Wildlife

Japan kills 333 whales in annual Antarctic hunt

A Japanese whaling fleet returned to port Friday after an annual Antarctic hunt that killed more than 300 of the mammals as Tokyo pursues the programme in defiance of global criticism.

The fleet set sail for the Southern Ocean in November, with plans to slaughter 333 minke whales, flouting a worldwide moratorium and opposition led by Australia and New Zealand.

The fleet consisted of five ships, three of which arrived in the morning at Shimonoseki port in western Japan, the country's Fisheries Agency said.

In a press release, the mission was described as "research for the purpose of studying the ecological system in the Antarctic Sea".

But environmentalists and the International Court of Justice (IJC) call that a fiction and say the real purpose is simply to hunt whales for their meat.

Japan also caught 333 minke whales in the previous season ending in 2016 after a one-year hiatus prompted by an IJC ruling, which said the hunt was a commercial venture masquerading as science and ordered Tokyo to end it.

Under the International Whaling Commission (IWC), to which Japan is a signatory, there has been a moratorium on hunting whales since 1986.

Tokyo exploits a loophole allowing whales to be killed for "scientific research" and claims it is trying to prove the population is large enough to sustain a return to commercial hunting. But it also makes no secret of the fact that whale meat ends up on dinner tables and is served up in school lunches.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.5 Earthquake hits Minahasa, Sulawesi, Indonesia.

5.4 Earthquake hits Chiapas, Mexico.

5.4 Earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.

5.1 Earthquake hits New Britain, Papua New Guinea.

5.1 Earthquake hits near the east coast of Kamchatka.

5.0 Earthquake hits Tonga.

5.0 Earthquake hits New Britain, Papua New Guinea.

5.0 Earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

There are no current tropical storms.

NewsBytes:

Australia - Northern New South Wales farmers are reporting the biggest flood they have seen in more than 50 years. Flooding rivers swamped towns along Australia's east coast on Friday forcing tens of thousands of people to be evacuated as fast-flowing waters cut roads and destroyed bridges after the remnants of a powerful cyclone swept through the region. The disaster zone from ex-Cyclone Debbie stretched 1,000 kms (612 miles) from Queensland state's tropical resort islands and Gold Coast tourist strip to the farmlands of New South Wales state, with more than 100,00 homes reportedly without power. Six large rivers had hit major flood levels and were still rising, said the Bureau of Meteorology. Flood sirens sounded before dawn at Lismore when the Wilsons River surged over the town's levee. By daybreak the center of the town of 25,000 people in the Northern Rivers region of NSW was underwater. Throughout the day several towns suffered the same fate and were submerged under floodwaters. Stranded residents climbed onto roofs of flooded homes to await rescuing, but fast-moving water and high winds hindered emergency crews reaching some people. Farmers moved livestock to higher ground, while others sandbagged property, desperately trying to stop floodwaters. NSW police said they had recovered the body of a woman from floodwaters on Friday, the first reported death since Cyclone Debbie hit on Tuesday. Authorities had feared that people may have died overnight as floodwaters rose swiftly in the dark.

Malawi - Over 395 people have been affected by floods which were caused by heavy rains coupled with poor drainage systems in Chikhwawa.

Environment

Global Temperature Extremes

The week's hottest temperature was 115.0 degrees Fahrenheit (46.1 degrees Celsius) in Matam, Senegal.

The week's coldest temperature was minus 95.0 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 70.6 degrees Celsius) at Vostok, Antarctica.

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.

Global Warming

There’s a reason Arctic sea ice is turning green: Global warming

In 2011, researchers observed something that should be impossible -- a massive bloom of phytoplankton growing under Arctic sea ice in conditions that should have been far too dark for anything requiring photosynthesis to survive.

Using mathematical modelling, researchers from the Harvard John A Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) found that thinning Arctic sea ice may be responsible for frequent and extensive phytoplankton blooms, potentially causing significant disruption in the Arctic food chain.

Phytoplankton underpins the entire Arctic food web. Every summer, when the sea ice retreats, sunlight hitting the open water triggers a massive bloom of plankton.

These plumes attract fish, which attract larger predators and provides food for indigenous communities living in the Arctic.

Phytoplankton should not be able to grow under the ice because ice reflects most sunlight light back into space, blocking it from reaching the water below.

However, over the past decades, Arctic ice has gotten darker and thinner due to warming temperatures, allowing more and more sunlight to penetrate to the water beneath.

Large, dark pools of water on the surface of the ice, known as melt ponds, have increased, lowering the reflectivity of the ice. The ice that remains frozen is thin and getting thinner.

Twenty years ago, only about three to four per cent of Arctic sea ice was thin enough to allow large colonies of plankton to bloom underneath. Today, the researchers found that nearly 30% of the ice-covered Arctic Ocean permits sub-ice blooms in summer months.

Disease

Somalia: Cholera

The number of cholera cases reported by the Ministry of Health in Somalia has reached a cumulative 17 211 cases and 388 deaths with a case fatality rate of 2.25%, which is nearly 4 times as many as were recorded for the same period in 2016.

China - Foot and Mouth Disease

China's Ministry of Agriculture reported on Thursday 37 pigs on a farm in the southern Guangdong province had been killed after contracting the O-type strain of foot-and-mouth disease. The ministry said that all pigs on the farm have been killed and the outbreak is under control.

New Zealand - Typhoid

Ten people are in hospital in Auckland after contracting typhoid and public health officials are investigating whether anyone else has been infected.

The Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) has confirmed the outbreak and says it is tracing people who have been in contact with those who have been diagnosed with the disease and "following usual protocols" to stop it spreading further.

Shellfish sourced from sea beds contaminated by sewage have caused earlier outbreaks in New Zealand.

Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity - Ongoing Activity for the week of 22 March-28 March 2017

Bagana | Bougainville (Papua New Guinea) : Based on analyses of satellite imagery and model data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 27-28 March a minor ash plume from Bagana rose to an altitude of 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 110 km SW and W.

Bogoslof | Fox Islands (USA) : AVO reported that no significant volcanic activity at Bogoslof was detected in seismic or infrasound data during 22-28 March, and satellite views were often obscured by clouds or showed nothing noteworthy. Weakly elevated surface temperatures were identified in satellite images during 21-23 March. The Aviation Colour Code remained at Orange and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Warning.

Cleveland | Chuginadak Island (USA) : A small explosion at Cleveland was detected in both seismic and infrasound data at 0815 on 24 March, prompting AVO to raise the Aviation Color Code to Orange and the Volcano Alert Level to Watch. Cloud cover at 9.1 km (30,000 ft) a.s.l. obscured satellite observations of the volcano, and no ash cloud was observed from this event. Cloud cover prevented views during 25-27 March, and slightly elevated surface temperatures were identified in satellite data during 27-28 March; nothing significant was detected in seismic or infrasound data.

Colima | Mexico : On 24 March the Centro Universitario de Estudios e Investigaciones de Vulcanologia - Universidad de Colima reported that during the previous week the seismic data revealed 70 high-frequency events, 25 long-period events, over one hour of tremor, four landslides, and four low-intensity explosions. The sulphur dioxide flux was 11-74 tons/day, reflecting low volcanic activity.

Dukono | Halmahera (Indonesia) : Based on analyses of satellite imagery, wind model data, and notices from PVMBG, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 22-28 March ash plumes from Dukono rose to an altitude of 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted in multiple directions.

Ebeko | Paramushir Island (Russia) : KVERT reported that during 20-22 March several explosions at Ebeko, observed by residents of Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island) about 7 km E, generated plumes that rose to altitudes of 1.7-1.8 km (5,600-5,900 ft) a.s.l. Minor amounts of ash fell in Severo-Kurilsk on 21 March. The Aviation Colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).

Fuego | Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that during 25-28 March explosions at Fuego generated ash plumes that rose as high as 1.1 km above the crater rim and drifted 10-12 km SW and S. Ashfall was reported in areas downwind including Panimaché I and II (8 km SW), Morelia (9 km SW), Santa Sofía (12 km SW), Los Yucales, and El Porvenir. Shock waves and rumbling from the explosions were sometimes heard; structures in local areas were rattled from explosions during 26-27 March. Incandescent material was ejected as high as 300 m above the crater rim, and sometimes landed 250 m away. Avalanches of material were confined to the crater. INSIVUMEH noted that activity had become more intense on 27 March.

Kilauea | Hawaiian Islands (USA) : During 22-28 March HVO reported that the lava lake continued to rise, fall, and spatter in Kilauea’s Overlook crater. A small collapse of the S part of the crater wall at 0035 on 23 March was followed by a short time of increased spatter.

Webcams recorded incandescence from long-active sources within Pu'u 'O'o Crater, from a vent high on the NE flank of the cone, and from a small lava pond in a pit on the W side of the crater. The 61G lava flow, originating from a vent on Pu'u 'O'o Crater's E flank, continued to enter the ocean at Kamokuna from the end of the lava tube, about 20 m above the water; the ocean entry was not consistently visible during the week. Surface lava flows were active above the pali, with most of the activity located 1.9-2.9 km from the 61G vent. During 24-25 March HVO noted that a delta had begun to form at the ocean entry, for the first time since the previous one had collapsed on 31 December 2016.

Klyuchevskoy | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : On 24 March KVERT reported that gas-and-steam emissions continued to rise from Klyuchevskoy's crater, and a weak thermal anomaly was occasionally identified in satellite images. The Aviation Colour Code was lowered to Green (the lowest level on a four-colour scale). On 28 March a gas, steam, and ash plume identified in satellite data rose to altitudes of 5-6 km (16,400-19,700 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 108 km ENE. The Aviation Colour Code was raised to Yellow. The next day an ash plume rose as high as 7.5 km (24,600 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 75 km SW. The Aviation Colour Code was raised to Orange.

Nevado del Ruiz | Colombia : Based on info from Servicio Geológico Colombiano’s (SGC) Observatorio Vulcanológico y Sismológico de Manizales, the Washington VAAC reported that on 26 March ash plumes from Nevado del Ruiz rose to an altitude of 7 km (23,000 ft) a.s.l. On 27 March the observatory reported that at 1029 a gas-and-ash plume rose 1.6 km above the crater rim and drifted E. The emission was associated with a seismic event and was also recorded by a webcam.

Pacaya | Guatemala : In a special report from 24 March INSIVUMEH noted that lava fountains 25-50 m high rose from a new cone forming in the crater of Pacaya’s Mackenney’s cone. The accumulated material had been filling up the cone, causing lava to flow through the crater breach formed in 2010. During 25-28 March small Strombolian explosions ejected material as high as 30 m above the cone.

Sabancaya | Peru : Based on webcam images, satellite views, and seismic data the Buenos Aires VAAC reported sporadic gas-and-ash puffs from Sabancaya during 24-27 March, sometimes rising as high as 9.1 km (30,000 ft) a.s.l. Weather clouds often hindered observations of the volcano, especially during 22-3 and 25 March.

Sheveluch | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that during 17-24 March lava-dome extrusion onto Sheveluch’s N flank was accompanied by strong fumarolic activity, dome incandescence, ash explosions, and hot avalanches. Satellite images showed a daily thermal anomaly over the dome, and ash plumes that drifted 126 km WNW on 19 and 21 March. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).

Sinabung | Indonesia : Based on PVMBG observations, satellite data, and wind data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 22, 24-25, and 27 March ash plumes from Sinabung rose to altitudes of 3.3-4.3 km (11,000-14,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted S, SE, and E.

Suwanosejima | Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : Based on JMA notices and satellite-image analyses, the Tokyo VAAC reported that on 28 March an explosion at Suwanosejima generated a plume that rose to an altitude of 1.8 km (6,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SE.

Turrialba | Costa Rica : OVSICORI-UNA reported that a weak ash emission from Turrialba was visible during 1800-1940 on 25 March. Periods of more intense crater incandescence, from possible Strombolian activity, corresponded to higher tremor amplitude during 0330-0530 on 26 March. Later that day a small plume with a minor amount of ash rose 500 m above the crater and drifted S and SE. An event at 0752 on 28 March generated an ash plume that rose 300 m and drifted S.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.4 Earthquake hits Vanuatu.

5.3 Earthquake hits New Britain, Papua New Guinea.

5.2 Earthquake hits the Gulf of California.

5.1 Earthquake hits the southern Mid-Atlantic ridge.

5.1 Earthquake hits offshore Bio-Bio, Chile.

5.0 Earthquake hits the Comores.

5.0 Earthquake hits near the coast of Nicaragua.

Wildlife

Elephants Rescued from Mud-Filled Bomb Crater

A rescue in Cambodia saved 11 Asian elephants from a muddy death after they fell into an old bomb crater.

The herd — three adult females and eight juveniles — was discovered in the large crater in Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary on March 24, covered in mud and unable to escape, according to the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). Local farmers notified the Cambodian Department of Environment, which called in the WCS to save the unfortunate pachyderms.

After building a ramp, the elephants could be seen pushing each other up the slippery ramp with their heads and trunks. The last elephant remaining in the crater, with no herd members to push it out, got a little help from people at the scene, who pulled the animal out with ropes. The elephants, which had been trapped for days, were freed within a few hours.

Disease

Philippines: Rabies outbreak

Two people have died from rabies in the town of Cauayan, Negros Occidental province prompting the declaration of an outbreak. The victims, men in their 60s from different villages, died in the past week from rabies post-dog bites.

To make matters worse, the family of one of the victims killed the dog, cooked it and served it to at least 10 people. Some of the ten have received rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and the provincial veterinarian has launched a massive anti-rabies vaccination and information dissemination campaign.

Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity - New Activity for the week of 22 March-28 March 2017

Aira | Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that an explosion at Minamidake summit crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) detected at 1803 on 25 March generated a pyroclastic flow that traveled 1.1 km down the S flank. An explosion at 2228 produced an ash plume that rose 1.4 km above the crater rim. Ash fell in the vicinity of the volcano and as far as 4.5 km E. Based on JMA notices and satellite-image analyses, the Tokyo VAAC reported that ash plumes drifted SE and E that same day.

Bezymianny | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that during 17-24 March lava continued to advance down the NW flank of Bezymianny's lava dome. A thermal anomaly was visible in satellite images on 17, 19, and 22 March. The Aviation Colour Code remained at Orange.

Cerro Azul | Isla Isabela (Ecuador) : IG reported that increased seismicity at Cerro Azul began on 15 February and was characterized by the presence of volcano-tectonic events. A 1-hour-long swarm occurred the next day, and then afterwards only sporadic events were detected, some of which were located in the Sierra Negra volcano region. Sporadic events located at Sierra Negra continued to be detected during 8-13 March. A 30-minute-long swarm was recorded on 18 March. Earthquakes became more frequent and intense on 19 March, and another swarm occurred during 0700-1800 on 20 March; earthquake locations migrated SW, to the SE part of Cerro Azul during 19-20 March. Another swarm was detected during 1915-2200 on 21 March, with most magnitudes between 2.4 and 3, though the highest was 3.6. Deformation during 8-20 March was detected in satellite data, characterized by 14 cm of inflation at the SE flank and 11.2 cm of deflation at the summit. Deformation and seismic data suggested the emplacement of a sill 3.5-6.3 km below the SE flank.

Chirinkotan | Kuril Islands (Russia) : SVERT noted that no further activity at Chirinkotan was visible after the ash emission on 21 March. The Aviation Colour Code was lowered to Green (on a four-colour scale).

Manam | Papua New Guinea : Based on analyses of satellite imagery and model data, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 24 March a steam plume from Manam, possibly with a minor ash content, drifted 75 km SE.

Nevados de Chillan | Chile : On 24 March OVDAS-SERNAGEOMIN reported that during an overflight of Nevados de Chillán scientists observed a single 100-m-diameter crater, the result of two active craters merging together sometime between 7 and 15 March. In addition there were five explosions in the period of about an hour, ejecting tephra 900 m high which dispersed SE. The pattern of activity changed on 17 March with increased frequency and magnitude of the explosions. The Alert Level remained at Yellow, the middle level on a three-colour scale, and the public was reminded not to approach the craters within a 3-km radius.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

6.6 Earthquake hits near the east coast of Kamchatka.

5.4 Earthquake hits the Moluccan Sea.

5.3 Earthquake hits Tonga.

5.2 Earthquake hits the Ceram Sea, Indonesia.

5.2 Earthquake hits near the east coast of Kamchatka.

5.2 Earthquake hits south of the Mariana Islands.

5.0 Earthquake hits south of Panama.

5.0 Earthquake hits near the east coast of Kamchatka.

5.0 Earthquake hits Minahasa, Sulawesi, Indonesia.

5.0 Earthquake hits the Azores Islands, Portugal.

5.0 Earthquake hits the Alaska peninsula.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

There are no current tropical storms.

Tropical Cyclone Debbie has dissipated over northern Queensland, Australia, after dumping more than 1 000mm of rain in some areas and causing substantial damage to affected areas, especially the Barrier Reef islands. A 1,300km (800 miles) stretch of Australia's north-east coast is at dangerous risk of flooding after a powerful cyclone, authorities warn. Most central Queensland mines and railways are at a standstill as driving rain from Ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie threatens to halt coal production for some time.

NewsBytes:

Peru - The extreme floods wreaking havoc in Peru are also threatening the South American country's rich archeological heritage and the tourism that thrives on it, a Peruvian archaeologist said on Tuesday. At least 50 archaeological sites in Peru have been damaged by the intense rains that are battering northern Peru, resulting in a drastic drop in related tourism.

Malaysia - Twenty-three victims from five families were evacuated after floods occurred in Simpang Ampat, Alor Gajah near here late Tuesday night. Several areas on the mainland were hit by flash floods including Taman Bagan where residents described it as the worst deluge in the last 10 years. About 250 houses in Taman Cantik, 100 houses in Taman Bagan and 70 more in Taman Kerapu were inundated yesterday.

Environment

Trump Ditches Clean Power Plan

President Donald Trump signed an executive order March 28 that dismantles the Clean Power Plan, an Obama-era regulation that would have set limits on emissions of carbon dioxide and other pollutants from power plants.

The executive order is aimed, in part, at reviving the coal industry, according to Trump. But it's doubtful that this measure is more than a stopgap, as natural gas and renewable energies, including wind and solar, are already making strides toward supplying electricity on a large scale.

Disease

Yellow fever – Suriname

On 9 March 2017, the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) in the Netherlands reported a case of yellow fever to WHO. The patient is a Dutch adult female traveller who visited Suriname from the middle of February until early March 2017. She was not vaccinated against yellow fever.

Meningitis - Nigeria - Update

Nearly 270 people, most of them children, have died in the past five months during the latest meningitis outbreak to hit Nigeria, public health officials said Wednesday. Presently there are 1,828 suspected cases with 269 deaths in about 15 states.

Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity

Kambalny, Russia: The Russian volcano erupted after 250 years of sleep. The last time Kambalny volcano erupted, the United States was not yet a country. But the Russian volcano awoke last week, after a nearly 250-year snooze, with a violent eruption. Kambalny is the southernmost volcano on Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula, an area about the size of California that is home to more than 300 volcanoes. In fact, the peninsula hosts the world's highest concentration of active volcanoes, and so eruptions are common. But Kambalny surprised scientists when it shook awake on March 24 and began to erupt.

The volcano's eruption and 60-mile-long ash plume were seen from space:

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.6 Earthquake hits the eastern Sea of Japan.

5.0 Earthquake hits the Nias region, Indonesia.

5.0 Earthquake hits the central Mid-Atlantic ridge.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the North Atlantic Ocean: Invest 90L is an area of disturbed weather in the North Atlantic that may have potential for further tropical development.

In the South Pacific Ocean: Tropical Cyclone Debbie located approximately 108 nm southeast of Townsville, Australia, is tracking southwestward at 05 knots.

Monster cyclone Debbie smashed into northeast Australia Tuesday, cutting power, damaging buildings and uprooting trees, with coastal residents battling lashing rain and howling winds. Great Barrier Reef islands popular with foreign tourists were battered by the category four storm which slammed into the coast of Queensland state with destructive wind gusts of up to 270 kph (167 miles) near its broad core. By late evening it had been downgraded to category two and was expected to weaken further.

NewsBytes:

Indonesia - Floods claimed four lives and rendered one missing in Padang Sidimpuan, North Sumatra, on Sunday evening. Five residents were swept away by the flooding, of which four were found dead, while another is still missing. Several homes were flooded in the sub-districts of Padang Sidimpuan Angkola Julu, Padang Sidimpuan Batunadua, South Padang Sidimpuan, and North Padang Sidimpuan. Also at least 2,500 people in five sub-districts in Bima, East Nusa Tenggara, have fled their homes to escape flash floods, following heavy rain on Sunday.

Kenya - Floods cause traffic jam on Kampala roads. Floods caused heavy traffic jams on all major city roads following a heavy Monday afternoon downpour. Along the Kampala-Jinja Road, floods cut off the road at Kyambogo junction.

Wildfires

Wildfires - Ireland

The current dry spell in Ireland has brought with is a host of wild fires across the country. Since Friday the Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) says it has recorded 15 wild fires from counties Cork, Kerry, Waterford, Galway, Donegal, Louth and Mayo.

It says eight of these were in areas protected for nature conservation – all are illegal as setting fire to vegetation is prohibited between March 1and August 31 each year.

Disease

New cholera outbreak flares up in Malawi

Malawi health officials reported a new cholera outbreak in Nsanje district, located in the southern region of Malawi. The outbreak began on Mar. 11 and laboratory testing revealed that the agent was Vibrio cholerae Ogawa O1. As of 24 March 2017, a total of 14 cases with no deaths have been reported.

Lassa fever in West Africa: Outbreaks confirmed in 5 countries

Lassa fever outbreaks have been confirmed across five West African countries, including Nigeria, Benin, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Burkina Faso.

Nigeria - In Nigeria, the index case emerged on 16 December 2016 in Ogun state. Since then, the outbreak has remained active. During the week ending 19 March 2017), 15 suspected cases were reported, with two testing positive for Lassa fever. Between 16 December 2016 and 19 March 2017, a total of 283 suspected cases including 56 deaths (case fatality rate of 19.8%) have been reported. Of the suspected cases, 99 were confirmed by the Lagos University Teaching Hospital Lassa laboratory in Nigeria. The cases have been distributed across 13 states: Ogun, Bauchi, Plateau, Ebonyi, Ondo, Edo, Taraba, Nasarawa, Rivers, Kaduna, Gombe, Cross-River and Borno.

Benin - The outbreak of Lassa fever in Benin started on 12 February 2017 from Tchaourou district, Borgou province, close to the border with Nigeria. It was established that this case had epidemiological link with the ongoing Lassa fever outbreak in Nigeria. On 23 February 2017, another suspected case from L’Atacora province was reported. Samples obtained from the two cases tested positive for Lassa fever in the laboratory in Cotonou, Benin and in the Lagos University Teaching Hospital Lassa laboratory. Both cases died, giving a case fatality of 100%.

Togo - In Togo, Lassa fever was confirmed on 23 February 2017, with the case having established epidemiological linkage to Benin. A total of 12 suspected were subsequently reported, seven of them were confirmed at the Institut National d’Hygiène in Lomé, Togo. Four of the confirmed cases died, giving a case fatality rate of 57%. The cases originated from Oti and Kpendjal districts.

Burkina Faso - On 26 February 2017, the Ministry of Health of Burkina Faso notified WHO of a confirmed Lassa fever case admitted in a hospital in the northern part of Togo. The case originated from Ouargaye district, central eastern part of Burkina Faso. Burkina Faso has not had any other case.

Sierra Leone - Sierra Leone has been reporting sporadic suspected cases of Lassa fever since 28 December 2016. However, the outbreak situation escalated in the months of February and March 2017 when a cluster of 24 cases were reported and investigated. Out of these, four cases were laboratory confirmed and all of them died, thus giving case fatality rate of 100% among the confirmed. The outbreak has since subsided.

Measles in Damascus, Syria

A “major outbreak” of measles is hitting the encircled, rebel-controlled Damascus suburbs of East Ghouta, with doctors telling Syria Direct that vaccine shortages are to blame for more than 350 cases of the easily preventable disease in under two months. As a result, hundreds of East Ghouta children now suffer from dangerously high fevers, severe respiratory issues and, in at least two instances, death.

In patients with access to quality health care, measles can be managed. But for populations with malnutrition and inadequate health care, “mortality can be as high as 10 percent,” the France-based Union of Medical Care and Relief Organizations (UOSSM) reported earlier this month. Children affected by measles within East Ghouta face an added risk of serious health complications given the dire food and medical shortages resulting from the opposition-held area’s five-year encirclement.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

6.1 Earthquake hits the Near Islands in the Aleutian Islands.

5.2 Earthquake hits Maule, Chile.

5.2 Earthquake hits Kepulauan Babar, Indonesia.

5.1 Earthquake hits east of the South Sandwich Islands.

5.0 Earthquake hits Yunnan, China.

5.0 Earthquake hits the Solomon Islands.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the North Atlantic Ocean: Invest 90L is an area of disturbed weather in the North Atlantic that may have potential for further tropical development.

In the South Pacific Ocean: Tropical Cyclone Debbie located approximately 295 nm east- southeast of Cairns, Australia, is tracking west-southwestward at 04 knots.

In the South Indian Ocean: Tropical cyclone 12s (Caleb), located approximately 200nm south of Cocos Island, is tracking westward at 06 knots.

NewsBytes:

Japan - Eight teenagers from a high school mountaineering club were killed Monday during an avalanche in an area of northeastern Japan that had been blanketed by unusually heavy spring snows, the authorities and the Japanese news media said. The students were climbing in an area in Tochigi Prefecture, about 100 miles north of Tokyo. The weather bureau in Tochigi had issued an avalanche warning on Sunday.

Middle East - Freak weather has caused carnage across the Middle East, after a series of flash floods, dust storms, hail and lightning shocked the region. This week, schools were shut down in Oman, while several accidents were reported when drivers lost control of their vehicles. In the UAE, thunderstorms and lightning lit up the night sky, following flash floods on the roads. Saudi Arabia suffered dust storms, which put several densely-packed cities on alert, and prompted a medical warning for those who venture outside. Earlier, in February, a bizarre blizzard snowstorm blanketed Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Global Warming

Climate change is shifting global air currents

Huge jetstreams that circle Earth are being altered by climate change, scientists have warned.

The researchers claim that man-made global warming has slowed down the way that air flows and distributes weather - and the consequences could be severe.

They say the shift will see an increase in extreme weather globally, including more deadly droughts, floods and heatwaves.

Jetstreams are influenced by the difference in temperatures between the equator and the Arctic. These streams circle the Earth and transport heat and moisture from the Arctic to the tropics. But when the planetary waves stall droughts or floods can occur.

Warming caused by greenhouse-gases from fossil fuels stall airstreams, the international team of researchers found.

They found changes that show extreme and persistent shifts in the jet stream that can trigger extreme weather events. Human activity has been suspected of contributing to this pattern before, but the researchers say they have now uncovered a 'clear fingerprint' of human activity. 'If the same weather persists for weeks on end in one region, then sunny days can turn into a serious heat wave and drought, or lasting rains can lead to flooding,' explains co-author Professor Stefan Rahmstorf from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) in Germany. 'This occurs under specific conditions that favour what we call a quasi-resonant amplification that makes the north-south undulations of the jet stream grow very large. It also makes theses waves grind to a halt rather than moving from west to east. Identifying the human fingerprint on this process is advanced forensics.'

Since the Arctic is more rapidly warming than other regions, its temperature difference with the equator is decreasing.

Also, land masses are warming more rapidly than the oceans, especially in summer. Both changes have an impact on those global air movements. This includes the giant airstreams that are called planetary waves because they circle Earth's Northern hemisphere in huge turns between the tropics and the Arctic.

When airstreams stall thanks to man-made temperature rises droughts or floods can occur. This image shows before (2011) and after (2014) photos of the Enterprise Bridge over Lake Oroville in Butte County, California after recent droughts:

Disease

Measles in Italy

The number of measles cases recorded in Italy since the beginning of this year has increased considerably, a phenomenon that worries health authorities because of parents’ resistance to the vaccine. According to the Ministry of Health, 700 cases were registered in the first three months of 2017.

India - Foot and Mouth Disease

Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) has affected Karani village on the outskirts of Tamil Nadu's Tiruvallur district. It is feared that all of the village’s 500 cattle may be affected.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.5 Earthquake hits Papua, Indonesia.

5.1 Earthquake hits Papua, Indonesia.

5.0 Earthquake hits northern Peru.

5.0 Earthquake hits Iceland.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the South Pacific Ocean: Tropical Cyclone Debbie located approximately 320 nm east- southeast of Cairns, Australia, is tracking west-southwestward at 03 knots - Queensland is bracing for a large scale natural disaster ahead of the arrival of Cyclone Debbie, with authorities ordering evacuations, the closure of schools, ports and airports and thousands of military and emergency services personnel on alert. The Bureau of Meteorology predicts the “very destructive core” of Debbie will hit the mainland near the northern town of Ayr as a category four cyclone early Tuesday. There are concerns Debbie, which has slowly tracked southwest from the Coral Sea, could intensify to category five – the most severe category with winds in excess of 280km/h - by the time it makes landfall.

In the South Indian Ocean: Tropical cyclone 12s (Caleb), located approximately 919 nm west- northwest of Learmonth, Australia, is tracking westward at 03 knots.

Disease

Sri Lanka - Dengue fever

During the first three months of 2016, Sri Lanka reported less than 14,000 dengue fever case, and 2016 was one of the most active dengue years in a long time. According to the Sri Lanka Ministry of Health’s Epidemiology Unit, as of Mar. 24, the island country has seen 24,562 cases, and there is a week to go.

Diseases such as dengue fever and even bird flu are spreading in Asia, and millions of poultry are being destroyed in South Korea today. The spread of diseases in Sri Lanka may be a part of a regional Asian health crisis - according to Sri Lankan Authorities.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.2 Earthquake hits the Carlsberg ridge.

5.2 Earthquake hits the Ryukyu Islands off Japan.

5.2 Earthquake hits eastern New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.

5.0 Earthquake hits Tarapaca, Chile.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the South Pacific Ocean: Tropical Cyclone Debbie lingered as a tropical wave for days in open water, but on Saturday was upgraded to the equivalent of a tropical storm. As of 4pm local time the system was 640km east of Cairns and 560km east northeast of Townsville, with sustained winds of 65km/h per hour. Currently the cyclone is expected to make landfall along the northern Queensland coast between Townsville and Proserpine on Tuesday morning. Forecast models were predicting that Debbie could intensify to a category 4 cyclone with wind gusts of up to 260km/h near it's centre before making landfall.

In the South Indian Ocean: Tropical Cyclone Caleb is located about 270 nautical miles (310.7 miles/500.4 km) east-southeast of Cocos Island. Caleb was moving to the south-southeastward at 4 knots (4.6 mph/7.4 kph).

NewsBytes:

Angola - Eleven people have died and several more are missing after torrential rain hit northern parts of Angola between Tuesday afternoon and Thursday. In addition to the deaths, about 700 homes were destroyed and more than 5,000 properties flooded. The country's capital, Luanda, has been badly affected after a month's worth of rain, 76mm, fell in just over 24 hours. There was widespread traffic disruption in the city and electricity and drinking water supplies were affected. A church and a school were also destroyed by the floods.

Disease

Meningococcal disease – Nigeria

As of 19 March 2017 (epidemiological week 11), a total of 1407 suspected cases of meningitis and 211 deaths (case fatality rate: 15%) have been reported from 40 local government areas (LGAs) in five states of Nigeria since December 2016. Zamfara, Katsina and Sokoto account for 89% of these cases. Twenty-six LGAs from all five states reported 361 cases in epidemiological week 11 alone. Twenty-two wards in 15 LGAs have crossed the epidemic threshold. Three of these LGAs share borders with Niger.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.3 Earthquake hits south of Panama.

5.2 Earthquake hits Pakistan.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the South Indian Ocean: The system is in the Coral Sea, approximately 600km out north-east of Townsville, and is moving south-southeast at 13kmh. It is expected to make landfall in northern Queensland from Sunday.

‘Local’ El Niño

A freak warming of the Pacific just off South America has triggered record storms across parts of Peru, resulting in landslides and floods responsible for sweeping away people and ravaging crops.

Up to 10 times the normal rainfall has brought disasters that killed at least 74 people.

Officials say they have never before seen such a “local” El Niño. The weather-altering warming typically becomes established in the middle of the tropical Pacific basin before affecting Peru.

Wildlife

Humpback Resurgence

Super-groups of humpback whales have been observed with increasing frequency during the past five years off South Africa’s Atlantic coast.

The species hadn’t normally been considered all that social, usually being found in pairs or small groups that congregated only briefly. But research missions in 2011, 2014 and 2015 found humpbacks feeding and frolicking in groups of up to 200.

The whale had been hunted nearly into extinction, but its populations have seen an unexplained resurgence.

Scientists believe the super-group gatherings could possibly be the return of a previously unobserved feeding strategy thanks to the newly abundant population.

White-nose Syndrome discovered for 1st time in Texas

The fungus known to cause White-nose Syndrome (WNS), a disease that has decimated hibernating bat populations in the United States and Canada, has been discovered for the first time in Texas. The fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd) was detected on three species of hibernating bats in northern Texas: the cave myotis, Townsend’s big-eared bat, and the tri-coloured bat.

'Devastating' coral loss in South China Sea

Scientists are warning of another "devastating" loss of coral due to a spike in sea temperatures. They say 40% of coral has died at the Dongsha Atoll in the South China Sea.

Nothing as severe has happened on Dongsha for at least 40 years, according to experts.

The Dongsha Atoll, located in the South China Sea, near south-eastern China and the Philippines, is rich in marine life and is regarded as one of the world's most important coral reefs.

The researchers said on its own, a 2 degrees Celsius rise in temperatures was unlikely to cause widespread damage to coral reefs in the region. But, a high-pressure system caused temperatures to spike to 6 degrees, leading to the death of 40% of coral over the course of six weeks. Coral reefs are shallow water ecosystems and a tweak in the local weather can turn that 2 degrees Celsius into a 6 degrees Celsius warming.

Hunting of Grizzly Bears in Alaska Refuges

The U.S. Senate voted, mostly along party lines, on Tuesday (March 21) to abolish a regulation that prohibited certain types of hunting in Alaska national wildlife refuges.

In the 52-to-47 vote, the Senate used the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to overturn a so-called midnight regulation that President Barack Obama's administration passed in their last hours in office last year.

The justification for the abolition was that states, not the federal government, should shape regulations regarding wildlife within their borders.

Environment

Global Temperature Extremes

The week's hottest temperature was 111.0 degrees Fahrenheit (44.0 degrees Celsius) in Vredendal, South Africa.

The week's coldest temperature was minus 89.0 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 67.2 degrees Celsius) at Vostok, Antarctica.

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

Human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus – China

On 17 March 2017, the National Health and Family Planning Commission of China (NHFPC) notified WHO of 22 additional laboratory-confirmed cases of human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus in mainland China.

Bird Flu in Japan

Authorities in Miyagi and Chiba prefectures began culling nearly 300,000 chickens Friday after the highly pathogenic H5 strain of bird flu was detected in dead chickens at local poultry farms.

In Japan’s latest bird flu outbreak, the Miyagi Prefectural Government plans to cull 220,000 chickens and bury them by early Monday, while the Chiba authority is in the midst of culling 68,000 chickens.

Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity - Ongoing Activity for the week of 15 March-21 March 2017

Bagana | Bougainville (Papua New Guinea) : Based on analyses of satellite imagery and wind data, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 17 March an ash plume from Bagana rose to an altitude of 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted W. The next day an ash plume rose to an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted almost 85 km W.

Bogoslof | Fox Islands (USA) : AVO reported that no significant volcanic activity at Bogoslof was detected in seismic or infrasound data during 15-21 March, and satellite views were either obscured by clouds or showed nothing noteworthy. Slightly elevated surface temperatures were identified in satellite images during 16-17 and 20-21 March. The Aviation Colour Code remained at Orange and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Warning.

Colima | Mexico : Based on Centro Universitario de Estudios e Investigaciones de Vulcanologia - Universidad de Colima observations, the Unidad Estatal de Protección Civil de Colima reported that during 10-16 March there were three low-intensity explosions at Colima. A slight decrease of sulfur dioxide was detected. During an overflight scientists observed gas emissions from small explosion craters on the floor of the main crater; there was no evidence of a new lava dome. The report noted that the public should not enter the 6-km-radius exclusion zone.

Dukono | Halmahera (Indonesia) : Based on analyses of satellite imagery, wind model data, and notices from PVMBG, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 15-21 March ash plumes from Dukono rose to altitudes of 2.1-2.7 km (7,000-9,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted in multiple directions. Ash plumes during 19-21 March drifted 150-280 km SW, W, and NW.

Ebeko | Paramushir Island (Russia) : KVERT reported that on 10 March several explosions at Ebeko, observed by residents of Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island) about 7 km E, generated plumes that rose to an altitude of 1.6 km (5,200 ft) a.s.l. The Aviation Colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).

Fuego | Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that during 16-21 March explosions at Fuego generated sometimes dense ash plumes that rose as high as 950 m above the crater rim and drifted 10-12 km W, SW, and S. Ashfall was reported in Panimaché I and II (8 km SW), Morelia (9 km SW), Santa Sofía (12 km SW), and El Porvenir. Shock waves and rumbling from the explosions were sometimes heard. Incandescent material was ejected as high as 200 m above the crater rim. During 18-19 March incandescent material was ejected 200 m away from the crater. In a special report dated 21 March INSIVUMEH noted that lahars had begun descending the Santa Teresa and Las Lajas drainages at 1623 based on seismic data; it had been raining for a few days.

Kilauea | Hawaiian Islands (USA) : During 15-21 March HVO reported that the lava lake continued to rise, fall, and spatter in Kilauea’s Overlook vent. Webcams recorded incandescence from long-active sources within Pu'u 'O'o Crater, from a vent high on the NE flank of the cone, and from a small lava pond in a pit on the W side of the crater. The 61G lava flow, originating from a vent on Pu'u 'O'o Crater's E flank, continued to enter the ocean at Kamokuna; the lava stream was 1-2 m wide on 16 March, and plunged into the ocean from the end of the lava tube, about 20 m above the water. Surface lava flows were active above the pali.

Klyuchevskoy | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : On 16 March KVERT reported that although gas-and-steam emissions continued to rise from Klyuchevskoy's crater, and a weak thermal anomaly was identified in satellite images, no explosions had been detected since 8 March. The Aviation Colour Code was lowered to Yellow (the second lowest level on a four-colour scale).

Nevado del Ruiz | Colombia : Based on satellite and webcam images, the Washington VAAC reported that on 17 and 20 March ash plumes from Nevado del Ruiz rose to an altitude of 6.1 km (20,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW and SW.

Pacaya | Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported small Strombolian explosions at Pacaya’s Mackenney during 16-20 March. Lava traveled 30 m W, and sometimes crater incandescence was visible at night and at dawn.

Sabancaya | Peru : Based on webcam images, satellite views, and seismic data the Buenos Aires VAAC reported sporadic gas-and-ash puffs from Sabancaya during 14-15, 17-19, and 21 March, sometimes rising as high as 8.2 km (27,000 ft) a.s.l. Weather clouds often hindered observations of the volcano. Observatorio Vulcanológico del Sur del IGP (OVS-IGP) and Observatorio Vulcanológico del INGEMMET (OVI) reported that at 0802 on 21 March an ash plume rose 2 km and drifted more than 30 km SSE.

Sheveluch | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that during 10-17 March lava-dome extrusion onto Sheveluch’s N flank was accompanied by strong fumarolic activity, dome incandescence, ash explosions, and hot avalanches. Satellite images showed a daily thermal anomaly over the dome, and ash plumes that drifted 100 km NW on 9 and 14 March. The Aviation Colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).

Sinabung | Indonesia : Based on PVMBG observations, satellite data, and wind data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 15-18 and 21 March ash plumes from Sinabung rose to altitudes of 3-5.5 km (10,000-18,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted E, N, W, and WSW.

Turrialba | Costa Rica : OVSICORI-UNA reported that during 20-21 March weak gas emissions at Turrialba contained sporadic, small amounts of ash, and rose no higher than 100 m above the crater rim and drifted SW. Volcanic tremor had medium and variable amplitude, and a few low-frequency earthquakes were recorded.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.1 Earthquake hits Tajikistan.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the South Indian Ocean:Tropical Cyclone Caleb forms in the South Indian Ocean. The system is in the Coral Sea, about 850 kilometres east of Lockhart River in Cape York, and is moving southeast at 11mph. It is uncertain where or whether the system will make landfall.

Global Warming

End in Sight for an Ice Age Remnant

For eons, the Laurentide Ice Sheet has been a fixture of North America. At its peak, it covered the majority of Canada and sent icy tendrils down across the Midwest and Northeast, covering Chicago, New York and Toronto in a mile or more of ice. It helped carved mountains as it advanced, and it filled the Great Lakes as it receded at the end of the last Ice Age.

About 2,000 years ago, the ice sheet remnants reached equilibrium on Baffin Island, Canada’s largest island, now dubbed the Barnes Ice Cap. But that equilibrium has been disrupted by human-driven climate change.

A new study shows that the last vestige of the once-mighty ice sheet faces near certain death, even if the world rapidly curtails its carbon pollution. The results indicate the Arctic has entered a state nearly unheard of since the Pliocene, an epoch when the Arctic was largely free of ice.

The Barnes Ice Cap covers an area about the size of Delaware. After reaching a near steady state 2,000 years ago, the ice cap began shrinking in the late 1800s, with a marked increase in its decline since the 1990s. That coincides with the rapid rise in human carbon pollution, which has also driven a roughly 1.8°F increase in the global average temperature over that period.

But researchers can look back much deeper into the ice cap’s history using other clues. The new research, published on Monday in Geophysical Research Letters, looked at an array of amazingly named cosmogenic radionuclides in bedrock around the ice cap to tease out when the ground was free of ice.

Cosmogenic radionuclides are isotopes that form when exposed to cosmic rays. That can only happen when the ground isn’t covered by ice, giving researchers a way to see how rare the current shrinking ice cap is.

Their findings show that there were two periods where ice extent was roughly as tiny as it is now. Both periods came hundreds of thousands of years ago and were due to natural changes in the earth’s tilt and orbit that helped warm the planet.

Today’s rapid change is different because human carbon pollution is the main driver of the unrelenting warmth in the region, which is warming twice as fast as the rest of the world. The findings indicate that the Arctic likely hasn’t been this warm in 2.6 million years.

Looking into the future using climate models, sustained warming almost certainly spells doom for the ice sheet. On our current trajectory of carbon pollution, the research indicates that the ice cap is likely to disappear in the next 300 years. That’s a geological blink of an eye for an icy legacy that stretched across millions of years.

Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity - New Activity for the week of 15 March-21 March 2017

Bezymianny | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that lava continued to advance down Bezymianny's NW flank during 10-17 March, and gas-and-steam plumes rose from the crater. A thermal anomaly was visible each day in satellite images. The Aviation Colour Code remained at Orange.

Chirinkotan | Kuril Islands (Russia) : Based on satellite images, SVERT reported that on 21 March an ash plume from Chirinkotan rose to an altitude of 6 km (20,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 15 km E. The Aviation Colour Code was raised to Yellow (the second lowest on a four-colour scale).

Etna | Sicily (Italy) : INGV reported that during the morning of 15 March lava began to flow down the S flank of Etna's Southeast Crater (SEC) - New Southeast Crater (NSEC) cone complex. Activity rapidly intensified at 0800, and by 1000 near-constant Strombolian explosions were generating ash plumes. The lava flow reached the base of the cone and traveled S. By late afternoon the lava was advancing on top of lava flows from the previous eruption. The intensity of the Strombolian activity reached a peak around 1840-1845, and by the evening both the eruptive activity and seismicity gradually diminished. Just before midnight a new lava flow began to effuse from a vent on the S flank of the cone. On 16 March at 1243 a phreato-magmatic explosion occurred at the front of a lava flow where it contacted an area covered with snow. An INGV-Osservatorio Etneo volcanologist was injured in the explosion, suffering minor bruises. A news article noted that about 10 people were injured during the event.

Manam | Papua New Guinea : Based on analyses of satellite imagery and model data, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 21 March weak ash emissions from Manam rose to an altitude of 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE and E.

Nevados de Chillan | Chile : Based on satellite and webcam views, the Buenos Aires VAAC reported that during 15-17 March gas-and-ash plumes from Nevados de Chillán rose to altitudes of 4-5.5 km (13,000-18,000 ft) a.s.l. and sometimes drifted NE and SW.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.5 Earthquake hits Bali, Indonesia.

5.2 Earthquake hits the Sunda Strait, Indonesia.

5.1 Earthquake hits the Banda Sea.

5.0 Earthquake hits Antofagasta, Chile.

Wildlife

Czech Zoo Dehorns Rhinos to Ward Off Poachers

In the wake of a brazen incident of rhino poaching at a French zoo, a Czech zoo that holds the largest number of rhinoceroses of any zoo in Europe is cutting the horns off the at-risk animals.

Přemysl Rabas, director of Dvůr Králové Zoo, announced today (March 21) that the zoo had begun dehorning its herd of 21 rhinos. The first rhino underwent the procedure under sedation yesterday. The intervention took less than 1 hour, and it was performed without any complications.

Chimpanzee Funerary Rites Seen for 1st Time

In a first, scientists have observed a chimpanzee cleaning the teeth of a dead companion. This postmortem ritual, which was caught on video, hints that humans might not be the only animals to gently attend to their dead. With the care of a mortician, the chimpanzee opened the mouth of her dead companion with her hands. She took a grass tool and poked it between his teeth, seeming to examine and even taste the debris she flossed out.

Scientists now have a growing body of evidence about some unusual animal kingdom mortuary practices. Crows seem to hold vigil over their dead. Elephants, dolphins and whales have been known to stick by their dead companions.

Chimpanzees, our closest living relatives, had also been seen engaging in some mourning behaviors in the past, like returning to,dragging and perhaps even trying to resuscitate corpses. But using tools to clean the dead is something new to science.

Disease

Meningitis in Niger

Sixteen people have lost their lives to cerebrospinal meningitis in Magama local government area of Niger state, state officials confirmed yesterday. The breakdown of mortalities showed that nine female and seven males died in the latest outbreak of the disease in Madakayi and Aungwan Tunga villages. 31 cases of meningitis were reported on March 6 across four local government areas, namely Magama, Kontagora, Rijau and Agwara, and that of the four, apart from being the only council with mortality, Magama has the highest cases of 23, followed by Rijau with 4; Kotagora 3 and Agwara 1.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.3 Earthquake hits west of Macquarie Island.

5.0 Earthquake hits Kepulauan Barat Daya, Indonesia.

5.0 Earthquake hits New Britain, Papua New Guinea.

5.0 Earthquake hits near the west coast of Colombia.

Wildfires

Wildfires - Nebraska, USA

A fire chief says a wildfire has destroyed at least eight homes and several other buildings near Lake McConaughy. More than 100 firefighters from a couple dozen departments responded to calls late Sunday morning. An overnight fire had rekindled as stiff winds whipped up embers near the northeast corner of the lake. He estimated that Sunday's blaze blackened at least 500 acres.

Wildfires - North Carolina, USA

A massive wildfire continues to burn in Burke County, already charring more than 1,300 acres and is 20 percent contained. Firefighters conducted burnout operations Monday afternoon in the Linville Gorge in order to keep the fire from spreading. There were 160 firefighters who responded to the wildfire. They said they're keeping an eye on a weather system that is expected to move in Tuesday afternoon and has the potential for increased winds.

Wildfires - Florida, USA

Firefighters on Monday continued battling a wildfire in the Big Cypress National Preserve that started on 60 acres Sunday and quickly spread across at least 3,300 acres of cypress, grasses and pine rockland. The blaze, named the Parliament Fire, started in an area targeted by park officials for a prescribed fire. That means as long as it’s contained, the fire will help the swamp, preserve spokeswoman Ardrianna McLane said.

Disease

Malaria in South Africa

In March 2017, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) received official reports of possible locally-transmitted cases of malaria detected in non-endemic areas of Limpopo, North West, and Gauteng Provinces. Forty-nine cases were reported between the end of February through March 12, 2017 in Thabazimbi and Lephalele municipalities in the western Waterberg District of North West Province.

Yellow Fever - Brazil

As of 16 March 2017, yellow fever virus transmission continues to expand towards the Atlantic coast of Brazil in areas not previously deemed to be at risk for yellow fever transmission. Last week, the state of Rio de Janeiro reported its two first confirmed autochthonous yellow fever cases in the municipality of Casimiro de Abreu, located 135 km from the city of Rio de Janeiro. This has prompted the World Health Organization Secretariat to determine that the State of Rio de Janeiro, with the exception of the urban areas of Rio de Janeiro City and Niterói, should also be considered at risk for yellow fever transmission.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.8 Earthquake hits the Solomon Islands.

5.2 Earthquake hits New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.

5.1 Earthquake hits the Solomon Islands.

5.1 Earthquake hits south of the Kermedec Islands.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

No current tropical storms.

NewsBytes:

Australia - More than 4000 people remain isolated in northern NSW because of heavy rain, with more wet weather forecast for much of the state. Eleven rivers in the northern rivers and mid-north coast regions have flooded, with the Bureau of Meteorology issuing severe thunderstorm warnings on Monday for those areas, along with the central west slopes and plains, and upper western and northern tablelands.

Peru - Authorities in Peru have declared that the intense rains, overflowing rivers, mudslides and flooding being experienced in the country are the worst seen in two decades, with the death toll since the beginning of the year having hit 72. The highly unusual rains follow a series of storms that have struck hard along Peru's northern coast, with voracious waters inundating hospitals and leaving some small villages isolated. The storms are being caused by a warming of the surface waters in the Pacific Ocean and are expected to continue for another two weeks, with the disaster affecting more than half the nation.

Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur - It was a busy day for firefighters responding to reports of flash floods, landslides and clogged drains after particularly heavy rains in the Klang Valley.

Drought

Drought Violence in Kenya

At least 10 people have been killed in the latest clashes in drought-hit Kenya between rural communities fighting over pasture to graze their animals, police said on Monday. Kenya, like elsewhere in the Horn of Africa, is suffering from serious drought.

Herders from the Borana and Samburu communities fought a gun battle on Sunday in an area in the centre of the country called Kom, where both groups had taken their livestock to graze, said Charles Ontita, police chief of the town of Isiolo.

The deaths come a week after 13 people were killed in the western Baringo region when Ilchamus and Pokot herdsmen clashed over grazing at an area called Mukutani.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.1 Earthquake hits Fiji.

5.0 Earthquake hits the Solomon Islands.

5.0 Earthquake hits Oaxaca, Mexico.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

No current tropical storms.

NewsBytes:

Colombia - Authorities in Colombia's Antioquia department said 435 families, as well as infrastructure and farmland, have been affected by flooding.

Global Warming

Global Warming will shrink Mammals

A remarkable new study claims that global warming will have a major effect on humans in the future in one key way: it will shrink us. A new study claims that major warming events results in dwarfism in mammals, and even shorter periods of warming can result in patterns of shrinkage.

Scientists examined one of the largest of the hyperthemal periods, the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM), and found that while temperatures rose between nine and 14 degrees Fahrenheit, mammals shrank by 30 percent. So they started looking at other warming events to see if the trend holds.

By examining the molar teeth to gauge body size on ancient bones dated from different warming periods, researchers determined that two species they examined shrank 14 and 15 percent. Why does this happen? Scientists think it may be possible that CO2 levels diminished the nutrients in plant, and stunting the mammals’ growth.

Environment

Beijing Moves from Coal to Natural Gas

The last large coal-fired power plant in Beijing has suspended operations, with the city's electricity now generated by natural gas, as the city battles a long term heavy smog problem. The shuttering of the Huangneng Beijing Thermal Power Plant comes on the heels of China's annual legislative sessions, where Premier Li Keqiang promised to "make our skies blue again" in his state-of-the-nation speech.

The Huangneng plant is the fourth to be closed and replaced by gas thermal power centres between 2013 and 2017, cutting nearly 10 million tonnes in coal emissions annually. Smog has cloaked the capital for several days and is expected to continue through the week.

However, PM2.5 (harmful particulate) levels have remained between 200 and 330 micrograms per cubic metre --well above the World Health Organization's recommended maximum average exposure of 25 micrograms per cubic metre in a 24-hour period.

The pollution often vanishes during prominent events like the legislative sessions and the 2008 Summer Olympics as authorities order factories to halt activity and force cars off the road.

Disease

Anthrax - India

Odisha media reported Saturday that two people are dead and nine other are sickened due to anthrax in the Bisra block of Sundargarh district of Odisha in eastern India. The nine affected are currently being treated.

Anthrax in the Philippines

Health officials in Lagangilang, Abra province in the northern Philippines are reporting at least 15 suspected human anthrax cases, according to a GMA Network report.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.2 Earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.

5.1 Earthquake hits the Banda Sea.

5.1 Earthquake hits the Solomon Islands.

5.0 earthquake hits Lara, Venezuela.

5.0 Earthquake hits the Solomon Islands.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

No current tropical storms.

NewsBytes:

Burundi - At least six people have died in Burundi in a night of torrential rain and flooding that triggered landslides and caused widespread damage, the government said on Friday. In the northwestern town of Mabayi, a landslide smothered several houses, and rescuers found five victims.

Namibia - Flooding in Namibia's Cuvelai-Etosha catchment area has reached alarming levels in recent weeks, with residents being warned to take the necessary precautions in expectation of the worst possible floods experienced in the region in living memory. Authorities have warned that the magnitude of flooding expected in the northern central regions is likely to surpass that of 2011, which saw the highest level of flooding in Namibia's recent history.

Wildfires

Wildfires - Florida, USA

Wildfires burned through four Southwest Florida counties on Friday.

The first scorched 150 acres in the Big Cypress Seminole Reservation and Big Cypress Natural Preserve, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Fire Management Division said. A second brush fire ignited Friday afternoon around 1:09 p.m. on Oil Well Road in Punta Gorda, which burned 302 acres and threatened several homes. A third fire burned about 114 acres in San Carlos Park near U.S. 41 and Unique Circle, the San Carlos Park Fire District said. It was 100 percent contained by 7 p.m.

Disease

Nigeria: Meningitis in Sokoto, Rabies in Lagos

Nigerian health officials report five deaths due to bacterial meningitis in Sokoto state, according to a Premium Times report. The five victims in Gada and Wauru towns of Gada Local Government area. In Lagos, two human rabies deaths have been reported at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).

Avian influenza update: China

The China National Health and Family Planning Commission reported 21 additional human cases of avian influenza A(H7N9), including four deaths, from March 10 to 16.

Mumps arrives in Louisiana

The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) reports that cases of mumps are beginning to appear in Louisiana. As of Wednesday, there have been 12 cases of mumps reported by the LDH Office of Public Health.

“There has been a large outbreak of mumps cases in Arkansas and we’re starting to see cases in Louisiana now,” said Dr. Frank Welch, medical director of the state Immunization Program, Louisiana Department of Health.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.5 Earthquake hits south of Fiji.

5.4 Earthquake hits south of Bali, Indonesia.

5.3 Earthquake hits Kyushu, Japan.

5.2 Earthquake hits the Solomon Islands.

5.2 Earthquake hits Colombia.

5.1 Earthquake hits the Molucca Sea.

5.0 Earthquake hits offshore Valparaiso, Chile.

5.0 Earthquake hits east of North island, New Zealand.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

No current tropical storms.

NewsBytes:

Peru - A new round of unusually heavy rains killed at least a dozen people in Peru and is threatening flooding in the capital Lima. New floods and mudslides over the past three days followed a series of other storms. Officials say that a total of 62 people have died and 12,000 homes have been destroyed so far this year. Authorities said Thursday they expect the intense rains caused by the warming of surface waters in the eastern Pacific Ocean to continue for another two weeks. Schools nationwide are suspending classes and the swelling Huaycoloro River in Lima swept away two trucks and threatened to destroy a bridge.

Australia - Torrential rain led to flash flooding across the region from Wollongong to Bowral, with at least 53mm of rain dumped in 60 minutes at Warragamba on Thursday afternoon. Heavy rainfall was likely to bring more flash flooding to the south coast for several hours on Thursday night, according to the Bureau of Meteorology, which issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the area. Flood warnings are in place for the Wilsons, Hastings and Orara rivers.

Global Warming

Climate Conditions Affect Health

A consortium of 11 leading medical societies, representing more than half of the doctors in the United States, launched a campaign to show how climate change is affecting people’s health.

Its new report, Medical Alert! Climate Change Is Harming Our Health, says climate change is leading to more cardio-respiratory illness, the spread of infectious disease as well as physical and mental health problems from more frequent episodes of extreme weather.

The report was delivered to Congress before being more widely distributed. “Doctors in every part of our country see that climate change is making Americans sicker,” said Dr. Mona Sarfaty, director of the new consortium and a professor at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, USA.

Warming Seas

The world’s oceans are heating up about 13 percent faster than previously believed, with the rate of warming since 1992 found to be twice as great as the warming rate measured since 1960.

Researchers from leading U.S. and Chinese agencies made the discovery by correcting past data errors and by using more advanced climate computer models.

“The oceans are affecting weather and climate through more intense rains. This process is a major reason why 2016 was the hottest year ever recorded at the Earth’s surface,” the team wrote in a press release. “Additionally, 2015 was a year with record hurricanes, heat waves, droughts and wildfires around the world.”

Nature - Images

Interesting Images

Footage of Nuclear-Weapons Tests Declassified

After decades spent slowly disintegrating in high-security vaults, thousands of historic films of U.S. nuclear weapons tests have been salvaged, including some that have been newly declassified. The incredible footage shows enormous mushroom clouds ballooning over the horizon in what could be a doomsday flick.

A mushroom cloud forms after a nuclear weapons test dubbed Operation Hardtack-1 - Nutmeg in May 1958 on Bikini Atoll in the Pacific Ocean.

Environment

Global Temperature Extremes

The week's hottest temperature was 111.0 degrees Fahrenheit (44.0 degrees Celsius) in Port Hedland, Western Australia.

The week's coldest temperature was minus 89.0 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 67.2 degrees Celsius) at Vostok, Antarctica.

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

Human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus – China

On 10 March 2017, the National Health and Family Planning Commission of China (NHFPC) notified WHO of 26 additional laboratory-confirmed cases of human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus in mainland China.

Dengue in the Pacific

At least nine Pacific Island Nations today are experiencing dengue fever outbreaks, according to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

The Solomon Islands has experience the highest number of cases, with more than 10,000 suspected infections since a dengue outbreak was declared in October 2016.

In Vanuatu, suspected dengue cases have risen to almost 2,000 since November 2016, impacting five of the countries six provinces.

In Fiji, the Red Cross has been disseminating information about dengue as part of its Tropical Cyclone Winston recovery work since May last year. There have been 155 confirmed cases of dengue so far in Fiji in 2017.

In American Samoa the government has declared a public health emergency after 30 suspected and 13 confirmed dengue cases. It is the first time the country has had a case of dengue serotype 2 since 1972.

In New Caledonia there have been 1,163 dengue cases and three people have died from the disease. Nauru has 50 suspected cases, and the virus has also been confirmed in Palau (51), French Polynesia (29) and Australia (202).

Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity - Ongoing Activity for the week of 8 March-14 March 2017

Bagana | Bougainville (Papua New Guinea) : Based on analyses of satellite imagery and wind data, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 14 March a minor ash emission from Bagana rose to an altitude of 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted WSW.

Bezymianny | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that an explosive eruption at Bezymianny began at about 1330 on 9 March. Based on webcam observations, at 1454 an ash plume rose to altitudes of 6-7 km (20,000-23,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 20 km NE. The Aviation Colour Code was raised to Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale). About 30 minutes later, at 1523, an ash plume rose to altitudes of 7-8 km (23,000-26,200 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 60 km NW. KVERT raised the Aviation colour Code to Red. Satellite data showed a 14-km-wide ash plume drifting 112 km NW at an altitude of 7 km (23,000 ft) a.s.l. Later that day a 274-km-long ash plume identified in satellite images drifted NW at altitudes of 4-4.5 km (13,100-14,800 ft) a.s.l.; the majority of the leading part of the plume contained a significant amount of ash. A lava flow traveled down the NW part of the lava dome. The Aviation Colour Code was lowered to Orange. Ash plumes drifted as far as 500 km NW.

Bogoslof | Fox Islands (USA) : AVO reported that an explosive event at Bogoslof began at about 2236 on 7 March, indicated in seismic, lightning, and infrasound data, and lasted about three hours. Though ash was not immediately visible in satellite data, AVO raised the Aviation Colour Code (ACC) to Red and the Volcano Alert Level (VAL) to Warning. Later, satellite images showed a large ash cloud rising to an altitude of 10.7 km (35,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifting E. This event was the first detected eruptive activity since 19 February, and more than 1,000 lightning strokes related to the volcanic eruption cloud were detected during this event, by far the highest number observed to date. In addition the seismic levels were among the highest detected since the beginning of the eruption. Satellite images from 8 March showed that the W part of the island had grown significantly. The ACC was lowered to Orange and the VAL was lowered to Watch on 9 March.

Two earthquakes swarms were detected during 9-11 March; the first began at 1750 on 9 March and ended at 1400 on 10 March, and the second was detected from 1900 on 10 March to 0500 on 11 March. Mildly elevated surface temperatures were identified in satellite data during 10-11 March. A third swarm began at 0500 on 12 March. A short-duration event, from 1131 to 1143 on 13 March, produced a small ash cloud that rose to an altitude of 5.5 km (18,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SSW. AVO noted that after the event, the level of seismic activity declined and the repeating earthquakes, detected for much of the previous several days, stopped. Weakly elevated surface temperatures were observed in two satellite images from 13 March. A photograph taken by a pilot showed a low-level, billowy steam plume rising from the general area of the intra-island lake.

Cleveland | Chuginadak Island (USA) : On 8 March AVO reported that satellite data collected over the previous few weeks did not indicate any growth of Cleveland's lava dome that was emplaced sometime in late January; weakly elevated surface temperatures detected in satellite data were consistent with cooling lava and not indicative of new activity. The Aviation colour Code was lowered to Yellow and the Volcano Alert Level was lowered to Advisory.

Colima | Mexico : Based on Centro Universitario de Estudios e Investigaciones de Vulcanologia - Universidad de Colima observations, the Unidad Estatal de Protección Civil de Colima reported that during 3-9 March there were six low-intensity explosions at Colima. At 1823 on 7 March an ash plume rose about 2 km above the crater and drifted SW. The report noted that the public should not enter the 8-km-radius exclusion zone.

Dukono | Halmahera (Indonesia) : Based on analyses of satellite imagery, wind model data, and notices from PVMBG, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 8 and 10-14 March ash plumes from Dukono rose to altitudes of 1.5-2.4 km (5,000-8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted in multiple directions.

Ebeko | Paramushir Island (Russia) : KVERT reported that during 3-10 March there were 15 explosions at Ebeko observed by residents of Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island) about 7 km E. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).

Fuego | Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that six explosions and weak shockwaves were detected at Fuego on 9 March. Ash plumes rose 900 m and drifted S and SW. Ashfall was reported in Panimaché I and II (8 km SW), Morelia (9 km SW), and Santa Cecilia. Avalanches of material traveled towards the Santa Teresa (W), Trinidad (S), and Las Lajas (SE) drainages. The number and intensity of explosions increased on 10 March. Ash plumes rose as high as 2.7 km and drifted more than 10 km W and SW. Ash fell in areas downwind including Panimaché I and II, Morelia, Santa Sofía (12 km SW), Finca Palo Verde, Sangre de Cristo (8 km WSW), and San Pedro Yepocapa (8 km N). During 11-14 March explosions produced ash plumes that rose 0.5-1 km and drifted 8-12 km NW, W, and SW. Ash fell in multiple areas including Panimaché I and II, Morelia, and Santa Sofía. Incandescent material was ejected as high as 200 m above the crater rim.

Kilauea | Hawaiian Islands (USA) : During 8-14 March HVO reported that the lava lake continued to rise and fall, circulate, and spatter in Kilauea’s Overlook vent. Webcams recorded incandescence from long-active sources within Pu'u 'O'o Crater, from a vent high on the NE flank of the cone, and from a small lava pond in a pit on the W side of the crater. The 61G lava flow, originating from a vent on Pu'u 'O'o Crater's E flank, continued to enter the ocean at Kamokuna. Surface lava flows were active on the coastal plain, and on and above the pali.

Nevados de Chillan | Chile : OVDAS-SERNAGEOMIN reported that the number of phreatomagmatic explosions at Nevados de Chillán increased on 7 March, after a month and a half of no explosive activity. Explosions from the craters on the E side of Volcán Nuevo and the Volcán Arrau dome complex produced plumes that rose 300 m on 7 March, and then subsequently seismicity and surficial activity gradually increased. On 11 March there were eight explosions detected. Plumes rose as high as 500 m and incandescent material was ejected 500 m away from the craters. A series of eight explosions beginning at 0617 on 16 March generated ash plumes that rose 1.5 km and again ejected incandescent material. The Alert Level remained at Yellow, the middle level on a three-colour scale, and the public was reminded not to approach the craters within a 3-km radius.

Popocatepetl | Mexico : Each day during 8-14 March CENAPRED reported 87-200 steam and gas emissions from Popocatépetl, and crater incandescence on most nights. Weather clouds often prevented visual observations. Explosions were detected during 8-11 March: at 0809 on 8 March, at 1847 on 9 March, at 0539 on 10 March, and at 0435 on 11 March. Two additional explosions on 11 March, at 1347 and 1842, generated ash plumes that rose less than 2 km above the crater rim and drifted ENE. The Alert Level remained at Yellow, Phase Two.

Sabancaya | Peru : Based on webcam images, satellite views, and seismic data the Buenos Aires VAAC reported that during 8-14 March sporadic gas-and-ash puffs rose from Sabancaya. Weather clouds often hindered observations of the volcano. On 9 March ash plumes rose to an altitude of 11 km (36,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW and SW. Ash plumes rose to an altitude of 6.7 km (22,000 ft) a.s.l. on 12 March.

Sheveluch | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that during 3-10 March lava-dome extrusion onto Sheveluch’s N flank was accompanied by strong fumarolic activity, dome incandescence, ash explosions, and hot avalanches. Satellite images showed a daily thermal anomaly over the dome, and ash plumes that drifted NW 5 and 8-9 March. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).

Sinabung | Indonesia : Based on PVMBG observations, satellite data, webcam images, and wind data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 8-14 March ash plumes from Sinabung rose to altitudes of 3-5.2 km (10,000-17,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW, W, SW, and S.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.3 Earthquake hits the Rat Islands in the Aleutian Islands.

5.2 Earthquake hits Salta, Argentina.

5.2 Earthquake hits Tonga.

5.1 Earthquake hits south of Fiji.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

No current tropical storms.

NewsBytes:

Spain - Southeast Spain saw a record amount of rain on Monday, causing riverbeds to overflow and roads to flood as the region faced its worst floods in 20 years. Half of the average annual rainfall fell in Alicante in just one day as more than 150litres of water per square metre hit the area. At least one man had to be rescued from his vehicle after it became submerged in floodwaters when it was swept away into the Serpis River. Schools across the province shut down for the day as Spain's weather agency said the stormy weather was expected to continue through Tuesday.

Environment

New CO2 record

The atmosphere’s carbon concentration now exceeds 1960 levels by about a third, and rises faster each decade.

The concentration of carbon dioxide rose by 3 parts per million (ppm) for the second year in a row in 2016, bringing the average concentration to a record-setting 405 ppm, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Pre-industrial concentrations rarely exceeded 280 ppm, and some estimates suggest we would need to keep the carbon concentration between 405 and 450 ppm to limit warming to the internationally set target of 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit). But while that concentration rose by less than one part per million annually in the 1960s, the current annual increase of 3 ppm would put Earth in the danger zone by the early 2030s.

Massive Thirsty Mangroves Dieback Due To Extreme Weather Condition

A James Cook University researcher has found why there was an uncommon dieback of mangroves in the Gulf of Carpentaria in mid-2016 - the plants died of thirst.

The researchers used aeronautical observations and satellite mapping information of the area going back to 1972, joined with climate and weather records. Dr. Duke said they discovered three factors met up to create the extraordinary dieback of 7400 hectares of mangroves, which extended for 1000 kilometres along the Gulf coast.

"From 2011 the coastline had experienced beyond normal rainfalls, and the 2015/16 dry season was especially serious. Secondly, the temperatures in the zone were at record levels and thirdly a few mangroves were left high and dry as the ocean or sea level dropped around 20cm during a particularly extreme El Nino."

Disease

Human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus – China

Between 24 February and 7 March 2017, a total of 58 additional laboratory-confirmed cases of human infection have been reported to WHO from mainland China and China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR).

Another outbreak of White Spot disease in Queensland, Australia

Queensland's $360 million prawn industry has been dealt another blow with news the troublesome white spot virus has spread into Moreton Bay.

Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Bill Byrne says the virus that causes the disease has been detected near the Redcliffe Peninsula and Deception Bay.

Mr Byrne says the state government's established a movement control order to prevent its spread, which will be in place for three months to allow further testing before determining future action.

Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity - New Activity for the week of 8 March-14 March 2017

Chirinkotan | Kuril Islands (Russia) : SVERT noted that no further activity at Chirinkotan was visible after the ash emission on 1 March. The Aviation Colour Code was lowered to Green (on a four-colour scale) on 5 March.

Ebulobo | Flores Island (Indonesia) : Based on PVMBG observations, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 12 March an ash plume from Ebulobo rose to an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. (800 m above the summit) and drifted W.

Klyuchevskoy | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Klyuchevskoy was identified in satellite data during 2-3, 5, and 8-9 March. Explosions on 8 March produced ash plumes that rose to an altitude of 5.5 km (18,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted about 20 km NW. The Aviation Colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.8 Earthquake hits Vanuatu.

5.3 Earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.

5.2 Earthquake hits off the west coast of northern Sumatra, Indonesia.

5.1 Earthquake hits Tajikistan.

5.1 Earthquake hits Fiji.

5.1 Earthquake hits south of Tonga.

5.1 Earthquake hits the Fox Islands in the Aleutian Islands.

5.1 Earthquake hits Halmahera, Indonesia.

5.0 Earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

No current tropical storms.

NewsBytes:

USA - Flooding Hits Coastal Areas of New Jersey, New York. Coastal flooding caused by Tuesday's nor'easter is ravaging some neighbourhoods around New York and New Jersey, and the National Weather Service has issued warnings for particularly vulnerable areas. In Brooklyn's Red Hook, water bubbled up from the sewers, flooding streets before disappearing back into storm drains. In Sea Bright, New Jersey, the storm sent up to 17 inches of ocean water flooding onto Church Street. Flooding had also hit Sea Bright's Ocean Avenue. In Stone Harbour, New Jersey, streets were deluged with floodwaters that almost covered street benches and fire hydrants. And in Atlantic City, there were reports of people needing to be rescued as water levels rose during high tide. Over in the Point Beach area of Milford, Connecticut, floodwaters were pouring down some streets.

Argentina - Illegal Canals Flood Pampas

It was not just the heavy rains that left the streets of the Argentine town of Pozo del Molle flooded for three months last year.

Nearby farmers built small canals without authorization to drain their fields of surface water, redirecting flows toward urban areas and worsening the impact of flooding, said Carlos Salvatico, the mayor of the 7,500-person town in the key agricultural province of Cordoba.

So-called clandestine canals built by farmers to protect their crops are often blamed for exacerbating devastation across Argentina's naturally flood-prone pampas grains and cattle belt.

Flooding this summer has prompted evacuations and left 2 million hectares (4.9 million acres) of highly productive land either underwater or cut off from markets because roads are flooded.

Environment

Demolishing Unsafe USA Dams Beneficial for Environment

With California now on track to have the rainiest year in its history—on the heels of its worst drought in 500 years—the state has become a daily reminder that extreme weather events are on the rise. And the recent near-collapse of the spillway at California’s massive Oroville Dam put an exclamation point on the potentially catastrophic risks.

More than 4,000 dams in the U.S. are now rated unsafe because of structural or other deficiencies. Bringing the entire system of 90,000 dams up to current standards would cost about $79 billion, according to the Association of State Dam Safety Officials. Hence, it has become increasingly common to demolish problematic dams, mainly for economic and public safety reasons, and less often to open up old habitats to native fish. About 700 dams have been taken down across the U.S. over the past decade, with overwhelmingly beneficial results for river species and ecosystems.

Nature - Images

Interesting Images

Tasmania’s northwest shores were glowing blue on Monday night as bioluminescent algae ushered in the stunning phenomenon along the coast.

Disease

Monkeypox outbreak in Republic of the Congo

An outbreak of monkeypox has affected 19 and killed seven people during the first two months of 2017 in Likouala province in northern Republic of the Congo, according to the Congo Ministry of Health and Population (MOHP). The outbreak originated in Betou district on 16 January 2017 when the index case, a male hunter, developed illness.