Language Point 17

Natural disasters like storms and floods have washed away many crops. (Para. 7)

Meaning: Natural events such as storms and floods have destroyed many crops.

disaster: n. sudden serious hard times

The town has taken a long time to recover from the disaster of the flood.

这个城镇用了很长时间才从水灾的损失中恢复过来。

It would be a disaster for them not to reach the semi-finals.

他们要是打不进半决赛就太让人失望了。

wash away: destroy (something such as a road or bridge) by the action of a lot of water

The river banks have been washed away by the flood.

河岸被洪水冲毁了。