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hellmut issels | profile | all galleries >> Phuket Tsunami

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Phuket Tsunami

To help immediatley please go to http://www.ifrc.org
The man in the pictures 477,478,479 was pulled up and out of the water by a man standing on a lower porch only seconds after picture 479 was taken. You can read his story at http://www.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,4057,11891959%255E28477,00.html
As you can see from the exif data: from picture 477 to picture 478 only 5 sec. passed and from picture 478 to picture 479 only 7 sec. passed.

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anallover		19-Mar-2008 15:17
funny shit keep it coming

Dan Perry		08-Dec-2007 20:35
Very powerful and moving.

Rodrigo Cunha		17-Apr-2007 04:32
Very well captured images, I think I might have seen some of them on the media. Great photo reportage of the events that will be on our memory for many, many years. Well done for being on the wrong place at the right time and well done for sharing such a powerful story with us! On a side note the europe vs america comment war in these pages is ridiculous, it only shows the narrow minds at loose in this world, this was an international catastrophy and it was an humanitarian disaster of a scale never before seen, people died regardless of sex, religion, nationality or even color of their skin. Some comments on these pages are just pathetic!

Sally McTrail		16-Apr-2007 06:03
pwerful images

Tim van Woensel		20-Dec-2006 09:47
I've never seen photos of this disaster. It's shocking what nature can do.

Mike Long		23-Sep-2006 07:24
That's a lot of water

alfredomvd		24-Jun-2006 18:30
what a tragedy!! horrible scenarios!! moments of terror! hopefully we learn something about this type of storms through pictures. alfredomvd

nacho_lopez		15-May-2006 08:42
I dont speak english so good Erich Mangl. Hope you can understand this... I said beautiful because they were well done and shows perfectly how terrible that Txunami was... Sorry if my english was wrong

Erich Mangl		03-May-2006 07:50
nacho lopez calls them "beautiful pics" ? how full of shit must someone be to say that and advertise for his site like that

nacho_lopez		18-Apr-2006 09:26
I will link them from my site if you let me it so people can know about this terrible Tsunami... Best regards...

nacho_lopez		18-Apr-2006 09:24
Beautiful pics... Best regards from Spain http://www.photoshop-designs.com/foro http://www.photoshop-designs.net

knishimura		27-Apr-2005 01:06
Mr. Hellmut Issels, My name is Katie Nishimura and I am a layout designer for The Journal of the Harvard Hippocratic Society. The Hippocratic Society is a small, student-run organization and our journal is distributed to the undergraduate body free of charge. For our spring issue, we are covering medicine and healthcare in the wake of the tsunami that struck South East Asia in December. We would like to use some of your photos in our journal. Please let me know if we have your permission to print your photos by sending an email to my gmail account at knishimura@gmail.com. Thank you, Katie Nishimura, Design Chair Board Member Harvard Hippocratic Society

Pollyfodder		13-Apr-2005 13:11

Pollyfodder		13-Apr-2005 13:08
For news and photos relating to the Boxing day tsunami and recent earthquake off Sumatra near Nias Island go to http://www.photoduck.com/pollyfodder

Sarf S		04-Apr-2005 19:24
Thanks for sharing such powerful images - Sarf

Pollyfodder		30-Mar-2005 10:08
Hi Hellmut, It is so tragic that the people who already have suffered from the December 26 Tsunami must again wear physical and psychological burden with this 29 March earthquake centered off Nias Island off the Northern Coast of Sumatra. My heart goes out to these folk and I am sure glad that the aid is reaching them quicker this time round. Quake news and photo album has just opened at http://www.photoduck.com/photos.aspx?gid=1942&pxo=0 Like my Tsunami archive it is updated 24/7 with the most extensive news all together in one neat package! Kindest Regards Peter Z (POLLYFODDER)

Pollyfodder		02-Mar-2005 20:47
Sorry Hellmut I forgot to include my URL: http://www.photoduck.com/smarturl.aspx?usr=pollyfodder Peter Z

Pollyfodder		02-Mar-2005 20:46
Hi Hellmut, I have put a permanent link your great site on my tsunami Archive. I am hoping you will do same for me as the comment section on here is inactive lately? Kindest Regards Peter Z Australia

Maxine		22-Jan-2005 17:43
yes, i have checked the site too... it's URL is http://www.photoduck.com/smarturl.aspx?usr=pollyfodder and it does indeed have a massive quantity of photographs in various albums and a news section as well which I check daily. it must have been terrifying for those people who were there.

Guest		22-Jan-2005 17:40
Judging by the multiple comments bellow there really IS "one in every crowd"! Great Photos Hellmut, I'm glad you are ok. Did you know there is a huge tsunami related photo site at www.photoduck.com/pollyfodder ? Thanks again Hellmut.

Guest		22-Jan-2005 13:14
To move you quickly to put an end A the war of the USA in Iraq it is the moment . children, women and innocent men suffer. move you! http://www.endthewar.org

Guest		22-Jan-2005 13:14
To move you quickly to put an end A the war of the USA in Iraq it is the moment . children, women and innocent men suffer. move you! http://www.endthewar.org

Guest		22-Jan-2005 10:35
if photographers working for these greedy photomerchants that charge hundreds of $$$ for one picture the people they are photographing in the tsunami affected areas should get at least half. or the people who own the property should get half. or the people who own the cars etc should get half. if not yes they are being exploited and it should be stopped along with the companies doing this. it is terrible what these photo distributors are doing and yes i will be organising protests in the United States. www.gettyimages.com is one of the main vultures leading the way in exploiting these poor people all for the sake of the all mighty dollar charging hundreds of U.S $$$ for one pic! SHAME ON THEM. . Patricia Gillmeister Washington DC

M & M		21-Jan-2005 20:56
The pictures are very cool, but it is very sad and we feel for the people that have lost friends and/or loved ones in the tsunami. It is AMAZING to us how people could have survived through the tsunami, since they didn't have any place to hide, especially since the water went everywhere. It is sad though that sooo many people lost their lives in this natural disaster and I believe that people should do whatever they can to help the unfortunate ones that went through this disaster because if you think about it, if this had happened to us, then there would be a ton of people helping us to get back on our feet after this had happened to us.

Guest		21-Jan-2005 01:50
Hellmut Incredilbe photos! There is another gallery with many thousands of tsunami photographs here too! http://www.photoduck.com/photos.aspx?gid=932&pxo=0

Guest		20-Jan-2005 17:31
To move you quickly to put an end A the war of the USA in Iraq it is the moment . children, women and innocent men suffer. move you! http://www.endthewar.org

Peter		20-Jan-2005 06:32
Bitte, Hellmut can I use your photos in my archive? POLLYFODDER www.photoduck.com/pollyfodder

Grant		19-Jan-2005 13:17
Yeah, what the does the Tsunami have to do with the war in Iraq?? ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! Grant http://www.rtgconsultants.com/

Guest		19-Jan-2005 08:55
They is time to take the future of our planet main. some go all to work for ecology.move you quickly!

Guest		19-Jan-2005 08:50
To move you quickly to put an end A the war of the USA in Iraq it is the moment . children, women and innocent men suffer. move you! http://www.endthewar.org

Guest		19-Jan-2005 07:49
jst like to say i dnt know what this world is coming to.....9 small earth quakes have hit NZ within a period of 9 Hours...scary huh.

Guest		19-Jan-2005 05:28
Hellmut Incredilbe photos! There is another gallery with many thousands of tsunami photographs here too! http://www.photoduck.com/photos.aspx?gid=932&pxo=0

Grant		18-Jan-2005 18:40
Sibel, Try emailing him.. Grant http://www.rtgconsultants.com/

Sibel Hakyemez		18-Jan-2005 17:20
Hi! I want to use your pictures on my site. Can I use? Sibel HAKYEMEZ http://www.egitim.gen.tr .

Guest		18-Jan-2005 13:26
http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/FJ15Ak02.html

Guest		18-Jan-2005 13:24
http://www.lornatychostup.com/main/tour/OnTheGround/churchblast.html

Guest		18-Jan-2005 13:22
http://www.lornatychostup.com/main/tour/OnTheGround/ChurchBlast2.html

Guest		18-Jan-2005 13:22
http://www.lornatychostup.com/main/indexphotoiraq.html

Guest		18-Jan-2005 13:21
http://www.transnational.org/photoseries/iraq/photo_iraq_index.html

Guest		18-Jan-2005 13:20
http://www.chimerafilms.co.uk/children6.html

Guest		18-Jan-2005 13:19
http://www.savewarchildren.org/

Guest		18-Jan-2005 13:19
http://www.documentaryphotographs.com/iraq00.htm

Guest		18-Jan-2005 13:18
http://www.endthewar.org/default-new.htm

Guest		18-Jan-2005 13:18
http://www.endthewar.org/default-new.htm

Guest		18-Jan-2005 13:18
http://www.casinohype.com/post-tsunami.html

Guest		17-Jan-2005 17:42
Hellmut Incredilbe photos! There is another gallery with many thousands of tsunami photographs here too! http://www.photoduck.com/photos.aspx?gid=932&pxo=0 the photos are excellent Hellmut und yes, idiotic comments such as those below reiterate the previous comment well and true! POLLYFODDER

Guest		17-Jan-2005 17:39
There are true idiots in this world and the belowmentioned comments prove it!

Jerry Quinn		17-Jan-2005 16:10
Jerry Quinn lives in Boston. He's 52 years old and owns a bar and restaurant. Last Monday, as he does most days, he settled down to lunch and the newspaper. "All of a sudden, I see this article in the paper and it was in regard to somebody who needed funds for a transplant," Quinn said. "It stated in there that he would pretty much be in a wheelchair in a year if he didn't get some help. It started to make me think. I said I'd really like to help this guy." The guy in question is Franklin Piedra. He is 33 years old. He arrived in New York from Ecuador 10 years ago and has been suffering from chronic kidney failure almost ever since. When he got sick, the restaurant where he worked let him go. Since then, he has shined shoes for a living on Wall Street. Piedra is a viable candidate for an organ transplant, and his mother wants to give him a kidney. But he has no health insurance � that's a problem familiar to millions of Americans � and a transplant would cost $100,000. Piedra wrote to the government asking for help. They didn't even write back. He contacted the Ecuadorean Consulate in New York. Basically, he said, they suggested he go back to Ecuador and die. Jerry Quinn had another idea. "I'm not a very wealthy guy," Quinn said. "I'm comfortably off. I got this thing in my life � you can only use one car, you can only use one kitchen, you can only use one bathroom, you can only eat so much and drink so much, so that's my theory in life. What more do we need?" Helping a Stranger Quinn has been saving for a new place to live. He was about to put a major down-payment on a two-bedroom apartment in the heart of Boston � with a river view and all. But then he had another thought. "When I woke, it was on my mind again.The first thing that came to mind was the condominium downtown," he said. "You know what? I think I can do without the water views and use that money to help this gentlemen Franklin." Quinn called the reporter at the New York Post who had written the story. "She asked me how much I want to donate. And I think she was figuring maybe a hundred dollars or a thousand dollars because people were very good, they got a lot of response, " he said. "And I turned around and said to her, 'I'd like to do the whole thing.' She said, 'Are you serious?' and I said, 'Yeah, I'd like to do the whole thing.'" Pretty soon Quinn was in New York to meet Piedra. He'd already sent the money. "He came into the room and I felt a little funny," Quinn recalled. "I was just a little bit nervous, and he put his arms around me and he hugged me. And he said to me, 'You are wonderful. You are an angel.' And I said, 'Thank you.' I could feel the shivers running down my back." Piedra can sum up Quinn's role very succinctly: "He is the best person in my life." From One Immigrant to Another Paying for the transplant was a gift from one immigrant to another. Quinn grew up on his father's farm near Galway in the west of Ireland. "It's hard work," he recalled. "Your father will have you milking and cleaning out from under the cows. When you're younger you love it, when you're older you want to get away from it." As a young man, Quinn came to America on a vacation and, like a lot of the Irish, he simply stayed. He became a bartender. He did pretty well and finally got his own place, which serves Asian food and Irish beer

Guest		17-Jan-2005 15:50
http://www.whitehaven-news.co.uk/property/viewarticle.aspx?id=170244

Guest		17-Jan-2005 15:49
http://www.pinesolutions.com.au/products/index.html

Guest		17-Jan-2005 15:46
http://www.ideesmaison.com/

Guest		17-Jan-2005 15:45
http://www.mr-bricolage.fr/fichesTheme.asp?cat=Ma%E7onnerie&type=magazine

Guest		17-Jan-2005 15:29
http://www.phuket-photos.com/frameme.php?page=khaolak-beaches.htm

Guest		17-Jan-2005 15:29
http://www.phuket-photos.com/frameme.php?page=khaolak-beaches.htm

Guest		17-Jan-2005 15:28
http://www.vendeeglobe.org/

Guest		17-Jan-2005 15:27
que d'eau que d'eau ! pour quelques photos

Guest		17-Jan-2005 03:59
Hellmut Incredilbe photos! There is another gallery with many thousands of tsunami photographs here too! http://www.photoduck.com/photos.aspx?gid=932&pxo=0

Guest		17-Jan-2005 03:58
Contact World Vision in Phuket if you wish to help the efforts there. They have a temporary office(POLLYFODDER)

G-Power		16-Jan-2005 15:38
Hi there, may I know how to start and what should I do in my first day to Phuket? Cos, I'm planning to help in Khao Lak. I'm a HK girl (student) who wants to spend time on giving hands on people in need there. But, just don't know where to contact. Should anyone could tell me? or, should I just go directly to Khao Lak and contact the local helping team for detail? PS:Planning going there at the beginning of Feb. Thanks so much.

Guest		16-Jan-2005 13:07
Hellmut Incredilbe photos! There is another gallery with many thousands of tsunami photographs here too! http://www.photoduck.com/photos.aspx?gid=932&pxo=0 CHECK IT OUT!

joaspiras		16-Jan-2005 07:32
time has come for us to re-group, take all this boundaries no religion, no black or white everyone is ONE. lets all pray not only to thoise who died but to all of us called humans. jo aspiras doha qatar

Guest		15-Jan-2005 21:39
To realist, I never "accused" you of being Western. I was responding to another poster, and adding my opinion of Western Society. However, I doubt that you understand the meaning of the phrase, "don't believe in". Athiests don't believe in a God, any god, they don't specifically not believe in one God. If your argument were valid, then all of us would be athiest against the Greek pantheon of gods, and this idea is patently absurd. Thais- my name, this post was not written by multiple folk from Thailand.

Guest		15-Jan-2005 15:21
news http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,1564,1444106,00.html http://www.thaitsunami.com/wps/portal

Bernie Domk		15-Jan-2005 13:55
http://www.phuket-photos.com/frameme.php?page=phuket-tidal-wave.htm

Bernie Domk		15-Jan-2005 13:51
stop please

CatholicFireman		15-Jan-2005 12:16
Get ready loved ones, become a prepared people. Be wise to the signs of the times and do not permit Love to become overshadowed by the obstinence of our pride. Love everybody, hate nobody. These "events" (the awful tsunami, Florida getting hit by hurricanes 4 separate times almost simultaneously, an all time record number of tornadoes hitting the US) are not the end to such activities. They simply foreshadow the beginnning of such activities. All 4 corners of the globe are going to be impacted by events of a similar magnitude. As these events occur, few will be able to deny the unusual specifity and abruptness of those activities. It is NOT the end, nevertheless, these events will be global in nature. There is only one thing that might mitigate the circumstances of these events. Love. Nothing else would suffice. Nothing else could .... Peace.

The Realist		15-Jan-2005 10:53
Due to the suprising activeness of the forum, I have decided to clear any misunderstandings. And for the benefit of the ocean engineer, who loves complete English, I shall be grammatically correct this time. First, I am not Christian. Perhaps because of my observations that even atheists have have a god not to believe in, some forum goers, who themselves seem to have prejudices and are sick of compassionate conservatives at home, have reacted strongly. It is because of my position as a freethinker that I have the freedom to state what I see as they are, without too much of a fixed stance that many people, religious and non-religious have- on religion. Two, I am not someone from The US or Europe, in response to the thais' message. I am from Asia. I still mantain that these societies, with or without their ancestral knowledge, would not have been able to cope with the disaster, because this disaster occurs once in a thousand years. Who traditional or otherwise, without science, would be have been able to comprehend and get early warning of this disaster? So what nonsense is it that tribal people were saved? Many are feared dead. As for the animals, they are "in tune" with the Earth, just as dogs can detect drugs. Are we lamenting our differences? Three, I have a question. Christians in general think that non-believers wouldn't come to such a good end. This, with the spirit of giving, I find paradoxical, to the point whwere I wonder if some Christians actually give out of symphathy, the spirit of looking down, the way some Westerns wish to "preserve societies" which have been faltering and which failure manifest themselves in modern terms such as 'corruption' and 'poverty'. These societies have been failing them, and again.

Guest		15-Jan-2005 04:17
Hellmut Incredilbe photos! There is another gallery with many thousands of tsunami photographs here too! http://www.photoduck.com/photos.aspx?gid=932&pxo=0 CHECK IT OUT!

WRJ		14-Jan-2005 22:07
First of all, those pictures were awesome (in the sense that I am in awe when I look at how etremely powerful nature can be. Thanks for sharing those) and second of all I am a Christian, BUT I would like to say to those people who are condemning the Indonesians for not being Christians "How dare you put yourself in the place of God." ONLY God may say who is saved and who is not, I leave that up to Him. What I WANT to do as a Christian is show to everyone the love that He has shown for me, period. I also want to say that I am nowhere near perfect, and neither is the next person, Christian or not. Now as far as why this tsunami occured, I have no idea other than two plates sliding across one another causing one to go upward as the other goes downward. That's what happened, no other reason. The only lesson that should be learned from this is that life can vanish in a split second so be sure that you are always true to yourself and let whoever you love know that you love them. And one more thing. For the argument of "If there really is a God, why did He allow this to happen," I would like to leave you all with a simple thought. Think of the person that you absolutely love the most, maybe a spouse, child, parent, whoever. Now think of the things that you have done for them, times you have suffered because of them, and then compare that to everyone else you know. I think that the ones you love the most are the ones for whom you have "suffered" the most. Okay, that really doesn't tie in to the argument, but it does set the premise of my point which is, if God did not allow us to be hurt in any way, we would not be able to show love for anyone. I sincerely hope that this struck you all the way I meant for it to. Thanks for letting me share my thoughts and God bless you all as well as the victims of the tsunami!

Lynne		14-Jan-2005 21:17
Are there any known fotos of the waters receding prior to the first thrust of the tsunami? Such an image would be at least as impressive as the wave itself.

L.B. Florida		14-Jan-2005 14:53
I want to first apologize for the people that spout off from their self erected podeums about God, the Bible, Jesus, critiing these societies, bombs under the ocean ect. These are NOT people who study the word of God and follow the example (Jesus) he sent to lead us. They are lost people. Jesus would not criticize or make fun of or point fingers. He would be there to help and pray. A "true" christian heart would never say such foolish things and it is these people that are not really followers of the word of God that cause so much anguish for the true believers. Followers of Christ are people who pray for the survivors, pray for the rescue people, pray for the nurses and doctors and pray for the countries all over the world to show forth their caring by offering help in any way they can. People who misconstrue the true word of God cause others to refrain from knowing the God that made them. A true christian would only want to encourage - not discourage. So with this I send my deepest sympathies for all the people who have lost friends and loved ones. The children who died are already in God's loving arms. The adults that died will be judged by their maker and the living need us, our help & support and most of all our prayers. With half the teachers dead and half the students dead and children at risk from sex monsters we need more people involved in a positive way and not in a negative way. Quit laying blame and pitch in and help. These are ALL God's children and he is looking at us right now to see what we are going to do about this horrific situation...because it is our reactions to these desparate situations that determine what kind of heart we have. God Bless all those of all natinalities and religions that have donated and/or helped in some other way. Obviously every little bit helps.

victimofpeace		14-Jan-2005 14:40
To the Ocean Engineer, What u say is also true, but I was referring to the natural disasters in general. For Eg. people staying at the foot hills of active volcanoes, earth quake prone areas et all. Also the education part is extremely vital and I feel that in India if this education was given, then may be a lot of lives would have been saved. Even the tribes in Andaman understood the sea from their forefathers, but alas the "Educated" of today did not.

Hasan Aliyev		14-Jan-2005 12:07
I want to congrulate pbase.com. It is great galley! Hasan Aliyev http://love.azeri.net .

sammy		14-Jan-2005 11:06
Pitty goes to those who have unkind breath, to give filthy opinion about nature disorder as if they could never be future victims. Whatever education mankind has His knowledge is limited to brandy size of the brains. We lose life to terrorist a phenomenol triggered by mankind yet those inform about goddam it don't warm. God's terror 100% blameless to mankind. The world should now wittness God's mighty in this disaster. How far can you run away if the trigger if it was global targeting, can we have place to fly. 'Farewell thee that lost life and wish well thee who survived. Nature has to take it's own course all the time. Mankind is a benefactor of global homeage and sometime we have to pay back the hostee. sorry to say

Guest		14-Jan-2005 09:54
Hellmut Incredilbe photos! There is another gallery with many thousands of tsunami photographs here too! http://www.photoduck.com/photos.aspx?gid=932&pxo=0 CHECK IT OUT!

kgeller		14-Jan-2005 09:23
nice photos is not what i ment, the site is put together nice at www.tsunamipix.com

kgeller		14-Jan-2005 07:41
i found a site that has a nice collection of tsunami images. it it www.tsunamipix.com

thais		14-Jan-2005 07:09
To: the religious nut Half Made Societies? How dare you? These cultures were old long, long before Western Society, Great Eater of the World, even could be spawned from the colonial expansionists which were just a twinkle in the eye of the Ancient Greeks. My advice: Read more, speak less. Opinions are like bottoms, every ass has one. And they are just as useful. My heart goes out to all, the death toll is horrid, and only getting worse. Rebuilding? Of course! That is humanity, we will perch on the precipice, taunt nature, nay, implore her to come at us. We are intrepid. Not always sensible, but such is the definition of intrepid. Great shots! Great Scott! Makes me shudder, both with respect for the pictographers as well as for the survivors. We cannot know joy unless we have sorrow. For both defines the other. And I agree that our mortality is sorrow enough, still, there are those who will take this for granted. Not me. Every breath is precious. I wish you all peace, and long life. Thais

Nikheel		14-Jan-2005 06:49
it's really heartbreaking and truthful pictures, u have had, really My sympathy r which those who lost their near & dear in this tragedy, Yr photos help us to understand tsunami better,Kudos to u....well done...

Ocean Engineer		14-Jan-2005 05:34
Beautiful pictures. A breathtaking illustration of the power behind the ocean and nature�s will. I have donated in what ways I can; best wishes to the survivors and to those who lost everything in the disaster. If I could be there to help out, I would. I also liked...no, loved Michelle�s post. Having studied the ocean for many years (Scripps Institute of Oceanography graduate student), I don�t understand how people can be so willfully ignorant. There�s basic knowledge everyone should know: plate tectonics, natural history, basic biology and the physical sciences that describe the way the world works. The bible is absolutely no substitute for this. Victemofpeace: While your idea is noble, no nation would consider �abandoning� coastlines simply because of the random chance they might get struck by a tsunami. I can�t blame them one bit. There are many things that cause tsunamis: earthquakes (vertical shear along transform faults), landslides, even meteors. There was a large tsunami in 1998 that killed over 2100 people in Papua New Guinea--a tsunami that was caused by an underwater landslide. Such things only happen once every few decades, and there is absolutely nothing you can do to stop it, except to educate and warn. Theoretically, Los Angeles, San Diego, and god only knows how many other major cities located in (and outside) the Ring of Fire are at risk. Even a minor earthquake could trigger a major marine landslide that could cause a tsunami of massive proportions. The most you can do is warn and educate people. Teach them about why these things happen, so that when/if it ever does happen, they will know to clear the shore and get to high ground. Knowing the physics (even just the basics) of why it happens would give people enough to know what to expect when the "big one" hits. These waves take time to travel (about 700 miles an hour in deep water), and had a warning system been in place, thousands could have been saved. Other than that, there�s probably not a whole lot that can be done. To The Realist: Your writing is so bad I can barely understand what you�re saying. How could you call someone that is so well traveled and well learned ignorant while YOU sound like a raving fool? Plates in the earth�s crust ARE the reason this happened. Get an education. �Even atheists have to have a God not to believe in.� That�s quite possibly the stupidest, most fallacious argument I�ve ever heard. ~Hx

no-gods here		13-Jan-2005 23:39
To the "Realists".... Destruction by natural forces are something that we either had or will have experience with. The sad part of your tirade is that you show not to value the real loss of the region. You rather use it as your orange crate to preach. There will always be disasters of this magnitude considering how fluid the grounds below us actually are. All of us, including you, the "Realist", are subject to the same vagaries of natural forces. No gods involved, imagined or believed. Our job is to assist our fellow human beings in the straits that they find themselves now. Keep your preaching to yourself.

CAV		13-Jan-2005 23:15
Great Stuff. For Jay's Information the man photographed in these pictures survived!!

Grant		13-Jan-2005 19:47
Thanks for the link Don't forget to make a donation, even $1 dollar will make a difference if millions donate. Grant http://www.rtgconsultants.com/

Guest		13-Jan-2005 14:40
Hellmut Incredilbe photos! There is another gallery with many thousands of tsunami photographs here too! http://www.photoduck.com/photos.aspx?gid=932&pxo=0 CHECK IT OUT!

The Realist		13-Jan-2005 13:44
i believe that everyone has to b\elieve in god.. or not to even atheists have to have a God/gods NOT to believe in michelle dont be an idiot u are the type of righteous bunch who go i am so smart all u religious people are stupid and have no common sense... u dont know two hoots about anything yay, the plates in the earth's crust... GENIUS! the govts are corrupted, but no one should simplify the causes they are many and complex one of the main reasons 4 the devastataion is the popular term half made. tsunamis crashed onto half made societies who lost their old knowledge of the sea, and learnt nothing new, they had nothing at all to protct themselves.

victimofpeace		13-Jan-2005 12:02
To the Guest, Exactly thats the point. After the place has been developed to such an extent then a major catastrophe is evident and more lives are at stake. Why should the Govt. even consider of rebuilding in the same place, when they know its going to happen again. Even LA is in such a danger, but I think the Govt. is turning a blind eye to it or they're only developing more "better Structured" buildings.

Guest		13-Jan-2005 11:51
this is to victim if that was the case the whole of New Zealand would be uninhabitable. The whole of New Zealand is on a fault line that could move at any time. Where talking about moving over 4 million people if that was the case.

victimofpeace		13-Jan-2005 11:40
I fully agree with Michele's comment. I think the main fault lies in the Government who after identifying the fault lines in each area, allow people to stay in those areas. I think they should be made as "High Risk Zones" and should not be allowed to make habitable. Instead they should develop newer areas.

Michele		13-Jan-2005 04:52
Hellmut: After viewing and injesting the pictures and posts, I am utterly appalled as to how stupid people can be (especially JC) to blame "God" on this catastrophe. Doesn't anyone understand (with the exception of a few) how tectonic plates work? How can you blame this disaster on religion or what nationality you are? Having three citizenship's and having lived in several countries, I have come to realize that people who like to blame "God" on any misgivings in their life are a bunch of fools. I have traveled extensively throughout Asia and snorkled at Patong beach. It's tragic that this has happened and the only thing we can learn from this is that a warning system should have been put in place years ago when the technology was formed. Hawaii (along with other seismic centers scattered throughout the world) recorded the earthquake hours before the tsunami hit and was well aware of the impact but didn't have the resources to notify these foreign countries. Thousands of lives would have been saved had the governments of these countries had a universal notification system. If you want to put a "blame" on someone/something, blame the political corruption of these local governments. A note to JC: I want to reiterate what was so eloquently posted. I truly think you should put your bible sideways and sit on it, you religious freak!

Guest		13-Jan-2005 04:46
Hellmut Incredilbe photos! There is another gallery with many thousands of tsunami photographs here too! http://www.photoduck.com/photos.aspx?gid=932&pxo=0 CHECK IT OUT!

Morgan Z		13-Jan-2005 01:10
o By the way my email is now on my name so that you can email me in response to me using the photos

Morgan Z		13-Jan-2005 01:03
Excellent pictures Hellmut! I was wondering if i could maybe use some pictures for my website,where i will be putting a couple of pages completely dedicated to tsunami/eartquake help links ,etc.

brian		12-Jan-2005 23:17
Hello Hellmut, I'm interested in obtaining permission to use one or two of your images to illustrate an article. Please drop me an email and I can send you the details. Thanks.

Wm. D. Davis		12-Jan-2005 19:01
Thank you kindly for the photos. Although I am not American (I am a Canadian, from Ontario) I am absolutely disgusted with some of the negative comments about Americans. There are "good and bad apples in every barrel" -- Canada included -- but I can tell you that most Americans are absolutely wonderful people. You may have different points of view as relate to the political life of the United States (as do I) but that doesn't mean all Americans are of that nature. As a Canadian, I am proud to be their neighbour. May God bless all mankind.

justina		12-Jan-2005 16:52
i think this is very troubled and horriblr to see the men in the water and the dead i think that these pictures should not be seen especially if any children see they would feel quite troubled if they saw it i think

Guest		12-Jan-2005 03:48
Hellmut I love the photos! There is another gallery with many thousands of tsunami photographs here too! http://www.photoduck.com/photos.aspx?gid=932&pxo=0 CHECK IT OUT! Hellmut, can you please put a link of this site on top of your page with the others? Thank you

Brian		11-Jan-2005 01:50
I saw the movie "The Day After Tomorrow" and wondered if and possibly when this could ever happen. Two weeks later I was stunned to hear that it had happened. I would like to thank all those people involved in sharing these pictures to the world. It has made me feel closer, infact VERY close to ALL those affected by the unbelievable magnitude of this disaster. My prayers and thoughts are with all those who have lost Family, friends, property and or the town/city they lived in. This is a time for man to unite and stand together to help the people of all the countries that have been devistated by this Tsunami and earthquake. As an Australian I am proud of the generosity of our country towards the victims of the Asian Tsunami. It is overwhelming to see other countries donating so much as well.

victimofpeace		10-Jan-2005 19:44
I wonder when we can see the extent of damage caused by a tsunami, how can people be so sadistic by saying "amazing" pictures. Least they could say they are heart rending pics.

Grant		10-Jan-2005 13:15
Yahoo! release a new AP video that I haven't seen yet. I think it is pretty new. Some good footgage, amazing amount of debri/trash. http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story2&u=/ap/20050110/ap_on_re_as/tsunami_video Takes a little bit to load, but once it does, it will play fine. Grant http://www.rtgconsultants.com/

Pollyfodder		10-Jan-2005 12:58
Hellmut please dont erase the messages relationg to pollyfodders page on photoduck. He has a massive tsunami archive and has albums in their of people looking for love ones missing in Thailand etc and he is helping them and hosting their albums FREE OF CHARGE. He is not associated with photoduck in any way, he is just a subscriber doing his darndest to help. His site is http://www.photoduck.com/photos.aspx?gid=932&pxo=0

Guest		10-Jan-2005 08:37
Hellmut I love the photos! There is another gallery with many thousands of tsunami photographs here too! http://www.photoduck.com/photos.aspx?gid=932&pxo=0 CHECK IT OUT!

Ingocha Meetei		10-Jan-2005 07:33
I am so intersted in your page which are very important for me to knoe the hazards and impact on the human sattlement. I think people should come with such works to provide the massage of Tsunami amd earthquake.

Steve Jobs		10-Jan-2005 05:41
Oops, i've put two img link in my previous reply. Sorry.

Steve Jobs		10-Jan-2005 05:40
I found this cool images :

Guest		10-Jan-2005 04:59
I saw your images in Time magazine today. Congratulations.

Ms. Rini		10-Jan-2005 04:26
Our prayers are with the families of the victims. Regards, Rini http://www.torontolegalhelp.com

Mr. A		10-Jan-2005 04:22
Your story is truly inspirational. Very brave pictures!! Regards from Toronto, Canada Mr. A. www.torontolegalhelp.com

Debbie		10-Jan-2005 03:39
Truly amazing photos, WHAT KIND OF CAMERA WAS USED. Thank you for sharing these with the world. I hope we never know from such horror.

healthiest		10-Jan-2005 01:37
Those are some incredible photos.... and I am even more impressed that you had 13 million hits to your 27 pictures. (not to mention the camera you used is incredible).

Grant		09-Jan-2005 23:00
Jen, Thanks for sharing the personal story, glad to hear you were safe. I can't imagine how crazy it must have been. Grant http://www.rtgconsultants.com/

Dave (Leeds)		09-Jan-2005 14:48
Excellent photos Helmut. These have helped to show the World the true face of what disaster brings. Has anyone else noticed that there has been a sudden increase in peace negotiations throughout many war torn regions. If any good comes out of the visualisation of this disaster, it will be that the majority of people realise what matters, and of the preciousness of life.

Jen		09-Jan-2005 04:08
We arrived in Phuket at the Sheraton that morning, my husband and friends had gone for a swim, our friends knocked on our door to inform me that my husband (Brian) had gone for a walk along the beach and they couldn't find him after the first wave. Not knowing a second wave was coming we all ran onto the beach to look for him. We could see him in the distance walking back to the hotel, as we were all reunited the local people were telling us a second wave was coming the five of us ran to a ceiment type of gazebo and climbed up we all hung on to each other and the structure till the Tsumani passed, then we all ran back to the Hotel all safe. Unfortunatly not for all. It was a day we will all remember.

Victoria		08-Jan-2005 22:48
I spent two months living in Koh Phi Phi last year, which is a neighbouring island that has been also badly affected. Somehow knowing some of the areas hit so well has made it all the much more real for me. I can't get my head around the amount of grief and suffering people must be going through. My heart, wishes and prayers go out to them all. Peoples negative comments at times like these are disgusting, those people, although entitled to their own opinion, are plain sick. God forbid anything as destructive and devastating happens to their loved ones or homes.

ANTICHRIST		08-Jan-2005 22:21
for all u know someone could have set a bomb off in the ocean to cause this. maybe god. so many crying but yet we still choose to have superbowls and watch american idol....it's ok .....have you ever seen Mexico. how poor the people are. were is the aid there. it's not your fault......things will change once the new currency kicks in. i accepted christ and now i am immortal. he gave me life and now i don't need him. one world one religion ...it's almost time......your money can't change anything. my money can.

Sandrinha06		08-Jan-2005 16:51
Ces images sont spectaculaires ! Apr�s les flammes du 11 Sept. on revit l'horreur avec les flots. Que les survivants soient courageux et continuent � vivre.

Herb		08-Jan-2005 15:47
it may interest readers to know that the man in the wave not only survived, but has been identified as Yai Kaytmunnee, a waiter from a restaurant on the beach. A link telling more about what happened to him is http://www.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,4057,11891959%255E28477,00.html I would like to add, as an American, that I am deeply shamed by the hateful, selfish, and judgmental comments of many of these purported "Christians" and others from the States. Although I am not religious, the Bible clearly states that in the "last days" there will be many who call themselves followers of Christ but who actually are servants of Satan. These folks should look at the mote in their own eyes before they speak of the beam in the eyes of others. Carmen was right on to say they also show cowardice. Many of us (Americans) including myself have given as much as we can afford to tsunami relief, and we are profoundly grieved at the suffering of the poor victims. Herb

Paul Stallman		08-Jan-2005 04:55
I'm also shocked at the disregard for human suffering shown in some of these posts. To my everlasting sorrow, I lost my beloved 14 year old son to a drowning accident Aug. 2nd. Only those who have lost a child understand the pain I feel. As much as I grieve, I look at the situation here and realize that there are people who have lost more than I. I am humbled, and my heart truly goes out to those who have lost and continue to suffer.

Carmen		08-Jan-2005 03:21
Thank you for sharing these. I did a doubletake when I opened my Newsweek today -- I recognized the vantage point immediately. I don't understand the disregard for human suffering that I see in the posts below; you might consider changing your setting so only PBase users can post. Free speech is important, but commenting under aliases isn't free speech; it's cowardice.

michelle		08-Jan-2005 02:18
That is so disrespectfull those poor children and parents have you no feelings I know they felt bad on Sept 11th!!!!!! Everybody should have a heart it could have been someone you know!!! Your mother, father, sister, brother, child, children, neighbor, co -worker, teacher, or cousin.......

For Geoff		08-Jan-2005 00:37
(and others offended by the anti-American "slander") - you guys must've missed the part where post after post proclaimed the devastation in Asia "god's punishment for non-christians".

Cruz		07-Jan-2005 18:07
These pictures are devasting to see the tsunami step-by-step.

Clayton Esterson		07-Jan-2005 17:56
Congratulations on getting your picture published in Newsweek!

Britney White		07-Jan-2005 17:38
Good pictures. Thanks! Britney White http://www.efriend.tk .

wesley		07-Jan-2005 15:34
THANKS FOR THE PICTURES, IT IS TRULY THE ONLY WAY WE CAN KNOW HOW DEVASTATING OF A TRAGEDY THIS IS, AND BE MOTIVATED TO HELP. AS FAR AS THE NEGATIVE COMMENTS. THERE ARE NO NATIONS WHERE THE ENTIRE POPULATION IN GENERAL IS BAD OR HAS NO COMPASSION. MY SELF AS AN AMERICAN, I KNOW WE ARE AT WAR WITH IRAQ; BUT THERE ARE GOOD PEOPLE THERE. THERE ARE GOOD AND BAD PEOPLE IN EVERY NATION. THOSE THAT GET ENJOYMENT OUT OF SUCH NEGATIVE COMMENTS AND PICTURES, I AGREE IT IS THERE CHOICE, EVENTHOUGH I DO NOT AGREE WITH IT. JUST REMEMBER, THOSE ARE THE INDIVIDUALS WHO WILL BE LIMITED IN QUALITY OF FRIENDS AND QUALITY OF INTELLIGENCE. IF THEY WANT TO ROAM WITH THE ROACHES-JUST IGNORE THEM. SOMEDAY THEY WILL BE CRUSHED JUST LIKE THE ROACHES THEY ARE- IF BY NOTHING ELSE BUT GOD. GOOD LUCK GUYS IN YOUR USELESS CONTRIBUTION TO YOUR POSTERITY AND SOCIETY-YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED. SOCIETY HAS NO USE FOR YOU-DO WHAT YOU WANT BUT YOU WILL BE IGNORED BY THE MAJORITY OF SOCIETY AND ONLY ADMIRED BY OTHER ROACHES. CONGRADULATIONS IN SHOWING YOUR INTELLIGENCE-HOPE YOU NEVER HAVE KIDS.

The Realist		07-Jan-2005 15:30
Little Horus, are u sure ur a 12 year old? U may be pretty smart for your age, if u actually know what Horus is. And a 12 year old usually Has to make some punk comment. I wish u a happy birthday. Of course you may have read some comments in the forum of your local papers that the tsunami is nothing compared to the number of people who die of malaria or cholera or measles every day in Africa or Asia. This is true. Yet in this single disaster, the donations have sometimes far outweighed the donations ever made for these same aid organisations upon different programs like that for starvation and whatnot. And the show and glamour- do they call it altruism?- related to the donations are to me a no-no. Of course they are all a good thing. But the selective donations show to me that the people who donate may have actually donated for the show. NOT their show, but the show the media has given. For attention and ratings, the media makes stuff seem more serious than it already is as with other problems. and ppl do believe it, just like some ppl beleive that the world's worst ever disaster was 911- no offence to the victims, but my point here is equality- and ppl think that the action-drama-comedy of bush anti-terrorism is more effective than the simple yet successful use of the police

mark n martin		07-Jan-2005 14:58
i hope everybody on this trajic occasion will be able to rebuild their lives

mark n martin		07-Jan-2005 14:56
we havemade �462 for thetsunami

Pollyfodder		07-Jan-2005 14:46
There is also a photogallery here at: www.photoduck.com/pollyfodder with thousands of photos of the tsunami aftermath.

TwistedFate		07-Jan-2005 14:05
It is definitely shocking to see such devastation. I was in the Philippines at the time so I was not harmed. Yet the fear and pain the victims felt was something my heart couldn't bear. Many people are left homeless and kids like me are left parentless. But before we weep, we have to realize how lucky everyone else is to be alive, us included. And yet we should still be sensitive to the feelings of the survivors of this tragedy, who have witnessed this first hand and nearly met their demise. Simply pray and help them, pledge a donation. And in case you were wondering how old I am, I'm turning 12 tomorrow. Please think about this.......

ashley		07-Jan-2005 12:45
its preety upseting.........

Etekup		07-Jan-2005 09:55
It is a sad day when such a disaster hits, and even made more sad by inhuman humans that use such an event for their own fun although I would not call it such. Please don't use such a horrific event for your own enjoyment. There are many people who have lost loved ones, children who are now homeless, and parents who are now childless. Give them the respect that they deserve and respect those of us who are grieving for friends that we never met. My heart and blessings goes out to all of those affected by this tragic event. God Bless you all.

Hasan Aliyev		07-Jan-2005 09:13
I want to thank to Hellmut too! This pictures are great! Hasan Aliyev http://www.azeri.net

Steve Cavanah		06-Jan-2005 23:58
Dear Hellmut, Thank you for sharing these photos with us. You are one brave photographer. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Please let us know if we can help, in any way. Thanks, Steve

Nils		06-Jan-2005 22:04
Vanitas vanitatum et omnia vanitas.

Mark McBrearty		06-Jan-2005 21:49
Just got back from the laguna beach resort at the end of Nov. We are so lucky, we are thinking so much of those affected by this awful disaster. The person who calls him or herself housecarp should have died in that disaster. You are the most selfish and evil little prat Ive ever came across. Sleep well mr sicko.... Can anyone tell me how this area was affected.

HouseCarp		06-Jan-2005 20:07
For all of you that are so offended... I am interested in your computer technology, I would like to know more about a computer that will search out and open web pages with "obscene" photos with out any extental/internal intervention. Yes, I'm being a smart #%@... if you don't want to look turn it don't go there. Take responsiblity for yourself and yourself alone and let the rest of us do the same. I don't like boxing, I think it's barbaric... so I don't watch it! But I do respect others enough not to let my beliefs effect them... to each his own... live and let live. Don't tell me how to live my life and I'll do the same for you, you bunch of bleeding heart pinheads!

Caroline		06-Jan-2005 19:55
Thanks for taking your time post all the pics on the web. You have grabed a moment of history. You must have experienced a lot of things and had a lot of thoughts after the giant waves hit the land. Best wishes to you and all those involved. I am glad I made my donations a week ago. Thanks.

David Colince		06-Jan-2005 19:48
Tsunami space photos animation: http://cheap-hosting-domain.com/tsunami-life.php

Belle		06-Jan-2005 19:01
Terrible to see such destruction..it's a wonder that ANYONE survived. My heart goes out to those poor people. Hopefully none of us will ever know what it's like to suffer such a loss. Belle, Indiana

amber		06-Jan-2005 17:46
Wow ow scary it must have been for these poor people! So scary! That is all i have to say besides my prayers go out to the people

Sandy		06-Jan-2005 15:28
As a young American my heart goes out to all the victims of this natural disaster. I feel compelled to share my views...no matter what nationality, religious background or political views people have we are all the same. We should all try a little harder to get along before we distroy our world.

Grant		06-Jan-2005 14:50
Yes, I agree, the anti-American comments are uncalled for and just plain ignorant. Hopefully the spread of disease will be controlled quickly. Grant http://www.rtgconsultants.com/

Guest		06-Jan-2005 13:42
good pics its very sad!

Geoff		06-Jan-2005 13:27
I came to this website to commiserate, and instead found (the usual) anti-American slander. What a nice way to take advantage of people's pain to promote your agenda of hate. Delete the posts by that sick ignoramus, as well as the anti-American stuff, please.

rvoice		06-Jan-2005 13:03
so do you think its funny my parents are missing leaving me and my 10 yr old brother? no didnt think so, pls stop being insensitive

guest 2		06-Jan-2005 12:18
I feel so much for all these poeple.I hope and pray they find ther love ones so they know one way or another if they are ok or put them to rest properly to help there healing proses.It is so hard to believe something like this can happen.I am so sorry it has.My thoughts and prayers are with all of you in your time need.

Guest		06-Jan-2005 10:12
shame about the sick comments - but then what would you expect from Yanks ?

3tribes		06-Jan-2005 07:15
Has anyone here heard that US government detonated a bomb in the Indian ocean?

the_1_god		05-Jan-2005 20:35
Memorandum To: The World From: God Subject: Tsunami I didn't have anything to do with this one - honest. Signed, God

jon united aid		05-Jan-2005 20:31
Missing people search here: http://www.TsunamiThailand.com Thank you.

Stefan Rohner		05-Jan-2005 19:50
anyway, poor composition!

Carolyn Dunbar		05-Jan-2005 19:19
Mr. Issels, we publish a monthly newsletter for operating room nurses. There are 1-2 photos we'd like permission to use. URGENT timing - we're on deadline. Can you reply about what we would need to do to use your copyrighted photos? Looking forward to your reply, Carolyn Dunbar AORN News Manager Association of periOperative Registered Nurses cdunbar@aorn.org

Guest		05-Jan-2005 18:58
Gidday Lads!! I like your information centre although I'm in school right now unfortunatly I can't go any where else but your website but you know it's better then work!!!!

okie		05-Jan-2005 17:45
wow,uh how u get theese pics? Uhm , I feel so abd for these people there...

peace		05-Jan-2005 16:23
Am I getting to you nommy, seems you are getting a little pissed, why is that? is it being a failure as a troll, not getting your shock funny factor upsetting you. You have a problem my friend, trust me it is a mental one, maybe you have already had some treatment for it? Have I touched a nerve there? Is there a history if mental illness in your family, I am sorry if there is, truly I am. So if I am a nameless faceless person and what I think is not important then how can you enjoy the reaction of others who you don't know, gee nommy, we have to add stupidity to your list of failings. Hardly the scandalous guy you want to be are you, those types of guys don�t throw tantrums screaming they don�t caring what people think about them. Really have to run now nommy, you know this really isn�t working for you, you need a new hobby, bye

Hasan Aliyev		05-Jan-2005 15:55
how many people live in phuket? Icland is big or not? Hasan Aliyev http://love.azeri.net

Steve		05-Jan-2005 15:52
Hellmut. Can you track the IP of this Republican (adolescant I presume). I think these obscenities are a genuine case for arrest. Please check his IP, check him out on www.samspade.org, pass the details and the screenshots to his IP, and make an initial enquiry with your local law enforcement?

Sue Nommy		05-Jan-2005 15:07
Gee Peace, you really have me nailed. (NOT) I don't give a rat's ass what you think. You can think I'm a hater, you can think I'm a troll, you can think whatever you want, you don't know me. I am not ashamed, I'm having fun. That's it! There's nothing to read into it, nothing to psycho-analyze. Sure what I'm doing is completely insensitive and unfeeling, I know that. It's completely out of place, and therein lies the shock value, the funny factor. Feel whatever you want to about me, I truly couldn't care less what some nameless faceless person on the internet thinks about me.

The Realist		05-Jan-2005 14:23
Hassan, Phuket is not a city. It is an island off the coast of southern thailand to the west. it is connected to the