博客

Coastal regions in East Asia are accustomed to seasonal storms, but the events of late 2026 have proven to be unprecedented. Over recent months, a series of intense and volatile typhoons has battered the Philippines, Taiwan, China, and Japan. These extreme weather systems, exacerbated by the El Niño phenomenon, have resulted in numerous fatalities, the destruction of vital infrastructure, and the widespread disruption of international travel. In October, the region was threatened by Typhoon Champi, a massive storm equivalent to a category five hurricane with wind speeds approaching 300 kilometres per hour. Although Champi did not officially make landfall in Taiwan, its presence caused significant chaos throughout the surrounding area. Flight schedules in Hong Kong and Japan were severely affected, while approximately 15,000 households in Okinawa suffered power outages as a direct result of the storm’s intensity. Meteorologists attribute this surge in activity to El Niño, a natural occurrence where warm water accumulates in the eastern Pacific Ocean. This shift alters global wind patterns, triggering catastrophic weather events. According to experts at the UK Met Office, the current El Niño is projected to be the most powerful in recorded history, with its effects expected to persist until at least February or March of the following year. The magnitude of these storms has been staggering. In June, the Japanese government was forced to evacuate one million residents when two separate storms approached the coastline simultaneously. Later, in August, Super Typhoon Dolphin tracked across the Pacific for sixteen days before making landfall in eastern China. This particular storm led to devastating floods and a high number of casualties. Scientists describe the Pacific Ocean as ‘burning with fever’, suggesting that the excess thermal energy is providing the fuel for these colossal storms. If these conditions remain the norm, governments must urgently develop new strategies to safeguard their populations and agricultural sectors from the sea’s rising aggression. The current situation serves as a stark reminder of the intrinsic link between the ocean’s temperature and environmental stability.

1. What is the primary focus of the article?

• A.The economic impact of flight cancellations in East Asia.
• B.The relationship between El Niño and recent extreme weather events.
• C.The specific historical record of typhoons in the Philippines.
• D.New government policies for coastal construction in Japan.

2. According to the text, what happened during Typhoon Champi?

• A.It caused a total of 15,000 deaths in Taiwan.
• B.It hit the coast of Taiwan with 300 km/h winds.
• C.Thousands of homes in Okinawa lost their electricity supply.
• D.It was downgraded to a category one storm before reaching Japan.

3. What can be inferred from the scientists’ description of the Pacific Ocean ‘burning with fever’?

• A.The ocean water is physically boiling and dangerous to touch.
• B.High ocean temperatures are providing energy for stronger storms.
• C.Marine life is dying due to the spread of infectious diseases.
• D.Underwater volcanoes are erupting more frequently than usual.

4. What is the UK Met Office’s prediction regarding the current El Niño?

• A.It will be weaker than those in previous decades.
• B.It will conclude by the end of the current year.
• C.It will have no impact on wind patterns in the Pacific.
• D.It will be the most intense event of its kind in history.

5. In the fourth paragraph, what does the word ‘staggering’ most likely mean?

• A.Extremely confusing
• B.Deeply shocking or impressive
• C.Moving unsteadily
• D.Frequently occurring