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.

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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.