Lightning (闪电) is shocking, and it happens all over the world! Scientists think that there are more than three million lightning strikes (袭击) every day in the world—that’s thirty strikes every second.

Lightning can also be very dangerous. Every year, lightning kills people because it can start big fires or because it reaches temperatures up to 28,000 degrees centigrade. American Roy Sullivan, who worked in a park, holds the record for surviving the most lightning strikes. Between 1942 and 1983, he was hit seven times!

So, why does lightning strike? Lightning strikes happen when ice and water in clouds rub (摩擦) together, and cause atmospheric (大气层的) changes. When this happens, it creates a static charge (静电电荷). Lightning can strike inside the cloud, between two clouds and between a cloud and Earth. It’s the last type of strike that is the most dangerous for humans. About 1,000 people get struck by lightning every year in the United States, and about 100 of them die as a result.

Lightning is certainly not something to toy with. When lightning strikes, it’s best to stay inside a large building. To stay safe, do not stand under trees, on hills or near water. Trees attract lightning. Also, do not lie down on the ground, otherwise the electricity may go through you and cause a heart disease.

Every thirty seconds there is an earthquake in the world. Some of these earthquakes are so weak that people can’t feel them. But some of them are very serious and many people get hurt or die in them. Do you know what cause earthquakes?

The earth’s surface (表面) has many pieces. These pieces are always moving. When two pieces move past each other, there is an earthquake. Scientists are trying to predict (预测) big earthquakes, but it’s very hard. Do you know how to protect yourself during an earthquake? Here are some ways. You should remember them.

If you are inside the door.

◆Quickly move under a desk or along a wall. It will protect you from falling things. Don’t run out of the door.

◆Keep away from windows.

◆Turn off lights.

◆Don’t get into a lift. If you are in a lift, get out as quickly as possible.

If you are outside

◆Don’t stay near tall buildings and trees. Things may fall on you.

◆Be careful of fallen power lines.

◆Lie on the ground in clear areas until the shaking stops.

On an early Monday morning in February, 2023, a strong earthquake hit southern Türkiye and northern Syria. The earthquake destroyed (摧毁) thousands of buildings. Over 3,700 people lost their lives.

The earthquake, which happened in Türkiye near its border (边界) with Syria, was the strongest earthquake to hit Türkiye in over 80 years. It was strong enough to be felt in other countries. The earthquake had a magnitude (震级) of 7.8. Since then, the area has been hit by over 130 aftershocks (余震).

Thousands of rescue (救援) workers tried their best to find and save people in the earthquake. Türkiye said it sent out more than 9,600 rescue workers. Many countries have also sent teams of rescue workers to the area to help out. China’s rescue teams arrived in Türkiye on Wednesday. The leaders of over 40 different countries had offered help.

But rescue workers faced many difficulties. The earthquake and its aftershocks destroyed many roads. The government had to ask people to keep the roads clear for rescue workers.

The weather also caused some problems. Before the earthquake, the area was experiencing a heavy snowstorm. Snow and rain made rescue work more difficult.

In northwest Syria, things were even worse. At least four hospitals in the area were destroyed by the earthquake.

Many of the people there lived in tents (帐篷) or in special camps for people who lost their homes in the war. More than half of the 4.6 million (百万) people who lived in the area had trouble getting enough food.