VOA标准英语2011--Misrata Hospital Copes with Libya's War

Misrata Hospital Copes with Libya's War Wounded

In Libya, forces opposed to former leader Moammar Gadhafi now control most of the country. But Gadhafi continues to evade¹ capture and fighting continues in several important cities. The central coastal² city of Misrata endured intense combat. Yet, its medical workers continue to treat wounded from other areas.
It is early morning at the main hospital in Misrata. All staff have been summoned because an influx³ of patients is expected from the fighting at nearby Gadhafi strongholds.
Doctor Abdulmoneim Ahmed heads the trauma⁴ unit. His staff has treated thousands of wounded during the six months of fighting between forces loyal to Moammar Gadhafi and those backing the opposition⁵ National Transitional Council.
"At beginning we were in a very bad situation. This place [the hospital] was not suitable for such a disaster, but with volunteers and with equipment coming from outside, we had to help ourselves and our people," said Ahmed.
Ali Abu Freida was a first grade teacher until he joined the anti-Gadhafi fighters. He was wounded in the stomach three months ago and still is under treatment.
He says he will go back to teaching after Gadhafi is defeated. Despite his injuries, he says, the effort was worth it. He says he did not wish for things to be like this, but what had to be, had to be. We had to do it, he says, so no regrets.
The number of incoming wounded has slowed since anti-Gadhafi forces gained control of Misrata. But casualties continue to come in from other battlefields. Many hospital staff fled or are missing.
Medical student Amina Baitulmal, 18, is one of 60 volunteers. She says the experience was traumatic at first.
"How do I deal with it? I don't know," Baitulmal said. "I just got used to it. At first, it was shocking but when everything happens you just don't have the time to think. I don't want to say it's easy, but it's ok."
Dr. Ahmed says many staff members and patients are suffering from stress because of what they have experienced.
"We saw a lot of cases with such a problem and we accepted a lot of psychotherapists," noted⁶ Ahmed. "They meet with the patients and are trying to relieve their tension and their problems."
Everyone hopes the fighting will end soon. But most understand that even when it does, the road to recovery - both physical and mental - will be long and hard.

1 evade   

vt.逃避，回避；避开，躲避

参考例句：

• He tried to evade the embarrassing question.他企图回避这令人难堪的问题。
• You are in charge of the job.How could you evade the issue?你是负责人，你怎么能对这个问题不置可否？

2 coastal   

adj.海岸的，沿海的，沿岸的

参考例句：

• The ocean waves are slowly eating away the coastal rocks.大海的波浪慢慢地侵蚀着岸边的岩石。
• This country will fortify the coastal areas.该国将加强沿海地区的防御。

3 influx   

n.流入，注入

参考例句：

• The country simply cannot absorb this influx of refugees.这个国家实在不能接纳这么多涌入的难民。
• Textile workers favoured protection because they feared an influx of cheap cloth.纺织工人拥护贸易保护措施，因为他们担心涌入廉价纺织品。

4 trauma   

n.外伤，精神创伤

参考例句：

• Counselling is helping him work through this trauma.心理辅导正帮助他面对痛苦。
• The phobia may have its root in a childhood trauma.恐惧症可能源于童年时期的创伤。

5 opposition   

n.反对，敌对

参考例句：

• The party leader is facing opposition in his own backyard.该党领袖在自己的党內遇到了反对。
• The police tried to break down the prisoner's opposition.警察设法制住了那个囚犯的反抗。

6 noted   

adj.著名的，知名的

参考例句：

• The local hotel is noted for its good table.当地的那家酒店以餐食精美而著称。
• Jim is noted for arriving late for work.吉姆上班迟到出了名。