Learn English with this tragic news story from Texas: 24 dead, over 20 girls missing after floods. Build your vocabulary and improve your listening skills. ✅ Do you want to be my student? 💙 OVER 100 BONUS ENGLISH LESSONS? Become a channel member. 📺 Link to news cast: Flood A large amount of water that covers land that is usually dry. : A huge flood in Texas killed 24 people and destroyed many homes. : We had a small flood in our basement after heavy rain. Flash Flood A sudden flood that happens very quickly. : A flash flood hit Texas in the middle of the night, catching everyone by surprise. : The weather report said to watch for flash floods after the storm. Panic A sudden, strong feeling of fear that makes people act without thinking. : People were in a panic as water rushed into the camp cabins. : She went into a panic when she couldn’t find her phone. Catastrophic Causing great damage or suffering; very bad. : The flooding in Texas was catastrophic, leaving entire neighborhoods underwater. : Forgetting to back up my computer was catastrophic for my project. Swept Through When something moves through a place very quickly and with force. : The river swept through the camp and took cabins and cars with it. : A cold wind swept through the office when the door opened. Desperate Feeling a big need or hopeless; willing to try anything. : Families were desperate to hear if their missing daughters were safe. : I was desperate for a cup of coffee after my long night. Flooding A very large amount of something happening at once. : The local police were flooded with calls from worried parents. : My inbox was flooded with emails after the company sent out the announcement. Urgent Very important and needing quick action. : The rescue teams sent out urgent warnings for people to stay inside. : I got an urgent text from my boss asking me to call right away. Pleas Emotional requests for help or support. : Parents posted pleas on social media, begging for any news about their daughters. : He made a heartfelt plea to his friend to help him move his heavy couch. Hampered Made slow or difficult. : Rescue efforts were hampered by fallen trees and blocked roads. : My work was hampered by a slow internet connection all day. To Boot A phrase that means “also” or “in addition.” : The flood destroyed homes and, to boot, left hundreds without power. : It was raining all day and cold to boot. Summer Camp A place where kids stay during summer to do activities and have fun. : Over 20 girls went missing from a summer camp during the flood. : Her daughter is excited to go to summer camp next month. Stranded Stuck somewhere with no way to leave. : Some campers were stranded on the roof until helicopters rescued them. : We were stranded at the airport overnight because of the snowstorm. Torrential Very heavy (usually about rain). : Torrential rains caused rivers in Texas to rise over 20 feet. : We had to run inside to get out of the torrential downpour. Next Of Kin A person’s closest living family member. : Officials worked to contact the next of fin of the people who died. : The hospital asked me to list my next of kin in case of an emergency. Dawn The first light of day, early in the morning. : The floodwaters hit just before dawn, when most people were sleeping. : We woke up at dawn to watch the sunrise on the beach. Evacuation Centers Safe places where people go during emergencies. : Evacuation centers were set up for families who lost their homes in the flood. : Our school is an evacuation center during hurricanes. A Declaration An official statement or announcement. : The governor made a declaration of disaster for the affected counties. : He made a declaration that he would start eating healthier. Swept Up Taken away by strong moving water (or caught up in something quickly). : Cabins and cars were swept up by the rushing river. : I got swept up in the excitement of the concert. FEMA Short for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, a U.S. group that helps during disasters. : FEMA was called to help with rescue and recovery in Texas. : After the hurricane, FEMA helped people rebuild their homes. Notified Told officially or formally. : Families were notified when their missing loved ones were found. : I notified my boss that I would be late because of traffic.