Flash Floods Hit Nepal; India Offers Help
Listen to the story
Nepal has been hit by sudden and powerful flash floods this week, causing serious damage across the country.
The floods came very quickly, giving people little time to prepare. Strong water flows swept through towns and villages.
News videos show water rushing through streets, destroying homes and roads. Some villages were reportedly washed away completely by the fast-moving water.
The situation has been described as very serious, with the floods causing major disruption across Nepal.
In response, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a phone call to Nepal's Prime Minister, Balen.
During the call, Modi offered India's support and assured Nepal that help would be provided.
This kind of support between neighboring countries is common after natural disasters. India and Nepal share a long border and close ties.
Flash floods can happen very fast, often after heavy rain in a short time. They are especially dangerous in mountainous areas like Nepal, where water can rush down quickly from higher ground.
Local authorities in Nepal are likely working to find people affected by the floods and provide them with emergency support, including food, water and shelter.
The full extent of the damage caused by the floods is not yet fully clear, but early reports and videos suggest that the impact has been significant.
Countries often send aid, such as money, supplies or rescue teams, after events like this. It remains to be seen what specific support India will provide to Nepal in the coming days.
Vocabulary10 words
- flash flood
- a flood that happens very fast, often after heavy rain
- disruption
- something that stops normal life or activities
- assured
- told someone something is true or will happen
- mountainous
- having many mountains
- authorities
- people or groups who have official power
- aid
- help given to people in need, like money or supplies
- shelter
- a safe place to stay
- border
- the line dividing two countries
- rescue team
- a group of people who save others from danger
- impact
- the effect or result of an event
Quiz
Answer key
1. Flash floods 2. He called Nepal's PM and offered support 3. Water can rush down quickly from higher ground
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
Nepal has been hit by sudden and powerful _____ floods this week, causing serious damage across the country.
The floods came very quickly, giving people little time to _____. Strong water flows swept through towns and villages.
News videos show water rushing through streets, destroying homes and roads. Some villages were reportedly washed _____ completely.
In response, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a phone _____ to Nepal's Prime Minister, Balen.
During the call, Modi offered India's support and _____ Nepal that help would be provided.
This kind of support between _____ countries is common after natural disasters.
Flash floods can happen very fast, often after heavy rain in a short time. They are especially dangerous in _____ areas like Nepal.
Local _____ in Nepal are likely working to find people affected by the floods.
Countries often send _____, such as money, supplies or rescue teams, after events like this.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think flash floods can be more dangerous than other types of floods?
- How can countries best help each other after natural disasters?
- What kinds of aid do you think Nepal needs most right now?
- Do you think phone calls between leaders are an important part of international relations? Why or why not?