Complete the reading passage. Write ONE suitable word in each blank.
Last Friday night, a tropical storm abruptly hit Xuan’s town and caused a lot of damage. Its gale-force winds blew down several trees, (1) ___________ of houses and electric poles leading to a widespread power cut. Then, it caused torrential rains leaving most of the town under water. Consequently, 1.5-metre-deep (2) ___________ waters isolated many of the main roads and communities. While the storm was attacking, the rescue teams (3) ___________ making every effort to evacuate the locals in low-lying areas, including Xuan’s family, to safer places. The residents spent a sleepless night together in a large supplied shelter waiting for water to recede. They were really upset and worried because that ferocious storm (4) ___________ their houses and swept away many valuable properties like motorbikes and household appliances. It was a painful lesson for them as a result (5) ___________ their underestimation of storm warnings issued by the local government before.
Its gale-force winds blew down several trees, (1) ___________ of houses and electric poles leading to a widespread power cut.
