Note to recorder:
any accent will do
It's three days after Hurricane Katrina hit the US coast, but New Orleans is still suffering from strong wind and heavy rain. Thousands of people are waiting for help. Half of the city is underwater and the army is still repairing the river walls.
The green and pleasant land of England is turning brown. After two cold, dry winters and hot summers, the south-east of England is experiencing a serious drought. Many lakes and rivers are now dry.
Following yesterday's blizzards and the heavy fall of snow, the police in New Zealand are using helicopters to reach hundreds of people in the countryside. It is still very windy and the ice is causing problems for the rescue teams.
Many thanks!!