2.3. The Tsunami - Part 3 - Class 8 - Honeydew
- BhashaLab
- May 28
- 3 min read

đ The Tsunami
Author: Not mentioned (factual recount based on real events)
Textbook:Â Honeydew
Genre:Â Non-fiction / Real-life Accounts
đ Summary
The chapter "The Tsunami" is a compilation of true stories from the 2004 tsunami disaster. It presents first-hand accounts of survival and loss from different parts of the Indian Ocean region. In the Andaman Islands, a man named Ignesious felt the earthquake but didnât realise it was a tsunami. His family took immediate action but could not all survive. Sanjeev, a policeman, died while trying to save others. Two young girls, Meghna and Almas, were swept away by the waves but miraculously survived alone. Another part of the story focuses on Tilly Smith, a 10-year-old British girl, who recognised the signs of an approaching tsunami from a geography lesson and warned her family, saving many lives in Thailand. The chapter also explores the belief that animals have a sixth sense; very few animal deaths were reported compared to human casualties. This gripping narrative honours courage, awareness, and the mysterious instincts of animals.
đ¤ Character Sketches
Tilly Smith â Intelligent, observant, and quick-thinking. She showed bravery and presence of mind, using her classroom learning to save lives.
Meghna â A young girl with great resilience. Though swept away, she clung to a wooden door and survived alone.
Almas Javed â Another courageous survivor who endured personal loss but displayed immense strength.
Sanjeev â Brave and selfless policeman who died while trying to save others, reflecting heroism.
đ Themes
Theme | Description |
Natural Disasters | The suddenness and destruction caused by tsunamis |
Courage and Survival | Ordinary people showing extraordinary strength in tough situations |
Presence of Mind | Importance of awareness and education during emergencies |
Human vs Nature | Natureâs unpredictability and the struggle for survival |
Animal Instincts | Mysterious ability of animals to sense danger ahead of humans |
⨠Literary Devices
Device | Example |
Imagery | âThe beach was getting smaller and smallerâ |
Repetition | âRun! Run!â |
Personification | âThe entire sea had come out after themâ |
Contrast | Human panic vs. calm animal response |
Hyperbole | âThe killer tsunami struckâŚâ |
đ Title Justification
The title The Tsunami aptly captures the essence of the chapter, which is a collection of real-life experiences during the deadly 2004 tsunami. It reflects the focus on the disaster itself, the varied human and animal responses, and the lessons learned from it. The tsunami becomes not just a natural event, but a central force that tests knowledge, courage, and survival.
â One-Mark Questions
Why did Tillyâs family go to Thailand?
They went to Thailand to celebrate Christmas.
What did Tilly notice about the sea?
She noticed the sea bubbling and forming whirlpools.
How did Meghna survive the tsunami?
Meghna held on to a wooden door for two days.
Where did the Smith family take refuge?
They went to the third floor of their hotel.
How many animals reportedly died in Yala National Park?
Only two water buffaloes were found dead.
â Three-Mark Questions
How did Tillyâs geography lesson help her family?
Tilly recognised the warning signs of a tsunami from her geography class. She insisted her family leave the beach, saving not just themselves but other tourists as well.
What do the stories of Meghna and Almas teach us?
Both girls were swept away by the tsunami but survived alone. Their stories show resilience, willpower, and the unpredictability of survival during natural disasters.
What is unusual about the animal deaths during the tsunami?
Despite the tsunamiâs massive human toll, very few animals died. This suggests that animals might sense danger in ways humans cannot.
đ§ Value-Based Question
Q:Â What lesson can we learn from Tilly Smithâs story?A:Â Tillyâs story teaches us that knowledge is powerful. Even a young child can make a life-saving difference if they stay aware and trust their learning. It also highlights the importance of education and listening to others in times of crisis.
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