086 natural disasters

Words

Tsunami earthquake volcano volcanic eruption avalanche landside

Flood hurricane monsoon tornado drought cave-in

medical supplies food aid famine tidal wave forest fire tremor

lava blaze wind climate change destroy casualties victim destruction damage warning rescue starvation

phrases

send/fly in relief supplies

evacuate a town/an area

experience a natural disaster

cause damage estimated at 10 million dollars

relief work

risk of disease breaking out

put out a forest fire

hit/ strike without warning

a(flood) brought on by (heavy rian)

relief agency

beginner

a: do you think that climate change is responsible for the recent floods?

B: it could be. There are floods in this country almost every year, but in recent years they have been more widespread and more frequent.

A: it seems that the climate in this country is changing.

B; the summers are hotter. The last three summers have been the hottest for the past 200 years. There have also been stronger winds.

A: I think that the changing climate is a sign that we are causing too much damage to the environment.

B; I think you’re right. Climate change naturally over time, but I think that human activities are speeding up the change. I wish that government would join together and try to resolve the problem.

A: me too. If we don’t do something soon, It might be too late.

Intemp3ediate

A: are there any interesting stories in the newspaper today?

B; there are a few stories about natural disasters. There is a massive forest fire in Australia. It covers several square kilometers of land has destroyed many more square kilometers.

A; was it caused accidentally or naturally? Sometimes it gets so hot that fires begin naturally in Australia and Africa.

B: nobody knows at the moment, but it has been very hot there recently. The drought in Africa is causing starvation. Millions of people have migrated to try and find food.

A: what is the international community doing to help?

B; the European union has sent several plants with relief supplies. Several countries have sent soldiers to distribute food and medical supplies. Refugee camps have been set up across the region.

A: how many countries have been affected?

B: six have been seriously affected, but the refugees are also migrating to several surrounding countries.

A; I saw on the tv yesterday that there has been another earthquake in iran.

B; yes. There have been a few there recently. They say that this one was not a big quake. The Iranians are dealing with it on their own. They have purchased some special equipment to find people buried under rubble.

A; does the newspaper say anything about casualties?

B; so far, less than 20 people have died, but over 100 are in hospital.