Today marks the 20th anniversary of the devastating tsunami that struck Thailand and other countries around the Indian Ocean. On December 26, 2004, a massive undersea earthquake with a magnitude of 9.1-9.3 occurred off the west coast of northern Sumatra, Indonesia. This triggered a series of immense ocean waves, some reaching heights of up to 100 feet, which swept across coastal areas, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The tsunami claimed the lives of approximately 227,898 people across 14 countries, making it one of the deadliest natural disasters in recorded history.
At the time, I was living in San Francisco, planning a visit to my dear friend Erich Krauss https://usadojo.com/erich-krauss/#google_vignette, an esteemed author and one of my closest friends. Erich, who is like a brother to me, was in Phuket, Thailand, working on a book about Muay Thai boxing. As I prepared for my two-week trip to visit Erich after the New Year, the news of the tsunami broke. My heart sank with worry, knowing that Phuket was one of the areas severely affected. Erich is a survivalist, having honed his skills in the wilderness of Northern California during his teenage years. Despite my confidence in his abilities, the uncertainty was agonizing. It took five long days before I finally heard from him. I canceled my trip, but couldn't stop thinking about how I could help those affected by this tragedy.
This period of my life was marked by transition. I had recently gone through a divorce, was working part-time, and was in the process of gaining hours for licensure to become a Marriage and Family Therapist. With no significant attachments, I had the freedom and time to offer assistance. I reached out to various organizations, eager to volunteer my time and skills, but was repeatedly advised to donate money instead. Frustrated but undeterred, I spoke with Erich, who encouraged me to come to Thailand and help in any way I could.
Erich had just received an offer to write a book about the tsunami and planned to stay in Thailand for at least another year, https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/593988/wave-of-destruction-by-erich-krauss/. He hired Sudthida Somsakerm, or Nui for short, as his translator and intended to interview several families and a remote community affected by the disaster. Erich's two-story condo in Kata Beach, Phuket, became my new home, as he offered to rent the bottom floor to me for $250 a month (money went a long way at that time)! I eagerly accepted and began planning my journey.
During my "planning phase," I initiated an unofficial relief fund called "Compassion in Action: A Thai Tsunami Relief Project." I used Craigslist to recruit volunteers and found many willing helpers. I received assistance in creating a website to document my work, support for a grassroots fundraiser, and donations of a camera and travel items. I even was provided with contacts in Bangkok to stay for the first part of my trek. During this time, I raised nearly $8,000 and sold my car to cover my own expenses, ensuring that 100% of the funds collected from friends, family, and their networks went directly to those affected by the tsunami.
I traveled to Thailand in February and quickly became close friends with Nui, who was also raising funds to support those impacted by the tsunami. Together, we used the money to help fishermen, assist the four families Erich interviewed, and support the wider community. Our partnership not only strengthened our friendship but also enabled us to make a significant contribution to the healing and recovery of the affected areas. Our efforts involved commissioning the construction of fishing boats, which we donated to local fishermen, rebuilding several homes, and constructing a kitchen for a family that used it as a restaurant. We also dedicated some of our physical labor to rebuilding a community that wasn't receiving direct aid from larger organizations for a few weeks.
I stayed in Thailand for a year, traveling back and forth a few times. The experience was life-changing, teaching me the power of compassion and the impact of grassroots efforts. To share our progress and the stories of the people we helped, I uploaded photos and documented our work on the website I created (with help). Unfortunately, this was during the days when we saved everything on hard drives, and I eventually lost the website and all its contents. Despite this loss, the memories and the difference we made remain etched in my heart.
Reflecting on those days, I am reminded of the incredible strength and compassion that emerged from such a tragic event. The experience profoundly changed me, teaching me the value of human connection and the importance of giving back. I also went through my own, "Eat, Pray, Love" experience and that was BEFORE the book.
As we commemorate the 20th anniversary of the tsunami, I honor the memory of those lost and celebrate the enduring spirit of those who survived.
Much gratitude,
~ Brooke
Here are a few pictures from my time in Thailand:
From Top Left to Right and so on... Erich and Nui. A fishing boat we donated. Nui. Mr. Kim and Brooke. Katherine and Brooke. The restaurant after we rebuilt the "home" kitchen. Mr. Kim, Brooke, and Nui. Nui, Brooke, and Noy. Brooke's mom, Karen and Brooke. Noy, Brooke, and Karen.
Want to know more about Erich’s Book?
Erich Krauss's book, "Wave of Destruction: The Stories of Four Families and History's Deadliest Tsunami," provides a poignant and deeply human perspective on the 2004 tsunami. Published in 2005, the book chronicles the experiences of four Thai families from the village of Nam Keam, one of the hardest-hit areas.
Erich arrived in Nam Keam 12 days after the tsunami, joining relief efforts and witnessing the devastation firsthand. His book captures the harrowing moments as a 40-foot wave crashed down on the village, the immediate aftermath, and the long, arduous journey of rebuilding lives and communities. Through meticulous interviews and compassionate storytelling, Erich brings to life the resilience and courage of the survivors, offering readers an intimate look at their struggles and triumphs.
The book not only documents the physical destruction but also delves into the emotional and psychological impact on the affected families. Erich's background as a survivalist and his deep understanding of Thai culture enrich the narrative, making it a compelling and insightful read. Reflecting on the 20th anniversary of the tsunami, Erich's work remains a powerful testament to the human spirit's ability to endure and overcome even the most catastrophic events.
Personal Acknowledgment to me from Erich:
This book would not have been possible without the unwavering support and encouragement of my dear friend, Brooke Motta (among several others). Brooke, your strength and compassion during that time is truly inspiring. Your willingness to drop everything and come to Thailand to help rebuild and support the survivors of the tsunami was a testament to your incredible character.
With deepest gratitude,
Erich Krauss
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