullan, who was 16 years old at the time, was on a family holiday in Thailand with his parents, Catherine and Leonard Barratt, and his younger brother Theo, who was 12. They had been enjoying their time in southern Thailand and were planning on heading to Chiang Mai for Christmas. However, they decided to stay in Takua Pa because they were having such a nice time.
On the morning of December 26th, Louis and Theo were getting ready for a snorkeling trip when their dad called them to the beach. Little did they know that a disaster was about to strike. Louis recalls his dad saying, "Something's happening in the water, come and have a look." Louis remembers seeing a strange white line in the distance, but he had no idea what was coming.
As the rushing waters swept through the area, Louis and his brother held onto each other. However, they were soon separated, and Louis couldn't find Theo anywhere. He was eventually pulled into a building by a stranger, where he sat for an hour, wondering where his family was. He cried out for them, feeling helpless and scared.
In the distance, Louis saw someone he recognized - a French family from their hotel. They were trying to get to higher ground, and Louis decided to join them. As they were walking, he saw another family with a young boy - it was Theo. It was a moment of overwhelming relief, but Louis couldn't shake off the worry for his parents.
Sadly, Louis and Theo never saw their parents again. They were later told that their bodies had been found six weeks after the disaster. It was a devastating blow, but Louis remembers his parents for the love and adventure they brought into their lives.
The brothers were adopted by a family in Cornwall, who continued the adventure their parents had started. Every Boxing Day, the day before Theo's birthday, they visit a churchyard in Cornwall to remember their mom and dad.
Louis's story is just one of many told in a new documentary by National Geographic called "Tsunami: Race Against Time." The documentary, which took over two years to make, aims to do justice to the survivors of the disaster. Executive producer and director Daniel Bogado hopes that the series will serve as a testament to what happened and a memorial to those who lost their lives.
It's hard to imagine the terror and devastation that Louis and many others experienced on that fateful day. The Indian Ocean tsunami was a tragedy that shook the world, and its effects are still felt today. As we commemorate the 20-year anniversary of this disaster, let us remember the lives lost and honor the survivors' bravery and resilience.
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