Learning English

India: Flood in Himalayas

At least 18 people are dead and 150 missing after a piece of a Himalayan glacier fell into a river and triggered a huge flood in northern India.

The floodwaters burst open a dam and a deluge of water poured through a valley in the state of Uttarakhand. Tom and Catherine have the vocabulary you need to talk about this story.

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The story

Indian troops have rushed to the scene to help, as emergency workers battle through thick mud and debris in the effort to reach survivors.

Many of those missing worked at one of the hydroelectric plants which was devastated by the torrent of snow, ice and water which swept down the valley.

Key words and phrases

bursts
breaks suddenly

• There was sugar everywhere after the bag burst in my hands.
• The floor is wet as one of the water pipes has burst.

devastating
very damaging

• New trade restrictions may have a devastating effect on the economy.
• Julia had to sit down after she heard the devastating news.

raised the alarm
made people aware of danger

• A young boy raised the alarm after spotting the flames.
• Doctors have raised the alarm about new strains of the virus.

To do

Try our quiz to see how well you've learned today's language.

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