11. Reading. Quake hits Iran

  

A huge earthquake struck south-eastern Iran early yesterday morning.

 

The quake measured 7.5 on the Richter scale and is one of the worst earthquakes to have struck the area in over fifty years. At least 15,000 people are feared dead and this number is expected to rise. The authorities have reported many people missing. Many people are believed to be buried under the rubble. President has spoken of a national tragedy.

 

The quake occurred at 5a.m. local time and lasted for about half a minute. Most buildings collapsed.

 

A big relief operation is under way with many foreign countries sending supplies and rescue workers. Emergency centres set up in makeshift buildings are now trying to care for the tens of thousands who have been injured.

 

Other countries are now sending emergency medical supplies to the town. Volunteers are building shelters and Red Cross doctors are treating the injured. Ambulances have taken others to a hospital to a nearby city.

 

Terrified local people are still trying to get over the shock. “It was horrible”, one resident said, “I will never forget it”. The people are learning to cope with nature’s fury.

 

  

1. A huge earthquake struck north-eastern Iran early yesterday morning.

   

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• false

 

2. President has spoken of a national tragedy.

   

• true
• false

 

3. Volunteers are building shelters and Red Cross doctors are treating the injured.

   

• false
• true