Oneof the world’s oldest preserved human settlements has been significantly dama-组卷网

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One of the world’s oldest preserved human settlements has been significantly damaged by heavy rain in Pakistan.

Moenjodaro, a World Heritage site in the Indus River Valley was built in the Bronze Age, some 5, 000 years ago. “Unfortunately we witnessed the mass destruction at the site,” reads a letter from the Cultural, Tourism, & Antiquities Department of Singh state sent to UNESCO and signed by curator Ihsan Ali Abbasi and architect Naveed Ahmed Sangah. The letter adds the site was being used as temporary accommodation for local residents whose own homes had flooded. Currently, around one-third of Pakistan is underwater after downpours combined with water from melting icebergs.

Most of Moenjodaro’s structures, which were discovered in the 1920s, are above ground and easy to be affected by environmental damage. The letter explains some of the immediate actions the site team has taken to reduce the flood damage, like bringing in water pumps, repairing brickwork and cleaning drains (下水道).

But it’s clear that these measures will not be enough. Abbasi and Sangah ended their letter by asking for ＄45 million to cover the costs of full repairs. UNESCO has responded to the request for help, delivering ＄350, 000 from its emergency fund. The funds will go to Moenjodaro and other sites including the Sehwan folk and craft museum, the Amri Museum and the historical monuments at Makli.

Moenjodaro’s significance as a historical and architectural site cannot be underestimated. When it was added to UNESCO’s register in 1980, the organization wrote that Moenjodaro “presents outstanding evidence of the Indus civilization,” making up of “the most ancient planned city on the Indian subcontinent.” During its glorious days, the city was a metropolis. There were markets, public baths, and a sewage system mostly constructed out of sun-baked brick.

In their letter, Abbasi and Sangah express concern that Moenjodaro could be added to the list of UNESCO sites in danger. Sites currently on this list include Florida’s Everglades National Park and the city of Liverpool, England.

【小题1】Which statement about Moenjodaro is NOT true? ________

A．Measures have been taken to save Moenjodaro in time.

B．There were people living in Moenjodaro around 5000 years ago.

C．Moenjodaro is used as accommodation for local people from time to time.

D．The structures of Moenjodaro are too weak to stand against natural disasters.

【小题2】What has UNESCO responded to the letter? ________

A．Covering the whole costs of restoring.

B．Providing a certain amount of financial aid.

C．Adding Moenjodaro to the list of UNESCO sites in danger.

D．Repairing Moenjodaro and other museums and monuments.

【小题3】What does the underlined part “a metropolis” mean? ________