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10-year-old girl saves tsunami lives

2009-10-15 14:08 BJT

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A young New Zealand girl has been credited with saving dozens of lives during last month's Samoan tsunami.

Ten-year-old Abby Wutzler received a certificate of appreciation from the New Zealand Civil Defense Director in front of her impressed classmates in Wellington on Wednesday.

Abby was on holiday with her family in the village of Lalomanu on Samoa's southern coast when she noticed the tsunami warning signs. She had been taught about them at school.

She ran along the beach telling people to head for higher ground. Just minutes later, the entire area was devastated. Her warning ensured that many people reached safety in time.

Abby Wutzler, Tsunami Heroine, said, "I think is it a bit OTT. I guess, yes, I guess everyone who survived is a hero at the end of the day."

Kay Mudge, Wutzler's Fmr Teacher, said, "It's the first time in 20-odd years of teaching that I can be absolutely sure that something I've taught sunk in and stayed in, and that it was me that taught it."