María Belón

Maria Belon is a Spanish physician and lecturer, known for her incredible story of survival during the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Born in Madrid, Spain, Belon graduated in medicine and worked in the health field before her life was drastically changed by this natural disaster.

On December 26, 2004, Maria Belon, her husband Enrique Alvarez and their three children were vacationing in Thailand when the devastating tsunami struck the region. Despite the magnitude of the disaster and the odds stacked against them, Maria and her family managed to survive. Their experience of survival and bravery in the midst of an unspeakable tragedy became a source of inspiration to many.

Maria's story was made into a film in the movie "The Impossible" (2012), directed by Juan Antonio Bayona and starring Naomi Watts as Maria. The film was both a critical and commercial success, and helped make the incredible story of the Belón-Alvarez family known worldwide.

In the aftermath of the tsunami, Maria Belon has dedicated much of her life to sharing her experience and lessons learned about resilience, human strength and the importance of family. As a speaker, she has participated in numerous international events, inspiring audiences with her testimony and promoting greater awareness of natural disaster preparedness and response.

María Belón continues to be an influential and respected figure, using her platform to motivate others and contribute to humanitarian causes. Her story of survival and her dedication to helping others reflect her indomitable spirit and commitment to human welfare.