The Tsunami

Introduction:

A tsunami is a very large and powerful wave caused by earthquakes under the sea. The chapter ‘The Tsunami’ is a compilation of stories of courage and survival. Interestingly, they say that animals are the first ones to sense any forthcoming danger. In the lesson ‘The Tsunami’ we come across stories from different parts of the world that were hit by the Tsunami. Many survived, many didn’t. But the aftermath of the catastrophe left an irrevocable impact on the minds and lives of the people.

Meanings of words and phrases

• archipelago : group of islands
• tremors : shakes felt due to earthquake
• chaos : complete disorder and confusion
• relief : assistance given to those in special need or difficulty
• daze : shock
• clinging : to hold on to something
• uprooted : to pull something, especially a tree or plant out of the ground
• fainted : to fall unconscious
• traumatised : to someone who is subjected to lasting shock as a result of a disturbing experience or physical injury
• triggered : caused by a particular action or process
• massive : huge
• whirlpool : a quickly rotating mass of water in a river or sea into which objects may be drawn
• hysterical : affected by wild uncontrolled emotion
• refuge : shelter
• surge : a sudden powerful movement
• forewarned : warned in advance
• terrifying : something that causes extreme fear
• slammed : hit something with force
• abandoned : to leave unattended
• breeding : a place used for production of offspring by animals
• enticed : attracted or lured
• possess : to own something
• continuous quick, slight shaking movement: vibration
• perished : died
• carcasses : remains of a dead animal