Chilean policeman's 12-year-old daughter saves most of her islands population from tsunami by ringing emergency bell

[Jenna]

Martina Maturana, the daughter of the community's policeman, was at home when she felt a tremor, according to Chile's La Tercera newspaper. Her father was on the telephone to the mainland when Martina peered out of the window at the pitching boats and acted decisively. She ran 400 metres from her home to the town square to ring the emergency bell and rouse the fishing community from their sleep.


Martina did not know the emergency codes for ringing the bell – two rings for fire, three for landslides – but her prompt actions nevertheless prompted other islanders to flee to the safety of high ground, according to the newspaper.
The warning gave them the opportunity to follow the evacuation signs set up for such an emergency and escape the massive incoming wave triggered by the earthquake off Chile. A few minutes later, waves crashed on to the land and swept 300 metres into the village, destroying homes, schools and killing up to eight people.
Eight others were seriously injured and evacuated from the island – but many more were grateful for the intervention of the young girl. "We took off and three minutes later the sea rose 20 metres high, and a large wave came and destroyed my house," one man told Chilean television as he stood among the splintered wood and debris of his home. "I heard all the wood creaking and then this part collapsed and the sea carried away the whole house."

More here:
How 12-year-old girl saved her Chilean island from catastrophe - Americas, World - The Independent

[lewisipso]

Good girl.