A thunderous rumble rose from beneath Sisoldis Island, and the entire island shook. Buildings cracked and collapsed as people screamed in panic.
Fortunately, most of the islanders had gathered in town for the Sea God Festival and were celebrating outdoors. Even those who had stayed inside sensed something was wrong and quickly ran out, so there were few casualties.
But as the earthquake subsided, the islanders showed no relief. Fear spread across their faces, especially in the small fishing villages along the coast.
Those who had remained in the villages instead of attending the festival were mostly elderly, sick, or disabled. They had escaped their homes, but when they looked out to sea, despair seized them.
A white line had appeared where the sea met the sky. It grew thicker and raced closer, its shape becoming clear in the blink of an eye.
The coastal villagers recognized it at once. Some screamed in despair. "It's a tsunami! Run!"
Those still steady on their feet fled toward higher ground, hoping to reach safety before the wave struck.
But their hope soon vanished. As the wave drew closer, its crest rose at least twenty meters high. Sisoldis Island stood so low above the sea that a wave like that could sweep across most of it.
The water along the shore seemed to be sucked away, retreating rapidly and exposing hundreds of meters of seabed. Fish and shrimp stranded on the sand thrashed as they sought the vanished sea. Then the wave came crashing back and swallowed everything...
Before that, ships near Sisoldis Island had sprung into action as soon as their crews spotted the tsunami. Some took shelter behind the island. Those without time to do so charged toward the wave, hoping to use their speed to climb its crest.
Gomez and