A powerful typhoon recently struck Shanghai, marking the worst weather event in 75 years. With winds exceeding 150 km/h, residents faced severe conditions and were urged to stay indoors. The aftermath sees extensive cleanup efforts underway, as the city grapples with significant damage. The discussion also illuminates the language used in emergency situations, such as 'brace for' and 'slam into,' enhancing understanding of both the events and English expressions related to natural disasters.
Typhoon Babinka, with winds over 150 km/h, is Shanghai's strongest typhoon in 75 years, leading to significant evacuations and flight cancellations.
The aftermath involves extensive cleanup efforts, emphasizing the importance of disaster preparedness and urban planning in mitigating storm impacts.
Deep dives
Impact of Typhoon Babinka on Shanghai
Typhoon Babinka struck Shanghai with unprecedented force, characterized by wind speeds exceeding 150 kilometers per hour. This weather event marked the strongest typhoon to hit the city in over 75 years, prompting evacuations and advisories for residents to remain indoors. Approximately 400,000 people were evacuated, and many flights were canceled as the city braced for the storm. The significant impact of this typhoon highlights the necessity for effective preparation and response strategies in the face of natural disasters.
Cleanup Efforts Post-Typhoon
Following the passage of Typhoon Babinka, Shanghai faced extensive damage, including downed trees and power outages affecting around 30,000 homes. The term 'mop up' is used to describe the ongoing cleanup operations aimed at restoring normalcy in the city. Cleaning efforts include addressing both the physical debris and the aftermath of the storm, demonstrating resilience in recovering from such disasters. The swift action to manage these challenges illustrates the importance of readiness and response in urban planning for typhoon impacts.
The worst typhoon since 1949 has hit Shanghai. Beth and Phil walk you through this story
SUBTITLES
Find full subtitles for this episode and more programmes to help you with your English at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2024/240918
FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE:
Visit our website
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish
Follow us
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus
LIKE PODCASTS?
Try some of our other popular podcasts including:
✔️ 6 Minute English
✔️ Learning English for Work
✔️ Learning English Stories
They're all available by searching in your podcast app.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode