When some plates of the earth move suddenly, an earthquake happens. Many earthquakes begin under the sea. Earthquakes may happen anywhere on the earth. They often happen near the mountains.

During an earthquake, the shakings make rocks rise suddenly and even crack (断裂) open. Houses fall, people are killed or hurt, and sometimes the whole villages or cities are destroyed.

Can we do something to keep ourselves safe from earthquakes? Scientists have studied earthquakes and make maps that show the “earthquake belts”. In areas (地区) in these belts, it’s possible for earthquakes to happen. In these areas we should build strong houses to fight against earthquakes.

In the future, scientists will be able to tell when and where an earthquake will be before they happen. They can also tell people what to do and how to do it. Then we will no longer be afraid of earthquakes.

Like many other natural disasters, floods can happen with no warning. They move quickly, pull trees out of the ground, destroy buildings and hurt people.

Being caught in a flood is dangerous, not only because there is so much water and it’s moving quickly, but also because of what the water is carrying. Debris (残骸) in the current can injure anyone in the floodwater, making swimming more difficult. To survive a flash flood, keep the following things in your mind.

 If a flood warning is issued, try to find a shelter immediately. Never try to walk, swim or drive through floodwaters.

 Avoid bridges that cross rapidly moving water, as floodwaters can cause bridges to break.

 Stay inside a car that is trapped in fast-moving water. Only get out if the water begins to flood the car, and then move to the roof of it.

 Avoid power lines. A knocked-down power line can cause surrounding water to become charged, leading to injury

 Listen to the broadcast for further instructions before getting away from the flood successfully.

The results of a flood can be just as deadly. It can cause power failure and traffic jams, and break down communication. In addition, it may not be possible to deliver food and water to the flooded area. After the flood, return to your home only after local governments have said it is safe to do so. Use bottled or boiled water for drinking and cooking. And avoid driving through flooded areas and walking alone outside at night.

“Earthquake!” The word flashed in my brain. A roaring sound filled my ears. I tried to slide beneath my desk. The desk did a wild tap dance, slipping and sliding towards the centre of the room. I twisted my body and grabbed at the windowsill behind me, somehow kicking free of my dancing chair. I tried to stand. My legs skated away as if on a bucking escalator.

My fingers shook, grasped and held the windowsill tightly. Somewhere through the roar sounded the terrified scream of some wounded animal. I looked behind me and tried to steady my gaze on the other kids but the scene was a dizzy nightmare. Some of the class were sitting in the middle of the room, surrounded by chairs and desks. One girl was screaming. A boy was trying to claw his way across the floor to the door in a crazy overarm crawl.

My grip froze me to the windowsill.

I cried aloud, “I’m going to die. I’m going to die. Save me. I’m not ready to die. I’m not ready!”

I hunched forward on my knees and pressed my face against my clenched (紧握的) fingers. I looked at the backs of my fingers and stupidly noticed the fragile pale hairs growing out of the pores. The fingers would soon cease to exist. Somehow the impending horror of my death was too terrible to even cry about.

Suddenly, I became aware that the rocking had ceased. Perhaps I wasn’t going to die.