Man and dog survive the wave
Working as a photojournalist I was in Sri Lanka about 48 hours after the tsunami digested most of the countries southern and eastern coastline. I was the first international photojournalist to get into some of the remote eastern areas. This post and a few to follow will recount some of the tragedy as I recorded it for international media.
I'd managed to find a way to the small township of Arugam Bay on Sri Lanka's east coast after an 18 hour trip negotiating traffic mayhem and blocked roads. I came across Kirya a local fishermen that was wondering about through the rubble with a small dog. When I asked him what had happened he recounted an incredible story of survival but also of terrible loss.
Kirya had actually taken refuge in a coconut palm as the tsunami swept into the village. When he finally climbed down from his perch the village he knew no longer existed, his home and family washed away. Somehow through all the massive tidal surge Kirya's small dog survived and was found a kilometer from where the home once stood.
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Tsunami damage at Arugam Bay 2004
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You can read more about this story and others on my website HERE.
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