Tsunami heroine in education plea

Tilly's quick thinking saved around 100 lives Tilly Smith interview

A British girl who saved up to 100 people by recognising the warning signs of the Asian tsunami says all children should be taught about natural hazards.

Tilly Smith, 11, who was holidaying in Thailand with her family last December, learnt about the natural phenomenon in a geography lesson two weeks earlier.

Her warning the tsunami was coming led to the beach she was on being cleared.

She told UN tsunami envoy Bill Clinton in New York her experience highlighted the importance of disaster awareness.

Tilly noticed the sea was receding from the beach in Pukhet where she and her family were enjoying the sunshine on 26 December 2004.

Tilly's story is a simple reminder that education can make a difference between life and death Bill Clinton

She warned her mother and the hotel guests were rapidly cleared from the beach - their lives saved.

Tilly told President Clinton: "My mum didn't realise what was happening on the beach because she wasn't taught about tsunamis when she was younger.

"She had never even heard the word 'tsunami' and she didn't know how to react.

"I think it's really important for all kids to know about tsunamis and other type of natural hazards," she added.

The former US President agreed saying: "Tilly's story tells us about the importance of teaching young people about natural hazards.

'Basic knowledge'

"All children should be taught disaster reduction so they know what to do when natural hazards strike.

"Tilly's story is a simple reminder that education can make a difference between life and death," he added.

The UN's director of international strategy for disaster reduction Salvano Briceño said it was important to the know the actions necessary to reduce the risks of natural disasters.

"Many children have learn to live with natural hazards in countries such as Japan, Cuba, Iran and Bangladesh.

"Everybody should have this basic knowledge," he added.