毎日5分！英語力をぐんぐん伸ばす長文読解チャレンジ（テーマ：自然災害）
この長文は、自然災害が人々や環境に与える影響について述べ、準備や早期警戒の重要性に触れています。単語や文法のポイントを確認しながら読み、質問に答えることで、自然災害に関する英語の理解を深めることができます。
The Power of Natural Disasters
Natural disasters are powerful and often unexpected events that can cause great damage to the environment and people’s lives. Earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, and volcanic eruptions are some of the most dangerous types of natural disasters. Every year, they affect millions of people around the world, leaving destruction and loss in their wake.
One of the most recent and devastating natural disasters was a large earthquake in a coastal city. The ground shook violently, and many buildings collapsed. People ran out of their homes, trying to find safe places. Unfortunately, the earthquake also triggered a tsunami. The giant wave swept across the coast, destroying everything in its path. Many people lost their homes, and rescue teams worked day and night to help survivors.
The impact of natural disasters can be long-lasting. After a major disaster, it can take years for cities and communities to recover. Governments often provide emergency aid, but rebuilding damaged infrastructure, such as roads, schools, and hospitals, takes time. Additionally, people who experience natural disasters may suffer from emotional trauma, which can be just as challenging to recover from as physical injuries.
Despite the damage they cause, natural disasters also remind us of the importance of being prepared. Many countries now invest in early warning systems, which help predict disasters before they happen. These systems can save lives by giving people time to evacuate and take shelter. By preparing for the worst, we can reduce the impact of these powerful events.
Vocabulary and Grammar Points:
Tsunami (津波) – A large sea wave caused by an underwater earthquake or volcanic eruption.
Example: "The earthquake triggered a tsunami."
Collapse (崩壊する) – To fall down suddenly.
Example: "Many buildings collapsed during the earthquake."
Infrastructure (インフラ) – The basic physical structures needed for a society, like roads and hospitals.
Example: "Rebuilding infrastructure after a disaster takes time."
Trauma (トラウマ) – Emotional or physical damage caused by a disturbing experience.
Example: "People who experience disasters may suffer from emotional trauma."
Evacuate (避難する) – To leave a dangerous place for safety.
Example: "The early warning system helped people evacuate."
Questions:
What are some examples of natural disasters mentioned in the text?
How did the earthquake affect the coastal city?
What are some challenges people face after a natural disaster?
How do early warning systems help during natural disasters?
Why is it important to prepare for natural disasters?
Sample Answers (模範解答):
Some examples of natural disasters mentioned in the text are earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, and volcanic eruptions.
The earthquake caused many buildings to collapse, and it triggered a tsunami that destroyed everything in its path.
After a natural disaster, people face challenges such as rebuilding infrastructure and recovering from emotional trauma.
Early warning systems help by predicting disasters before they happen, giving people time to evacuate and take shelter.
It is important to prepare for natural disasters to reduce the damage they cause and to save lives.
Japanese Translation (日本語訳):
自然災害は非常に強力で予測が難しいことが多く、環境や人々の生活に大きな被害をもたらします。地震、洪水、ハリケーン、火山の噴火などは、最も危険な自然災害の一部です。毎年、これらの災害は世界中で何百万人もの人々に影響を与え、破壊と損失をもたらします。
最近発生した最も壊滅的な自然災害の1つは、沿岸の都市で発生した大地震でした。地面が激しく揺れ、多くの建物が崩壊しました。人々は家を飛び出し、安全な場所を探そうとしました。残念ながら、この地震は津波も引き起こしました。巨大な波が海岸を横切り、すべてを破壊しました。多くの人々が家を失い、救助隊は昼夜を問わず生存者を助けるために活動しました。
自然災害の影響は長期間にわたることがあります。大規模な災害の後、都市やコミュニティが回復するには数年かかることがあります。政府は緊急援助を提供しますが、道路や学校、病院などのインフラを再建するには時間がかかります。さらに、自然災害を経験した人々は、身体的な怪我と同じくらい回復が難しい感情的なトラウマに苦しむこともあります。
それでも、自然災害は備えの重要性を思い出させてくれます。多くの国では、災害を事前に予測するために早期警戒システムに投資しています。これらのシステムは、避難や避難所への移動の時間を与えることで人命を救うことができます。最悪の事態に備えることで、これらの強力な災害の影響を軽減することができます。