The towering wave was about 300 metres from shore when Adi first saw it hurtling towards his family’s beachside home in the Indonesian town of Pula. Adi, 27, who only uses one name, was starting his pick-up truck while his wife Waheda, 23, was coming towards him carrying their first child, ten-month-old Kanza.

The family had been trying to escape to safety after a 7.5 magnitude earthquake rocked the foundations of their house. They did not expect that disaster would cruelly strike twice.

"When I saw the wave I was paralysed with fear. It was as high as the coconut trees and I did not know what to do or where to go. I resigned myself to my fate," said Adi.

His petrified wife began to run with…