World News for Students of English

14-06-2016 07:00

Running away from a masked gunman and dropping to the ground, these aren’t victims of a terrorist attack but volunteers in a security drill in Lyon.

As part of the launch of the security mobile app by French authorities, a full-sized drill was conducted to alert and prepare visitors to the Euros for an attack – should it happen. Just 2 days before the Euro tournament gets underway, the app which aims to inform and advise people on what to do if such an event occurs, was tested in the Lyon fan zone. The area is expected to bring in up to 20,000 people during the duration of the European Championship in France from June 10 to July 10.

The Interior Ministry app flashes a warning on a user’s mobile phone screen if there is an attack close to their location or suspicion of an imminent strike. Users can also request alerts for up to eight areas, including individual districts in the capital.

It will be tested for the duration of the tournament to evaluate its effectiveness. If successful, the use of the app could be extended to other major incidents, such as earthquakes and floods.

Difficult words: conduct (do something), alert (warn), imminent (happening soon), strike (an attack), district (one of the areas in a city), extend (use in new ways).

Source: www.ondemandnews.com