Section 1

The Government is going to extend two financial support schemes for people affected by floods. This decision will be made by Ministers during a special meeting. The extension means that businesses, community organizations, and sports clubs will have more time to apply for funding to help them recover from the floods.

People who qualify for these schemes can receive up to €100,000 in financial assistance. The Minister for Enterprise, Simon Coveney, is the one proposing this extension. He wants to extend the emergency business flooding schemes until November 5th.

These schemes were initially set up after a big storm called Storm Babet. The first scheme allows businesses, community organizations, and sports clubs that couldn't get flood insurance to claim an initial payment of €5,000. They can also get an additional payment of up to €20,000 after their situation is reviewed.

The second scheme is for the businesses and organizations that were affected the most by the floods. They can get a quick payment of €10,000 and an additional payment of up to €100,000 after their situation is reviewed.

After Storm Babet, around 190 businesses were flooded. The first round of payments for these businesses was given out last Wednesday. Most of the businesses asked for the lower amount of €20,000.

Once the extension is approved, people can apply for financial assistance between October 17th and November 5th. This will help them recover and rebuild after the floods.

  1. Why is the Government extending the financial support schemes?
  2. Who is proposing the extension of the emergency business flooding schemes?
  3. What is the first scheme for?
  4. How much financial assistance can businesses and organizations receive under the second scheme?
  5. When can people apply for financial assistance once the extension is approved?

Section 2

Hi, my name is Olivia and I'm 11 years old. I live in a small village called Oranmore in Ireland. Recently, my town was hit by a natural disaster - a severe storm that caused a lot of damage to our community. It was a really scary time for everyone, but now we are all working together to recover and rebuild.

When the storm hit, our homes were flooded, trees were uprooted, and there was no electricity or clean water. It was like a scene from a movie, but it was real. My family and I had to evacuate to a nearby shelter until it was safe to return home. We were lucky to have a place to go to, but it was hard seeing our town in such a state of chaos.

Since then, the community has come together to help one another. Volunteers have been clearing debris, repairing damaged homes, and providing support to those who need it. It's amazing to see how people can come together in times of need. I've been helping out too, by donating clothes and food to those who lost everything.

Recovering from a natural disaster takes time, but we are slowly making progress. The local government has been providing resources and assistance to help us rebuild our town. They have also been teaching us about emergency preparedness so that we can be better prepared for future disasters.

  1. How did the natural disaster affect Olivia's town?
  2. Where did Olivia and her family go during the storm?
  3. What has the community been doing to recover?
  4. What has Olivia been doing to help?
  5. What is the local government doing to assist in the recovery process?

Section 3

Good evening, and welcome to the Daily News! I'm your host, Sarah, bringing you the latest updates on recovering from natural disasters. Today, we are focusing on how communities come together to rebuild after such catastrophic events.

In our top story, we visit the town of Elmwood, which was recently hit by a powerful tornado. The tornado caused widespread destruction, leaving homes and buildings in ruins. However, the community wasted no time in getting back on its feet. Volunteers from neighboring towns joined hands with local residents to clean up debris and provide much-needed support.

Next, we head to the coastal city of Harborville, which was struck by a devastating hurricane. The storm surge caused severe flooding, damaging homes and infrastructure. But the resilient citizens of Harborville refused to be defeated. They worked tirelessly to repair the city's water supply, electricity, and roads. With their determination and hard work, Harborville is slowly but steadily recovering.

Moving on, we take you to the village of Meadowbrook, which experienced a series of earthquakes. Many families lost their homes and belongings, but the community rallied together to offer assistance. Emergency shelters were set up, providing temporary housing and food for those in need. The government and various organizations are now working hand in hand to rebuild homes and provide support for the affected families.

  1. What was the name of the town hit by a tornado?
  2. Which city was affected by a hurricane?
  3. What natural disaster struck Meadowbrook?
  4. What did the citizens of Harborville repair?
  5. What did the community in Elmwood do to recover?

Section 4

In recent years, Ireland has experienced its fair share of natural disasters, with severe storms and flooding causing significant damage and disruption to communities across the country. One such event took place in 2014 when Storm Desmond hit Ireland, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.

Storm Desmond, also known as the "Winter Storm of 2015," struck Ireland in early December, bringing heavy rain and strong winds. The storm resulted in widespread flooding, particularly in the west and northwest regions of the country. Many towns and villages were severely affected, with homes and businesses submerged in water.

One of the hardest-hit areas was the town of Clonmel in County Tipperary. The River Suir, which runs through the town, burst its banks, causing extensive flooding. The town's residents were forced to evacuate their homes, and local schools and businesses had to close temporarily.

In the aftermath of the storm, the community of Clonmel rallied together to recover and rebuild. Local authorities, emergency services, and volunteers worked tirelessly to provide assistance to those affected. The army was deployed to help with the clean-up efforts, and temporary accommodation was provided for those displaced by the flooding.

Over time, the town gradually recovered from the devastation caused by Storm Desmond. Homes were repaired, businesses reopened, and life slowly returned to normal. The experience served as a reminder of the resilience and strength of the Irish people in the face of adversity.

  1. When did Storm Desmond hit Ireland?
  2. What were the main impacts of Storm Desmond?
  3. Which town in County Tipperary was severely affected by the flooding?
  4. How did the community of Clonmel respond to the disaster?
  5. What were some of the measures taken to aid in the recovery process?