Petra Nemcova is looking back on the life-changing tsunami that she survived 20 years ago. The supermodel, now 45, clung to a palm tree in Thailand for eight hours to stay alive.

Petra Nemcova recalled the "split seconds" before her Thailand bungalow was hit by a tsunami that left her with a shattered pelvis. The supermodel survived by holding onto a tree.

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.' Petra Nemcova recalls deadly Thailand ...

There was no warning before a tsunami consumed Petra Nemcova's vacation bungalow in Thailand on Dec. 26, 2004, where she was staying with then-boyfriend Simon Atlee ...

In 2004, supermodel Petra Nemcova was on a dream vacation in Thailand with her boyfriend, fashion photographer Simon Atlee, when a tsunami tore through their bungalow.. Atlee was swept away in the ...

There was no warning before a tsunami consumed Petra Nemcova's vacation bungalow in Thailand on Dec. 26, 2004, where she was staying with then-boyfriend Simon Atlee ...

Nearly five years ago, Petra Nemcova was swept from her hotel room when a tsunami struck Thailand. Now the 30-year-old model is helping to heal others by rebuilding schools for the children who ...

Petra Nemcova had never even heard the word “tsunami” until one hit her. Now, the Czech supermodel is calling on the United Nations to help the world better prepare natural disasters.

For more on Petra Nemcova's account of the 2004 tsunami and other survivor stories, pick up this week's issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands Friday, or subscribe. Advertisement. About Our Ads; ...

Petra Nemcova Says Being Mom to Son Bodhi, 5, Makes 'Every Day Full of Magic' (Exclusive) Twenty years after losing her boyfriend in the 2004 tsunami, Nemcova found joy again through her global ...

For more on Petra Nemcova's account of the 2004 tsunami and other survivor stories, pick up this week's issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands Friday, or subscribe. Mary Beth Koeth.