Teen girl separated from friend narrowly survives tsunami

[AsahinaKimi]

Chihiro Kanno at an evacuation center
in Rikuzentakata (Hiroki Endo)


RIKUZENTAKATA, Iwate Prefecture--A crying Chihiro Kanno was encouraged by her friend Mami Sannomiya as they fled from the approaching tsunami on March 11.

"We can see each other again at school, Chihiro," Sannomiya told her as they hurried to the third floor of a community center, a designated emergency shelter. "Don't worry."

The moment they reached the third floor, the first-year students at Takata High School, both 16 and members of the school swimming club, were engulfed by the tsunami.

Kanno was holding her friend's right hand, but their hands were torn apart from each other as they were tossed up and down by the waves.

On that day, the two had eaten lunch together in a classroom--as they always did--and walked to an indoor pool along the coast for training.

The earthquake struck when they were taking a shower before entering the pool. Once the shaking stopped, they put on school uniforms over their wet swimsuits.

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201104130191.html
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A pretty amazing story..worth the read.

[malaise]

1. Too sad

:cry:

[uppityperson]

2. There are some incredible stories in that article. K&r

[Chemisse]

3. That is quite a story. Horrific.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

4. Oh my God, how sad...

Recommended.

[theywillhatethis]

5. Touching

Very touching story indeed.