A Natural Calamity - Tsunami

A Natural Calamity – Tsunami

a. Can you describe in brief Manikan’s experience at Karaikal beach?
A.Karaikal beach was full of people. Manikan and his cousin Laxmi were playing with the frisbee when there was a sudden stillness and then increasing sound of flowing water. His feet felt cold and he felt the water levels rising. His uncle grabbed his hands and urged him to run. Quickly, Manikan climbed up a tree and saved himself as the water gushed past and covered everything around him. As he shut his eyes in fear, he heard the roar of water and many crying voices. Later, he realized that his uncle and Laxmi were up the same tree. They came down the tree as the water levels receded and waited beneath it. Manikan rescued a puppy and after some time a coast guard with a vehicle arrived near them. They climbed into the vehicle and then Manikan fainted.

b. Which part of the narrative makes you realize that Manikan was brave and selfless?
A. The part of the narrative where Manikan rescues a puppy, even though he was terrified of the water shows that Manikan was brave and selfless. He wades towards the puppy and holds onto it till the coast guard finds them.

c.  Describe Manikan’s recovery after being caught in the Tsunami? Do you think he changed? Why do you think so?
A.After being rescued by the coast guard, Manikan, his uncle and Laxmi were admitted to a hospital. Manikan remained in hospital for some time and was treated for shock. He credits the little puppy, Bruno for his fast recovery. He couldn’t attend school for a long time. He had panic attacks whenever he heard the sound of flowing water. Even if he went to the beach, he clung to his mother and did not approach the water. Slowly, he recovered and started attending school. He attended college and planned to be an architect.
     Manikan changed from being a playful, carefree boy to a brave and responsible person. Before the tsunami  Manikan loved to play in sea-water. After the tsunami, he became wary of the sea. Earlier he had wanted to build the largest hotel in Kanchipuram that would have made him rich. After the tsunami, he became aware of social needs and wanted to build houses that will withstand natural calamities.

New Words
 receded : reduce in level or amount.
 fainted: fell unconscious
terrified: extremely frightened
waded : walk with effort through water 

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