2004, tsunami. The tsunami -- generated by a 9.1-magnitude earthquake off Indonesia's western island of Sumatra -- carried in its path a wall of debris including boats, cars, and bodies.

"I had no idea whether he was alive or dead." For more on life 20 years after the 2004 tsunami, pick up the latest issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands now, or subscribe. "I had no shoes," says Hearson.

A 9.1-magnitude earthquake off Indonesia's western tip on December 26, 2004, generated a series of waves as high as 30 metres (98 feet) that pummelled the coastline of 14 countries from Indonesia ...