BBC Learning English
Words in the News
8th April 2009
Earthquake rescue operation continues
The search for survivors continues after Monday's earthquake in the city of L'Aquila, central
Italy. The number of those killed has now risen to two hundred and fifty. Helen Fawkes
reports:
The first funeral is being held in Italy following Monday's earthquake. It is due to take place
outside the region. The authorities say they're looking for alternative locations in L'Aquila
to hold funerals as all the churches here are believed to be too dangerous.
The rescue operation is continuing for a third day. It is believed that around fifteen people
are still missing. Many of the homeless spent another chilly night outside. Twenty tented
cities have now been set up in and around L'Aquila.
Aftershocks are still being felt causing fear amongst the residents sleeping outdoors. Since
the earthquake there have been more than four hundred tremors.
Helen Fawkes, BBC News, Italy
Words in the News © British Broadcasting Corporation 2009
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Vocabulary and definitions
earthquake a sudden movement of the earth, which can sometimes
cause great damage
outside the region away from the particular area affected by the earthquake
alternative locations different places
The rescue operation the activity of trying find and help people who might be
trapped or injured
chilly cold
tented cities an area with a large number of tents where people are
living because their homes have fallen down or are too
dangerous to sleep in
set up built
Aftershocks sudden movements of the earth which often follow an
earthquake (usually less serious than the main one)
residents people who normally live in a particular place
tremors slight shaking movement
More on this story: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7989112.stm
Read and listen to the story and the vocabulary online:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/wordsinthenews/2009/04/090408_witn_earthquake_page.shtml
Words in the news © British Broadcasting Corporation 2009
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