Strong Earthquake Hits Indonesia's Coast, Tsunami Warning Issued
Listen to the story
A powerful earthquake struck the coast of Indonesia. Different news agencies reported different magnitude readings, either 7.5 or 7.7.
After the earthquake, a tsunami warning was issued for the area. Officials wanted to warn people about the risk of large ocean waves.
Indonesia is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity. This is because several tectonic plates meet near the country.
Strong earthquakes under the ocean can cause the sea floor to move suddenly. This movement can push huge amounts of water and create a tsunami.
Local authorities urged people living near the coast to move to higher ground as a safety measure. They wanted to reduce the risk of injury or death if a tsunami arrived.
At this time, there is no confirmed information about damage or casualties. News agencies are continuing to gather more details about the earthquake and its effects.
Indonesia has experienced many major earthquakes in the past, some of which caused serious damage and loss of life. Because of this history, the government has emergency systems in place to warn citizens quickly.
Vocabulary10 words
- earthquake
- a sudden shaking of the ground
- magnitude
- a number showing how strong an earthquake is
- tsunami
- a very large, dangerous ocean wave
- Pacific Ring of Fire
- an area around the Pacific Ocean with many earthquakes and volcanoes
- tectonic plates
- huge pieces of the earth's surface that move slowly
- authorities
- people or groups who have official control
- casualties
- people who are hurt or killed
- coast
- the land next to the sea
- risk
- the chance that something bad will happen
- emergency systems
- plans and tools used to protect people in danger
Quiz
Answer key
1. On the coast of Indonesia 2. Different agencies measured slightly different readings 3. True
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
A powerful _____ struck the coast of Indonesia. Different news agencies reported different _____ readings, either 7.5 or 7.7.
After the earthquake, a _____ warning was issued for the area. Officials wanted to warn people about the risk of large ocean waves.
Indonesia is located on the Pacific _____ of Fire, a region known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity. This is because several _____ plates meet near the country.
Strong earthquakes under the ocean can cause the sea floor to move suddenly. This movement can push huge amounts of water and create a _____.
Local _____ urged people living near the coast to move to higher ground as a safety measure. They wanted to reduce the risk of injury or death if a tsunami arrived.
At this time, there is no confirmed information about damage or _____. News agencies are continuing to gather more details about the earthquake and its effects.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think different agencies reported different magnitude numbers for the same earthquake?
- What actions should people take when they receive a tsunami warning?
- Why is Indonesia especially at risk of earthquakes and tsunamis?
- How can early warning systems help save lives during natural disasters?