Natural Disasters

Unit 1: Video and Photograph

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1. What natural disaster do you think the video clip was about?
2. What is happening in the photograph above?
3. In your opinion, what is a disaster?
4. How do you think you would react in a disaster?
5. What kind of disasters are common in your country?
6. What would you do if you knew in advance that a serious disaster was coming?

An Idiom

Raise Hell
To greatly disturb or create trouble.

My wife raised hell when I forgot to take out the rubbish last night.

Unit 2: Reading Comprehension

Scientist believe that global warming may lead to many parts of the world experiencing dry periods. This is called a drought, and if the dry period continues for longer periods, it may affect a countrys ability to produce food. This can cause severe famine; and without a constant supply of food, many people may die from starvation. The opposite effect that global warming can cause is that it can lead to higher levels of rainfalls. Higher rainfalls may lead to severe flooding, particularly in towns and cities with poor drainage systems. Not only will flood water cause a lot of damage to peoples houses and property, it can affect the quality of drinking water and lead to an outbreak of diseases.

Some countries will have poorly equipped medical teams, which may mean a high rate of casualties and an even higher death toll. A country needs to prepare it's emergency team now to prepare for the comming global warming. It need to be ready to airlift food supplies, and to rescue people using helicopters and large trucks. This will be very important, particularly in areas that have been cut-off due to bad weather. Scientist also warn about the indirect impact of global warming. Not only will food production be limited, but the quality of our drinking water can be severely affected.

Vocabulary Practice

Global warming - an increase in the earths temperature.
Drought - a condition caused by a shortage of rainfall.
Famine - a shortage of food leading to widespread hunger.
Starvation - extreme hunger.
Flooding - excess supply of water.
Outbreak - something that happens suddenly, such as a disease outbreak, leading to undesirable conditions.
Casualties - someone who is injured or killed as a result of war or a natural disaster.
Death toll - the number of people who died.
Rescue - to save from danger.
Helicopters - a type of aircraft that flies using it's rotor blades.
Cut-off - to isolate, switch or turn off.