B2 – Upper Intermediate
A magnitude 4 earthquake struck the province of Álava, giving residents a brief but noticeable jolt. Although relatively moderate in strength, the quake was strong enough to be felt across several nearby towns, prompting many people to pause and check their surroundings.
Local authorities quickly reported that there were no immediate signs of serious damage or injuries, but monitoring continues to ensure everyone’s safety. Events like this serve as a reminder of the region’s seismic activity and the importance of staying informed and prepared.
Read this article to learn more about the earthquakes in Alava.
https://russpain.com/en/news-3/earthquake-magnitude-4-alarms-alava-and-neighboring-regions-347604
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does the phrase “a tense atmosphere reigns” mean? “For several minutes, a tense atmosphere reigned in the streets until it became clear the danger had passed.” Use it in a sentence.
- What does the word “rattling” mean? “At 12:10 a.m. local time, residents of Iruña de Oca and nearby areas were awakened by vibrating walls and rattling windows.” Use it in a sentence.
- What does the word “aftershock” mean? “Experts emphasize that the likelihood of aftershocks is extremely low.” Use it in a sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- How would you feel if you were awakened in the middle of the night by shaking walls or rattling windows?
- Share your thoughts about the public and the authorities’ response to the earthquakes.
- Have you ever experienced an earthquake before? What did you do at that moment?
- A magnitude 4 earthquake is considered “moderate.” Why do you think it caused so much alarm in Álava?
- Do you think most people in Europe are prepared for earthquakes? Why or why not?
- How much do you know about what to do when an earthquake occurs?