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Supermodel Petra Nemcova says it’s still ‘difficult’ to discuss surviving tsunami on its 20th anniversary
In the aftermath of the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami that claimed thousands of lives, supermodel Petra Nemcova was one of the survivors who lived to tell her story. In a recent interview with ABC News, Nemcova reflected on the traumatic event, admitting that it’s still difficult for her to discuss the experience on its 20th anniversary.
Nemcova spoke candidly about the day she lost her fiancé, photographer Simon Atlee, in the disaster, which occurred on December 26, 2004. “My heart was going so fast, and I just couldn’t even breathe properly,” she recalled. However, despite the pain of that tragic event, Nemcova emphasized the importance of moving forward and living life to the fullest.
“It’s very important not to live in a life of any fear,” she urged. “That’s why I did it.”
Nemcova also expressed gratitude for her own survival and encouraged others to appreciate their lives. “If you appreciate the gift of air, if you appreciate the ability to move your legs, everything else is much richer. Your life is happier. You’re living instead of just surviving,” she emphasized.
The 20th anniversary of the tsunami serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of natural disasters like this one. As Nemcova will be joining All Hands and Hearts volunteers to light candles in memory of those lost, she shared that even years later, it’s still difficult for her to discuss the experience. “It took me a few years for the sounds of palm leaves crashing onto the roof of a hotel or a bungalow not to reignite my memories,” Nemcova explained.
Despite the emotional toll this event took on her, Nemcova chose to focus on the lessons she learned and has since used her platform to raise awareness about disaster relief efforts.
Source: www.foxnews.com
