The cyclone struck last month and caused severe damage across Sri Lanka. Officials reported 643 people dead and more than 180 still missing. Heavy rain and almost two thousand landslides cut off towns and damaged main roads.
Large flooded areas and surging water from reservoirs submerged houses. Experts said some warnings arrived too late or were unclear, and planning rules were often ignored. They call for rebuilding that follows scientific advice and better planning to reduce future risk.
Difficult words
- cyclone — a strong wind storm with heavy rain
- landslide — a sudden fall of rocks and earthlandslides
- submerge — to cover with water completelysubmerged
- reservoir — a place where water is storedreservoirs
- warning — a message that tells of dangerwarnings
- planning — making decisions and rules for action
- rebuild — to build again after damagerebuilding
- risk — the chance of harm or danger
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you think following planning rules is important after a storm? Why or why not?
- Have you ever seen heavy rain or flooding in your area? What happened?
- What would you do if you heard a warning about a big storm?
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