Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.7 earthquake hits the Nias region, Indonesia.

5.1 earthquake hits Tonga.

5.0 earthquake hits Java, Indonesia.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

There are no current tropical storms.

NewsBytes:

California, USA - A storm that brought more than an inch of rain in an hour on Thursday afternoon has triggered flash flooding in places hit by the massive Camp Fire in Northern California, sending trees toppling and stranding motorists caught in high waters, according to officials. Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued across swaths of Butte County where rain is expected to hammer the area over the next three days. It is unclear when the latest evacuation orders might be lifted.

California, USA - San Francisco received almost an inch of rain between Wednesday and Thursday nights, with the heaviest of the downpour coming overnight flooding numerous freeways in the Bay area.

Global Warming

Weaker Ocean Currents

A new study has found evidence that the ocean circulation in the North Atlantic has become the weakest of the past 1,500 years, mainly as a result of a warming climate.

Many climate models predict a weakening, or even a collapse, of this branch of the ocean circulation under global warming — partly due to a surge of fresh water from the melting of the Greenland ice sheet.

Researchers from the University of Hong Kong write in the journal Geophysical Research Letters that the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation has far-reaching impacts on the climate from North America to Europe, and can influence the monsoon rainfall in South Asia and Africa.

CO2 Emissions Surge

Global emissions of the most prevalent greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide, rose to a new historic high last year, according to a U.N. report that warns the time for action to avoid disastrous climate change is running out.

It adds that emissions began rising again during 2017 for the first time in four years. Levels of accumulated atmospheric CO2 reached a global average of 405.5 parts per million during 2017, almost 50 percent higher than before the Industrial Revolution.

“The last time the Earth experienced a comparable concentration of CO2 was 3 to 5 million years ago, when the temperature was 2 to 3 degrees Celsius (3.6 to 5.4 F) warmer and sea level was 10 to 20 meters (33 to 66 feet) higher,” said World Meteorological Organization Secretary-General Petteri Taalas.

Environment

Global Temperature Extremes

The week's hottest temperature was 109 degrees Fahrenheit (42.8 degrees Celsius) in Proserpine, Queensland, Australia.

The week's coldest temperature was minus 51.0 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 46.1 degrees Celsius) at Oimyakon, Siberia.

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.

Wildfires

Wildfires - Australia

More than 100 wildfires burned across Queensland in eastern Australia on Thursday, the second day of evacuations and rapidly changing conditions affecting thousands of people during a sweltering heat wave.

Conditions improved on Thursday, but residents remain in danger as the heat wave is expected to continue for days.

On Wednesday, when there were as many as 190 fires, the government rated the danger “catastrophic” for the first time in the state’s history. Schools were closed and there were scattered reports of property damage, but there were no immediate reports of any deaths.

Disease

Yellow Fever - South Sudan

The South Sudan Ministry of Health on Thursday declared a Yellow Fever (YF) outbreak in Sakure, Nzara County, Gbudue state. Addressing a press conference in Juba, the Acting Minister of Health, urged the general public to be vaccinated against yellow fever to protect themselves from the risk of the yellow fever virus.

Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – Ongoing Activity for the week of 21 November - 27 November 2018

Aira | Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that four events at Minamidake crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) were recorded during 19-22 November, producing ash plumes that rose as high as 1.6 km above the crater rim. Material was ejected 500-700 m from the crater. Occasional, very small events occurred during 22-26 November. Crater incandescence was visible at night during 20-21 November, for the first time since 20 September, and continued through 26 November. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a 5-level scale).

Dukono | Halmahera (Indonesia) : Based on satellite data, wind model data, and notices from PVMBG, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 21-27 November ash plumes from Dukono rose to altitudes of 1.5-2.1 km (5,000-7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE, E, and SE.

Ebeko | Paramushir Island (Russia) : Volcanologists in Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island), about 7 km E of Ebeko, observed explosions during 15-23 November that sent ash plumes to 3.2 km (10,500 ft) a.s.l. Ash plumes drifted NE and S. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).

Ibu | Halmahera (Indonesia) : The Darwin VAAC reported that on 26 November an ash plume from Ibu was identified in satellite images rising to 1.8 km (6,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifting SE. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was warned to stay at least 2 km away from the active crater, and 3.5 km away on the N side.

Krakatau | Indonesia : PVMBG reported that events at Anak Krakatau were recorded at 0611 on 24 November, at 0810 on 25 November, and at 0900 and 1037 on 26 November, each lasting between 30 and 42 seconds. Ash plumes from the events rose 300-600 m and drifted NE and SW; the ash plumes from the 1037 event were dense and black. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4); residents and visitors were warned not to approach the volcano within 2 km of the crater.

Kuchinoerabujima | Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : JMA reported that during 22-26 November intermittent events at Kuchinoerabujima’s Shindake Crater generated plumes that rose as high as 2.1 km above the crater rim. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-5).

Merapi | Central Java (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that during 16-22 November the lava dome in Merapi’s summit crater grew at a rate of 2,600 cubic meters per day, slower than the previous week. By 21 November the volume of the dome, based on photos taken from the SE, was an estimated 308,000 cubic meters. White emissions of variable density rose a maximum of 125 m above the summit. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and residents were warned to remain outside of the 3-km exclusion zone.

Pacaya | Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that during 24-27 November Strombolian explosions at Pacaya’s Mackenney Crater ejected material as high as 25 m above the crater rim. As many as three lava flows were active on the NW flanks, advancing towards Cerro Chino. Minor avalanches of material descended the SE flank during 26-27 November.

Rincon de la Vieja | Costa Rica : OVSICORI-UNA reported that at 0237 on 27 November a hydrothermal explosion at Rincón de la Vieja produced a plume of water vapor and gas that rose 600 m above the crater rim and drifted SW.

Sabancaya | Peru : Observatorio Vulcanológico del Sur del IGP (OVS-IGP) and Observatorio Vulcanológico del INGEMMET (OVI) reported that an average of 20 explosions per day occurred at Sabancaya during 19-25 November. Long-period seismic events were recorded, and hybrid earthquakes were infrequent and of low magnitude. Gas-and-ash plumes rose as high as 2.7 km above the crater rim and drifted 40 km NW and N. MIROVA detected six thermal anomalies, and on 22 November the sulfur-dioxide gas flux was high at 3,000 tons per day. The report noted that the public should not approach the crater within a 12-km radius.

Sangay | Ecuador : IG reported that since 8 August activity at Sangay was characterized by the extrusion of lava flows on the ESE flank and ash emissions that rose between 500 and 1,500 m and mainly drifted W and NW. Lava flows were 1-2 km long, though block avalanches from the flow fronts traveled additionally as far as 5 km. The seismic network recorded more than 50 signals per day indicating explosions. The activity continued at least through 21 November; the report noted that this phase has lasted longer than any other since 2015.

Santa Maria | Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that during 24-27 November explosions at Santa María's Santiaguito lava-dome complex generated ash plumes that rose 700-900 m and drifted SW, causing ashfall in Monte Claro. Avalanches of material descended the SE and NE flanks of the lava dome.

Semisopochnoi | United States : AVO reported that no evidence of activity at Semisopochnoi had been detected since an explosion was recorded in infrasound data on 31 October. The satellite link for transmitting seismic data failed on 1 November, though no activity was observed in satellite or infrasound data since then. As a result, the Aviation colour Code was lowered to Yellow and Volcano Alert Level was lowered to Advisory (both are the second lowest levels on four-level scales) on 21 November.

Sheveluch | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a weak thermal anomaly over Sheveluch was identified in satellite images during 16-17 and 19-20 November. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).

Turrialba | Costa Rica : OVSICORI-UNA reported that at 0710 on 22 November an event at Turrialba generated an ash plume that rose 100 m above the crater rim and drifted W. The next day there were frequent pulses of ash. During 23-25 November occasional Strombolian explosions ejected lava bombs that were deposited near the crater; residents of Cascajal de Coronado reported hearing several booming sounds. Ash plumes rose as high as 500 m. During 26-27 November passive emissions with small quantities of ash were visible. Minor ashfall was reported in San Jose (Cascajal de Coronado and Dulce Nombre), San Pedro Montes de Oca, and neighborhoods of Heredia.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.3 earthquake hits the Myanmar-India border.

5.1 earthquake hits New Ireland, Papua New Guinea.

5.0 earthquake hits the central east Pacific rise.

Mystery Indian Ocean seismic waves

Mysterious seismic waves in the Indian Ocean that were picked up by monitoring stations from Madagascar to Canada three weeks ago have baffled scientists.

Researchers and earthquake enthusiasts who spotted the signals have narrowed down the origin to a region just off the coast of the island Mayotte.

The slow waves detected on November 11 rumbled for more than 20 minutes, unbeknownst to most people.

They are similar to those typically seen after large earthquakes, which are known to travel great distances – but, no such earthquake took place.

Theories as to what caused the cryptic rumble have ranged from a slow earthquake or underwater volcanic eruption to an undetected meteor strike.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

There are no current tropical storms.

NewsBytes:

Australia - Torrential rain and gale force winds continued t lash Australia's biggest city Sydney on Wednesday and Thursday morning causing commuter chaos, flooding streets, railway stations and homes, grounding flights and leaving hundreds of people without electricity.

Global Warming

Global warming increases the risk of an extinction domino effect

The complex network of interdependencies between plants and animals multiplies the species at risk of extinction due to environmental change, according to a JRC study.

In the case of global warming, predictions that fail to take into account this cascading effect might underestimate extinctions by up to 10 times.

As an obvious, direct consequence of climate change, plants and animals living in a given area are driven to extinction when the local environmental conditions become incompatible with their tolerance limits, just like fish in an aquarium with a broken thermostat.

However, there are many elusive drivers of species loss that go beyond the direct effects of environmental change (and human activity) which we still struggle to understand.

In particular, it is becoming clearer that co-extinctions (the disappearance of consumers following the depletion of their resources) could be a major culprit in the ongoing biodiversity crisis.

While the concept of co-extinction is supported by a sound and robust theoretical background, it is often overlooked in empirical research because it's extremely difficult to assess.

Wildfires

Wildfires - Australia

Thousands of people were being evacuated from their homes in northeast Australia late on Wednesday, as bushfires raged across Queensland state amid a scorching heatwave. More than 100 fires continue to burn across the state but favourable conditions overnight allowed firefighters to make some progress on one major fire at Gracemere, near Rockhampton.

About 8,000 people were told to leave the town of Gracemere, south of the central coast area of Rockhampton, as a fast-moving blaze threatened homes.

Early on Thursday, residents of two more communities - Campwin Beach and Sarina Beach, south of Mackay - were woken by police and emergency text messages telling them they must leave.

Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – New Activity for the week of 21 November - 27 November 2018

Fuego | Guatemala : colourOn 23 November INSIVUMEH reported that during the previous few days moderate explosions at Fuego generated shock waves that vibrated structures within 20 km. Ash plumes from the explosions rose 1.3 km above the cone in the summit crater and drifted 20 km W and SW, causing ashfall in areas downwind including Panimaché (8 km SW), El Porvenir (8 km ENE), Morelia (9 km SW), Santa Sofia (12 km SW), Sangre de Cristo (8 km WSW), Palo Verde Estate, and San Pedro Yepocapa (8 km NW). Incandescent material was ejected 150 m high, causing avalanches, some that traveled long distances in the Las Lajas (SE), Ceniza (SSW), and Seca (W) drainages and reached vegetated areas. During 24-25 November there were 12-15 weak-to-moderate explosions per hour, generating ash plumes that rose as high as 1.1 km and drifted 20-25 km W and SW. Shock waves continued to vibrate local structures, and ashfall was again reported in Panimaché, El Porvenir, Morelia, Santa Sofia, Sangre de Cristo, Palo Verde Estate, and San Pedro Yepocapa. Moderate-to-strong Vulcanian explosions on 26 November generated ash plumes that rose as high as 1.2 km and drifted N. The explosions were heard, and shock waves felt, mostly within 25 km, though some explosions were audible to residents of Guatemala City (city center is about 40 km ENE). Explosions continued the next day at a rate of 10-15 per hour. Ash plumes rose as high as 1.3 km and drifted 20-25 km W and SW. Incandescent material was ejected 200 m high, and avalanches of material descended multiple drainages. Ashfall was reported in areas downwind.

Karangetang | Siau Island (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that at 1314 on 25 November an eruption at Karangetang produced an ash plume that rose at least 500 m above the crater rim; weather clouds prevented clear views of the plume. The Aviation colour Code was raised to Orange, though the Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4).

Mayon | Luzon (Philippines) : PHIVOLCS reported that during 21-26 November white steam plumes periodically emitted from Mayon rose as high as 750 m and drifted WSW and SW. Crater incandescence was visible at night during 24-27 November. Two phreatic explosions were recorded during 0759 and 0805 on 26 November. The events generated grayish ash plumes that rose 300-500 m and drifted SW. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a 0-5 scale) and PHIVOLCS reminded residents to stay away from the 6-km-radius Permanent Danger Zone and the 7-km Extended Danger Zone on the SSW and ENE flanks.

Suwanosejima | Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : JMA reported that 16 explosions at Suwanosejima’s Ontake Crater were recorded during 16-22 November. The highest ash plume rose 2 km, and material was ejected 300 m from the crater. Ashfall was reported in an area 4 km SSW on 17 November. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a 5-level scale).

Veniaminof | United States : Ash emissions from the cone in Veniaminof’s ice-filled summit caldera significantly increased overnight during 20-21 November, prompting AVO to raise the Aviation colour Code to Red and the Volcano Alert Level to Warning (the highest levels on four-level scales). Ash emissions rose to below 4.6 km (15,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted more than 240 km SE. On 21 November observers and webcam views in Perryville (35 km SE) indicated continuous ash emissions through most of the day; ash plumes drifted SE, extending as far as 400 km by around 1445. A short eruptive pulse was recorded during 1526-1726, and then afterwards ash plumes rose to below 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. Low-altitude ash emissions on 22 November drifted 100 km S. Minor ashfall was reported in Perryville. AVO lowered the Aviation colour Code and Volcano Alert Level to Orange and Watch, respectively, because of decreased ash emissions. Elevated thermal anomalies were identified in satellite data overnight, and incandescence was visible from a Perryville webcam, suggesting continuing lava effusion which had been obscured by the increased period of ash emissions. Lava effusion was persistent through 27 November.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.8 earthquake hits north of Ascension Island.

5.5 earthquake hits Hokkaido, Japan.

5.4 earthquake hits the North Atlantic Ocean.

5.3 earthquake hits southeast of the Loyalty Islands.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

There are no current tropical storms.

NewsBytes:

Britain - Freezing fog caused travel chaos across Britain on Tuesday as the UK braced itself for Storm Diana's 80mph winds. Hundreds of flights serving London airports were cancelled or delayed amid the thick fog and by noon some 62 flights to or from London Heathrow on Tuesday were cancelled and a further 380 were delayed by more than 15 minutes. Storm Diana will bring gales of up to 80mph to Britain and Ireland amid warnings that homes and business could be flooded with heavy rain expected. Train services were also affected on Tuesday with drivers having to slow down because they couldn't see through the fog.

Australia - Swathes of coastal New South Wales around Sydney have been deluged with more than a month’s worth of rainfall in less than a day, with the State Emergency Service preparing to mobilise thousands of volunteers and police warning commuters to stay off the roads. Two people have already died. The floods have been described as the worst rain event in 44 years.

Wildlife

Biggest coral reseeding project launches on Great Barrier Reef

Scientists have launched the largest-ever attempt to regenerate coral on the endangered Great Barrier Reef by harvesting millions of the creatures' eggs and sperm during their annual spawning.

The researchers said Wednesday they plan to grow coral larvae from the harvested eggs and return these to areas of the reef which have been badly damaged by climate-related coral bleaching.

"Our team will be restoring hundreds of square meters with the goal of getting to square kilometres in the future, a scale not attempted previously,” the researchers said.

The "Larval Restoration Project" launch was timed to coincide with the annual coral spawn on the reef, which began earlier this week and will last only about 48 to 72 hours.

“Our approach to reef restoration aims to buy time for coral populations to survive and evolve until emissions are capped and our climate stabilises."

The scientists hope that coral which have survived bleaching have a greater tolerance to rising temperatures so that a breeding population produced from this year's spawn will grow into coral better able to survive future bleaching events.

Wildfires

Wildfires - California

The two wildfires that scorched 250,000 acres in California, Camp Fire and the Woolsey Fire, are 100% contained after raging for over two weeks. But the death toll from Northern California's Camp Fire, the state's deadliest fire on record, continues to climb, reaching 88 with over 200 people still missing. Firefighters continue to probe the remains of the fire for human remains.

Disease

Measles - Ukraine - Update

Ukrainian health officials reported an additional 2,138 measles cases in the past week, up 15 percent from the week prior. During the week ending Nov. 24, 729 adults and 1,409 children were positive for measles. Since the beginning of 2018, the Center for Public Health of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine has reported 42,040 measles cases.

Foot and Mouth Disease - China

China’s agriculture ministry on Tuesday reported an outbreak of O-type foot-and-mouth disease on a pig farm in the country’s northwestern Xinjiang region

The outbreak in Yining county, in Ili prefecture, infected 108 of 331 pigs on the farm, killing 46, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs said in a statement. The other 285 pigs have been culled.

Ebola - DR Congo - Update

Last weekend, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) reported a further 33 cases of the highly contagious disease, bringing the total number to 419. The World Health Organisation (WHO) identified three major ebola “red zones” as Kalunguta, Katwa and Beni - all of which located in the north east of the Congo.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.5 earthquake hits the Revilla Gigedo Islands.

5.3 earthquake hits Fiji.

Two 5.2 earthquakes hit the Bougainville region, Papua New Guinea.

5.0 earthquake hits south of Fiji.

5.0 earthquake hits the Mayotte region.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Western Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm 34w (Man-Yi), located approximately 331 nm east-southeast of Kadena AFB, Okinawa, Japan, is tracking north-northeastward at 12 knots.

NewsBytes:

Niger - Floods destroyed more than 400 hectares (1,000 acres) of rice in Niger's southeastern Diffa region, already beset by deadly attacks by Boko Haram jihadists, the local governor said. The rains destroyed nearly 17,400 homes and killed more than 33,000 heads of livestock.

Global Warming

Receding Malawi Lake Lays Bare Cost Of Climate Change

Just four months ago, the fishing harbour at Kachulu on the western shores of Lake Chilwa in Malawi was bustling with fishermen and traders haggling over the catch of the day.

Today hundreds of fishing boats sit marooned on cracked, dry mud as vultures fly above the shores of the once productive fishing zone 30 kilometres east of the southern African country's old capital Zomba.

Chilwa, the country's second largest lake after Malawi, is shallow and saline and particularly prone to seasonal variations in water level and was last so dry during a drought in 1991. It is home to two inhabited islands and also sustains nearly 200 waterbird species.

Records show the lake has dried completely several times in the last 100 years... according to published literature, it was a cycle of 20 to 25 years. But that rhythm has changed. From the 1990s, the frequency of the drying has increased and this is connected to the impacts of extreme weather events typical of climate change.

Disease

Anthrax - Namibia

The Ministry of Health and Social Services in Namibia has reported a suspected anthrax outbreak in Opuwo District, Kunene Region, located in the far north-west part of the country.

As of 21 November 2018, a total of 52 suspected cases of anthrax were reported, manifesting either as the cutaneous or the gastrointestinal form of the disease.

About 138 community members reportedly consumed meat from dead goats and/or handled the carcasses, and were administered antibiotic prophylaxis. The veterinary division of the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry earlier reported that a total of 98 goats, donkeys and cattle died of an unknown cause in the Sesfontein settlement since August 2018.

Madagascar plague update

Madagascar health officials have reported 46 human plague cases since Aug. 1. Of this total, 14 have died. Bubonic plague accounts for 36 of the total cases, including five fatalities. The remaining 10 cases were pneumonic plague. Nine pneumonic plague cases died from their illness.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

6.3 earthquake hits the Iran-Iraq border region.

5.6 earthquake hits the Caribbean Sea.

5.6 earthquake hits the Taiwan Strait.

Two 5.2 earthquakes hit the Iran-Iraq border region.

5.1 earthquake hits the Pacific-Antarctic ridge.

5.0 earthquake hits the Iran-Iraq border region.

5.0 earthquake hits northern Xinjiang, China.

5.0 earthquake hits off the west coast of South Island, New Zealand.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Western Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm 34w (Man-Yi), located approximately 455 nm southwest of Kadena AFB, Okinawa, Japan, is tracking northwestward at 08 knots.

NewsBytes:

Iraq - Update - Dozens of people were killed and thousands more were displaced across Iraq over the past four days, as flash floods and torrential rainfall battered the semi-arid country. The Health ministry on Sunday raised the death toll from 17 to least 21 people killed, including women and children, over the past few days. At least 180 others were injured. The floods caused by heavy rainfall displaced tens of thousands of people, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said on Sunday. An estimated 10,000 people in Salah Eddin and 15,000 people in Ninewa are in need of assistance, including thousands of families living in IDP camps, OCHA said, adding that the Shirqat district in Salah al-Din, and Qayyarah Airstrip and Jeddah IDP camps in Ninewa, are among the worst affected. The floods have shed new light on the plight of areas battered by the war against ISIS and have made the issue of reconstruction more urgent in light of the devastation caused by this week’s storms.

Wildlife

145 whales die on remote New Zealand beach

Up to 145 pilot whales have died in a mass stranding on a remote part of a small New Zealand island, authorities said on Monday. The stranding was discovered by a hiker late Saturday on Stewart Island, 30 kilometres (19 miles) off the southern coast of the South Island.

Half of the whales were already dead and due to the condition of the remaining whales and the remote, difficult to access location, the decision was made to euthanise the remainder.

"Sadly, the likelihood of being able to successfully re-float the remaining whales was extremely low," said Ren Leppens, the Department of Conservation's operations manager on Stewart Island. "The remote location, lack of nearby personnel and the whales' deteriorating condition meant the most humane thing to do was to euthanise.

Wildfires

Wildfires - Australia

Hundreds of Australians have evacuated their homes due to bushfires amid "unprecedented" weather conditions in the state of Queensland, officials say.

About 40 bushfires are burning across the state following a heatwave, said Queensland Fire and Emergency Services.

The most serious blaze, 450km (280 miles) north of Brisbane, has destroyed at least two homes, damaged four others and prompted evacuation orders.

The conditions have been described as "highly unusual" for this time of year.

The largest bushfire is about 50km long and has burnt through approximately 11,000 hectares in the Deepwater National Park.

Disease

Schistosomiasis - Myanmar - Update

The Myanmar Ministry of Health and Sports reported that of the nearly 1,000 suspect schistosomiasis cases tested in Rakhine State, 520 were Schistosoma mansoni IgG (Elisa) positive. In addition to Rakhine, some people with schistosomiasis were detected in Shwe Kyin of Bago region and Inn Lay of Shan state.

Fish Tapeworm - Chile

Officials in Puerto Octay, Lagos region, Chile are issuing a health alert after an outbreak of the tapeworm infection, diphyllobothriasis had been reported. According to local media, six cases in adults ages 30-60 have been confirmed positive for the parasite. They all noted being frequent consumers of raw fish, mostly as ceviche.

Congenital Syphilis - Arizona, USA

There is currently a statewide outbreak of syphilis in Arizona, a bacterial infection that is usually spread by sexual contact. Medical providers are seeing the largest increase of syphilis cases in women and newborns. A pregnant woman can pass syphilis to her unborn child, which is called congenital syphilis.

Congenital syphilis can lead to problems with the skin, eyes and brain, stillbirth or infant death. Up to 40 percent of untreated syphilitic pregnancies result in stillbirth or newborn death.

In a follow-up on a report in early October, Arizona state health officials report the number of congenital syphilis cases, or syphilis cases in babies has risen to 45 as of today. Of this total, eight baby deaths have been reported.

Lassa Fever - Nigeria

Nigerian health officials reported three additional confirmed Lassa fever cases during the week ending Nov. 18 in Edo and Ondo states. One death was reported among the cases. Since the beginning of the year, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has seen 562 confirmed and 17 probable cases and 161 deaths.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

6.1 earthquake hits the Caribbean Sea.

5.8 earthquake hits off the west coast of South Island, New Zealand.

5.5 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.

5.4 earthquake hits Tonga.

5.3 earthquake hits eastern New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.

5.1 earthquake hits Trujillo, Venezuela.

5.0 earthquake hits the Banda Sea.

5.0 earthquake hits the southwest Indian ridge.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Western Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm 33w (Usagi), located approximately 50 nm southeast of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, is tracking westward at 05 knots.

Typhoon 34w (Man-Yi), located approximately 504 nm southwest of Iwo To, Japan, is tracking westward at 02 knots.

NewsBytes:

Fiji - Floodwaters caused by heavy rain swept through Levuka yesterday. The flash flood disrupted businesses and affected many households.

Global Warming

The World Needs to Stop Using Coal. Why Is It So Hard?

Coal, the fuel that powered the industrial age, has led the planet to the brink of catastrophic climate change.

Scientists have repeatedly warned of its looming dangers, most recently on Friday, when a major scientific report issued by 13 United States government agencies warned that the damage from climate change could knock as much as 10 percent off the size of the American economy by century’s end if significant steps aren’t taken to rein in warming.

An October report from the United Nations’ scientific panel on global warming found that avoiding the worst devastation would require a radical transformation of the world economy in just a few years.

Central to that transformation: Getting out of coal, and fast.

And yet, three years after the Paris agreement, when world leaders promised action, coal shows no sign of disappearing. While coal use looks certain to eventually wane worldwide, according to the latest assessment by the International Energy Agency, it is not on track to happen anywhere fast enough to avert the worst effects of climate change. Last year, in fact, global production and consumption increased after two years of decline.

Cheap, plentiful and the most polluting of fossil fuels, coal remains the single largest source of energy to generate electricity worldwide. This, even as renewables like solar and wind power are rapidly becoming more affordable. Soon, coal could make no financial sense for its backers.

So, why is coal so hard to quit?

Because coal is a powerful incumbent. It’s there by the millions of tons under the ground. Powerful companies, backed by powerful governments, often in the form of subsidies, are in a rush to grow their markets before it is too late. Banks still profit from it. Big national electricity grids were designed for it. Coal plants can be a surefire way for politicians to deliver cheap electricity — and retain their own power. In some countries, it has been a glistening source of graft.

Disease

Yellow Fever - Nigeria

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is reporting a suspected outbreak of yellow fever in Edo State. Following the report of an outbreak of fever of unknown origin in four Local Government Areas in Edo state, the state public health team commenced investigation. On the 21st of November 2018, nine cases tested positive for yellow fever.

Salmonella - South Africa

South African health officials reported recently an increase in Salmonella cases in KwaZulu-Natal Province over the past two months and say Salmonella was also the most likely cause of two recent foodborne disease outbreaks reported from eThekwini Municipality. Two weeks ago, local media reported at least 20 people have been hospitalized in Durban.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.2 earthquake hits near the east coast of Honshu, Japan.

5.1 earthquake hits New Britain, Papua New Guinea.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Western Pacific Ocean: Typhoon 33w (Usagi), located approximately 143 nm east-southeast of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, is tracking westward at 08 knots.

Typhoon 34w (Man-Yi), located approximately 508 nm southwest of Iwo To, Japan, is tracking north-northwestward at 03 knots.

NewsBytes:

Iraq - At least seven people, including children, have been killed and thousands have been forced to flee their homes after heavy rains triggered flash floods in northern Iraq. The seven people were killed when floods hit the al-Houreya village in Salahuddin province.

Saudi Arabia - Security Aviation helicopters in cooperation with the Civil Defense in Makkah have started rescuing motorists marooned by the floods in Makkah Province. Meanwhile, the Civil Defense closed four mountain passes to traffic as a precautionary measure due to the rainfall in the region.

Egypt - Unstable weather is being witness across Egypt, with Cairo expected to witness heavy rainfall and a significant decline in temperature by 4-5 degrees Celsius until Saturday. Cairo and other governorates have seen heavy rainfall during the early hours of Friday, and the official forecast authority warned that some areas in North and South Sinai are expected to see floods.

Australia - Strong winds across Australia’s southeast coast also caused commuter chaos at Sydney and Melbourne airports, the country’s two busiest, with thousands of air travellers stranded after dozens of flights were cancelled. Winds gusting up to 70 kmph (44 mph) fanned major bushfires on Australia’s east coast on Friday (November 23), threatening homes and forcing evacuations.

Global Warming

US Government Report on Climate Change

Earth's climate is now changing faster than at any point in the history of modern civilization, primarily as a result of human activities, according to a long-awaited report released Friday by the federal government. The National Climate Assessment warns that extreme weather and climate-related events in the U.S. are worsening, and it reveals the economic and health toll of climate change.

The report, which is mandated by law, "concludes that the evidence of human-caused climate change is overwhelming and continues to strengthen, that the impacts of climate change are intensifying across the country, and that climate-related threats to Americans' physical, social, and economic well-being are rising."

The report's authors, who represent more than a dozen federal agencies, detail expected economic impact.

"The continued warming that is projected to occur without substantial and sustained reductions in global greenhouse gas emissions is expected to cause substantial net damage to the U.S. economy throughout this century, especially in the absence of increased adaptation efforts," the report says.

Climate change is expected to hurt the American economy by causing more damage to natural resources and infrastructure, including access to roads, the viability of bridges and the safety of pipelines.

The federal report says the last few years have smashed records for damaging weather in the U.S., costing nearly $400 billion since 2015.

When it comes to health, the report says increasing water and air temperatures and more intense extreme events are expected to heighten exposure "to waterborne and foodborne diseases, affecting food and water safety."

Climate change is also projected to increase the frequency and severity of allergic illnesses, including asthma and hay fever. And it will alter the geographic range and distribution of disease-carrying insects and pests, exposing more people to ticks that carry Lyme disease and mosquitoes that transmit viruses such as Zika, West Nile, and dengue, with "varying impacts" across regions.

Wildfires

Wildfires - California - Update

Hundreds of people remain missing in the wake of a pair of deadly wildfires that have been burning across both ends of California.

The two monstrous blazes, which both ignited earlier this month, have claimed at least 87 lives while laying waste to a total area of nearly 400 square miles, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Officials said that the remains of at least 54 people have been positively identified so far.

The vast majority of the deaths -- 84 in total -- were due to the Camp Fire in Northern California's Butte County, making it the deadliest and most destructive wildland fire in the state's history.

The number of people missing or unaccounted for in Butte County was down to 475 on Friday evening after having reached 605 on Thursday, according to the Butte County Sheriff's Office. The number is expected to continue fluctuating as officials account for residents.

Disease

Epidemic disease detected on St. Maarten’s coral reefs

Nature Foundation St. Maarten has recently established the presence of tissue loss disease on several local coral reefs. The disease is relatively new and has been plaguing coral reefs in the Atlantic Basin for the last few months.

The coral reef disease manifests itself through the creation of white blotches on stony coral, eventually leading to the loss of tissue and death in the coral colony. The disease affects 20 different species of coral and is able to kill colonies within several weeks or months.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.8 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.

5.5 earthquake hits the Pacific-Antarctic ridge.

5.3 earthquake hits Fiji.

5.0 earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Western Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm 33w (Usagi), located approximately 295 nm east of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, is tracking westward at 10 knots.

Typhoon 34w (Man-Yi), located approximately 796 nm southeast of Kadena AFB, Okinawa, Japan, is tracking northwestward at 13 knots.

NewsBytes:

Middle East - A slow-moving storm system will bring another round of heavy rain and thunderstorms to much of the Middle East from Friday into Sunday. The entire region has endured stretches of stormy weather in recent weeks, and multiple days of rain and thunderstorms will once again bring the risk for flooding.

Wildlife

Altered Evolution

Humankind is wielding so much influence on the natural world that we are reshaping the evolution of many species.

Researcher Sarah Otto from the University of British Columbia wrote in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B that the altered evolution includes some fish growing mouths that are smaller and harder to hook by fishermen, and swallows developing smaller, more maneuverable wings to help them navigate through buildings and traffic.

“Human impacts on the world are not just local,” she said. “They are changing the course of evolutionary history for all species on the planet, and that’s a remarkable concept to ponder.” She says some mammals are becoming nocturnal to avoid conflict with humans.

Environment

The Earth “Eats” Water

Scientists have discovered that the movement of Earth’s tectonic plates is dragging three times more water into the planet’s interior than thought.

Writing in the journal Nature, Chen Cai of Washington University in St. Louis and his colleagues describe the process of subduction, in which hot ocean-floor plates grind together and pull water deep into the crust and mantle.

By using seismic sensors placed in the Marianas Trench, the team was able to more accurately estimate how much water was being locked up in hydrates and rocks during the process. That stored water is believed to make quakes more likely by lubricating faults.

Environment

Global Temperature Extremes

The week's hottest temperature was 111 degrees Fahrenheit (43.9 degrees Celsius) in Dampier, Western Australia.

The week's coldest temperature was minus 57.0 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 49.4 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.

Wildfires

Wildfires - Australia

A bushfire at Salt ash, Campvale, New South Wales has burned almost 1700 hectares. The NSW Rural Fire Service now says the blaze is being controlled and is expected to remain at watch and act level.

Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – Ongoing Activity for the week of 14 November - 20 November 2018

Aira | Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that an explosion at Minamidake crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) was recorded at 0043 on 14 November, producing a large ash cloud that rose over 4 km above the crater rim. Incandescent material was ejected more than 1 km from the crater. The report noted that this was the first occurrence of an ash plume rising above 4 km since 16 July 2018. Two events occurred during 16-19 November with the larger plume rising 1.6 km into the clouds. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a 5-level scale).

Ambrym | Vanuatu : On 15 November the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-hazards Department (VMGD) reported that the lava lakes in Ambrym’s Benbow and Marum craters continued to be active during October and November, and produced substantial and sustained gas-and-steam emissions. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 0-5); the report reminded the public to stay outside of the Permanent Danger Zone defined as a 1-km radius from Benbow Crater and a 2.7-km radius from Marum Crater.

Dukono | Halmahera (Indonesia) : Based on satellite data and wind model data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 14-15 and 19-20 November ash plumes from Dukono rose to altitudes of 1.8-2.1 km (6,000-7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted in multiple directions.

Ebeko | Paramushir Island (Russia) : Volcanologists in Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island), about 7 km E of Ebeko, observed explosions during 9-15 November that sent ash plumes to 4.5 km (14,800 ft) a.s.l. Ash plumes drifted E. A weak thermal anomaly was identified in satellite data during 12-13 November. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).

Kadovar | Papua New Guinea : The Darwin VAAC reported that discrete, low-level events at Kadovar regularly occurred on 14 November based on satellite data. Ash plumes rose to an altitude of 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted E.

Krakatau | Indonesia : PVMBG reported that seven events at Anak Krakatau were recorded between 0840 on 14 November and 0601 on 15 November. Each event lasted for 33-175 seconds, based on the seismic data, and produced ash plumes that rose 0.3-1 km above the crater rim and drifted N, ENE, and E. A 212-second-long event at 0524 on 16 November generated a dense black ash plume that rose 600 m and drifted NE. An event at 0532 lasted 207 seconds and generated an ash plume that rose 300 m and drifted NE. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4); residents and visitors were warned not to approach the volcano within 2 km of the crater.

Kuchinoerabujima | Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : JMA reported that intermittent events at Kuchinoerabujima’s Shindake Crater had been recorded since 21 October, and crater incandescence began to be periodically visible on 6 November. Ash plumes rose as high as 1.2 km above the crater rim during 12-19 November and, according to the Tokyo VAAC, drifted in multiple directions. During fieldwork on 14 and 15 November observers noted no changes to the thermal areas in the crater. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-5).

Merapi | Central Java (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that during 9-15 November the lava dome in Merapi’s summit crater grew at a rate of 2,400 cubic meters per day, slower than the previous week. By 14 November the volume of the dome, based on photos from the SE sector, was an estimated 290,000 cubic meters. White emissions of variable density rose a maximum of 200 m above the summit. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and residents were warned to remain outside of the 3-km exclusion zone.

Sabancaya | Peru : Observatorio Vulcanológico del Sur del IGP (OVS-IGP) and Observatorio Vulcanológico del INGEMMET (OVI) reported that an average of 20 explosions per day occurred at Sabancaya during 12-18 November. Long-period seismic events were recorded, and hybrid earthquakes were infrequent and of low magnitude. Gas-and-ash plumes rose as high as 3 km above the crater rim and drifted 40 km NW, SW, and S. MIROVA detected seven thermal anomalies, and on 13 November the sulfur-dioxide gas flux was high at 3,000 tons per day. The report noted that the public should not approach the crater within a 12-km radius.

Sheveluch | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that explosions at Sheveluch on 9 November generated ash plumes that drifted as far as 460 km E. A weak thermal anomaly was identified in satellite images during 9-11 and 15 November. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).

Turrialba | Costa Rica : OVSICORI-UNA reported that periodic, passive ash emissions at Turrialba continued to be visible in webcam images or during cloudy conditions inferred from the seismic data during 13-19 November.

Veniaminof | United States : AVO reported that the eruption from the cone in Veniaminof’s ice-filled summit caldera, continued at low levels during 14-20 November. Satellite and webcam data showed elevated surface temperatures from minor lava spattering and lava effusion. Relatively continuous low-amplitude tremor was recorded. Steam and diffuse ash plumes were periodically identified in webcam and satellite images; plumes rose as high as 4.9 km (16,000 ft) a.s.l. on 16 November. Recent satellite data showed that the lava flows had traveled as far as 1.2 km from the vent. Fractures in the ice sheet adjacent to the lava flow continued to grow due to meltwater flowing beneath the ice sheet. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale) and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Watch (the second highest level on a four-level scale).

Yasur | Vanuatu : On 15 November the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-hazards Department (VMGD) reported that ongoing explosions at Yasur were sometimes strong during October and November, based on visual observations and seismic data. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 0-4). VMGD reminded residents and tourists that hazardous areas were near and around the volcanic crater, within a 395-m-radius permanent exclusion zone, and that volcanic ash and gas could reach areas impacted by trade winds.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.5 earthquake hits southern Alaska.

5.4 earthquake hits northern Sumatra, Indonesia.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Western Pacific Ocean: Tropical Depression 33w (Thirty-three), located approximately 537 nm east of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, is tracking west-northwestward at 18 knots.

Typhoon 34w (Man-Yi), located approximately 1109 nm southeast of Kadena AFB, is tracking west-northwestward at 24 knots.

NewsBytes:

Thailand - The downtown of Nakhon Si Thammarat was under water on Wednesday after the southern province was hit by overnight heavy rains. Several areas in the heart of Muang district were flooded as thevolume of rain overwhelmed the drainage system.

Philippines - A 22-year old man was reported missing as thousands of individuals in Eastern Visayas were affected by Tropical Depression ‘Samuel’ on Tuesday. The unidentified missing person was swept away after he reportedly crossed a bulging river in Barangay Paysud, Palapag town on Tuesday morning aboard a motorcycle.

Texas, USA - Once every 100 years. That's the mark of a major flood. That means homes have a one percent chance of experiencing a flood in any given year. Texas has had three 100-year flood events in five years. Scientists say it's a sign of the times.

Wildlife

Pollution!

A dead sperm whale had more than 100 plastic cups, plastic bags, flip flops and other pieces of plastic in its stomach when it was found rotting on a beach in Indonesia.

Disease

Ebola - DR Congo - Update

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Ministry of Health (MOH) recorded 13 more new cases of Ebola bringing the cumulative number of cases is 386. Of this total, 339 are confirmed and 47 are probable. In total, there were 219 deaths (172 confirmed and 47 probable).

Measles - Colombia

A measles outbreak in Colombia has prompted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to issue a travel notice last week. Between March and October this year, Colombia has reported 129 confirmed measles cases. Of the 129 confirmed cases, 45 were imported, 75 were import-related (25 cases of secondary transmission among persons coming from Venezuela).

Global Malaria Cases Plateau

Reductions in malaria cases have stalled after several years of decline globally, according to a new World malaria report. For the second consecutive year, the annual report produced by WHO reveals a plateauing in numbers of people affected by malaria: in 2017, there were an estimated 219 million cases of malaria, compared to 217 million the year before. But in the years prior, the number of people contracting malaria globally had been steadily falling, from 239 million in 2010 to 214 million in 2015.

In 2017, approximately 70% of all malaria cases (151 million) and deaths (274 000) were concentrated in 11 countries: 10 in Africa (Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Uganda and United Republic of Tanzania) and India. There were 3.5 million more malaria cases reported in these 10 African countries in 2017 compared to the previous year, while India, however, showed progress in reducing its disease burden.

Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – New Activity for the week of 14 November - 20 November 2018

Fuego | Guatemala : INSIVUMEH and CONRED reported that activity at Fuego increased on 18 November, heralding the fifth effusive phase of 2018. Incandescent material was ejected 200-300 m above the crater rim and a lava flow in the Ceniza (SSW) drainage reached 2.5 km in length. Avalanches of material from the lava flow reached vegetated areas. Explosions occurring at a rate of 8-17 per hour generated ash plumes that rose at least 1.2 km and drifted 20-25 km W and SW. Ashfall was reported in areas downwind including Morelia (9 km SW), Santa Sofia (12 km SW), Sangre de Cristo (8 km WSW), Panimaché I and II (8 km SW), and Finca Palo Verde. Volcanic material also accumulated in the Taniluyá (SW) and Seca (W) drainages causing increased risk of avalanches. Later that day explosions became stronger, and incandescent material was ejected 400 m high. Ashfall continued to be reported in local communities. CONRED reported that a portion of National Route 14 was closed, and evacuations began in some local areas. Strombolian activity continued to intensify on 19 November with stronger explosions and increased seismicity. Incandescent material was ejected as high as 1 km above the crater. Ash plumes rose as high as 3.2 km and drifted 20-60 km W, SW, and NE. Pyroclastic flows descended the Seca drainage, and, along with ash emissions from the crater, caused ashfall in multiple areas including Santa Sofia, Sangre de Cristo, Panimaché I and II, and Finca Palo Verde. The lava flow in the Ceniza drainage advanced to 3 km long and produced avalanches from the flow front. Avalanches of tephra also descended the Seca, Ceniza, Taniluyá, Las Lajas, and Honda (E) drainages, reaching vegetated areas. CONRED noted that 3,925 people had been evacuated. INSIVUMEH noted that the effusive phase was over at 1800 on 19 November, having lasted for 32 hours. Explosions continued during 19-20 November, generating ash plumes which rose 0.8-1 km and drifted 10-15 km NW, W, and SW. Ash fell in areas downwind including El Porvenir (8 km ENE), Morelia, Santa Sofia, Sangre de Cristo, Panimaché I and II, and Finca Palo Verde. Incandescent material was ejected 100-300 m high, casing avalanches, some that traveled long distances. Some explosions generated shock waves that rattled nearby structures.

Mayon | Luzon (Philippines) : PHIVOLCS reported that during 14-20 November white steam plumes emitted from Mayon drifted downslope and then in multiple directions. Crater incandescence was visible at night. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a 0-5 scale) and PHIVOLCS reminded residents to stay away from the 6-km-radius Permanent Danger Zone and the 7-km Extended Danger Zone on the SSW and ENE flanks.

Suwanosejima | Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : JMA reported that four explosions at Suwanosejima’s Ontake Crater were recorded during 9-16 November. The highest ash plume rose 2 km, the first time a plume from Ontake Crater rose that high since 4 April. Material was ejected 700 m from the crater. Ashfall was reported in an area 4 km SSW on 15 November. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a 5-level scale).

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Western Pacific Ocean: Tropical Depression 33w (Thirty-three), located approximately 215 nm south-southeast of Manila, Philippines, is tracking west-southwestward at 17 knots.

Tropical depression 34w (Man-Yi), located approximately 31 nm north-northwest of Puluwat, is tracking west-northwestward at 20 knots.

In the Indian Ocean: Tropical depression 32w (Toraji), located approximately 74 nm southeast of Phuket, Thailand, is tracking west-southwestward at 20 knots.

NewsBytes:

New Zealand - Floods and snow are hitting the South Island, as winter returns to New Zealand. The Otago Region Council has opened the Riverside spillway gates on the Taieri River at Outram, while in Dunedin the Leith River was in flood and residents were advised to stay off the roads.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.5 earthquake hits the Kuril Islands.

5.5 earthquake hits Kyushu, Japan.

5.3 earthquake hits the Molucca Sea.

5.1 earthquake hits New Britain, Papua New Guinea.

5.1 earthquake hits the Kuril Islands.

5.0 earthquake hits the Molucca Sea.

Global Warming

Half of the Year's Rain Falls on Earth in Just 12 Days

It takes less than two weeks for half of the planet's annual precipitation to fall. That is, 50 percent of Earth's rain, snow and ice each year falls in the 12 wettest days, according to a new study. The deluges are likely to become even more concentrated by the end of the century, researchers reported Oct. 19 in the journal Geophysical Research Letters.

What the researchers found is that the expected increases happen when it's already the wettest — the rainiest days get rainier.

Climate scientists have long been concerned that the increase in global average temperatures will cause weather events that are more extreme. Warmer air can hold more moisture, and a different study, published Nov. 14, found that today's hurricanes are already wetter due to climate change.

Already, most of the water that falls from the sky does so in a mind-bogglingly short period of time. It takes just 12 days to account for half the world's yearly annual precipitation, the researchers reported.

The scientists found that a whopping 75 percent of the world's precipitation falls in approximately a month's time (the wettest 30 days, spread across the year). Twelve and a half percent of annual precipitation falls in just two days. And the wettest single day of the year accounts for 8.3 percent of the year's total.

Regionally, this tendency for a lot of wetness in only a short period of time is most obvious in dry, desert environments, the researchers found. China and southeastern Russia are right in the middle, and "wet" places like the northeastern United States show the most even distribution of precipitation.

Globally, the wettest day of summer accounts for 5.2 percent of the year's precipitation, while the wettest day of winter is a little drier, at 3.4 percent of the annual precipitation budget.

Disease

More US children confirmed with paralyzing polio-like illness - USA

More children have been diagnosed with acute flaccid myelitis, the polio-like paralyzing illness, according to numbers released Monday by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

There have now been 106 confirmed cases of AFM in 29 states this year, according to the CDC, an increase of 16 since last week. There are also 167 possible cases of the illness, an increase of five from the previous week.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.5 earthquake hits near the coast of northern Peru.

5.4 earthquake hits New Britain, Papua New Guinea.

5.3 earthquake hits the Molucca Sea.

5.1 earthquake hits the Ionian Sea.

5.0 earthquake hits Tonga.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Western Pacific Ocean: Tropical Depression 33w (Thirty-three), located approximately 427 nm northwest of Sonsorol, is tracking northwestward at 04 knots.

Tropical depression 32w (Toraji), located approximately 316 nm west-southwest of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, is tracking west-southwestward at 06 knots.

Tropical depression 34w (Thirty-four), located approximately 48 nm north of Nukuoro, is tracking westward at 09 knots.

In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone 04s (Bouchra), located approximately 604 nm southeast of Diego Garcia, is tracking west-northwestward at 05 knots.

NewsBytes:

Uganda - Two dead bodies have been retrieved from a trench in Masese I village, Jinja Municipality after being reportedly swept away by flash floods on Saturday. Following Saturday night's heavy downpour, several parts of Jinja became flooded and some roads impassable.

Turkey - Heavy downpours that began Saturday night in western and southwestern Turkey have caused flash floods in the Aegean resort town of Bodrum – damaging houses, businesses and dragging cars into the sea. The old town area was hit the hardest in yesterday's floods, which came after around 200 kilograms of rainfall poured per square meter in the last 24 hours.

Wildfires

Wildfires - California - Update

Camp Fire

-- Started on Nov. 8 in Butte County in Northern California

-- 77 people have died, making the Camp Fire the deadliest in California’s history

-- 151,000 acres burned

-- 66 percent contained

-- 11,713 homes destroyed, 472 commercial buildings destroyed and 3,388 other buildings destroyed

-- 5,332 fire personnel involved

 

Woolsey Fire

-- Started on Nov. 8 in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties in Southern California

-- at least 3 people dead

-- 96,949 acres

-- 94 percent contained

-- destroyed 1,500 structures

-- 1,086 fire personnel involved

Disease

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

From 16 through 30 October 2018, the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) National Focal Point of Saudi Arabia reported four additional cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection, including one death.

Cholera - Cameroon

The cholera outbreak in Cameroon is persisting and the Far North Region has shown a rapid increase in incidence cases in the last two weeks. From 2-9 November 2018, the Far North Region recorded 106 new suspected cholera cases, while North Region recorded 12. Four new deaths were reported in the Far North during this period.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

6.6 earthquake hits Fiji.

5.2 earthquake hits the Solomon Islands.

5.1 earthquake hits Vanuatu.

5.0 earthquake hits Taiwan.

5.0 earthquake hits the northern mid-Atlantic ridge.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Western Pacific Ocean: Tropical Depression 33w (Thirty-three), located approximately 679 nm east=southeast of Manila, Philippines, is tracking west-northwestward at 14 knots.

In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone 04s (Bouchra) has re-formed, located approximately 674 nm southeast of Diego Garcia, is tracking southwestward at 10 knots.

NewsBytes:

Vietnam - Flash floods and landslides have killed at least 12 people in central Vietnam as hundreds of troops were dispatched to clean up destroyed villages and washed out roads. Heavy rains have pounded the central Khanh Hoa province over the past few days as tropical depression Toraji blew in from the South China Sea, triggering landslides that wiped out houses and destroyed a small reservoir.

Wildfires

Wildfires - Australia

A bushfire which was burning out of control on the Yorke Peninsula has been downgraded after a mass response from Country Fire Service volunteers. The fire was burning towards Maitland, Warawurlie, Yorke Valley, Spencer Highway and Port Victoria Road. Eleven CFS units from across the Yorke Peninsula responded to the fire, supported by bulk water carriers. Four waterbombers were also called to protect the town.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.4 earthquake hits the Komandorskiye Ostrova region, Russia.

5.3 earthquake hits the North Atlantic Ocean.

5.2 earthquake hits Fiji.

5.0 earthquake hits near the coast of Ecuador.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Western Pacific Ocean: Tropical Depression (td) 32w (Toraji), located approximately 157 nm east-northeast of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, is tracking west-northwestward at 11 knots.

Tropical Depression 33w (Thirty-three), located approximately 512 nm east of Davao City, Philippines, is tracking westward at 15 knots.

In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone 04s (Bouchra) has re-formed, located approximately 767 nm east-southeast of Diego Garcia, is tracking southwestward at 11 knots.

In the Indian Ocean: Tropical cyclone 07b (Gaja), located approximately 832 nm southeast of Masirah Island, Oman, is tracking westward at 07 knots.

Global Warming

Climate Protest Blocks London Bridges

Eighty-five people have been arrested as thousands of demonstrators occupied five bridges in central London to voice their concern over the looming climate crisis.

Protesters, including families and pensioners, began massing on five of London’s main bridges from 10am on Saturday. An hour later, all the crossings had been blocked in one of the biggest acts of peaceful civil disobedience in the UK in decades. Some people locked themselves together, while others linked arms and sang songs.

Disease

Rabies - Colombia

The Colombian Agricultural Institute (ICA) confirmed seven cases of rabies in bovine and equine animals in Urrao, Southwest Antioquia. This prompted the Ministry of Health to declare a departmental epidemiological alert due to the fact that some bulls, cows and horses infected with the virus have attacked other animals.

Newcastle Disease - California, USA

An outbreak of the bird-killing Newcastle disease has resulted in nearly 54,000 birds — mostly chickens — being euthanized in the greater Los Angeles area, with mandatory euthanasia operations ongoing in three areas.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.4 earthquake hits the southwestern Atlantic Ocean.

5.2 earthquake hits the Solomon Islands.

5.1 earthquake hits southeastern Iran.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Indian Ocean: Tropical cyclone 07b (Gaja), located approximately 1033 nm southeast of rah Island, Oman, is tracking westward at 12 knots.

NewsBytes:

India - Cyclone Gaja blew ashore Friday in a southern India coastal region, damaging homes after more than 80,000 residents were evacuated. Authorities reported the storm had killed 13 people. Gaja hit the coastal areas of Tamil Nadu state with heavy rains and winds of 55 miles per hour. The storm weakened after coming onshore.

Space Events

The 2018 Leonid Meteor Shower Peaks This Weekend

On Sunday morning (Nov. 18), the famous Leonid meteor shower will reach its peak, with lesser numbers expected on the preceding and following mornings. Earth will pass through the thickest part of the Leonid swarm at 7 p.m. EST (2300 GMT) on Nov. 17. But the best time to look will be during the after-midnight hours of Sunday morning, once the source the meteors appear to stream from, called the radiant, comes above the horizon for observers in North America. The meteors appear to fly away from a point located within the Sickle of Leo (hence the name "Leonids").

Wildfires

Wildfires - California, USA

At least 66 people are dead and more than 600 missing after California's Camp Fire destroyed the town of Paradise on Nov. 8. Now, a new satellite view shows the beginning of the horror.

This satellite image, captured on Nov. 8, 2018, by Landsat 8, shows short-wave infrared (red), which gives the full extent of the actively burning area of the Camp Fire, just four hours after it started. The red patches are fires that leapfrogged in front of the primary burn front.

A visible-light version of the Landsat-8 image from Nov. 8, providing a view of the gray smoke billowing from the Camp Fire.

Wildfires - Australia

Lives and homes remain in danger from a fast-moving and out-of-control bushfire heading towards a roadhouse in Western Australia’s north. A watch and act alert is in place for people at or near Pardoo Roadhouse and east of the De Grey River including De Grey Station, Pardoo Station, Goldsworthy, Shay Gap, Warralong Community and Yarrie Mine Camp in the Shire of East Pilbara.

Disease

World’s largest gathering creates perfect storm for infectious disease

A tent city is rising near Allahabad, India, at the confluence of three of the country’s holiest rivers: the Ganges, Yamuna and Saraswati. Complete with running water and sparkling LED lights, the city will accommodate 150 million pilgrims — a crowd equivalent to nearly half the population of the United States — next February for the Kumbh Mela, the world’s largest bathing event.

But some experts worry that the iconic religious festival poses a major health concern. The last major gathering in 2015 altered the bacterial population of the Godavari River, increased the risk of waterborne disease outbreak and introduced drug-resistant “superbugs” according to a study published in October in Microbial Ecology.

This is not the first time the festival spurs health concerns. Experts have long recognized it as a major cause of cholera epidemics during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Researchers saw a 130-fold increase in the total number of bacteria following the festival. They also discovered that most of the naturally occurring bacteria in the river were replaced by microbes usually found in human skin and feces. There were also elevated levels of pathogens that cause salmonella, whooping cough, staph infections and tuberculosis.

Water is an open system. If the water is not treated, it goes to different areas, which may lead to bacteria swapping genetic material with one another without reproducing — that process is known to speed the proliferation of drug-resistant strains of bacteria. This could lead to antibiotic resistance spreading downstream through the river.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

6.9 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.

6.4 earthquake hits the Solomon Islands.

6.2 earthquake hits the southern East Pacific rise.

Two 5.4 earthquakes hit the South Sandwich Islands.

5.2 earthquake hits the Drake passage.

5.0 earthquake hits northern Alaska.

5.0 earthquake hits central Afghanistan.

5.0 earthquake hits the Solomon Islands.

5.0 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Indian Ocean: Tropical cyclone 07b (Gaja), located approximately 75 nm east of Cochin, India, is tracking west-southwestward at 16 knots.

NewsBytes:

Trinidad - Heavy rains have caused floods in Penal, Barrackpore, leaving several people trapped in their homes and closing a school.

Environment

Atacama Rains

Microbes in the world’s driest desert have been ravaged by recent rains in a region that had previously seen no precipitation for the past 500 years.

Chile’s Atacama Desert has received unprecedented rains during the last three years, and Spanish researchers say it has devastated life that had evolved to live in a rain-free environment.

“Our group has discovered that ... the never-before-seen rainfall has not triggered a flowering of life in Atacama, but instead the rains have caused enormous devastation in the microbial species,” said astrobiologist Alberto G. Fairén.

Jumping Worms Invade America

Expanding populations of invasive earthworms from Asia are altering the soil across parts of America, from the Southeast to the Upper Midwest, in ways that are just now being studied.

The jumping earthworms are native to eastern Asia and have been known locally for the past 100 years as crazy worms, Alabama jumpers and snake worms.

Researchers from the University of Wisconsin in Madison have found that they leave little balls of soil mixed with their feces that look like coffee grounds.

Geoscientist Jenelle Wempner discovered that the excrement mix locks up nutrients and chemically alters the soil. This could deprive trees of those nutrients as well as increase erosion.

Environment

Global Temperature Extremes

The week's hottest temperature was 108 degrees Fahrenheit (43.9 degrees Celsius) in Twee Riviere, South Africa.

The week's coldest temperature was minus 63.0 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 52.8 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

Hepatitis A - Tennessee, USA

The Tennessee Department of Health continues to investigate and respond to a hepatitis A outbreak impacting the state with more than 400 cases of illness to date. One death associated with this hepatitis A outbreak has been reported. The outbreak in Tennessee most heavily affects Nashville and Chattanooga.

Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – Ongoing Activity for the week of 7 November - 13 November 2018

Aira | Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that the sulfur dioxide emission rate at Minamidake crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) was high at 1,100 tons/day on 6 November, an increase from the previous measurement of 1,000 tons/day recorded on 23 October. Very small eruptive events were occasionally recorded during 9-12 November. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a 5-level scale).

Dukono | Halmahera (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that an event at Dukono, recorded by the seismic network at 0824 on 8 November, generated an ash plume that rose 200 m above the crater rim and drifted SW. The Darwin VAAC reported that during 12-13 November ash plumes rose to an altitude of 1.8 km (6,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted E and NE.

Ebeko | Paramushir Island (Russia) : Volcanologists in Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island), about 7 km E of Ebeko, observed explosions during 2-9 November that sent ash plumes to 3.7 km (12,400 ft) a.s.l. Ash plumes drifted in multiple directions and caused ashfall in Severo-Kurilsk. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).

Fuego | Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that 7-18 explosions per hour were detected at Fuego during 8-12 November. Ash plumes from the explosions rose as high as 1.1 km above the crater rim and drifted 8-20 km W and SW. Ash fell in areas downwind including Morelia (9 km SW), Santa Sofia (12 km SW), Sangre de Cristo (8 km WSW), Panimaché (8 km SW), El Porvenir, Finca Palo Verde, and San Pedro Yepocapa (8 km NW). Incandescent material was ejected 150-300 m high and caused avalanches that traveled far, reaching vegetated areas in multiple drainages. Lava flows as long as 1.2 km advanced in the Ceniza (SSW) drainage, though lava-flow activity greatly decreased by 12 November.

Kadovar | Papua New Guinea : According to the Darwin VAAC an ash plume from Kadovar was identified in satellite data on 9 November drifting WNW at an altitude of 1.8 km (6,000 ft) a.s.l.

Krakatau | Indonesia : PVMBG reported that four events at Anak Krakatau occurred between 1620 and 1710 on 9 November. Each event lasted for 42-55 seconds, based on the seismic data, and produced ash plumes that rose 300-500 m above the crater rim and drifted N. An event at 0939 on 10 November generated an ash plume that rose 500 m and drifted N. There were 10 events recorded during 1029-1656 on 12 November, each lasting 38-117 seconds, and producing ash plumes that rose 200-700 m and drifted N. Four events were recorded during 0546-0840 on 13 November, each lasting 44-175 seconds, and producing ash plumes that rose as high as 800 m. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4); residents and visitors were warned not to approach the volcano within 2 km of the crater.

Merapi | Central Java (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that during 2-8 November the lava dome in Merapi’s summit crater grew slowly at a rate of 3,500 cubic meters per day, faster than the previous week. By 7 November the volume of the dome, based on photos from the SE sector, was an estimated 273,000 cubic meters. White emissions of variable density rose a maximum of 100 m above the summit. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and residents were warned to remain outside of the 3-km exclusion zone.

Rincon de la Vieja | Costa Rica : OVSICORI-UNA reported a two-minute-long eruption at Rincón de la Vieja began at 1703 on 9 November. Weather conditions prevented webcam views and estimates of plume heights.

Sabancaya | Peru : Observatorio Vulcanológico del Sur del IGP (OVS-IGP) and Observatorio Vulcanológico del INGEMMET (OVI) reported that an average of 18 explosions per day occurred at Sabancaya during 5-11 November. Hybrid earthquakes were infrequent and of low magnitude. Gas-and-ash plumes rose as high as 3.7 km above the crater rim and drifted 40 km N, NW, and W. MIROVA detected seven thermal anomalies, and on 8 November the sulfur-dioxide gas flux was high at 2,500 tons per day. The report noted that the public should not approach the crater within a 12-km radius.

Semisopochnoi | United States : AVO reported that three possible small explosions at Semisopochnoi were detected in infrasound data between 1951 and 2004 on 9 November. No associated ash clouds were observed in partly cloudy satellite images, and no other activity was noted during 7-11 November also in partly cloudy images. Images were cloudy during 12-13 November. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange and Volcano Alert Level remained at Watch (both are the second highest levels on four-level scales).

Sheveluch | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a weak thermal anomaly over Sheveluch was identified in satellite data on 2 and 6 November. Explosions at 1510 on 9 November generated ash plumes that rose to 7 km (23,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 5 km NE. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).

Turrialba | Costa Rica : OVSICORI-UNA reported that during 6-11 November low-level ash-and-gas emissions at Turrialba were continuous, though occasionally punctuated by energetic explosions which elevated the plumes as high as 500 m above the crater rim. The emission drifted towards the Valle Central. Ashfall was reported in several areas downwind including Cascajal de Coronado, Desamparados (35 km WSW), San Antonio, Guadalupe (32 km WSW), Sabanilla, San Pedro Montes de Oca, Moravia (31 km WSW), Heredia (38 km W), and Coronado (San José, 35 km WSW). Emissions likely continued on 12 November, though inclement weather did not allow for visual confirmation.

Veniaminof | United States : AVO reported that the eruption from the cone in Veniaminof’s ice-filled summit caldera, continued at low levels during 7-13 November. Satellite and webcam data showed elevated surface temperatures from minor lava spattering and lava effusion. Continuous low-amplitude tremor was recorded. Steam and diffuse ash plumes periodically identified in webcam and satellite images rose as high as 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted S and W. Recent satellite data showed that the lava flows had traveled as far as 1.2 km from the vent. Fractures in the ice sheet adjacent to the lava flow continued to grow due to meltwater flowing beneath the ice sheet. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale) and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Watch (the second highest level on a four-level scale).

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

6.0 earthquake hits near the east coast of Kamchatka.

5.3 earthquake hits the State of Yap, Micronesia.

5.3 earthquake hits Sulawesi, Indonesia.

5.2 earthquake hits south of Bali, Indonesia.

5.2 earthquake hits Jan Mayan Island.

5.1 earthquake hits the Ionian Sea.

5.0 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.

5.0 earthquake hits near the east coast of Kamchatka.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Indian Ocean: Tropical cyclone 07b (Gaja), located approximately 140 nm south-east of Chennai, India, is tracking west-southwestward at 10 knots.

NewsBytes:

Saudi Arabia - Saudi Civil Defense urged residents in Jeddah to stay indoors as a deadly storm bringing heavy rain is expected in the Red Coast City over the weekend. Thirty people have been killed because of the weather in Saudi Arabia in recent days, the country's Civil Defence said. Ten people died in Makkah, five in Al Baha, three each in Aseer and the Eastern regions, two each in Hayel, Jazan and Tabouk and one in Riyadh, Al Jouf and Najran. Another 3,865 people were evacuated from areas in danger of floods from the heavy downpour expected in the coming days.

Wildfires

Wildfires - California, USA

Authorities searching through the blackened aftermath of California's deadliest wildfire Wednesday released the names of some 130 people who are unaccounted, including many in their 80s and 90s, and dozens more could still be unaccounted for. Officials in Northern California said Tuesday that search crews had found six more bodies, bringing the death toll from the so-called Camp Fire to 56 and the statewide total to 59.

Meanwhile cities in California up tp 350 miles from the wildfires are feeling the effects of the smoke. On Wednesday a public health emergency was declared due to the wildfire smoke pollution.

Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – New Activity for the week of 7 November - 13 November 2018

Mayon | Luzon (Philippines) : PHIVOLCS reported that at 1243 on 8 November and at 0739 on 12 November small, short-lived brownish ash plumes from Mayon, associated with a degassing events, drifted WSW and SW, respectively. There was no accompanying seismic or infrasound record from these events. On 11 November a volcanic earthquake was associated with a short-lived lava fountaining event at 0840. The event lasted for 36 seconds based on the seismic record and produced a brownish-gray ash plume that drifted SW. Crater incandescence was visible most nights during 7-13 November. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a 0-5 scale) and PHIVOLCS reminded residents to stay away from the 6-km-radius Permanent Danger Zone and the 7-km Extended Danger Zone on the SSW and ENE flanks.

Suwanosejima | Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : JMA reported that an explosion at Suwanosejima’s Ontake Crater was recorded at 0428 on 9 November. A plume could not be confirmed because weather clouds obscured views, but large pieces of pumice were observed being ejected 700 m S. Explosions had not been recorded since 2 June. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a 5-level scale).

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.1 earthquake hits the Philippine Islands.

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

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Indian Ocean: Tropical cyclone 07b (Gaja), located approximately 623 nm south-southwest of Calcutta, India, is tracking west-southwestward at 06 knots.

NewsBytes:

Kuwait - State-owned Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) has suspended work at all of its companies on Wednesday due to the extreme weather which has hit the Gulf state in recent days bringing heavy rains and floods.

Venice - Flooding Will Continue

The spectacular centerpiece of Venice, St Mark’s Square, now floods more than 60 times a year, up from four times a year in 1900. Recent storms reportedly helped cover over 70% of the city in water, which rose by up to 156cm above its normal level.

Upcoming research conducted with our colleagues at the National Research Center of Venice (CNR) shows that, without intervention, within 50 years this kind of flooding could occur with nearly every high tide. In fact, some experts have argued that Venice will be gone by the year 2100.

The increase in flooding in Venice is due to the combined effects of land subsidence causing the city to sink, and climate change causing the global sea level to rise. But the city’s chosen solution to the problem, an unfinished scheme of 78 storm gates known as MOSE, is likely to cause damage to the ecological health of the surrounding lagoon and, in the long run, could have no effect on Venice’s preservation.

Venetians have been managing Venice lagoon with engineering since the 12th century. The city is built on 118 small islands drained by a network of canals and located within a tidal lagoon sat between the Italian coast and several barrier islands known as the Murazzi. Interventions have included diverting six major rivers away from the lagoon to stop its waterways filling with silt, rebuilding and extending the Murazzi and reducing the inlets between them from the original nine to three.

Venetians have also combated flooding by periodically raising pavements and walkways and building embankments, but this is no longer possible without damaging the city’s architecture. So in 2003, the MOSE project was launched as a way of protecting Venice from the worsening floods.

Records held in the city show the Venice sea level has consistently risen by a total of 26cm since 1870. Around 12cm of that comes from the fact that Venice’s islands are subsiding because of the amount of water removed from the aquifer beneath Venice lagoon. Further measurements show that sea level is still rising 2.4mm a year.

Wildlife

Shorebirds in Peril

Across the planet, shorebirds are in serious trouble. In the past 50 years their well-documented North American populations are estimated to have plummeted by at least 70 percent on average, and shorebirds elsewhere are hardly doing better, if not worse.

Reasons are many—the shorelines and mudflats where the birds feed are polluted or disappearing, and many of the migrants among them struggle to find food and resting places in areas where they used to. Some are also targeted by hunters.

For a species to survive in the face of such an onslaught, a large number of healthy baby birds need to enter the population each year. Biologists have long believed this is one of the reasons many birds migrate north to breed; the challenging Arctic climate should keep them from being bothered by nest predators as frequently as birds in the tropics.

The results of a large analysis featuring data on 38,191 nests in 237 shorebird populations around the world that ornithologists have monitored during breeding seasons by looking for signs of predation such as broken egg shells, published last week in Science, are pretty clear: In the 1970s, ‘80s and early ‘90s tropical shorebird nests were indeed suffering the most predation—but since then, as nests around the world have been losing more eggs to predators, the ones in the Arctic have been especially hard-hit. The tropics did see a statistically insignificant increase, but the numbers in the Arctic are staggering: Just a few decades ago only one Arctic egg in three would be lost to predators. Today two out of three are eaten.

The researchers believe climate change is a major culprit. “Our analysis shows that the faster the annual mean temperature has increased, the higher the predation on eggs has become.

Wildfires

Wildfires - California, USA

The "Camp Fire" in Northern California has scorched some 130,000 acres and is 35 percent contained, according to officials Tuesday night. In addition, the "Camp Fire" death toll has now reached 48. Statewide there are a total of 50 deaths.

Some 9,000 firefighters have been battling the wildfires, which have become the deadliest and costliest in state history. Search teams have been using power saws and cadaver dogs to try to locate victims of the "Camp Fire."

Those who survived have been scrambling to find a place to stay. In Southern California, evacuation orders were lifted for many of the areas affected by the "Woolsey Fire," but some came home only to be told to leave again.

Camp Fire

Location: Butte County

130,000 acres burned

35 percent contained

48 fatalities confirmed, 3 firefighters injured

228 people unaccounted for

8,817 structures destroyed, 7,600 of them homes

Woolsey Fire

Location: Los Angeles County, Ventura County

97,114 acres burned (roughly the size of Denver)

40 percent contained

2 fatalities confirmed, 3 firefighters injured

Some 370 structures destroyed, 57,000 in danger

Hill Fire

Location: Ventura County

4,531 acres burned

92 percent contained

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.6 earthquake hits the central east Pacific rise.

5.1 earthquake hits Papua, Indonesia.

5.0 earthquake hits Tonga.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical Cyclone (tc) 04s (Bouchra), located approximately 495 nm northwest of Cocos Island, Australia, is tracking southeastward at 04 knots.

In the Indian Ocean: Tropical cyclone 07b (Gaja), located approximately 360 nm east of Chennai, India, is tracking westward at 10 knots.

NewsBytes:

Russia: Flood Report - Due to heavy rains and storms starting on 24 October 2018, a total of 2,545 houses of Krasnodar Krai (region) of Russia were flooded, affecting tens of thousands of people. With over 200,000 inhabitants living in the disaster-hit areas, the governor of Krasnodar Krai declared a state of emergency on 25 October. The local authorities started the response and relief operation immediately and 600 people were evacuated from the flooded houses.

Malaysia - Parts of Lawas district in northern-most Sarawak were hit by flash floods in the predawn hours of Tuesday. A trunk road - Jalan Trusan - and Kg Siang Siang were inundated by a metre of water following heavy rain and rising river waters. So far no evacuations had been ordered.

Wildlife

As Arctic ship traffic increases, narwhals and other unique animals are at risk

More than a century ago, Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen became the first European to navigate the entire Northwest Passage. Due to the short Arctic summer, it took Amundsen’s 70-foot wooden sailing ship three years to make the journey, wintering in protected harbors.

Fast-forward to summer 2016, when a cruise ship carrying more than 1,000 passengers negotiated the Northwest Passage in 32 days. The summer “open-water” period in the Arctic has now increased by more than two months in some regions. Summer sea ice cover has shrunk by over 30 percent since satellites started regular monitoring in 1979.

Arctic seas are home to a specialized group of marine mammals found nowhere else on Earth, including beluga and bowhead whales, narwhals, walruses, ringed and bearded seals and polar bears. These species are critical members of Arctic marine ecosystems, and provide traditional resources to Indigenous communities across the Arctic.

According to ecologists, all of these animals are susceptible to sea ice loss. Research at lower latitudes has also shown that marine mammals can be affected by noise from vessels because of their reliance on sound, as well as by ship strikes. These findings raise concerns about increasing vessel traffic in the Arctic.