How a 10-Year-Old Girl Became a Hero During the 2004 Tsunami

Sometimes, the right knowledge at the right time can mean the difference between life and death. That’s exactly what happened on December 26, 2004, when 10-year-old Tilly Smith saved countless lives during one of the deadliest tsunamis in history. A Family Vacation Turned into a Life-Saving Moment Tilly, a British schoolgirl, was on holiday with her family at Mai Khao Beach in Phuket, Thailand. It was a typical vacation—warm sun, crashing waves, and a relaxing time by the sea. But as she played near the water, something felt off. The ocean was behaving strangely. The water suddenly receded rapidly, exposing the seabed. Strange frothy bubbles formed. While most people on the beach didn’t think much of it, Tilly did. She had learned about tsunamis in her geography class back in England. Her teacher had shown videos and explained that a sudden retreat of water was a major warning sign of an impending tsunami. And now, she was seeing it happen in real life. Speaking Up—And Savi...