Crossword Genius

Sent off to cover an earthquake that impends (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

threatens

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'impends' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both to do with fundamental existence as well as being verbs in their -s form.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'sent off to cover an earthquake' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
an anagram of 'sent' is 'tens' which is located in the answer.
'an' could be 'a' and 'a' is present in the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'that' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for threatens that I've seen before include "Utters intention to injure" , "Utters intention to harm" , "Imperils, jeopardises" , "Bullies" , "Uses verbal intimidation for purpose of 34 Across" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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