ON December 26, 2004, a9.1 magnitude earthquake jolted Simeulue, an island off the northwest coat of Sumatra, Indonesia. All eyes on the shore out to sea. The tide was receding beyond normal. Instantly, everyone started running for the hills, shouting "Smong! Smong!" the local word for Tsunami. Within 30 minutes, powerful waves came crashing down onto the coast, destroying most of the home and villages.
Simeulue Island was the first location to be hit by that devastating tsunami. Yet, of the 78,000 residents, only 7 died. Why comparatively so few? A saying among the islanders is: 'If a strong tremor occurs and the sea withdraws, run to the hills, for the sea will soon rush ashore. From past experience, the people of Simeulue had learned to recognize an approaching tsunami by the change of the sea. Heeding the advance warning saved their lives.
Next time: Heeding Advance Warning Can Save Your Life - Conclusion
From the jw.org publications
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