Earthquakes Shake Pisa, Lucca and Livorno in Italy
A series of earthquakes has shaken the areas of Pisa, Lucca and Livorno in the Tuscany region of Italy.
According to reports, four separate tremors were recorded near Pisa. The strongest reached a magnitude of 3.7 and was centred near Marina di Pisa, a coastal town.
A magnitude 3.7 earthquake is generally considered moderate. It can be felt clearly by people but usually does not cause serious damage to buildings.
The tremors were felt across a wide area, including the cities of Lucca and Livorno, in addition to Pisa itself. Local residents reported feeling the ground shake.
This kind of seismic activity is not unusual in parts of Italy, which sits on active fault lines. Authorities continue to monitor the situation in Tuscany closely.
So far, no major damage or injuries have been reported as a result of the earthquakes. Experts say further small tremors are possible in the coming days as the area settles.
Vocabulary10 words
- earthquakes
- sudden shaking of the ground caused by movement underground
- tremors
- shakes or vibrations of the ground
- magnitude
- a number showing how strong an earthquake is
- moderate
- medium in strength, not very strong or very weak
- coastal
- near the sea
- seismic activity
- movement of the earth caused by earthquakes
- fault lines
- cracks in the earth where earthquakes often happen
- monitor
- to watch something carefully over time
- residents
- people who live in a place
- settles
- becomes calm or stable again
Quiz
Answer key
1. Four 2. Marina di Pisa 3. False
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
A series of _____ has shaken the areas of Pisa, Lucca and Livorno in the Tuscany region of Italy.
According to reports, four separate _____ were recorded near Pisa. The strongest reached a _____ of 3.7 and was centred near Marina di Pisa, a _____ town.
A magnitude 3.7 earthquake is generally considered _____. It can be felt clearly by people but usually does not cause serious damage to buildings.
The tremors were felt across a wide area, including the cities of Lucca and Livorno, in addition to Pisa itself. Local _____ reported feeling the ground shake.
This kind of _____ is not unusual in parts of Italy, which sits on active _____. Authorities continue to _____ the situation in Tuscany closely.
So far, no major damage or injuries have been reported as a result of the earthquakes. Experts say further small tremors are possible in the coming days as the area _____.
Discussion questions
- Have you ever felt an earthquake? What was it like?
- Why do you think some regions have more earthquakes than others?
- What should people do to prepare for earthquakes?
- Do you think authorities give enough information to the public during events like this?