Learning English

Australia floods: Thousands evacuated as downpours worsen

Around 18,000 people have been evacuated from severe floods across New South Wales (NSW) in Australia, with more heavy rainfall predicted. Tom and Neil have the vocabulary you need to talk about this story.

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The story

The premier of New South Wales in Australia has described the flooding in parts of Sydney as a once-in-fifty-year event.

Speaking at a press conference, Gladys Berejiklian said another four thousand people may be asked to leave their homes.

Key words and phrases

torrential
heavy and with strong flow

• The coastal city was lashed by torrential rain last weekend.
• The food festival was cancelled after a week of torrential downpours.

batters
strikes hard and repeatedly

• Strong winds battered the ship as it sailed across the Channel.
• Witnesses claim that the victim was battered by police during the recent protests.

kick in the guts (kick in the teeth)
extremely disappointing event or action

• It was a real kick in the guts when the students’ exams were cancelled at the last minute.
• After firing me, my former employer sold my designs for millions of dollars! What a kick in the teeth!

To do

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