VOA标准英语2008年-Bush Promises Further Help on China Quake

By Scott Stearns
Washington
06 June 2008

U.S. President George Bush says America's government and its people will continue to help victims of last month's devastating¹ earthquake in China. VOA White House Correspondent Scott Stearns has the story. 　

With 70,000 people dead and more than 15 million homeless, President Bush says China's earthquake was a horrible disaster. "There is no question this is a major human disaster that requires a strong response from the Chinese government, which is what they are providing, but it also requires a compassionate² response from nations that have the good blessings³ of life, and that is us," he said.

Mr. Bush met with more than 30 public and private sector⁴ leaders at the national headquarters of the American Red Cross for a briefing on earthquake assistance.

Red Cross officials say more than 80,000 Americans and 60 corporations have given money and supplies to help earthquake survivors⁵. Total contributions by the American Red Cross for that effort now total $20 million, and officials say additional assistance will be provided as long-term needs are identified.

President Bush says he is not surprised by that response. "My message to the Chinese government is: Thank you for welcoming our aid. Thank you for taking a firm response to this disaster, and just know that the American people care about the people of China. When a brother and sister hurt, we care about it, and so that is why our response has been so robust⁶ and so compassionate to date," he said.

Red Cross officials say long-term challenges include rebuilding homes and schools, water and sanitation⁷ facilities, medical services, and support for those who have been relocated.

1 devastating   

adj.毁灭性的，令人震惊的，强有力的

参考例句：

• It is the most devastating storm in 20 years.这是20年来破坏性最大的风暴。
• Affairs do have a devastating effect on marriages.婚外情确实会对婚姻造成毁灭性的影响。

2 compassionate   

adj.有同情心的，表示同情的

参考例句：

• She is a compassionate person.她是一个有同情心的人。
• The compassionate judge gave the young offender a light sentence.慈悲的法官从轻判处了那个年轻罪犯。

3 blessings   

n.（上帝的）祝福( blessing的名词复数 )；好事；福分；因祸得福

参考例句：

• Afflictions are sometimes blessings in disguise. 塞翁失马，焉知非福。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• We don't rely on blessings from Heaven. 我们不靠老天保佑。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》

4 sector   

n.部门，部分；防御地段，防区；扇形

参考例句：

• The export sector will aid the economic recovery. 出口产业将促进经济复苏。
• The enemy have attacked the British sector.敌人已进攻英国防区。

5 survivors   

幸存者，残存者，生还者( survivor的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• The survivors were adrift in a lifeboat for six days. 幸存者在救生艇上漂流了六天。
• survivors clinging to a raft 紧紧抓住救生筏的幸存者

6 robust   

adj.强壮的，强健的，粗野的，需要体力的，浓的

参考例句：

• She is too tall and robust.她个子太高，身体太壮。
• China wants to keep growth robust to reduce poverty and avoid job losses,AP commented.美联社评论道，中国希望保持经济强势增长，以减少贫困和失业状况。

7 sanitation   

n.公共卫生，环境卫生，卫生设备

参考例句：

• The location is exceptionally poor,viewed from the sanitation point.从卫生角度来看，这个地段非常糟糕。
• Many illnesses are the result,f inadequate sanitation.许多疾病都来源于不健全的卫生设施。