Listen to News ~ dateline: 17 January 2011
Worst Natural Disaster in Australian History
Pre-Listening Vocabulary
- devastate: cause major trouble
- massive: very large
- tsunami: a giant wave of water
- flash flood: sudden surge of water on dry ground
- reconstruct: build again after something breaks
- infrastructure: basic services and buildings in an area
Worst Natural Disaster in Australian History
Comprehension Questions
- According to the report, what types of difficulties are the people of Australia accustomed to?
- How does this period of flooding compare to the one in 1974?
- Why does the report mention the Great Barrier Reef?
Discussion Question: Many grocery stores and banks have been closed in major Australian cities due to the recent flooding. Are you currently prepared for an emergency such as this?
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Worst Natural Disaster in Australian History
Australia, which is accustomed to water shortages and periods of drought, has been devastated by massive flooding since December. Queensland’s Premier called the recent flooding the worst natural disaster in Australia’s history. The hot ocean water off the coast of Australia is being blamed for the floods. A tsunami-like flash flood in the city of Toowoomba caused people to evacuate to their rooftops on January 10th. The cost and magnitude of the reconstruction is unclear, though experts say it could take years to clean up. A similar flood in 1974 had higher waters, though the infrastructure was less developed then. Environmentalists fear that the Great Barrier Reef could be in danger from the run-off. About 200,000 people have been affected by the floods.
- According to the report, the people of Australia are accustomed to periods of drought.
- The water was higher in 1974, but there is more infrastructure at risk this time around.
- The report mentions the Great Barrier Reef because the run-off from the floods could put the reef at risk.
Written by Tara Benwell for EnglishClub.com
Tara Benwell is a Canadian freelance writer and editor who specializes in materials and articles for the ELT industry.
