泰国总理宣布启动天灾法

短语讲解：

1. Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has invoked special civil powers granted under the country's natural disaster law as Bangkok residents brace for flood waters.

brace for准备，预备
例句：The villagers braced themselves for a possible flood.
村民们作了可能发生洪水泛滥的防备。

2. "[Prime Minister Yingluck] isn't familiar with the official style, she doesn't know who is capable, who is accountable," said Kokaew.

be familiar with熟悉
例句：I am not very familiar with European history.
我对欧洲历史不太熟悉。

3. Kokaew said there were difficulties in allocating funds and criticized sections of the armed forces for failing to provide sufficient personnel when called on for emergency flood relief.

call on要求, 请求, 号召
例句：He called on his friends to help him.
他向朋友求助。

4. Ever since the initial warning came from the Irrigation Department, the governments' central command continuously failed to assess the relevant data, execute the punitive measures and effectively communicate to the general public.

come from来自，源出；产自
例句：This word comes from Latin.
这个词源于拉丁语。
fail to未能…
例句：He failed to pass the examination through carelessness.
由于粗心, 他考试没及格。

5. "After the flooding calms down there will be the reconstruction," said Somphob.

calm down（使）平静，镇静，安静
例句：The situation then calmed down temporarily.
那时的形势得以暂时地平静下来。

6. Scientists warn it may take up to six weeks for the floods to fully subside, with economic losses at close $6 billion.
up to多达
例句：I can take up to four people in my car.
我的汽车最多能坐四个人。

7. But economists expect additional government spending on recovery to boost economic growth into early 2012.

spend on把…花在…
例句：He doesn't spend much time on his homework.
他花在作业上的时间不多。