ABC News’ Diane Sawyer interviewed Nemcova in the months after the tragedy. Now, 20 years after one of the deadliest natural disasters in modern history, Petra sat down with Sawyer again to reflect on the horrors of that day, and the kindness of strangers that got her out alive.

Model Petra Nemcova opens up on 'GMA' about surviving the 2004 tsunami that killed 5,000 in Thailand. 'It's always difficult to go back in that moment.'

After surviving the devastating tsunami that struck southern Asia 20 years ago, the supermodel is dedicating her life to helping victims of natural disasters, transforming her pain into action.

San Mateo County emergency officials are developing a new method of communication to reduce misinformation and confusion during earthquake and tsunami threats, following a massive earthquake that struck near Humboldt County in early December.

The county plans to improve outreach through text messaging, signage and evacuation maps. Of all the rules in football, Jim Harbaugh considers the obscure fair-catch kick to be his favorite. The Los Angeles Chargers coach had the opportunity to try one Thursday night for only the second time in his career.

San Mateo County Sup. Ray Mueller from District 3 led the discussion about the tsunami warning, along with other stakeholders including emergency management and first responders.

Banlue Choosin has been monitoring the seas around Thailand's southern Phang Nga province for signs of abnormality for nearly two decades. The 59-year-old is a former fisherman, and his experience and knowledge of the sea are why his coastal community in Ban Nam Khem village relies on him to monitor nearby waters after earthquakes.

Survivors and victims' relatives will next week mark the 20th anniversary of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, which killed more than 220,000 people across more than a dozen countries.