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.

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. "Everything happened in split seconds.

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.

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 (right) with husband Benjamin Larretche and their son, Bodhi. "My meditation and energy work, grieving and gratitude practice and then just focusing on positivity," she explains.

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 ...

Growing up, Petra Nemcova had never heard of tsunamis. Her introduction tragically came first-hand when she was caught up in the disaster that swept through parts of Asia in 2004 after a 9.1 ...

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 ...

Petra Nemcova and Stephanie Stahl launched Ace of Air on Thursday, a company with products and supplements aimed to improve skin health and other areas. They raised $5 million and brought forward ...