Earthquake of Magnitude 3.7 Hits Oliveri in Sicily
Listen to the story
An earthquake struck the area near Oliveri, in the Messina province of Sicily, on Tuesday. The tremor had a magnitude of 3.7, according to local reports.
Magnitude is a number that shows how much energy an earthquake releases. A magnitude of 3.7 is considered a moderate, though not very strong, earthquake.
The earthquake caused fear among residents in the area. Many people left their homes and gathered in the streets, worried about the shaking.
There have been no reports so far of serious damage or injuries. Local authorities are continuing to monitor the situation closely.
Sicily, and especially the region around Messina, is known for seismic activity. The area sits near where different tectonic plates meet, which makes earthquakes fairly common.
Experts say that most small tremors like this one do not cause major problems. However, people in earthquake-prone regions are often advised to know what to do if a stronger quake happens.
Authorities have not yet released further details about the exact time or depth of the earthquake. More information may follow as officials continue their checks.
Vocabulary10 words
- earthquake
- a sudden shaking of the ground
- tremor
- a small shaking movement of the earth
- magnitude
- a number showing how strong an earthquake is
- moderate
- not very big and not very small
- residents
- people who live in a place
- seismic activity
- movements or shaking caused by earthquakes
- tectonic plates
- huge pieces of rock that make up the earth's surface
- authorities
- people or groups with official power, like the government
- monitor
- to watch something carefully over time
- earthquake-prone
- likely to have earthquakes often
Quiz
Answer key
1. 3.7 2. They left their homes and gathered in the streets 3. It sits near where tectonic plates meet
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
An _____ struck the area near Oliveri, in the Messina province of Sicily, on Tuesday.
The tremor had a _____ of 3.7, according to local reports.
Magnitude is a number that shows how much _____ an earthquake releases.
A magnitude of 3.7 is considered a _____ earthquake.
The earthquake caused _____ among residents in the area.
Many people left their homes and gathered in the _____.
There have been no reports so far of serious _____ or injuries.
Sicily is known for _____ activity.
The area sits near where different _____ meet.
Authorities have not yet released further _____ about the earthquake.
Discussion questions
- Have you ever experienced an earthquake? How did you feel?
- Why do you think people run outside during an earthquake?
- What steps can people take to prepare for earthquakes in risky areas?
- Do you think small earthquakes like this one should be reported in the news? Why or why not?