Major Natural Disasters in 2021
Natural disasters are extreme and sudden events that injure people and damage property. Earthquakes, storms, floods and volcanos strike anywhere on earth, often without warning. A number of countries around the world fought against a wave of extreme events from the earthquakes in Haiti to storms across Europe and Asia in 2021.
According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), floods swept through the countries around the world, being nearly a third of the major natural disasters, with hurricanes and storms accounting for an additional 50％of the 2021 list. It reported that as the atmosphere got warmer, it held more moisture, which meant it would rain more during storms, increasing the risk of floods.
Here is a list of the deadliest natural disasters that happened in 2021.
Dates | Events | Countries | Number of deaths | Economic losses | Insured losses |
29August—2 September | Hurricanes | United States and Canada | 114 | 65,000 | 36,000 |
12—19 July | Floods | Europe | 228 | 54,000 | 13,000 |
July | Floods | China | 3 | 16,500 | 1,700 |
13 February | Earthquakes | Japan | 1 | 7,700 | 2,300 |
10—11 December | Tornados | United States | 88 | 5,200 | 4,000 |
27—29 April | Storms | United States | — | 3,300 | 2,500 |
14 August | Earthquakes | Haiti | 2,248 | 1,500 | — |
September—December | Volcanos | Spain | — | 900 | — |
Losses in millions USD
1. Which of the following natural disasters had the biggest effect on the earth in 2021 according to WMO?| A．Volcanos. | B．Floods. | C．Earthquakes. | D．Tornados. |
| A．Less than 100. | B．Around 200. | C．About 900. | D．Over 2,000. |
| A．In China. | B．In the United States. | C．In Spain. | D．In Japan. |
相似题推荐
【推荐1】A tsunami is a series of huge waves that can kill many people and destroy a whole country. A terrible tsunami disaster happened on December 26, 2004.
The word “tsunami” comes from Japanese words. A tsunami can be caused by natural phenomenon such as landslides, volcanic eruptions, large asteroid impacts (小行星撞击地球), and earthquakes occurring underwater or close to a body of water.
A tsunami usually cannot be seen while it travels through deep water.
Since the tsunami of 2004, many people know more about tsunami.
| A．The event forced officials to develop a better tsunami warning system. |
| B．It could also be caused by nuclear weapons that are exploded at sea. |
| C．It travels fast underwater, sometimes up to about 1,000 kilometers per hour. |
| D．The next time a tsunami strikes, hopefully more people will be able to survive. |
| E．Tsunami is a Japanese word for a harmful ocean wave caused by an undersea earthquake. |
| F．As a tsunami gets close to the shore, it becomes a series of waves up to 150 meters high. |
| G．On that day, a huge tsunami swept through the Indian Ocean killing about 300,000 people. |
【推荐2】A flood hit Yellowstone National Park on June 13, 2022. The disaster was caused by a combination of unusually heavy rains and rapid snow melt. The high and fast water flows destroyed bridges and swept away entire roadways, leaving communities and homes isolated. Fortunately, the approximately 10,000 park visitors were safely evacuated.
The town of Gardiner, along the Montana-Wyoming border, was particularly hard hit. The floodwaters left almost 900 people with no power or water for many days. Gardiner’s economy, which depends on the almost three-quarters of a million visitors who pass through the park’s north gate annually, is likely to take a hit. The floodwaters severely damaged the main north entrance road to Yellowstone, and could take years to rebuild.
Park officials have begun work on improving an alternative road to Gardiner. This will ensure that locals can access food, supplies, and other essential emergency services. A limited number of tourists may also be allowed into Gardiner once the road is stable.
Yellowstone’s north gate is closed indefinitely. But the park’s south gate opened to visitors on June 22, 2022. Park officials have started a new entry system to prevent overcrowding. It is based on the last number of the visitor’s vehicle license plate and the calendar date of the month. Cars with odd (奇数的) numbers can visit the park on odd days of the month, while those with even (偶数的) numbers can go on even days.
Established in 1872, Yellowstone is America’s oldest national park. The 3,472-square-mile reserve spans three states and is home to many unique wildlife. It is known for its natural beauty that includes mountains, rivers and lakes. The forces of fire and ice shaped the park over thousands of years.
1. What does the underlined word “isolated” in paragraph 1 probably mean?| A．Tracked. | B．Separated. |
| C．Decorated. | D．Improved. |
| A．Gardiner’s economy would get into trouble. |
| B．Communities and homes were left in ruins. |
| C．Almost 900 people were trapped in the park. |
| D．The park’s south gate was closed for a while. |
| A．Local people can get daily necessities from visitors. |
| B．The park has adopted a new system to recognize faces. |
| C．The license plate number decides when cars enter the park. |
| D．More tourists may flood into the park for geological features. |
| A．Flooding has caused widespread damage in the US. |
| B．Yellowstone National Park is closed due to flooding. |
| C．People can visit Yellowstone National Park any day. |
| D．Natural beauty makes Yellowstone famous. |
【推荐3】Sweat rolled off my forehead as my younger brother and I sat under the tree.
“Hi, Jason,” said my brother, Chad, “Do you hear the train?” I listened, but I heard only thunder in the distance. It was still miles away, but I heard it. It grew stronger and louder as it gained speed and got closer. How could that be? I wondered.
We were about to grab our bikes to see what it actually was when we stopped. What looked like a flock of birds darkened the sky overhead. When I looked at it closer, I realized it wasn't birds. It was a tornado （龙卷风）. The hairs on the back of my neck stood up as the air turned green and heavy. The sun disappeared, The wind strengthened and roared. I grabbed Chad's arm and pulled him toward the house.
I tried to open the door, but it was as if an invisible force pushed against me. The door refused to open. When we finally managed to get inside, we found it was as dark as night. Our family had practiced a tornado safety plan many times. But I had never imagined that it would be just Chad and me at home the first time we needed to use it.
“Inside the closet!” I yelled. It was small and crowded, but we got in it anyway. Chad began to cry. “It's going to be all right.” I told him. But I was worried about Mom. I hope she'd found a safe place to wait out the storm.
The storm continued. I heard a thud on the roof. I felt the whole house shaking. Then it was quiet. I opened the door and we inched our way out of the closet. Rain had got in through the open window and wet the carpets. A kitchen window had shattered, its screen blown away. I looked at the backyard. The tree was uprooted, and broken branches lay on the ground.
“Jason, I can't get service,” Chad said as he held the phone in his hand. We had no electricity, either I glanced at the wall clock. Had it been only 20 minutes since we'd first heard the thunder?
Then I heard footsteps toward the house. Mom had made it home safely. “Boys!” she yelled. “Are all right?”
We ran out and hugged her. The sun came out, and this time it shone bright and clear.
1. When the tornado struck, __________.| A．the boys protected themselves in a safe place | B．the boys felt terrified and asked for help |
| C．a flock of birds darkened the sky overhead | D．the sound of the train grew stronger and louder |
| A．Mom had trouble in finding the boys. | B．The tornado lasted for over half an hour. |
| C．Jason knew how to deal with a tornado | D．Their house was flooded by the heavy rain |
| A．Calm and thoughtful. | B．Cautious and curious |
| C．Dependent and sensitive | D．Creative and active |
【推荐1】Welcome to the State Park, where fun, fitness, and education come together!
Don’t miss our new summer classes, which are available during May 23—Aug 5!
● Swimming lessons: Age 4 – adult. Cost: $5 per class or $15 for one month.
● Hiking: Have a park keeper hike with you through our paths and teach you about the park’s wildlife and plants. The park is a perfect spot for hiking.
● Soccer: Our youth soccer program is unusual and non-competitive. Different teams are formed every day. The focus is on each player learning to work as a team, not on one team winning it at all.
● Boating: These classes are only for 20-year-olds and above. Fishing is only allowed with a permit.
● Bicycling: We have special paths built for bicyclists. Signs are posted for self-guided tours of our park.
Group cycling is also available with a park guide. Paths range from easy to challenging.
A message from the director:
Hiking paths! Sports fields! Playgrounds! Campgrounds! Fun activities! The State Park offers something for everyone. We have a number of plants and animals, which are in danger of dying out, being protected in our park. Sign up for one of our new summer community classes, or take a camping trip with your friends or family. All the facilities here are set up with modern systems, so you don’t have to struggle while enjoying yourself—unless you want to!
Glen Harwood, Park Director
Experience being a park keeper:
Are you 13-17 years old? Ever wonder what it would be like to be a park keeper? It’s a competitive field, but you can get ahead by volunteering with our Teen Keeper Program. Depending on your age and responsibilities, you can even earn college credits for certain universities!
1. If you plan to swim regularly in the park in June and July, you should pay ________.| A．$5 | B．$15 | C．$25 | D．$30 |
| A．You can cycle alone or with a group. |
| B．We can see all plants and animals in the park. |
| C．Special paths will soon be built for bicyclists. |
| D．There are many volunteer programs in the park. |
| A．CNN: Current News. | B．Fox sports: Special Events. |
| C．MSN: Recreation & Entertainment. | D．USA today: Focus Reports. |
【推荐2】San Francisco Bus Tour
Ferry Building (Tour Start Location)
The Ferry Building is the start of all of tours. Here you will meet up with your tour guide and the rest of the group. Do give yourself extra time to check out the Ferry Building before your tour. Remember you will meet your tour guide outside in front of the Ferry Building (20 minutes ahead)
Duration of stop: 30 minutes
Restroom: Yes
Palace of Fine Arts (Go inside)
As the only building remaining from San Franciscos 1915 World’s Fair, it is the most popular place in the city for wedding photos! You will see how its beauty is reflected in the late in front.
Duration of stop: 30 minutes
Restrooms: Not available
Alamo Square Park (Famous Victorian Homes)
This San Francisco park is a popular place because it is home to those famous Victorian Homes known as postcard Row. Your tour guide will tell you about the history of Alamo Square as well as many movies and TV shows made there. Make your own postcard row picture on this wonderful tour trip.
Duration of stop: 12 minutes
Restrooms: None
Sausalito-via Ferry Cruise (One Hour for Exploring)
You will board Ferry Cruise to (or from) among all of our 5-hour- tours. On the Ferry Cruise, you will see Alcatraz and Angel Island, Golden Gate Bridge and Bay Bridge from inside the bay. Sausalito is a beautiful town with houses on the hillsides overlooking the water. Many restaurants, cafes, clothing shops and art galleries line streets.
Duration of stop: 12 minutes.
Restrooms: Yes.
1. Which place will the tourists stop for the shortest time?| A．Ferry Building | B．Palace of Fine Arts |
| C．Alamo Square Park | D．Sausalito |
| A．Go to Restrooms | B．Meet up with your Tour guide |
| C．See lack meat chicken | D．Know about some shows |
| A．It is the ending of the bus tour | B．The living environment there is pleasant |
| C．We can make our own postcard row picture there | D．It is a good place to know the history of Victorian arts |
| A．An old couple who is planning a vacation. | B．A group of teenagers who are seeking adventures. |
| C．A hotel manager who will look for some waitress | D．A tour guide who wants to attract tourists |
【推荐3】Time to make room on the must-read list
This Atmosphere of Love
Franklin Bass Jr.
www. authorhouse. com
Paperback | E-book
$ 12.95 | $ 3.99
This book shares Franklin Bass Jr.’s poetry collection from 2008 to 2012 that speaks about his true feelings and experiences of love.
The Medusa Enigma
Dino Panvini, M. D.
www. xlibris. com
Hardback | Paperback | E-book
$ 29.99 | $19.99 | $3.99
This book takes you deep inside the corruption of the United States’ legal and medical systems; and how it led to the author’s near-death experience and various attempts on his life.
A Deadly Homecoming
Jane Bennett Munro
www. iuniverse. com
Hardback | Paperback | E-book
$23.99 | $13.99 | $3.99
When her mother asks her to look into a friend’s disappearance, Toni Day heads to her hometown to solve a complex murder case that leaves her own life hanging in the balance.
Work Hard, and Don’t Give up
Ian Anttila
www. tmbi. com
Paperback | E-book
$19.99 | $3.99
Ian Anttila, who contracted (感染) blood poisoning in sixth grade, shares his story of working hard to get an education and succeed in spite of medical problems.
1. Which book is your favorite if you are a poetry lover?| A．This Atmosphere of Love. | B．The Medusa Enigma. |
| C．A Deadly Homecoming. | D．Work Hard, and Don’t Give up. |
| A．Franklin Bass Jr. | B．Dino Panvini, M. D. |
| C．Jane Bennett Munro. | D．Ian Anttila. |
| A．$ 15. 96. | B．$ 24.92. | C．$ 50.92. | D．$ 66.92. |
