Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.1 Earthquake hits offshore Honduras.

5.1 Earthquake hits the Macquarie Islands.

5.0 Earthquake hits off the east coast of Honshu, Japan.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.1 Earthquake hits offshore Honduras.

5.1 Earthquake hits the Macquarie Islands.

5.0 Earthquake hits off the east coast of Honshu, Japan.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the North Atlantic:

Hurricane Matthew is located about 130 mi...215 km NNW of Curacao and about 535 mi...860 km ESE of Kingston Jamaica with maximum sustained winds...100 mph...155 km/h. Present movement...W or 265 degrees at 14 mph...22 km/h.

In the Eastern Pacific:

Tropical Depression Ulika is located about 885 mi...1420 km E of Hilo Hawaii and about 1075 mi...1735 km E of Honolulu Hawaii with maximum sustained winds...35 mph...55 km/h. Present movement...WNW or 290 degrees at 9 mph...15 km/h.

Invest 97E is an area of disturbed weather in the East Pacific that has the potential for further tropical development.

In the Western Pacific:

Tropical Storm 21w (Chaba), located approximately 934 nm southeast of Kadena AB, Guam, is tracking northwestward at 07 knots.

Newsbytes:

Caribbean - Hurricane Matthew, the fifth hurricane of the 2016 Atlantic hurricane season, triggered flooding and landslides on eastern Caribbean islands claiming the life of one person. A tropical storm watch has been issued for Bonaire, Curacao and Aruba along Colombia/Venezuela border to Riohacha. Government offices in Aruba have been closed today and Curacao's parliamentary elections have been postponed until next week.

West Java, Indonesia - According to the Indonesian Red Cross Society, at least 37 people have died and 20 others are still missing after flash floods and landslides struck Garut and Sumedang regencies in West Java. Reports from the National Disaster Management Agency indicate that 858 houses were destroyed and 1,600 others were damaged. Nearly 6,400 people have been displaced in the Garut regency, where water reaching 2 meters high in some areas inundated at least eight sub-districts. Landslides displaced 1,300 people in the villages within the Sumedang regency.

Wildlife

Bumblebee Set to Become Officially Endangered

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has proposed listing a species of bumblebee as an endangered species, the first bee species to be granted such federal protection in the continental United States.

The rusty patched bumblebee - the workers of which can be identified by a small rust-colored mark on the middle of their second abdominal segment - was historically widespread along the east coast of North America, from Quebec down to Georgia, and across much of the midwest as far west as the Dakotas. However, says USFWS, since the late 1990s, the species' numbers have decreased precipitously, and its range is now a mere 8 percent of its historical extent.

According to the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, the bee faces numerous threats from disease, pesticides, habitat loss, and climate change. The society says that the species' recent decline -- and that of other, closely related, bumblebees -- was likely initiated by the spread of pathogens from commercial bees (which are raised and sold to pollinate greenhouse tomatoes and other crops) into the wild population.

Additionally, there's concern over the widespread use of neonicotinoid insecticides within the species' range. These insecticides have been implicated in declines of other bee species and were introduced around the time that the rusty patched bumblebee entered its downward spiral.

Rare frog goes extinct

A rare tree frog — the last documented member of a species relatively new to science — has died at the Atlanta Botanical Garden.

The body of the Rabbs’ fringe-limbed tree frog was discovered in its enclosure Monday morning during a routine daily health inspection.

n 2005, the three groups sent a team of scientists to Panama to collect live animals before a disease called chytridiomycosis struck the area. Among the frogs they brought back to Atlanta was a species of tree frogs (Ecnomiohyla rabborum) that hadn’t been seen before. Identified in 2005 by Zoo Atlanta herpetology curator Joseph Mendelson, it was later named for conservationists George and Mary Rabb. In time, the disease did arrive in Panama, and many of the frogs disappeared.

Jellyfish Invasion

Swarms of invasive comb jellyfish threaten to devastate fish stocks in the Adriatic Sea.

While not dangerous to humans, population blooms of the jellies have devastated fisheries in the Black Sea.

The invaders arrived in oil tanker ballast waters from the Atlantic off North America in 1982, then spread rapidly without any natural enemies.

Since then, they have cost the seafood industry billions of dollars as they spread from the Black Sea to the Caspian and Baltic seas, and now the Adriatic.

Global Warming

Northward Migrating Terns

American researchers were startled this past summer to find a pair of Caspian terns nesting 1,000 miles farther north than the species had ever before been seen.

Typically not found north of Washington state, the birds successfully bred in Alaska’s Cape Krusenstern National Monument.

“[For these birds] to be 1,000 miles further north attests to how much the globe has warmed,” Stanford University biologist Terry Root told The Guardian.

Environment

Global Temperature Extremes

The week's hottest temperature was again 113.0 degrees Fahrenheit (45 degrees Celsius) in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

The week's coldest temperature was minus -93.0 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 69.4 degrees Celsius) at Russia's Vostok Antarctic research station.

Temperatures were tabulated from the more than 10,000 worldwide synoptic weather stations. The United Nations World Meteorological Organization sets the standards for weather observations, and provides a global telecommunications circuit for data distribution.

Disease

Diphtheria reappears in Venezuela after long absence: Another symptom of a broken health system

The governor of Bolivar state, Venezuela, Francisco Rangel Gómez confirmed this week that there are 13 cases of diphtheria in the town of San Antonio, Sifontes municipality, according to a El Diario de Guayana report. The Venezuelan Society of Public Health says diphtheria was eradicated in Venezuela in the late 1940s.

Rift Valley fever in Niger

On 30 August 2016, WHO received reports about unexplained deaths among humans, along with death and abortion in livestock in the North Western parts of Niger, and the areas bordering Mali.

From 2 August to 22 September 2016, 64 human cases including 23 deaths have been reported in Tchintabaraden health district in Tahoua region. The area is mainly populated by nomadic stockbreeders. The deaths have now been attributed to Rift Valley Fever.

Dengue Fever Cases Increase in Vietnam

Officials in Ho Chi Mihn City (HCM City) say that recent increased rainfall has resulted in an increase in the mosquito population in Vietnam’s largest city and the resulting increase in dengue fever.

More than 11,300 dengue cases in the city have been reported this year, an increase of 35 per cent compared to the same period last year and the trend is expected to continue for the next several weeks as Vietnam’s peak dengue season continues through October.

According to local media, Cu Chi District is the hottest spot for dengue infections besides Hoc Mon, Binh Chanh, Thu Duc and Binh Thanh districts.

Hawaii Hepatitis A cases now at 284 as outbreak continues

Eight new cases this week have increased the state Department of Health’s tally of hepatitis A cases to 284 as the worst outbreak of the viral disease in two decades in Hawaii continues to run its course.

The health department first issued a medical advisory to all health care providers on June 30 urging them to report all suspected hepatitis A infections in the search for the cause of the outbreak. The infectious liver disease is usually spread through food or drink contaminated with traces of the feces of an infected person. It can also spread through close personal contact.

Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity

Barujari (Indonesia): Indonesian officials distributed more than 300,000 face masks to residents of Lombok Island as ash from restive Mount Barujari threatened to rain down. While ash from a sudden eruption soared more than 6,000 feet into the sky, most of it blew offshore to the southwest of the volcano. Tremors of up to 5.2 in magnitude jolted Mount Barujari before the eruption.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.7 Earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands off New Zealand.

5.2 Earthquake hits southeast of Easter Island.

5.1 Earthquake hits Nicaragua.

5.1 Earthquake hits Oaxaca, Mexico.

5.0 Earthquake hits Ascension Island.

5.0 Earthquake hits Fiji.

5.0 Earthquake hits the Mariana Islands.

5.0 Earthquake hits Tonga.

5.0 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the North Atlantic: Tropical Storm Matthew iOS located about 320 mi...510 km SSE of San Juan Puerto Rico and about 310 mi...500 km ENE of Curacao with maximum sustained winds...65 mph...100 km/h. Present movement...W or 275 degrees at 16 mph...26 km/h

Invest 97L is an area of disturbed weather in the North Atlantic that has the potential for further tropical development.

In the Eastern Pacific: Tropical Depression Roslyn is located about 345 mi...555 km W of the southern tip of Baja California with maximum sustained winds...30 mph...45 km/h. Present movement...NNW or 345 degrees at 7 mph...11 km/h.

Tropical Storm Ulika is located about 1080 mi...1740 km E of Hilo Hawaii with maximum sustained winds...50 mph...85 km/h. Present movement...NNW or 340 degrees at 6 mph...9 km/h.

Invest 97E is an area of disturbed weather in the East Pacific that has the potential for further tropical development.

In the Western Pacific: Tropical Storm 21w (Chaba), located approximately 198 nm west-northwest of Navsta, Guam, is tracking westward at 14 knots.

Newsbytes:

Taiwan - Typhoon Megi (Typhoon Helen in Philippines) has claimed the lives of a least five people. At least four died across Taiwan, while more 625 others have been injured by the disaster. The typhoon left at least one person dead in China. Heavy rainfall accompanying the typhoon caused flooding in Chinese coastal cities. At least 32 people have been missing after a massive landslide hit part of a village in the eastern Zhejiang Province.

Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity

Klyuchevskoy | Central Kamchatka (Russia) | 56.056°N, 160.642°E | Elevation 4754 m

KVERT reported that a Strombolian eruption at Klyuchevskoy continued during 16-23 September. Volcanic bombs that were ejected above the summit crater and the cinder cone landed in the Apakhonchich drainage on the E flank. A lava flow traveled down the Apakhonchich drainage and also down the SW flank. Satellite images showed a large and bright daily thermal anomaly at the volcano. During 20-22 September explosions generated ash plumes that rose as high as 7 km (23,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 100 km SW, E, and SE. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.

Tengger Caldera | Eastern Java (Indonesia) | 7.942°S, 112.95°E | Elevation 2329 m

PVMBG reported that during 1 June-25 September brownish gray plumes from Tengger Caldera's Bromo cone rose as high as 1.2 km above the crater. A sulfur odor was noted at the Bromo observation post, thunderous noises sometimes vibrated the post doors, and occasionally crater incandescence was observed. Seismic activity was dominated by shallow volcanic earthquakes and tremor. The deformation network measured inflation. Based on analyses of satellite images and information from PVMBG, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 22-23 September ash plumes rose to an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. (720 m above the crater) and drifted almost 40 km SW. On 26 September the Alert Level was raised to 3 (on a scale of 1-4); residents and visitors were reminded not to approach the crater within a radius of 2.5 km.

Tungurahua | Ecuador | 1.467°S, 78.442°W | Elevation 5023 m

IG reported that Tungurahua's seismic network detected a significant increase in the number of long-period (LP) earthquakes on 12 September and small episodes of tremor beginning on 16 September. A swarm of 24 LP events were detected during 0408-0424 on 18 September. Starting at 1400 on 24 September the number of LP events again increased. Gas emissions were low, and together with the increased seismicity, possibly indicates a blocked conduit. IG noted that a possible large-scale eruption may happen within hours to days. In response, the Secretaría de Gestión de Riesgos (SGR) announced that the Alert Level was raised from Yellow to Orange (the second highest on a 4-color scale) on 26 September.

Turrialba | Costa Rica | 10.025°N, 83.767°W | Elevation 3340 m

OVSICORI-UNA reported that during 21-22 September multiple eruptive episodes at Turrialba generated ash, gas, and steam emissions that generally rose as high as 700 m above the crater and drifted N, NW, W, and SW. Ashfall and a sulfur odor were reported in some areas of Valle Central. An energetic episode that began at 0320 on 22 September produced an ash plume that rose 2 km and drifted WSW. Another episode accompanied by tremor which began at 1345 generated an ash plume that rose 1 km. Surficial activity significantly decreased on 23 September; a few short episodes were detected but weather clouds prevented observations. Seismicity remained high, characterized by very-long-period events. Seismicity decreased on 24 September and activity was very low through the afternoon of 25 September; a few minor eruptions were detected. At 2110 on 25 September an eruption was detected seismically, but cloud cover blocked views. Ashfall and a sulfur odor was reported in Valle Central communities, including San José and Heredia. An eruption at 1225 on 26 September produced an ash plume that rose 1 km and drifted NW. Cloud cover again prevented visual observations of activity that began at 1242, and lasted for four hours. Based on the amplitude of the seismic signal, webcam images, and observations from scientists in the field, ash plumes were estimated to rise as high as 2 km. Continuous passive emissions continued to rise as high as 2 km until 1000 on 27 September; between 1000 and 1242 ash plumes rose 300-500 m.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.2 Earthquake hits the Dodecanese Islands on the Turkish border.

5.0 Earthquake hits southern Greece.

5.0 Earthquake hits south of the Kermedec Islands.

5.0 Earthquake hits the Almagan region in the North Mariana Islands.

5.0 Earthquake hits the Mid-Indian ridge.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the North Atlantic: Invest 97L is an area of disturbed weather in the North Atlantic that has the potential for further tropical development.

In the Eastern Pacific: Tropical Storm Roslyn is located about 405 mi...650 km WSW of the southern tip of Baja California with maximum sustained winds...40 mph...65 km/h. Present movement...NNE or 25 degrees at 9 mph...15 km/h.

Hurricane Ulika is located about 1135 mi...1830 km ESE of Hilo Hawaii with maximum sustained winds...75 mph...120 km/h. Present movement...NNE or 30 degrees at 7 mph...11 km/h.

In the Western Pacific: Typhoon 20w (Megi), located approximately 141 nm west of Taipei, Taiwan, is tracking west-northwestward at 12 knots.

Tropical depression 21w (Chaba), located approximately 127 nm east-northeast of Andersen AFB, Guam, is tracking westward at 14 knots.

Newsbytes:

Australia - An entire Australian state lost power as a strong storm lashed the region Wednesday, causing traffic chaos, stranding people in elevators and prompting police to warn residents to stay inside. South Australia state Premier Jay Weatherill said it wasn't clear what caused the power outage, which occurred as heavy rain and fierce winds swept across the state that is home to 1.7 million people.

Global Warming

World's Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide Passes 400 PPM Threshold. Permanently

In the centuries to come, history books will likely look back on September 2016 as a major milestone for the world's climate. At a time when atmospheric carbon dioxide is usually at its minimum, the monthly value failed to drop below 400 parts per million. That all but ensures that 2016 will be the year that carbon dioxide officially passed the symbolic 400 ppm mark, never to return below it in our lifetimes, according to scientists.

September is usually the month when carbon dioxide is at its lowest after a summer of plants growing and sucking it up in the northern hemisphere. As fall wears on, those plants lose their leaves, which in turn decompose, releasing the stored carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere. At Mauna Loa Observatory, the world’s marquee site for monitoring carbon dioxide, there are signs that the process has begun but levels have remained above 400 ppm.

Disease

Newcastle Disease Outbreak in Namibia

About 27 poultry farms in Omusati Region face closure due to the outbreak of Newcastle disease that for the past three months has wreaked havoc in rural villages. Doctors have warned people not to consume or buy chickens from Omusati Region until further notice.

According to the chief veterinarian for Omusati Region, Dr Josephat Peter, the contagious disease that affects domestic and wild avian species entered Namibia from neighbouring Angola, from where people cross the border on a daily basis to sell live chickens in Namibia. The situation now threatens the availability of a viable key protein source in the region that is already grappling with the effects of a severe drought.

Nepal - Tropical Diseases reach Nepal

At least 20 people, including residents of Kathmandu Valley, have tested positive for dengue virus, according to National Public Health Laboratory.

The government’s central laboratory has also confirmed that of the 499 samples, at least two, including a resident of Kathmandu, tested positive for chikungunya.

Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity

Rinjani (Indonesia): More than 1,100 people have been evacuated as 2,000-metre column of ash spewed from Rinjani volcano on Lombok island. Several flights to and from Bali's Denpasar Airport have been cancelled due to volcanic ashes.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.2 Earthquake hits south of Fiji.

5.1 Earthquake hits south of Fiji.

5.0 Earthquake hits Tonga.

5.0 Earthquake hits the Solomon Islands.

5.0 Earthquake hits western Sichuan, China.

5.0 Earthquake hits Easter Island.

Salton Sea - Earthquake Swarm

More than 100 small earthquakes — including three of a magnitude greater than 4 — struck the Salton Sea area Monday.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the swarm of quakes started early Monday morning and continued into the evening. Quakes measuring 4.3 and 4.2 magnitude occurred Monday night.

Many of the quakes were centred near Bombay Beach. They were felt in a relatively small area around the Salton Sea, according to the USGS.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the North Atlantic:

Invest 97L is an area of disturbed weather in the North Atlantic that has the potential for further tropical development.

In the Eastern Pacific:

Tropical Storm Roslyn is located about 615 mi...990 km WSW of the southern tip of Baja California with maximum sustained winds...45 mph...75 km/h. Present movement...NE or 50 degrees at 7 mph...11 km/h.

Tropical Storm Ulika is located about 1105 mi...1780 km ESE of Hilo Hawaii with maximum sustained winds...40 mph...65 km/h. Present movement...N or 350 degrees at 3 mph...6 km/h.

In the Western Pacific:

Typhoon 20w (Megi), located approximately 51 nm south-southeast of Taipei, Taiwan, is tracking northwestward at 22 knots.

Newsbytes:

Australia - Several towns in the Australian state of New South Wales are expected to be cut off for days by widespread flooding. More than 130 homes and farms in and around the town of Forbes in the state's central west are under water after record flooding after the heaviest September rainfall in more than 110 years. The area has been declared a disaster zone.

India - With heavy downpour pummelling Telangana over the past few days, authorities are keeping a watch on the flood situation even as over 1,000 villagers were evacuated in Karimnagar district. The water from the under-construction Mid Manair Dam in Boinapally mandal of Karimnagar had started overflowing from the bund and the earthen embankment had been breached, resulting in floods in the area.

Wildlife

Madagascan tortoise on verge of extinction

Unless the government of Madagascar takes swift action to enforce international anti-poaching and anti-trafficking laws, the country’s largest tortoise – the ploughshare tortoise (or angonoka tortoise) – will likely go extinct in the wild within the next two years, warns a coalition of NGOs working on tortoise conservation.

Ploughshare tortoises live only in the Baly Bay National Park in north-western Madagascar, a park established in 1997 specifically to protect the species in its natural habitat.

Poachers target the animal to export to international collectors as a highly coveted pet with its striking gold and black shell.

Conservationists estimate there may be less than 100 mature adults left in the reserve.

Space Events

Meteor Strikes in Queensland, Australia

Queensland residents have reported bright lights and a loud booming noise in the night sky on Monday. Local radio stations and police have received numerous phone calls from locals reporting a fireball in the sky and tremors, but so far no damage or victims have been reported.

A spokesperson for Geosciences Australia confirmed today that a tremor had been recorded around Gladstone, Central Queensland, around 8:30pm on Monday night but that it wasn’t caused by an earthquake.

It is estimated that the meteor was approximate 1 metre across and was large enough to leave fragments.

Wildfires

Wildfires - California, USA

Crews are battling a fast-moving brush fire on top of Loma Prieta in the Santa Cruz Mountains that is threatening homes and has grown to least 1,000 acres. So far, the fire is five percent contained.

There are no reports of injuries at this time, but Borelli says evacuation orders have been issued for people in about 300 structures near the fire on Casa Loma Road, Loma Chiquita Road, and Loma Prieta Road.

Disease

Bangladesh: Another anthrax outbreak

Health officials in Bangladesh are reporting another anthrax outbreak linked to eating and handling tainted meat, according to local media. The latest outbreak is in Rajshahi District in north-western Bangladesh. Twenty people, adults and children, were infected in Makranda village after consuming anthrax infected buffalo.

Thailand - Zika microcephaly cases

Just two weeks after Thailand officials disclosed seeing some 200 Zika virus infections in 2016 to date, Thailand’s Department of Disease Control reports investigating four suspect cases of Zika-related microcephaly in three babies and one 36-week unborn child, all with smaller than usual heads.

Sudan - Diarrhoea

The number of people in eastern Sudan affected by an “acute watery diarrhea” is multiplying over the past week as Sudanese health officials put the outbreak at 3,084 and the death toll has risen to 57.

Delhi, India - More Diseases Reported

In addition to the approximately 3,000 chikungunya cases, the dengue fever and the malaria cases and deaths reported in India’s capital city, health officials have reported nearly three dozen cases of scrub typhus since July.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

6.0 Earthquake hits the Ryukyu Islands off Japan.

5.2 Earthquake hits Hokkaido, Japan.

5.0 Earthquake hits Hokkaido, Japan.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the North Atlantic: Invest 97L is an area of disturbed weather in the North Atlantic that has the potential for further tropical development.

In the Eastern Pacific: Tropical Storm Roslyn is located about 750 mi...1210 km WSW of the southern tip of Baja California with maximum sustained winds...40 mph...65 km/h, Present movement...NNE or 20 degrees at 5 mph...7 km/h.

Invest 96E is an area of disturbed weather in the East Pacific that has the potential for further tropical development.

In the Western Pacific: Typhoon 20w (Megi), located approximately 341 nm southeast of Taipei, Taiwan, is tracking west-northwestward at 11 knots.

Newsbytes:

Iowa, USA - Thousands residents of Cedar Rapids have left their homes Sunday as floodwaters worsened in the area. Officials have asked to evacuate those living in about 5,000 downtown homes near the river. The National Weather Service expects the Cedar River to crest at 23 feet. If that crest comes to bear, this will be the second worst flood in Cedar Rapids history.

Disease

H1N1 influenza outbreak at Vietnam factory

Scores of employees at a garment factory in the southern province of Kien Giang, Vietnam have tested positive for H1N1 influenza, prompting health officials to ask the factory to take preventive measures against further spread, according to a local media report. 117 of the nearly 1,000 employees tested positive according to the Ho Chi Minh City Pasteur Institute.

Rabies in the Philippines

The Philippines struggles with human rabies cases, ranking number 10 among the top countries with human rabies deaths. During the first six months of 2016, the Philippines province of Pangasinan have reported 14,390 animal bite cases and 14 human rabies deaths.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

6.5 Earthquake hits Fiji.

6.3 Earthquake hits Tonga.

5.6 Earthquake hits Papua, Indonesia.

5.4 Earthquake hits south of the Kermedec Islands.

5.3 Earthquake hits Antofagasta, Chile.

5.3 Earthquake hits south of the Kermedec Islands.

5.1 Earthquake hits south of the Kermedec Islands.

5.1 Earthquake hits Fiji.

5.0 Earthquake hits Mindanao in the Philippines.

5.0 Earthquake hits the Banda Sea.

5.0 Earthquake hits near the east coast of Honshu, Japan.

5.0 Earthquake hits Fiji.

5.0 Earthquake hits the Izu Islands off Japan.

5.0 Earthquake hits off the coast of northern California.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the North Atlantic: Tropical Storm Karl is located about 635 mi...1025 km S of Cape Race Newfoundland with maximum sustained winds...70 mph...110 km/h. Present movement...NE or 55 degrees at 46 mph...74 km/h.

Post Tropical Cyclone Lisa is located about 1275 mi...2055 km NW of the Cabo Verde islands and about 1165 mi...1875 km SW of the Azores with maximum sustained winds...35 mph...55 km/h, Present movement...NW or 305 degrees at 13 mph...20 km/h.

Invest 97L is an area of disturbed weather in the North Atlantic that has the potential for further tropical development.

In the Eastern Pacific: Invest 94E is an area of disturbed weather in the East Pacific that has the potential for further tropical development.

Invest 96E is an area of disturbed weather in the East Pacific that has the potential for further tropical development.

In the Western Pacific: Typhoon 20w (Megi), located approximately 582 nm east-southeast of Taipei, Taiwan, is tracking west-northwestward at 14 knots.

Newsbytes:

Iowa, USA - Floods force mandatory evacuations in Iowa. About 25 Palo homes were evacuated Saturday as thousands of eastern Iowa residents continued to brace for the rising floodwaters of the Cedar River. Sandbagging operations continued in Cedar Rapids, where evacuations are expected to begin Sunday.

Thailand - Four districts in this central province have been inundated, with almost 8,000 households affected by accelerated discharges from the Chao Phraya Dam in recent days. A total of 204 villages in 35 tambons were flooded by water from 30-70 centimetres deep. In low-lying areas, water was as deep as one metre.

India - Residents living in low-lying areas of Indian information technology hub Hyderabad are being evacuated as days of rain led to floods in the city. The floods brought on by monsoon rains that have been ongoing since Tuesday inundated several districts of Telangana and parts of Hyderabad city, the capital of the state.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

6.4 Earthquake hits Mindanao in the Philippines.

5.6 Earthquake hits Romania.

5.4 Earthquake hits south of the Kermedec Islands.

5.2 Earthquake hits near the north coast of Papua, Indonesia.

5.2 Earthquake hits the Azu Islands off Japan.

5.1 Earthquake hits Reykjane’s ridge.

5.1 Earthquake hits off the east coast of Honshu, Japan.

Two 5.0 earthquakes hit the South Sandwich Islands.

5.0 Earthquake hits Reykjane’s ridge.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the North Atlantic: Tropical Storm Karl is located about 50 mi...80 km se of Bermuda with maximum sustained winds...65 mph...100 km/h. Present movement...NE or 35 degrees at 17 mph...28 km/h.

Tropical Depression Lisa is located about 1050 mi...1690 km WNW of the Cabo Verde islands and about 1170 mi...1885 km SW of the Azores with maximum sustained winds...35 mph...55 km/h. Present movement...NW or 315 degrees at 9 mph...15 km/h.

In the Eastern Pacific: Invest 94E is an area of disturbed weather in the East Pacific that has the potential for further tropical development.

In the Western Pacific: Tropical storm 20w (Megi), located approximately 644 nm southeast of Kadena AB, Okinawa, Japan, is tracking northwestward at 13 knots.

Newsbytes:

Indonesia Update - Flooding and landslide triggered by heavy rainfall have now claimed the lives of at least 26 people and left 19 others missing on the Indonesian island of Java.

North Korea - South Korea has repeated its refusal to give aid to the flood-hit North despite warnings of an epidemic, claiming that Kim Jong Un would take undue credit for its help. At least 138 people have died and nearly 400 are missing after torrential rain flooded villages in the impoverished northeast of North Korea, according to the UN. A “second disaster” is on the way through disease and malnutrition, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies warned as it appealed for $15.5 million in emergency funding. The UN estimates that 100,000 people are homeless and 40,000 need other forms of aid.

Australia - Forbes residents have evacuated under orders from the State Emergency Service as floodwaters are set to increase overnight and throughout Sunday. The town in central-western NSW has been hit by by floodwaters from the Lachlan River, which are poised to surpass 10.65 metres by midday on Sunday. More than 1000 residents were ordered to leave their homes on Saturday, and families heading west for the school holidays have been urged to avoid the area.

Global Warming

Greenland Is Losing More Ice Than Scientists Thought

Rising temperatures are melting ice and sending it to the ocean, a process that is pushing sea levels higher and altering the landscape at both poles. The latest news comes from Greenland, where researchers have used high-tech satellite and GPS measurements to see how much mass the ice sheet is losing.

Their results, published this week in Science Advances, indicate that it's melting faster than previous estimates, particularly in areas where the ice sheet comes in direct contact with the ocean. It's a troubling finding for the future of coastal areas around the world.

The Greenland ice sheet contains enough water that, if melted, would raise sea levels up to 23 feet. Rising temperatures have already eaten away at it, and Greenland's ice sheet is responsible for about 30 percent of the observed foot of sea level rise since the start of the 20th century. While the rest of the ice sheet isn't going to disappear overnight, it's fate is intimately tied to the fate of communities along the coast.

Because of Greenland's remoteness and sheer mass, measuring changes is a challenge. The land under the ice sheet also adds another wrinkle. Ice started receding due to natural forces 20,000 years ago, and the land underneath has been slowly rising in response.

The areas losing mass the fastest are spots where the ice sheet has a direct connection to the ocean. Rising ocean waters and air temperatures are essentially putting ice in a vice grip of warming and speeding up melt.

Wildfires

Wildfires - California, USA

Firefighters in California continue to battle the Soberanes Fire near Big Sur, which recently became the most expensive wildfire in United States history. The blaze, which has been burning for almost two months, has cost $208.4 million to fight as of September 20, according to the Associated Press.

The fire began on July 22, with an illegal, unattended campfire. As of Friday, the fire was 71 percent contained. More than 2,000 firefighters are battling the fire, which has burned 121,000 acres, making it the 20th largest fire in California’s history.

Disease

Dengue Fever in Sri Lanka

The number of dengue fever cases in the capital city region of Colombo, Sri Lanka has eclipsed 13,000 cases through Sep.22, according to the Epidemiology Unit of the Sri Lanka Ministry of Health. The 13,059 dengue cases in Colombo accounts for more than 30 percent of the 41,173 cases reported nationwide.

Cholera in Lagos, Nigeria

Another outbreak of cholera has claimed six lives in the Lagos, Nigeria community of Isolo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), according to a local media report. The Health Ministry’s Epidemiology Unit reports forty-five cholera cases in the current outbreak.

Monkeypox outbreak reported in Mingala, Central African Republic

During the past month, fourteen monkeypox cases, including one fatality have been reported in four villages in the Sub-prefecture of Mingala in the Central African Republic (CAR), according to Reliefweb. This is the first outbreak of monkeypox in CAR since late 2015 in the Prefecture of Mbomou. In addition, there are reports of 10 fatalities due to an unknown cause in the same villages.

Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity

Kilauea (Hawai'i): The eruption continues with no significant changes. A sharp deflation since yesterday resulted in the Halema'uma'u lava lake drop by 14 meters in a single day. It is currently no longer visible from the Jagger museum overlook. Apart from that, lava flows continue to reach the ocean at two main entry points.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

6.3 Earthquake hits off the east coast of Honshu, Japan.

5.6 Earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.

5.5 Earthquake hits Mozambique.

5.3 Earthquake hits western Sichuan, China.

5.3 Earthquake hits off the east coast of Honshu, Japan.

5.2 Earthquake hits western Sichuan, China.

Three 5.1 Earthquakes hit near the east coast of Honshu, Japan.

5.1 Earthquake hits Vanuatu.

5.1 Earthquake hits the Solomon Islands.

5.0 Earthquake hits near the east coast of Honshu, Japan.

5.0 Earthquake hits the Banda Sea.

5.0 Earthquake hits off the east coast of North Island, New Zealand.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the North Atlantic: Tropical Storm Karl is located about 305 mi...490 km S of Bermuda with maximum sustained winds...60 mph...95 km/h. Present movement...NW or 325 degrees at 15 mph...24 km/h.

Tropical Storm Lisa is located about 860 mi...1390 km WNW of the Cabo Verde islands and about 1230 mi...1985 km SSW of the Azores with maximum sustained winds...40 mph...65 km/h. Present movement...NW or 315 degrees at 9 mph...15 km/h.

In the Eastern Pacific: Invest 94E is an area of disturbed weather in the East Pacific that has the potential for further tropical development.

Invest 95E is an area of disturbed weather in the East Pacific that has the potential for further tropical development.

In the Western Pacific: Tropical storm 20w (Megi), located approximately 800 nm southeast of Kadena AB, Okinawa, Japan, is tracking northwestward at 20 knots.

Wildlife

Quieter Spring Skies over North America

The skies across much of North America have become increasingly more quiet over recent decades as the bird populations plummeted by 1.6 billion, according to a new study.

Scientists say that of the 86 species studied, 22 have lost at least half of their population since 1970.

“We’re really getting down to the dregs of some of these populations,” said study co-author Judith Kennedy of Environment Canada.

Domestic cats are believed to kill more than 2 billion birds each year, while farming disrupts habitats of grassland birds and adulterates the landscape with pesticides.

Logging has also thinned the forests used by many migrating birds as resting and refuelling stops.

Global Warming

Record Arctic Melt

The Arctic’s sea ice shrank to its second-lowest coverage since scientists began measuring it by satellite in the late 1970s.

The U.S. National Snow and Ice Data Centre says the sea ice reached its summer minimum on Sept. 10, when it covered only 1.6 million square miles around the North Pole.

This virtually tied with the summer of 2007 for second place. The all-time minimum was reached in 2012 with only 1.3 million square miles of ice remaining on Sept. 17.

Environment

Global Temperature Extremes

The week's hottest temperature was again 115.0 degrees Fahrenheit (46.1 degrees Celsius) in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

The week's coldest temperature was minus -99.0 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 72.8 degrees Celsius) at Russia's Vostok Antarctic research station.

Temperatures were tabulated from the more than 10,000 worldwide synoptic weather stations. The United Nations World Meteorological Organization sets the standards for weather observations, and provides a global telecommunications circuit for data distribution.

Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity

Bulusan | Luzon (Philippines) | 12.77°N, 124.05°E | Elevation 1565

PHIVOLCS reported that, beginning at 1654 on 16 September, a four-minute-long phreatic explosion at Bulusan generated a dark gray ash plume that rose 1.5 km and drifted NE. Ashfall was reported in the municipalities of Casiguran, Gubat, and Barcelona. The Alert Level remained at 1, indicating abnormal conditions and a 4-km-radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ).

Klyuchevskoy | Central Kamchatka (Russia) | 56.056°N, 160.642°E | Elevation 4754 m

KVERT reported that a Strombolian eruption at Klyuchevskoy continued during 9-16 September. Volcanic bombs that were ejected above the summit crater and the cinder cone landed in the Apakhonchich drainage on the E flank. A lava flow traveled down the Apakhonchich drainage and also down the SW flank. Satellite images showed a large and bright daily thermal anomaly at the volcano. On 10, 13, and 15 September ash plumes rose as high as 7 km (23,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 50 km NE and SE. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.

Piton de la Fournaise | Reunion Island (France) | 21.244°S, 55.708°E | Elevation 2632 m

OVPF reported that volcanic tremor at Piton de la Fournaise stabilized during 14-17 September. Field observations on 15 September revealed that the two volcanic cones that had formed on the lower part of the fissures had begun to coalesce. Lava from the northernmost cone flowed N and NE, and by 0900, was active midway between Piton Partage and Nez Coupé de Sainte Rose. The height of the lava fountains grew in the afternoon, rising as high as 60 m, likely from activity ceasing at the southernmost cone and focusing at one main cone. On 16 September the main cone continued to build around a 50-m-high lava fountain; lava flows from this vent traveled NE. Tremor rose during the night on 17 September, and then fell sharply at 0418 on 18 September, indicating the end of surficial activity. During 11-18 September the erupted volume was an estimated 7 million m3.

Turrialba | Costa Rica | 10.025°N, 83.767°W | Elevation 3340 m

OVSICORI-UNA reported that starting at 0210 on 13 September ash emissions from Turrialba rose 300 m and drifted NNW. A small explosion was detected later that day at 1947. Small explosions were detected at 1804 and 2147 on 15 September. On 16 September small explosions were recorded at 0240, followed by three periods of passive ash emissions. An explosion at 1100 on 16 September generated an ash plume that rose 50 m above the crater and likely drifted S (inclement weather prevented visual observations). Ashfall was reported in the Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo, and areas E of San José and Heredia including Ipís de Guadalupe.

A series of gas-and-ash emissions began at 0958 on 17 September with an ash plume that rose 400 m above the crater and drifted NW. Plumes the rest of the day did not exceed that height, though an explosion at 2148 generated a plume that rose 500 m. Ash-and-gas emissions were recorded on 18 September; some plumes were observed rising as high as 500 m, although inclement weather hindered most observations. Explosions during four energetic periods on 19 September generated ash plumes that rose as high as 4 km. A sulfur odor and ashfall was reported in many communities in the Valle Central including those in San José (35 km WSW), Heredia (38 km W), Alajuela, and Cartago (25 km SW). According to news articles, flights in and out of the Juan Santamaría International Airport were canceled; the airport remained closed at least through the morning of 20 September. The Pavas San José Tobías Bolaños Airport was also temporarily closed. At night during 19-20 September ash emissions rose as high as 500 m and drifted WNW. Ash plumes during the rest of 20 September rose as high as 700 m. Plumes drifted NW and NE.

White Island | North Island (New Zealand) | 37.52°S, 177.18°E | Elevation 321 m

Based on field observations of White Island on 14 September, GeoNet reported that the eruption which had occurred the day before had ceased. An analysis of collected ash deposits revealed no juvenile components. Seismic and acoustic activity remained low, and gas flux had not changed since before the eruption. On 15 September the Volcanic Alert Level was lowered to 2 and the Aviation Colour Code was lowered to Yellow. Observations during 17-18 September suggested no new sustained ash emissions (web camera images indicated that very minor amounts of ash may have been present in the steam plumes); the Volcanic Alert Level was lowered to 1.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.2 Earthquake hits New Britain, Papua New Guinea.

5.0 Earthquake hits the South Sandwich islands.

5.0 Earthquake hits Easter Island.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the North Atlantic:

Tropical Depression Karl is located about 625 mi...1005 km SSE of Bermuda with maximum sustained winds...35 mph...55 km/h. Present movement...NW or 315 degrees at 16 mph...26 km/h.

Tropical Storm Lisa is located about 710 mi...1140 km WNW of the Cabo Verde islands with maximum sustained winds...45 mph...75 km/h. Pesent movement...NW or 310 degrees at 14 mph...22 km/h.

In the Eastern Pacific:

Invest 94E is an area of disturbed weather in the East Pacific that has the potential for further tropical development.

Invest 95E is an area of disturbed weather in the East Pacific that has the potential for further tropical development.

Newsbytes:

Australia - Floods continue for central west NSW. Further flooding is expected in NSW with families heading bush for the school holidays urged to rethink travel plans. Residents in central west NSW and the Riverina are being warned to expect flooding and road closures. Flood warnings are current for 12 river systems, with the State Emergency Service (SES) saying the worst-affected areas are around the Lachlan, Murrumbidgee and Macquarie rivers.

India - Hyderabad experienced heavy rainfall in various parts of the city early on Wednesday morning, with flooding at some places. A flood-like situation prevailed at Kukatpally, Alwal, Qutbullapur and Malkajgiri, with thunderstorms leading to continuous rainfall throughout the night.

Disease

Leprosy in Florida, USA

In a follow-up to a report from February on the leprosy situation in Florida in 2016, updated data from the Department of Health shows the case tally has risen to 14 through Sep. 22.

Romania - increase in measles

n 2015, Romanian health officials say only seven confirmed cases of measles were reported through the whole year and no fatalities. During the first eight months of 2016 is a totally different story as the Health Ministry has registered 675 cases to date, including 2 deaths in infants.

Outbreak: Rift Valley Fever reported in Niger, Mali

Neighboring West Africa countries, Miger and Mali, are experiencing outbreaks of the viral disease, Rift Valley Fever (RVF), where nearly 100 cases and at least 21 deaths have been reported. The outbreak in Niger has sickened 52 people since August, including 21 fatalities, according to The Alliance for International Medical Action.

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) – Saudi Arabia

Between 23 August and 11 September 2016 the National IHR Focal Point of Saudi Arabia reported five (5) additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

6.1 Earthquake hits the Izu islands off Japan.

5.2 Earthquake hits Tonga.

5.2 Earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.

5.1 Earthquake hits near the north coast of Papua, Indonesia.

5.1 Earthquake hits the Comoros.

5.1 Earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.

5.0 Earthquake hits Antofagasta, Chile.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the North Atlantic:

Tropical Depression Karl is located about 350 mi...560 km NE of the Leeward Islands and about 945 mi...1525 km SSE of Bermuda with maximum sustained winds...35 mph...55 km/h. Present movement...W or 280 degrees at 14 mph...22 km/h.

Tropical Storm Lisa is located about 550 mi...890 km WNW of the Cabo Verde islands with maximum sustained winds...50 mph...85 km/h. Present movement...NW or 315 degrees at 9 mph...15 km/h.

In the Eastern Pacific:

Post Tropical Cyclone Paine is located about 85 mi...140 km W of Punta Eugenia, Mexico with maximum sustained winds...35 mph...55 km/h. Present movement...N or 10 degrees at 12 mph...19 km/h.

Invest 94E is an area of disturbed weather in the East Pacific that has the potential for further tropical development.

In the Western Pacific:

Tropical Depression 18w (Malakas), located approximately 159 nm northeast of Yokosuka, Japan, is tracking east-northeastward at 33 knots.

Newsbytes:

Indonesia - At least 19 villagers were killed after torrential rains caused flooding and triggered landslides on the Indonesian island of Java, officials said Wednesday.

Wildlife

Reindeer Cull in Serbia

Thousands of reindeer won’t get to see in Christmas this year after officials demanded a huge slaughter of a quarter of a million festive deer. Serbian officials have demanded a huge cull of a 250,000 reindeer by Christmas over the risk of an anthrax outbreak.

Currently 730,000 animals are being kept in the Yamal Peninsula and the rest of the Yamalo-Nenets region. But numbers are “unsustainable” according to officials, who have claimed the vast amount could risk disease spreading and chronic overgrazing.

This year’s cull, however, comes after reindeer herds suffered from an outbreak of the deadly disease anthrax this summer. The disease killed 2,349 deer and a young boy during the hot summer weather in three spirit outbreaks.

Anthrax Found in Texas Deer, USA

Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) officials confirmed Anthrax in white-tailed deer in Kinney County on September 16, 2016. The affected premises is located approximately 12 miles east of Brackettville. The premises has been quarantined and TAHC rules require proper disposal of affected carcasses and vaccination of livestock on the premises prior to release of the quarantine.

Disease

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) – Austria

On 8 September 2016 the National IHR Focal Point for Austria notified WHO of a laboratory confirmed case of Middle-East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection. This is the second case of MERS-CoV in Austria.

Zika Virus - Philippines

The Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) in Muntinlupa, Manila confirmed and the Philippines Department of Health (DOH) reported today about six additional locally acquired, or autochthonous Zika virus infections, bringing the total in the country to nine.

Wildfires

Wildfires - Siberia

Wildfires happen every summer, but the especially warm northern summer of 2016 has been particularly bad for wildfires (as was 2015). As months-long wildfires still burn in California, the boreal forests of eastern Russia are burning, too, with numerous blazes since July, according to the European Space Agency (ESA). This image is from ESA’s Copernicus Sentinel-3A satellite, taken September 14. It shows smoke billowing from a string of fires northwest of Lake Baikal in Siberia. These huge smoke plumes stretch over 1,600 miles (2,000 kilometres), nearly half the distance across the contiguous U.S. (from Florida to Washington is 2,802 miles, or 4,500 km).

Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity

Kilauea (Hawai'i): Following the inflation cycle that began 2 days ago (and might be now turning into deflation), the lava lake in the Halema'uma'u summit crater has risen again into clear view from the HVO observatory. This morning, its surface was only 12 m (39 ft) below the rim. An explosion of the lava lake was observed yesterday around 21:15 local time - probably triggered by a larger rockfall from the unstable crater walls, a fountain of incandescent material rose from the NE end of the lake to about the outer rim near the old overlook area, generating a plume of steam and ash that rose several hundred meters and quickly dissipated SW. The two sea entries at Kamokuna remain active and well alimented; additionally, active pahoehoe breakouts are present about 2 km (1.2 mi) inland from the coast and higher up on the pali.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.6 Earthquake hits the southwest Indian ridge.

5.4 Earthquake hits the Russia-Mongolia border.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the North Atlantic:

Tropical Storm Karl is located about 625 mi...1010 km ENE of the Leeward Islands with maximum sustained winds...40 mph...65 km/h. Present movement...WNW or 290 degrees at 17 mph...28 km/h.

Tropical Depression Thirteen is located about 390 mi...625 km WSW of the Cabo Verde islands with maximum sustained winds...35 mph...55 km/h. Present movement...WNW or 295 degrees at 9 mph...15 km/h.

In the Eastern Pacific:

Tropical Storm Paine is located about 195 mi...315 km SSW of Punta eugenia Mexico and about 285 mi...460 km W of Cabo San Lazaro Mexico with maximum sustained winds...50 mph...85 km/h. Present movement...N or 360 degrees at 13 mph...20 km/h.

In the Western Pacific:

Tropical Storm 18w (Malakas), located approximately 187 nm west-southwest of Yokosuka, Japan, is tracking northeastward at 25 knots.

Wildlife

In Photos: Watch an Eagle Take Down a Drone

The eagles working with the Dutch police have been trained to treat drones as though they were prey, knocking them out of the air.

Kenya’s wildebeest migration is happening now, and everyone can see it

WildEarth in partnership with HerdTracker will be live streaming the wildebeest migration via various social media streams during dedicated times from Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve from Tuesday, 20 to 25 September 2016.

The live broadcasts will be hosted daily on HerdTracker’s Facebook page and WildEarth’s safariLIVE YouTube channel between 15:00 to 22:30, central African time, and will centre around the wildebeest migration crossing the Nile crocodile-infested Mara River as well as the predatory action of lions hunting at night in the Masai Mara.

Disease

Legionnaires’ outbreak in Minnesota, USA

Minnesota health officials reported three additional Legionnaires’ disease cases in the city of Hopkins, bringing the outbreak total to 12. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) says two of the three new cases required hospitalization for their illnesses. The investigation into the source of the cases is ongoing.

Sudan - Water-Borne Disease Outbreak

An outbreak of water-borne disease has killed at least 19 people and sickened scores more in Sudan's rain-ravaged states of Blue Nile and Kasala, a minister said Monday.

Since June, heavy rain and flooding have hit several states of Sudan, killing at least 100 people, destroying thousands of homes and submerging many villages.

"In the past three weeks, 19 people including children have died from water-borne diseases like diarrhoea," Health Minister Bahar Idris Abu Garda told AFP.

Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

No Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes so far today.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the North Atlantic: Post-Tropical Cyclone Julia is located about 110 mi...175 km SSE of Myrtle Beach South Carolina and about 195 mi...315 km SSW of Cape Lookout North Carolina with maximum sustained winds...30 mph...45 km/h. Present movement...NW or 310 degrees at 7 mph...11 km/h.

Tropical Storm Karl is located about 930 mi...1500 km E of the Leeward Islands with maximum sustained winds...40 mph...65 km/h. Present movement...W or 270 degrees at 15 mph...24 km/h.

Invest 96L is an area of disturbed weather in the North Atlantic that has the potential for further tropical development.

In the Eastern Pacific: Hurricane Paine is located about 340 mi...550 km WSW of the southern tip of Baja California with maximum sustained winds...75 mph...120 km/h. Present movement...NW or 315 degrees at 15 mph...24 km/h.

In the Western Pacific: Typhoon 18w (Malakas), located approximately 188 nm south-southwest of Sasebo, Japan, is tracking northeastward at 13 knots.

Newsbytes:

Thailand - At least 20 villages in three districts of this northern province have been hit by flash-floods following heavy rain throughout Saturday night, reports said. More than 100 houses at Ban Khem in tambon Huay Thung were damaged. Soldiers used heavy machinery to remove objects obstructing water flows and helped repair the damaged houses.

Nepal - A flash flood in downtown Pokhara triggered by heavy rainfall since Saturday evening has killed one person while another has gone missing. With this, the death toll from flash floods in Pokhara in the past three weeks has reached three.

Wildfires

Wildfires - California

Firefighters contained 10 percent of the wildfire that exploded in the Inyo National Forest over the weekend, burning 4,500 acres as of Sunday in Mono County, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

Two large fires were burning in close proximity Saturday near the Soup Springs Campground, about 12 miles east of Likely, in the Modoc National Forest.

Disease

Venezuela - Malaria Outbreak

In a follow-up to a report earlier this month concerning the malaria epidemic in Venezuela, the organization, Observatorio Venezolano de la Salud (OVS) estimates the number of cases by the end of 2016 will be 350,000

Through August 2016, nearly 150,000 malaria cases have been reported, a 72 percent increase over 2015. In recent weeks, Venezuela is reporting between 3000 and 5000 malaria cases a week.

The projected 350,000 cases for 2016 by the OVS would account for 50 percent of all malaria cases on the continent.

Indonesian Smoke Haze - 100 000 deaths Estimated

Indonesian forest fires that choked a swath of Southeast Asia with a smoky haze for weeks last year may have caused more than 100,000 deaths, according to new research that will add to pressure on Indonesia's government to tackle the annual crisis.

The estimate of early deaths linked to respiratory illness and other causes covers Indonesia and its neighbours Singapore and Malaysia. It dwarfs Indonesia's official toll of 19 that included deaths from illness and the deaths of firefighters. However, the possible scale of serious health consequences was indicated by a statement from the country's disaster management agency in October that said more than 43 million Indonesians were exposed to smoke from the fires and half a million suffered acute respiratory infections.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.4 Earthquake hits near the north coast of Papua, Indonesia.

5.2 Earthquake hits the South Georgia Islands.

5.1 Earthquake hits near the north coast of papua, Indonesia.

5.0 Earthquake hits near the north coast of papua, Indonesia.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the North Atlantic: Tropical Depression Julia is located about 255 mi...410 km se of Charleston South Carolina with maximum sustained winds...30 mph...45 km/h. Present movement...NW or 320 degrees at 3 mph...6 km/h.

Tropical Storm Karl is located about 1350 mi...2175 km E of the Leeward Islands with maximum sustained winds...40 mph...65 km/h. Present movement...W or 265 degrees at 12 mph...19 km/h.

Invest 96L is an area of disturbed weather in the North Atlantic that has the potential for further tropical development.

In the Eastern Pacific: Tropical Depression Seventeen-E is located about 380 mi...610 km SW of Cabo Corrientes Mexico and about 430 mi...690 km S of Cabo San Lucas Mexico with maximum sustained winds...35 mph...55 km/h. Present movement...NW or 305 degrees at 16 mph...26 km/h.

Invest 93E is an area of disturbed weather in the East Pacific that has the potential for further tropical development.

In the Western Pacific: Typhoon 18w (Malakas), located approximately 231 nm west of Kadena AB, is tracking northeastward at 09 knots.

Newsbytes:

Asian Typhoons - The strongest typhoon to hit China this year has left 28 people dead and 15 others missing in the east of the country. Typhoon Meranti made landfall early Thursday in Fujian province after winds and rains associated with it pounded Taiwan, leaving one person dead and more than 50 injured. Authorities in Fujian said Saturday that the typhoon had left 18 people dead and 11 missing, damaged more than 18,300 houses and caused direct economic losses of more than 16.9 billion yuan ($2.5 billion). Authorities in neighbouring Zhejiang province say that 10 people died and four remained unaccounted for following landslides and flash floods in rural areas. Taiwan saw wind and rain from a second typhoon, Malakas, that caused no apparent deaths. That typhoon was also forecast to bring more storms and rains to Zhejiang and Fujian.

Disease

Chikungunya and dengue in Delhi

While the mosquito borne virus, Zika, has captured the attention of most of the world as it spreads through the Americas and Southeast Asia, India is grappling with a different mosquito borne virus transmitted by the same mosquito vector, Aedes spp.

In India’s capital city, Delhi, with a population in the metro area of well over 20 million people, a virus first detected in Africa 65 years ago has grabbed the attention and fears of this group of people – chikungunya.

The city has reported in excess of 1,700 chikungunya cases, including 15 deaths in recent weeks (although one report says the Delhi government is denying the fatalities.

This does not include the 1,100 dengue fever cases and 18 deaths also being reported in the city, prompting the government to appeal to the public not to panic.

And this is just in Delhi. Across the country, these two virus are taking their toll in a number of regions.

Mumps: Arkansas and New York update

Through Aug. 13, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported 1,786 mumps cases, the most reported in the US since 2010. Two states are being hit particularly hard by the contagious viral disease of recent–Arkansas and New York.

Zika Virus - France

While France has yet to report a Zika virus local transmission, the European country has reported almost 1,000 travel associated, or imported cases through Sep. 15 this year, according to Sante Publique France.

From Jan. to Sep. 15, 978 imported Zika virus cases have been reported. This includes 30 pregnant women and 5 cases of neurological complications.

In addition, France has seen 10 cases of confirmed sexually transmitted Zika virus this year.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.9 Earthquake hits near the north coast of Papua, Indonesia.

5.6 Earthquake hits Vanuatu.

5.5 Earthquake hits the southwest Indian ridge.

5.1 Earthquake hits near the north coast of Papua, Indonesia.

5.0 Earthquake hits Bio-Bio, Chile.

5.0 Earthquake hits southern Sumatra, Indonesia.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the North Atlantic: Tropical Depression Julia is located about 280 mi...455 km se of Charleston South Carolina with maximum sustained winds...30 mph...45 km/h. Present movement...stationary.

Tropical Storm Karl is located about 950 mi...1525 km W of the Cabo Verde islands and about 1555 mi...2500 km E of the Leeward Islands with maximum sustained winds...45 mph...75 km/h. Present movement...W or 265 degrees at 14 mph...22 km/h.

Invest 96L is an area of disturbed weather in the North Atlantic that has the potential for further tropical development.

In the Eastern Pacific: Post Tropical Cyclone Orlene is located about 1160 mi...1865 km W of the southern tip of Baja California with maximum sustained winds...35 mph...55 km/h. Present movement...W or 275 degrees at 9 mph...15 km/h.

Invest 93E is an area of disturbed weather in the East Pacific that has the potential for further tropical development.

In the Western Pacific: Typhoon 18w (Malakas), located approximately 72 nm east of Taipei, Taiwan, is tracking northward at 12 knots.

Newsbytes:

England - Flash floods in south-east England caused road and rail disruption and a train derailment on London Midland’s service into Euston on Friday. After overnight thunderstorms dumped almost half a month’s rain on the home counties in just a few hours, the Environment Agency issued 31 flood alerts, including parts of the upper reaches of the Thames, before 9am. Travel conditions were made worse by the derailment near Watford Junction of the 6.19am service from Milton Keynes to Euston after floods caused a landslide.

New Zealand - Heavy rain has flooded several houses in Kapiti, north of Wellington, and more rain is forecast for Mount Taranaki and the Tararua Range.

Environment

Environmental destruction - a crime against humanity

This week, the International Criminal Court announced that it would give special consideration to pursuing crimes involving environmental destruction and land grabs.

The announcement, made in a policy document released by the ICC's prosecutor on Thursday, appeared to show a deliberate expansion in focus for The Hague-based court, which was established by the Rome Statute in 1998 to investigate war crimes and crimes against humanity when national governments were unable to do so.

The potential effects could be significant. It could signal that ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda would pursue cases involving environmental damage or the misuse or theft of land as crimes against humanity. It also raises the question of whether international corporations and other businesses could become embroiled in cases in a court better known for cases against dictators and warlords.

Wildfires

Wildfires - Peru

Peru is presently grappling with numerous wildfires in the dry and drought stricken Peruvian Amazon. A new wildfire has been reported near the small city of Quillabamba in southern Peru.

Disease

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) – Saudi Arabia

Between 20 July and 18 August 2016, the National IHR Focal Point of Saudi Arabia reported eight (8) additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) including one (1) fatal case. The death of two (2) previously reported MERS cases was also reported.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.3 Earthquake hits Mindanao in the Philippines.

5.3 Earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.

5.2 Earthquake hits Seram, Indonesia.

5.0 Earthquake hits Veracruz, Mexico.

5.0 Earthquake hits the Unimak Islands, Alaska.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the North Atlantic: Tropical Storm Ian is located about 600 mi...965 km E of Cape Race Newfoundland and about 1500 mi...2410 km SW of Reykjavik, Iceland with maximum sustained winds...60 mph...95 km/h. Present movement...NE or 40 degrees at 48 mph...78 km/h.

Tropical Storm Julia is located about 215 mi...345 km SSE of Cape Fear North Carolina and about 240 mi...390 km ESE of Charleston South Carolina with maximum sustained winds...40 mph...65 km/h. Present movement...se or 135 degrees at 5 mph...7 km/h.

Tropical Storm Karl is located about 640 mi...1030 km WNW of the Cabo Verde islands and about 1870 mi...3005 km E of the Leeward Islands with maximum sustained winds...45 mph...75 km/h. Present movement...W or 280 degrees at 13 mph...20 km/h.

In the Eastern Pacific: Tropical Storm Orlene is located about 1005 mi...1615 km W of the southern tip of Baja California with maximum sustained winds...50 mph...85 km/h. Present movement...W or 270 degrees at 12 mph...19 km/h.

Invest 93E is an area of disturbed weather in the East Pacific that has the potential for further tropical development.

In the Western Pacific: Typhoon 18w (Malakas), located approximately 361 nm southwest of Kadena AB, is tracking north-northwestward at 11 knots.

Newsbytes:

Super Typhoon Meranti breaks records - Super Typhoon Meranti (Typhoon Ferdie in Philippines) is the strongest tropical cyclone worldwide in 2016 and is one of three most powerful typhoons ever recorded: Strongest typhoon since Typhoon Megi (2010) - In terms of pressure; Strongest since Typhoon Haiyan (2013) - In terms of maximum sustained winds; Strongest tropical cyclone worldwide in 2016 and Deepest tropical cyclone ever recorded anywhere on Earth. Typhoon Meranti has left at least 16 people dead or missing in China and an ancient bridge destroyed as it wreaked havoc on the country's eastern coast. The storm, described by the official Xinhua news agency as the world's strongest typhoon this year and the worst to hit Fujian province since records began in 1949, had killed seven people by Friday morning, the civil affairs ministry said in a statement. Another nine people were missing and more than 330,000 residents had been relocated, it added.

Adiós La Niña - The anticipated La Niña ocean cooling has failed to take hold across the tropical Pacific, with forecasters now saying it is unlikely to develop during the next several months. Some weather agencies had believed the opposite phase of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation phenomenon had a good chance of developing during the Northern Hemisphere autumn and winter, quickly following a near-record El Niño. A cooling briefly appeared to be developing earlier this year on the surface of the equatorial Pacific, then faded. Neutral conditions could bring beneficial rainfall to California this winter, but may mean less monsoon rainfall in South Asia.

Wildlife

Kruger Park in South Africa begins Controversial Drought Culling

Using the current drought across South Africa as a convenient pretext, the authorities running the Kruger Park have started culling substantial numbers of large herbivores ostensibly to relieve pressure on available resources, but apparently to supply meat to surrounding communities opportunistically protesting to claim Kruger Park land as their ancestral right and to free up water resources for such communities.

Blaming Hippo poo, they have started seriously reducing the 7 500 hippos in the Park.

To fulfil government commitments to feeding schemes for surrounding communities, thousands of buffalo have been “harvested”. Again a pretext is used to justify the rape and plunder of South Africa’s natural assets: There is no ‘natural attrition’ from human beings. Park officials claim that before Europeans arrived and declared a park, there were around 15 000 hunter-gatherers using it as their shopping mall! Yet historically there are no records of 15 000 people in the area.

Under “European” management the Kruger Park was established and thrived. Under “Post-Colonial” management, the Park has become a political pawn to satisfy the greed of often corrupt officials who have no thought or concern for the wildlife they are supposed to protect.

What is of particular concern is that the very officials responsible for the present culling are planning to use the present situation as a precedent for future “harvesting”, having already given notice that similar actions will be taken in the future.

Spanish wetlands and wildlife sanctuary under threat

Donana National Park, part of southern Spanish wetland used by 6 million migratory birds, could dry out completely unless the Spanish government tackles the threat of dredging, mining and intensive farming, a report said on Thursday.

The World Wildlife Fund said Spain was failing to safeguard the 54,000 hectare (209 square mile) site, which stretches along the Guadalquivir River at its estuary on the Atlantic Ocean in Andalusia.

"The Donana wetland is at a crossroads. Poor management and over-extraction of water are causing Donana to dry out and the area now receives only 20 percent of its natural water input," WWF said in the report.

The group called on Spain to eliminate what it said are 1,000 illegal wells and 3,000 hectares of illegal farming fields, and cancel dredging of the Guadalquivir River to protect and recover the park's water sources.

Nature - Images

Interesting Images

Sad, drenched koala in the face of South Australian floods

Environment

Global Temperature Extremes

The week's hottest temperature was again 113.0 degrees Fahrenheit (45 degrees Celsius) in Adrar, Algeria.

The week's coldest temperature was minus -110.0 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 78.9 degrees Celsius) at Russia's Vostok Antarctic research station.

Temperatures were tabulated from the more than 10,000 worldwide synoptic weather stations. The United Nations World Meteorological Organization sets the standards for weather observations, and provides a global telecommunications circuit for data distribution.

Disease

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease - USA

Florida - Over the past week, Florida State University Health Services has identified more than a dozen cases of hand, foot and mouth disease.

New Jersey - An outbreak of hand-foot-and-mouth disease has struck in at least four schools across New Jersey. The first outbreak seemingly came out of nowhere in late August: Fifteen football players from Don Bosco Prep in Ramsey had come down with coxsackievirus, also known as hand-foot-and-mouth disease, forcing the cancellation of the team’s final scrimmage. Thirteen days later, a similar eruption of HFMD struck 16 miles away at Pequannock High School, postponing the football team’s season-opener. And now this week comes news of the the latest developments: More sudden outbreaks of HFMD among soccer players at Kinnelon High and Hunterdon Central High, schools located 55 miles apart in different counties.

Wildfires

NASA satellite spots dozens of Russian wildfires

NASA's Terra satellite recently spotted a cluster of wildfires burning in Siberia.

The small red outlines seen in the photograph mark spikes in surface temperature sensed by MODIS, a sign of flames. Terra was able to make out several dozen fires and their plumes from an altitude of 440 miles.

Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity

Klyuchevskoy (Kamchatka): The effusive and mildly explosive eruption of the volcano continues with no significant changes over the past weeks. Active lava flows continue to descend on the eastern and south-western flanks of the volcano and produce a huge thermal anomaly seen on satellite data. Intermittent phases of elevated explosions at the summit crater as well as interaction of lava flows with snow also often generate a moderately large steam plume mixed with ash.

Yasur (Tanna Island, Vanuatu): Strombolian activity at the volcano has been very strong recently. Lava bombs often fall onto the outer crater rim or beyond, making it extremely dangerous to stay in that area. A video posted on youtube a few days ago (youtube.com/watch?v=XWeCuIC2zyw) shows a near-miss of a tourist filming on the crater rim when a strong explosion occurred, obscuring the view with ash and thousands of projectiles and a large (1 m across) bomb landed just two meters next to him... Extreme caution is required when visiting Yasur volcano!

Turrialba (Costa Rica): After more than 6 weeks of calm, a new eruption occurred Tuesday morning. Starting from 02:10 local time, strong gas and ash emissions generated a plume that reached approx. 1000 m height and was dispersed westwards. Activity continued until the early morning and gradually subsided around 06:00 local time. According to RNS (Red Nacional Sismologica), changes in internal (seismic) activity of the volcano had been detected since the evening before and new phases of ash emissions in the near future are possible if not likely.

Ubinas (Peru): The volcano has been showing increased signs of unrest that could herald a new phase of activity in the new future. Peru's Geophysical Institute (IGP) reported very significant changes in the volcano's seismic activity recently. After a gradual decrease of activity during the first half of the year until May, seismicity started again to pick up since June, indicating a new phase of internal pressure build-up. This trend has become more pronounced since 9 September when volcano-tectonic quakes, caused by internal rock fracturing (possibly due to intruding magma), appeared in greater numbers and with greater energy. Their location was at shallow depths of 3.6 km beneath the summit.

Piton de la Fournaise (La Réunion): The spectacular fissure eruption which had started on 11 Sep continues without signs of weakening. Over the past days, lava fountaining activity shifted from originally 4 or more active vents along the fissure to the northernmost vent where a cinder cone is forming and the main lava flow is emerging. Probably as a result of activity now focused on one vent, the lava fountains have increased to 30-50 meters average at the northern cone. The lava flow, traveling north and northeast, has a main channel and several side branches. It has by now reached the base of the northern cliffs of the Enclos near Nez Coupé de Sainte Rose. According to the volcano observatory, tremor has been stable, and actually showed a slight increase over the past days, meaning that the eruption could still continue for some time.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.4 Earthquake hits Nicaragua.

Two 5.2 Earthquakes hit off the east coast of North Island, New Zealand.

5.2 Earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.

5.1 Earthquake hits the Sumba region, Indonesia.

5.1 Earthquake hits western Mongolia.

5.0 Earthquake hits north of Ascension Island.

5.0 Earthquake hits the Andaman Islands off India.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the North Atlantic:

Tropical Storm Ian is located about 745 mi...1195 km ENE of Bermuda with maximum sustained winds...50 mph...85 km/h. Present movement...NNE or 25 degrees at 20 mph...31 km/h.

Tropical Depression Julia is located about 60 mi...95 km SSE of Charleston South Carolina with maximum sustained winds...35 mph...55 km/h. Present movement...E or 90 degrees at 2 mph...4 km/h.

Tropical Depression Twelve is located about 365 mi...590 km WNW of the Cabo Verde islands with maximum sustained winds...35 mph...55 km/h. Present movement...W or 275 degrees at 16 mph...26 km/h.

In the Eastern Pacific:

Hurricane Orlene is located about 750 mi...1210 km WSW of the southern tip of Baja California with maximum sustained winds...70 mph...110 km/h. Present movement...W or 275 degrees at 7 mph...11 km/h.

Invest 93E is an area of disturbed weather in the East Pacific that has the potential for further tropical development.

In the Western Pacific:

Typhoon Meranti, located approximately 178 nm west of Taipei, Taiwan, is tracking north-northwestward at 11 knots.

Typhoon 18w (Malakas), located approximately 534 nm south of Kadena AB, is tracking west-northwestward at 08 knots.

Newsbytes:

Hawaii - Maui residents and emergency responders spent the day cleaning up the mess from torrential downpours Tuesday night, which flooded homes, made roads impassable, and caused several mudslides. Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa has signed an emergency proclamation following the storm, which dropped nearly 10 inches of rain in Puu Kukui and 6 inches at Hana Airport.

Global Warming

August Declared Hottest on Record: NASA

In what has become a common refrain this year, last month ranked as the hottest August on record, according to NASA data released Monday. Not only that, but the month tied July as the hottest month the world has seen in the last 136 years.

August came in at 1.76˚F (0.98˚C) above the average from 1951-1980, 0.16C above August 2014, the previous record holder. The record keeps 2016 on track to be the hottest year in the books by a fair margin.

That August continued the streak of record hot months this year and tied July as the hottest month was somewhat unexpected. The seasonal temperature cycle generally reaches a peak in July, as it did this year. But August was so anomalously warm — more so even than July — that it tied that month’s overall temperature.

El Niño, global warming combine to cause extreme drought in Amazon rainforest

The El Niño effect is part of a cycle of global heating and cooling associated with the changing temperatures of a band of ocean water in the central and east-central equatorial Pacific ocean. Repeating every three to five years, it is one of the main drivers of climate variability. Although its consequences are felt at the global level, its impact on tropical forests -- particularly the Amazon rainforests -- are considered particularly significant, since this ecosystem is considered one of the planet's main carbon sinks.

The study, by researchers at the Universitat de València and published in Scientific Reports, shows how the current El Niño event is associated with an unprecedented heating of Amazonia, reaching the highest temperature in the last forty years and, probably, the last century. Additionally, extreme drought has hit a much larger area of this region than usual and is distributed atypically, with extremely dry conditions in the northeast and unusual wetting in the southeast.

The severity of the impact of these extreme drought events on tropical forests has to do with the lower absorption rate of atmospheric CO2, as well as an increased risk of fires and the consequent loss of biomass.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

6.0 Earthquake hits the Solomon Islands.

5.8 Earthquake hits northern Colombia.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the North Atlantic: Tropical Storm Ian is located about 730 mi...1175 km ESE of Bermuda with maximum sustained winds...50 mph...85 km/h. Present movement...N or 350 degrees at 15 mph...24 km/h.

Tropical Storm Julia is located about 10 mi...20 km W of Brunswick Georgia with maximum sustained winds...40 mph...65 km/h. Present movement...N or 010 degrees at 7 mph...11 km/h.

In the Eastern Pacific: Hurricane Orlene is located about 600 mi...965 km WSW of the southern tip of Baja California with maximum sustained winds...80 mph...130 km/h. Present movement...W or 270 degrees at 1 mph...2 km/h.

In the Western Pacific: Super Typhoon Meranti, located approximately 40 nm west-southwest Kaohsiung, Taiwan, is tracking northwestward at 14 knots.

Tropical storm 18w (Malakas), located approximately 647 nm east of Manila, Philippines, is tracking west-northwestward at 09 knots.

Newsbytes:

England - Parts of Manchester were flooded after a thunderstorm hit the city on what in some part of the UK was the hottest day of the year.

Australia - At least 25 flood and severe weather warnings have been issues across five states and territories as massive spring storms intensify.

Disease

Haiti reports increase in cholera cases

Through the first week of September, Haiti has reported 26,799 suspected cholera cases, including 242 related deaths for 2016, according to data from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).

Scrub typhus reported in Chile

In January 2015 and again in early 2016 three cases were discovered in Ancud, according to a Noticias report. Scrub typhus, caused by the bacterium Orientia tsutsugamushi, which is transmitted by chiggers encountered in high grass and brush, is endemic in northern Japan, Southeast Asia, the western Pacific Islands, eastern Australia, China, maritime areas and several parts of south-central Russia, India, and Sri Lanka. More than 1 million cases occur annually.

Zika Virus - Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand

The Singapore National Environmental Agency (NEA) reported eight additional locally transmitted Zika virus cases on Wednesday, bringing the outbreak total to 341.

In Taiwan, the Central Epidemic Command Center for Zika Virus (CECC for Zika Virus) announced the seventh imported Zika case identified in Taiwan.

In Thailand, the health ministry announced Tuesday that the kingdom has recorded some 200 Zika cases since the beginning of the year.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.3 Earthquake hits South Korea.

5.3 Earthquake hits southern Sumatra, Indonesia.

5.0 Earthquake hits near the south coast of Honshu, Japan.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the North Atlantic:

Tropical Storm Ian is located about 980 mi...1580 km ESE of Bermuda with maximum sustained winds...45 mph...75 km/h. Present movement...NNW or 335 degrees at 9 mph...15 km/h.

Invest 93L is an area of disturbed weather in the North Atlantic that has the potential for further tropical development.

Invest 95L is an area of disturbed weather in the North Atlantic that has the potential for further tropical development.

In the Eastern Pacific:

Hurricane Orlene is located about 635 mi...1020 km WSW of the southern tip of Baja California with maximum sustained winds...105 mph...165 km/h. Present movement...N or 360 degrees at 5 mph...7 km/h.

In the Western Pacific:

Super Typhoon Meranti, located approximately 330 nm south-southeast of Taipei, Taiwan, is tracking west-northwestward at 14 knots.

Tropical storm 18w (Malakas), located approximately 310 nm north-northwest of Yap, is tracking westward at 10 knots.

Tropical Depression 19w (Rai), located approximately 51 nm southeast of Da Nang, Vietnam, is tracking west-northwestward at 11 knots.

In the Central Pacific:

Invest 93C is an area of disturbed weather in the Central Pacific that has the potential for further tropical development.

Newsbytes:

Thailand - Officials in Chiang Mai yesterday closed popular waterfalls in Mae Sa and Tad Mok in Mae Rim district as a precaution against flash flooding after heavy downpours since Sunday night. Other districts in Chiang Mai put preventive measures in place, such as piling up 10,000 sandbags alongside a brimming river in Mae Chaem and warning residents to move belongings to higher ground. Mae Sa waterfall unit was ordered to temporarily close after water at the falls rose by two metres after torrential downpours. A similar precaution was taken at Tad Mok falls.

Wildlife

'Unusual' Bee Species Drills Apartment-Style Nests Out of Rock

A new species of desert-dwelling bee, Anthophora pueblo, peeks out of its sandstone nest. These bees gnaw holes into the rock, a difficult process that leaves older bees with worn-out mandibles. New research published Sept. 12 in the journal Current Biology, however, suggests that these bees get benefits from building their homes to last.

Wildfires

Wildfires continue burning in Idaho, Wyoming - USA

The Black Fire, located northwest of Swan Valley, is 770 acres in size, and smoke can be seen from Highway 26 and the communities of Tetonia, Driggs and Victor.

The Carrot Fire, located in the Jedediah Smith Wilderness northeast of Tetonia, is 606 acres in size, while the Lanes Creek Fire, southwest of Freedom, Wyo., is 295 acres.

The Tie Fire, located southwest of Victor, showed some increase in activity on Sunday, but it is still listed at 1,031 acres in size.

Officials say the Tincup Mountain Fire burning northwest of Freedom, Wyo., on the Soda Springs Ranger District showed the most activity over the weekend.Driven by warm temperatures, low humidity and strong winds, that lightning-caused fire is now estimated to be 773 acres in size, officials said, adding that it’s visible from Highway 34.

The lightning-caused Berry Fire, which started within the Grand Teton National Park and spread to the Bridger-Teton National Forest, is now listed at 20,801 acres.

Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity

Kilauea (Hawai'i): The eruption continues with no significant changes: lava continues to flow into the ocean at Kamokuna and several breakouts are active along the lava tube both on the pali and in the coastal flat, at about 2 km distance from the coast. At Kilauea's summit, the lava lake in Halema'uma'u crater remains active, but has dropped to 19 m (~62 ft) below the crater floor this morning, as the volcano has begun a deflation cycle.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.3 Earthquake hits Easter Island.

5.0 Earthquake hits the Kosovo-Serbia-Fyrom border region.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the North Atlantic: Invest 94L is an area of disturbed weather in the North Atlantic that has the potential for further tropical development.

In the Eastern Pacific: Hurricane Orlene is located about 720 mi...1155 km WSW of the southern tip of Baja California with maximum sustained winds...80 mph...130 km/h. Present movement...NW or 305 degrees at 9 mph...15 km/h.

In the Western Pacific: Super Typhoon Meranti, located approximately 493 nm south of Kadena AB, is tracking west-northwestward at 11 knots.

Tropical depression 17w (Seventeen), located approximately 896 nm north-northeast of Minami Tori Shima, Japan, is tracking east-northeastward at 24 knots.

Tropical storm 18w (Eighteen), located approximately 170 nm west of Navsta, Guam, is tracking westward at 15 knots.

Tropical depression 19w (Nineteen), located approximately 182 nm southeast of Da Nang, Vietnam, is tracking northwestward at 16 knots.

In the Central Pacific: Invest 93C is an area of disturbed weather in the Central Pacific that has the potential for further tropical development.

Newsbytes:

India - With six more deaths, the toll in Bihar floods today increased to 228 even as the flood situation eased with all major rivers except Punpun, Kosi and Kamlabalan, flowing below danger mark. As per the department's release, a total of 3.94 lakh people have been evacuated from the 12 flood-affected districts of Buxar, Bhojpur, Patna, Vaishali, Saran, Begusarai, Samastipur, Lakhisarai, Khagaria, Munger, Bhagalpur and Katihar. The government has deployed 2,537 boats for evacuation, while national and state disaster response forces were already working in the affected districts. 1.98 lakh people have taken shelter in 271 relief camps.