Survivors grappling with desperation in wake of Moroccan earthquake in Atlas Mountains

admin 2024年1月30日

Vocabulary:

I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.

desperation /des-puh-REY-shuhn /

[noun] – the feeling that you have when you are in such a bad situation that you are willing to take risks in order to change it:
Her desperate pleas for help echoed through the night.

mounting /MOUN-ting/

[adjective] – increasing or rising
His mounting frustration was evident as he struggled to solve the complex puzzle.

hinder /HIN-der/

[verb] – to limit the ability of someone to do something, or to limit the development of something
The heavy rain hindered their progress during the hiking expedition, making the trails slippery and challenging to navigate.

resilience /ri-ZIL-yuhns/

[noun] – the ability to be happy, successful, etc. again after something difficult or bad has happened:
Despite facing numerous setbacks, her resilience and determination helped her overcome every obstacle in her path to success.

dim /dim /

[adjective] – not giving or having much light
The dim room was illuminated only by a single flickering candle, casting eerie shadows on the old, weathered books that lined the shelves.

Article reading:

Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.

In the wake of a devastating 6.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Moulay Brahim in the Moroccan Atlas Mountains late Friday night, survivors are left grappling with heartache and desperation. The quake, the strongest Morocco has experienced in over a century, has claimed the lives of more than 2,000 individuals, leaving many others missing and presumed trapped beneath the rubble. This picturesque village, located about two hours southwest of Marrakech, has been shattered, with 25 confirmed casualties and countless others unaccounted for. Among those missing are the parents of Sami Sensis, whose family frequented Moulay Brahim for its serene landscapes and warm hospitality. Their hotel, perched on the village’s outskirts, partially collapsed during the earthquake, trapping them inside. Desperation and frustration are mounting for Sensis as he awaits news of his parents. Despite relentless calls from concerned relatives and friends, he remains helpless, unable to even bury his loved ones. The unstable and perilous conditions at the site have compelled the local fire brigade to evacuate the area, leaving families anxiously waiting for any signs of hope.

Rescue efforts face obstacles due to blocked roads with fallen boulders, hindering access to remote areas. Local communities, showing resilience, organize themselves and share resources. Leila Idabdelah bakes flatbread to aid fellow survivors, reflecting their strength and unity. Foreign governments extend assistance, recognized by the Moroccan Interior Ministry. Yet time is critical for Moulay Brahim residents, as each passing hour dims hope of reuniting with loved ones.

Discussion Questions:

I will read each question. Then, please answer them.

Have you ever experienced a natural disaster or been in a situation where you felt a sense of desperation or helplessness? If yes, how did you cope with it? If not, can you imagine how you might respond in such a situation?
Can you recall a time when you witnessed a community coming together with resilience and unity in the face of adversity? If not, can you imagine what such an experience might be like, and how you would contribute to it if you were a part of that community?
Did the article provide you with a better understanding of the challenges faced by the survivors of the Moroccan earthquake and the efforts to provide assistance?
How might improved infrastructure and disaster preparedness measures in remote regions like Moulay Brahim contribute to more effective response and recovery efforts in the aftermath of natural disasters?
In the context of this article, what ethical considerations should governments and international organizations take into account when providing assistance to disaster-stricken communities, and how can they ensure that aid reaches those in greatest need?

Summarization

Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.

Describe:

Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.

serene
shatter
devastate
hospitality
obstacle