There are some disasters, losses of human life on a grand scale, that are just imprinted in our collective memory. Cyclone Tracy. September 11.
The Bali Bombings. And the Boxing Day Tsunami. or signup to continue reading It's the latter, now 20 years past, that draws the attention of this four-episode National Geographic documentary series.
It's a remarkable piece of documentary work, that is as truly, deeply devastating as it is unfathomable. utilises video footage from locals and holidaymakers across south and south-east Asia in the wake of the massive earthquake that caused the fateful wave. This footage is paired with first-hand accounts from survivors.
From tourists to local police, hotel staff to mechanics, people tell their stories first-hand, and it's clear the trauma and pain of December 26, 2004 has never left them. Everyone has stories of people they love, and where they were when the wave hit. With the documentary playing out as the wave progresses - not jumping around in time, but following the disaster chronologically - we're left to fear the fates of the interview subjects' loved ones.
It's a difficult watch, and impossible to shy away from the emotions. Most of us could never imagine the depth of fear, pain and confusion these survivors went through as they lives and family members were swept away before their eyes. Handy illustrations demonstrate the path of the wave, striking first in Banda Aceh in Indonesia before moving on to Thailand and beyond.
It's a to.
