Petra Nemcova's tears for Japan

Petra Nemcova's "heart was broken" by footage of the tsunami in Japan.

The supermodel - who survived the Indian Ocean disaster which struck Thailand in 2004 and killed her then-fiance photographer Simon Atlee - spoke of her grief at replaying the memories of her own personal tragedy as the same event unfolded last week.

She said: "To see them [the video and pictures] on Friday (11.03.11) morning was horrifying. My heart was broken.

"My love was going to everyone in Japan. It is something so hard to imagine without going through. When a natural disaster happens it's amazing to see the unconditional love coming from every direction."

The 31-year-old beauty - who used to date James Blunt and is now engaged to British actor Jamie Belman - also opened up about her own fight for life, recounting the day she held on to a tree as Simon was swept away.

She explained on Good Morning America: "You feel powerless, the more you fight, the more you lose energy and the chance for survival.

"The best thing you can do is try to stay calm. That can save your life."

The star will take part in the 12th series of 'Dancing with the Stars' alongside Kendra Wilkinson, Kirstie Alley and former boxing champion Sugar Ray Leonard.