Text 2

² Oman had already made some preparations, which included the deployment of army and police personnel after the storm's passage. Significant damage was expected, especially in northeastern areas, along with up to 150 mm of rainfall and very strong winds. Officials recommended citizens evacuate from potentially affected areas, and about 7,000 people were forced to leave Masirah Island due to the threat of high surf and strong winds. Overall, more than 20,000 people were evacuated to emergency shelters. A state of emergency was declared for the nation. The Mina al Fahal oil terminal closed for over three days due to the threat of the storm. Omani officials closed government offices for two days and declared a five-day long break. Most businesses near the coastline were closed prior to the announcement. Authorities at the Seeb International Airport (now Muscat International Airport) delayed all flights due to the cyclone.

³ Across its path, Cyclone Gonu caused heavy damage and many fatalities. About seven hours before passing near the northeastern Oman coastline, Cyclone Gonu began affecting the country with rough winds and heavy precipitation; rainfall totals reached 610 mm near the coast. Gonu produced strong waves along much of the coastline, leaving many coastal roads flooded. There was a 5.1 meter (17 foot) storm surge and a 200 m (660 ft.) incursion of seawater inland at Ras al-Hadd; other areas along the coast had similar levels.

⁵ In Oman, production of desalinated water was interrupted, as both of Oman's desalination plants failed. The first, Ghubrah, lost supplies of natural gas, halting production; while the second, Barka, sustained a damaged switchgear due to flooding. These plants provided water to Muscat's 631,000 residents and surrounding areas, triggering severe water shortages across eastern Oman. To rectify the situation, officials used water tanks. The water returned to near normal in five days, as the two plants returned to service. Additionally, electricians worked quickly to repair the power outages across the region. Five days after Gonu hit, utilities were restored to most of Muscat and the coastal provinces. The Omani army assisted residents in returning to their houses. The country lost an estimated $200 million (2007 USD) in oil exports. In the months after the storm, the government allocated funds for the removal of debris and trees, as well as restoration of roads in tourist areas. Additionally, the National Committee for Civil Defense set up 139 buildings to provide temporary housing for 8,192 people.

(736 words)

Note: The words in bold are assessed. See Unit 2 Vocabulary

The words in italics are in the glossary below.

Glossary

Dissipate (v) - Dissipate is to cause to spread thin or scatter and gradually vanish.

Deployment (n) - the act or movement of deploying or the state of being deployed: such as: placement or arrangement (as of military personnel or equipment) in position for a particular use or purpose.

Fatality (n) - death caused by an accident or by violence

Storm surge (n) - A storm surge is a rise in sea level that occurs during tropical cyclones, intense storms also known as typhoons or hurricanes.

Triggering (adj) - If something triggers an event or situation, it causes it to begin to happen or exist.

Debris (n) - pieces from something that has been destroyed or pieces of rubbish or unwanted material that are spread around.

Understanding the Text: Skimming / Scanning

1. Gonu…

a. came over land on its second day.

b. only came on land in Oman.

c. was the strongest ever cyclone in the area.

d. wasn’t the strongest cyclone to hit Iran.

2. The deployment of police was because they expected. (2 words)

3. Why was the Mina al Fahal oil terminal closed?

4. When severe storms are expected nations usually declare a (3 words)

5. At the airport, all flights

a. were cancelled completely.

b. were scheduled for a later time.

c. were cancelled by pilots.

d. were on time as usual.

6. Seawater came 200 meters inland only at Ras Al-Hadd. True or False?

7. Seven ______________ before the cyclone neared the Omani coast, residents probably noticed the _______________ and _____________. (ONE word in each gap)

8. Power outages were caused by strong winds. True or False?

9. How many people were killed, according to the article?

a. 27

b. 50

c. 77 or more

d. 50 or more

10. How were people informed to stay away from the streets? (2 words)

11. What was the effect when production of desalinated water was interrupted? (3 words)

12. How did the government solve the drinking water shortage problem in the Capital?

13. How long did it take for the utilities to get restored?

14. Who assisted the people to return to their homes?

15. Money was NOT allocated by the government for

a. removing debris.

b. improving oil exports.

c. building temporary housing.

d. fixing roads.

analyzing the Text: main ideas / summary

What is the main idea of each paragraph in Text 2?

P1: ________

P2: ________

P3: ________

P4: ________

P5: ________

Write one sentence which summarizes the whole text (includes all the main ideas)

Analyzing the Text: Inferential skills

1. Gonu would have become a stronger storm if

a. the winds had been stronger and the water cold

b. the winds had changed direction from the sea

c. the winds had come from the west

d. the winds had been moist and waters warm

2. Businesses along the coastline closed prior to the announcement because

a. they were saving their lives

b. it was the end of the day

c. they were asked to

d. they wanted to see the storm

Analyzing the Text: critical thinking skills

In your opinion, did the experience of cyclone Gonu on June 6, 2007 affect Oman’s preparedness for cyclone Mekunu in May, 2018? Why or why not? Share your thoughts on your Google classroom discussion board.