
Pre-reading Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever experienced a strong typhoon in your area? If so, what did you do during the storm? If not, what would you prepare?
- Do you know what the government usually does after a natural disaster? If so, what kind of help do they give? If not, what help do you think is needed?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- considerable /kuhn-SID-er-uh-buhl/
[adjective] – large or important enough to be noticed
The company spent a considerable amount of money on repairs. - accelerate /ak-SEL-uh-reyt/
[verb] – to happen or make something happen sooner or faster
The car began to accelerate on the highway. - distribute /dih-STRIB-yoot/
[verb] – to give things to different people or places
Volunteers helped distribute food to the victims. - overwhelmed /oh-ver-HWELMD/
[adjective] – feeling strong emotions or having too much to deal with
The worker felt overwhelmed by the amount of tasks. - necessity /nuh-SES-i-tee/
[noun] – something that is needed or very important
Clean water is a basic necessity for everyone.
Article Reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
The Philippine government declared a national state of emergency on November 6, 2025, following the destructive impact of Typhoon Kalmaegi that caused severe flooding and strong winds across central provinces, especially Cebu and nearby areas. The storm, which entered the country earlier in the week and moved toward the South China Sea, affected almost two million residents. Hundreds of thousands were forced to move into temporary shelters. Authorities described the damage as considerable, noting that transportation, electricity, and local industries were heavily disrupted. Officials explained that the declaration was necessary to accelerate relief operations and provide wider support to affected communities in the Visayas region.
In the days after the disaster, national and local agencies began to distribute additional funds for rebuilding and repairing infrastructure. Meteorologists from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration reported that Kalmaegi released rainfall equal to more than a month’s worth in a single day, which overwhelmed rivers and drainage systems. Specialists stressed the necessity of improving flood control and city planning to prevent future tragedies. Reconstruction programs are now being implemented across several provinces, while forecasters continue to monitor another developing tropical system that could reach the northern region soon. Despite major challenges, coordinated recovery efforts are underway nationwide.
In the days after the disaster, national and local agencies began to distribute additional funds for rebuilding and repairing infrastructure. Meteorologists from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration reported that Kalmaegi released rainfall equal to more than a month’s worth in a single day, which overwhelmed rivers and drainage systems. Specialists stressed the necessity of improving flood control and city planning to prevent future tragedies. Reconstruction programs are now being implemented across several provinces, while forecasters continue to monitor another developing tropical system that could reach the northern region soon. Despite major challenges, coordinated recovery efforts are underway nationwide.
Comprehension Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What did the Philippine government declare on November 6, 2025?
- What was the name of the typhoon that hit the country?
- Which provinces were most affected by the typhoon?
- How many people were affected by the storm?
- What happened to hundreds of thousands of people?
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever seen flooding in your area? If so, how did people stay safe? If not, what would you do to stay safe?
- Have you ever joined a community clean-up after a storm? If so, what did you do? If not, would you like to help next time?
- Do you agree that improving city planning can help prevent flooding in the future?
- Why do you think the government needs to act quickly after a natural disaster?
- How can schools help students learn about disaster safety?