Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.6 earthquake hits offshore Maule, Chile.
5.3 earthquake hits the Carlsberg ridge.
5.3 earthquake hits offshore Maule, Chile.
5.2 earthquake hits offshore El Salvador.
5.0 earthquake hits off the coast of El Salvador.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Hurricane Lorenzo is located about 1045 mi...1680 km wsw of the Azores with maximum sustained winds...105 mph...165 km/h. Present movement...nne or 20 degrees at 14 mph...23 km/h.
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Tropical Depression Narda is located about 0 mi...0 km n of Las Islas Marias Mexico and about 115 mi...190 km s of Mazatlan Mexico with maximum sustained winds...35 mph...55 km/h. Present movement...nw or 315 degrees at 17 mph...28 km/h.
In the Western Pacific Ocean: Typhoon (td) 19w (Mitag), located approximately 161 nm south-southeast of Taipei, Taiwan, is tracking northward at 11 knots.
NewsBytes:
UK - Cars have been submerged and villages and towns devastated by surging floodwater that followed torrential downpours this weekend. Britain is braced for several days of "persistent" rain and the tail-end of record-breaking Hurricane Lorenzo is set to bring gale force winds later in the week. The 600-mile-wide hurricane became the strongest this far east in the Atlantic region overnight bringing winds of up to 160mph.
Dengue Fever - Malaysia
Malaysian health officials report the number of dengue fever cases have surpassed 100,000 for 2019 to date. Through Sep. 29, 100,803 cases have been reported with Selangor state reporting more than half with 55,908 cases. This is followed by Kuala Lumpur (11,615) and Johor (8,610). In addition, 143 dengue fatalities have been reported.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.2 earthquake hits Mindanao in the Philippines.
5.1 earthquake hits Chitinskaya Oblast, Russia.
5.1 earthquake hits Mindanao in the Philippines.
5.0 earthquake hits the mid-endian ridge.
5.0 earthquake hits near the north coast of Colombia.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Hurricane Lorenzo is located about 1360 mi...2190 km sw of the Azores with maximum sustained winds...155 mph...250 km/h. Present movement...n or 10 degrees at 10 mph...17 km/h.
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm Narda is located about 75 mi...120 km s of Zihuatanejo Mexico and about 100 mi...160 km wsw of Acapulco Mexico with maximum sustained winds...45 mph...75 km/h. Present movement...nw or 315 degrees at 9 mph...14 km/h.
In the Western Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm (td) 19w (Mitag), located approximately 449 nm south-southwest of Kadena AFB, Japan, is tracking northwestward at 10 knots.
NewsBytes:
UK - Heavy rain across parts of Wales and England, including Manchester, Cardiff, Lancashire and Leeds, has caused chaos forcing residents to flee their homes and severe travel disruption resulting from mudslides on train tracks.
Turkey - Heavy rains hit northwestern Turkey on Saturday, blocking roads in Artvin province of the Black Sea region, according to local media. Streams overflowed in the Borcka district of Artvin, some villages and neighborhood roads were closed due to landslides. The rains also flooded the lower floors of some buildings.
Niger - U.N. agencies are rushing to provide aid to tens of thousands of people affected by severe flooding in Niger. Floods caused by heavy rains, which began in June, have killed 57 people and affected 211,000.
India - A heavy spell of retreating monsoon rains has flooded wide areas of northern India, killing dozens of people this past week, an official said Saturday. Most of the 59 fatalities were caused by house collapses, lightning and drowning in Uttar Pradesh state. They included at least five people dying of snake bites in flooded areas. The temple city of Varanasi was lashed by 19 centimeters (7 inches) of rain on Thursday and Friday, flooding the bathing areas of the Ganges River used by thousands of Hindu pilgrims. Schools were shut on Saturday as the downpour caused disruptions in the state capital, Lucknow, and several towns, including Amethi and Hardoi.
Jellyfish Population Surges
Human activities are allowing jellyfish numbers to surge in the world’s oceans, which a new U.N. report says are undergoing profound and dangerous changes.
French researchers say that the population of jellyfish is increasing because of man-made factors such as overfishing, deep-sea trawling and the heating of the oceans in the deepening climate crisis.
Overfishing is eliminating some of the jellies’ natural predators, such as tuna and sea turtles, especially those that feed on plankton, giving the jellyfish more of the plankton to feed on themselves and thrive.
Whale Stranding - South Carolina, USA
South Carolina wildlife officials say five pilot whales were found stranded on Edisto Beach Saturday morning. Beachgoers found the mammals on the shore and tried to rescue them, but four of the whales died and at least two of them were calves. Officials said one of the whales was dead before crews could get to the beach to help and some of them had to be put down because they were too sick or injured.
African Swine Fever - Timor-Leste
Officials in Timor-Leste, an island country just north of Australia, became the 10th country to report an outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) which has caused the death of hundreds of pigs on national territory.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.1 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.
5.4 earthquake hits southern Xinjiang, China.
5.3 earthquake hits southeast of Easter Island.
5.2 earthquake hits south of Fiji.
5.0 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits south of the Kermedec Islands.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Hurricane Lorenzo is located about 1560 mi...2510 km sw of the Azores with maximum sustained winds...115 mph...185 km/h. Present movement...nnw or 330 degrees at 10 mph...17 km/h.
In the Western Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm (td) 19w (Mitag), located approximately 572 nm south-southeast of Kadena AFB, Japan, is tracking northwestward at 20 knots.
NewsBytes:
Sri Lanka - Earlier this week reports were received that one person had died and more than 45,000 people had been affected by heavy monsoon rains in the southern and western provinces in the country. A spokesman from Sri Lanka’s Disaster Management Centre told the publication: “We have issued landslide warnings in certain areas, because this rain and volume at this time is unexpected.” On Wednesday, the Disaster Management Centre said 80,000 people across the region have now been affected by heavy rains and strong winds with reports that more than 14,000 people had been evacuated to safer locations.
Legionnaires Disease - North Carolina, USA
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has announced an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease potentially linked to the Mountain State Fair in North Carolina. As of today, there are 32 confirmed illnesses and one person has died.
Dengue Fever - Central America
In Honduras, more than 71,200 people have been affected by the disease making it the worst outbreak in the country’s history. Nearly one quarter of the cases reported were classified as severe dengue and more than 65 percent of the 128 deaths so far are children under 15. Guatemala (22,755), Nicaragua (91,269), and El Salvador (16,573) are also reporting massive increases in dengue cases compared to previous years.
The size of this outbreak is unprecedented across Central America. Dengue is a disease that affects the most vulnerable–those who live in places where there is poor sanitation and where mosquitoes thrive. A combination of seasonal rains and warming temperatures are being blamed for dengue’s rapid spread–creating more stagnant pools that are perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Ebola - DR Congo
The Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues this week with 29 new confirmed cases reported in North Kivu and Ituri provinces from 18-24 September 2019, versus 57 in the previous week.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.0 earthquake hits Neuquen, Argentina.
5.5 earthquake hits the Canary Islands.
5.5 earthquake hits the central east Pacific rise.
5.4 earthquake hits Coquimbo, Chile.
5.2 earthquake hits south of Fiji.
5.1 earthquake hits the Solomon Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits southern Xinjiang, China.
5.0 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean:Tropical Storm Karen is located about 350 mi...565 km se of Bermuda with maximum sustained winds...40 mph...65 km/h. Present movement...ne or 55 degrees at 8 mph...13 km/h.
Hurricane Lorenzo is located about 1620 mi...2605 km sw of the Azores with maximum sustained winds...145 mph...230 km/h. Present movement...nnw or 330 degrees at 14 mph...22 km/h.
In the Western Pacific Ocean: Tropical depression (td) 19w (Nineteen), located approximately 906 nm southeast of Kadena AFB, Japan, is tracking westward at 21 knots.
NewsBytes:
India - At least 11 people have been killed and six are missing after the Western Indian city of Pune and its neighboring areas were hit by heavy rain and flash floods. More than 28,000 people have been evacuated from low-lying areas and the local administration is on alert for more rain. Pune, which is around 200 kilometers (124 miles) east of India’s financial hub of Mumbai, has received 113% more rainfall than average since the start of the monsoon season in early June.
Disappearing Birds
Pollution, habitat loss and environmental degradation have led to North America’s bird population plunging by 2.9 billion since 1970, a new report says.
Writing in the journal Science, scientists say the greatest losses have occurred among species that live in grasslands, such as blackbirds, finches, sparrows and warblers. Their populations dropped by around 53% over the past half-century while overall bird losses were about 29%.
“Birds are the quintessential indicators of environmental health, the canaries in the coal mine, and they’re telling us it’s urgent to take action to ensure our planet can continue to sustain wildlife and people,” said co-author Peter Marra.
Global Temperature Extremes
The week’s hottest temperature was 115 degrees Fahrenheit (46.1 degrees Celsius) in Basrah, Iraq.
The week’s coldest temperature was minus 99.0 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 72.7 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.
Polio - Pakistan
Pakistan reported an additional four wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) cases during the past week. This brings the total cases to 66 in 2019 to date. This compares to seven this time last year.
Dengue Fever - Bangladesh
Since the beginning of the year, more than 85,000 dengue fever cases have been reported by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). In addition, the officials death toll has risen to 75, although unofficial totals are reported at more than 160.
Global Volcanic Activity - Ongoing Activity for the week of 18 September - 24 September 2019
Aira | Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that incandescence from Minamidake crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) was occasionally visible at night during 17-24 September. There were 30 eruptive events, 11 of which were explosive. Plumes rose as high as 2.6 km above the crater rim, and material was ejected as far as 1.7 km from the crater. On 20 September one of the explosions produced an ash plume that rose 3.4 km above the crater rim before merging into weather clouds. Large blocks were ejected 500-700 m. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a 5-level scale).
Ambae | Vanuatu : The Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department (VMGD) lowered the Alert level for Ambae to 1 (on a scale of 0-5) on 23 September, noting that field observations on 12 August and ongoing monitoring data suggested that activity had declined and was stable. The public was warned to stay outside of the Danger Zone defined as a 2-km radius around the 2017-2018 active vents in Lake Voui.
Asosan | Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that ash emissions continued to be observed at Asosan, rising to 1.6, 1.1, and 0.9 km above the crater rim during 14-17, 18-20, and 21-24 September, respectively. Sulfur dioxide emissions were high at 3,600 tons per day on 17 September and 2,700 tons per day on 19 September. Ashfall was reported in downwind areas to the SW, including at the Kumamoto Regional Meteorological Observatory. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-5).
Dukono | Halmahera (Indonesia) : Based on satellite and wind model data, and information from PVMBG, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 18-24 September 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. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was warned to remain outside of the 2-km exclusion zone.
Ebeko | Paramushir Island (Russia) : Volcanologists in Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island), about 7 km E of Ebeko, observed explosions during 13-15 and 18 September that sent ash plumes up to 2.5 km (8,200 ft) a.s.l. and drifted E. A thermal anomaly was identified in satellite images on 15 September. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).
Etna | Sicily (Italy) : INGV reported that Strombolian activity from vents at the bottom of Etna’s Voragine Crater (VOR) continued during 16-22 September. On 18 September guides observed intensified explosive activity at VOR characterized by the ejection of scoria and ash from several vents to heights of tens of meters. A lava flow from the cone had descended the W flank of the cone to its base, and then flowed several hundred meters S and branched into the Bocca Nuova Crater. Similar activity was observed on 19 September, though by 22 September the lava flows were cooling and Strombolian activity from VOR vents had become less frequent. Gas emissions rose from Northeast Crater (NEC); an ash emission was noted on 22 September.
Karangetang | Siau Island (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that during 16-22 September lava continued to effuse from Karangetang’s Main Crater (S) and Dua Crater (N), traveling as far as 1.8 km down the Nanitu, Pangi, and Sense drainages on the SW and W flanks. Sometimes dense white plumes rose to 500 m above the summit. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4).
Karymsky | Eastern Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a weak thermal anomaly over Karymsky was visible in satellite images on 14 September. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).
Klyuchevskoy | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a weak thermal anomaly over Klyuchevskoy was sometimes visible in satellite images, though the temperature of the anomaly had steadily decreased over time. Gas-and-steam emissions persisted; ash was last emitted on 2 July. The Aviation colour Code was lowered to Green (the lowest on a four-colour scale) on 24 September.
Krakatau | Indonesia : PVMBG reported that Anak Krakatau’s seismic network recorded nine eruptive events during 16-22 September. A webcam at the summit recorded dense gray-to-white eruption plumes and diffuse white plumes rising 200 m from the bottom of the crater. An eruptive event at 0843 on 24 September produced a dense white-to-gray ash plume that rose around 360 m a.s.l. and drifted N. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was warned to remain outside of the 2-km-radius hazard zone from the crater.
Merapi | Central Java (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that the lava dome at Merapi slowly grew during 16-22 September and was an estimated 468,000 cubic meters, based on 19 September measurements from drone photos. Extruded lava fell into the upper parts of the SE flank, generating block-and-ash flows that traveled as far as 1.3 km down the Gendol drainage during 17 and 20-21 September. Diffuse white plumes rose as high as 100 m above the summit. At 1136 on 22 September the seismic network began recording signals indicating pyroclastic-flow generation, that lasted two minutes and five seconds; pyroclastic flows traveled 1.2 km down the Gendol drainage. An ash plume rose around 800 m above the summit and caused minor ashfall in areas as far as 15 km SW. Temperature increases at several points on the lava dome were recorded about one hour before the event. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and residents were warned to stay outside of the 3-km exclusion zone.
Pacaya | Guatemala : A special report from INSIVUMEH noted that seismic activity at Pacaya continued to increase, with RSAM values reaching 8,000 units by 18 September, coincident with an intensification of explosive activity at Mackenney Crater. Explosions from a growing cone in the crater ejected material as high as 100 m above the cone. Lava effusion increased; several lava flows (300-500 m long) advanced on the N and NW flank towards Cerro Chino and produced avalanches of blocks up to 1 m in diameter from the flow fronts. Strombolian explosions during 19-24 September ejected material 5-25 m above the cone, though on 21 September material was ejected as high has 100 m. Two lava flows traveled SW on 21 September.
Poas | Costa Rica : OVSICORI-UNA reported that at 2059 on 22 September an eruptive event at Poás generated a plume that rose 3 km above the crater rim and drifted NE. During 22-23 September eruption plumes rose 1 km.
Semisopochnoi | United States : AVO lowered the Volcano Alert Level for Semisopochnoi to Advisory and the Aviation colour Code to Yellow on 18 September noting a decrease in seismic activity over the past few weeks and an absence of tremor since 15 September. Low-levels sulfur dioxide emissions persisted, and the crater lake continued to fill with water.
Sheveluch | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Sheveluch’s lava dome was identified daily in satellite images during 13-20 September. Ash plumes drifted 200 km SW, SE, and NE during 12-15, 17, and 19 September. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).
Shishaldin | Fox Islands (USA) : AVO reported that during 18-24 September low-level tremor at Shishaldin continued to be recorded, along with elevated surface temperatures at the summit crater visible in satellite images when views were not obscured by clouds. The data suggested ongoing, slight growth of the scoria cone and lava flows within the summit crater. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Watch.
Suwanosejima | Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : JMA reported that at 0704 on 16 September a very small eruptive event at Suwanosejima’s Ontake Crater generated a plume that rose 400 m above the crater rim. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a 5-level scale).
Tangkubanparahu | Western Java (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that the seismic network at Tangkubanparahu recorded continuous tremor during 16-22 September. A phreatic event at Ratu Crater on 17 September was accompanied by roaring. An ash plume rose as high as 40 m above the vent and steam plumes rose as high as 200 m. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was warned to stay 1.5 km away from the active crater.
Ubinas | Peru : During 16-22 September the number of seismic events totaled 4,356, with volcano-tectonic (VT) signals being the most numerous, averaging 567 events per day, and all having magnitudes under M 2.5. Hybrid events averaged 119 events per day. Continuous emissions of blueish gas and water vapor were recorded by the webcam rising to heights less than 1 km above the summit. Four thermal anomalies were recorded by the MIROVA system. The Alert Level remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale) and the public were warned to stay outside of a 10-km radius.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.5 earthquake hits Seram, Indonesia.
5.8 earthquake hits western Turkey.
5.6 earthquake hits the Flores region, Indonesia.
5.4 earthquake hits Seram, Indonesia.
5.3 earthquake hits Catamarca, Argentina.
5.3 earthquake hits New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.
5.3 earthquake hits the southern mid-Atlantic ridge.
5.3 earthquake hits New Britain, Papua New Guinea.
5.2 earthquake hits the southern mid-Atlantic ridge.
5.1 earthquake hits New Britain, Papua New Guinea.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean:Tropical Storm Karen is located about 475 mi...765 km s of Bermuda and about 520 mi...835 km nne of San Juan Puerto Rico with maximum sustained winds...40 mph...65 km/h. Present movement...nne or 15 degrees at 15 mph...24 km/h.
Hurricane Lorenzo is located about 995 mi...1600 km w of the southernmost Cabo Verde islands with maximum sustained winds...100 mph...155 km/h. Present movement...wnw or 290 degrees at 15 mph...24 km/h.
NewsBytes:
England - Major London train stations were closed yesterday as a result of flooding, including Moorgate, St Pauls, Victoria and London Liverpool Street. Yesterday saw a month’s worth of rain dumped in some areas of the UK in as little as six hours, with bad weather expected to continue today. Commuters suffered evening rush hour misery as four central London stations were hit by flooding following huge downpours in the capital on Tuesday. Liverpool Street station saw the worst of the chaos, with the rain forcing numerous rail services to be delayed and cancelled. Meanwhile, Tube routes were also closed. Water at the station was said to be ankle deep in some parts of the concourse, with Network Rail adding: "An overflowing storm drain on the roof meant excess water came onto the tracks causing multiple track circuit and signal failures. Meanwhile, at Victoria station - the second busiest in the UK - trains onthe District and Circle lines were not stopping.
Walrus Attacks and Sinks Russian Navy Boat
While traversing frigid Arctic waters in the Franz Josef Land archipelago, a Russian Navy vessel met its match — a mighty mother walrus defending her calves. Battered by the tusked mammal's attacks, the tugboat Altai sank into the sea. The boat's crew of Navy service members and researchers made it safely ashore on a smaller vessel.
Asteroid near-miss
An asteroid came within “astronomical” inches after telescopes failed to detect the rock straight away. The near-miss came when a space rock hurtled just 0.19 lunar distances of the Earth - just inches in astronomical terms. NASA eventually detected the asteroid but only after it was revealed to be on a near-direct for the planet, which could have resulted in mass extinction.
The asteroid, called “2019 OK”, was reported to be the size of a football field, coming within an estimated 48,000 miles of Earth. NASA were only notified 24 hours in advance of the asteroids arrival. The space agency paid its thanks to a small telescope in Brazil that managed to detect the partially invisible asteroid.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis - Massachusetts, USA
Massachusetts health officials reported the 11th human Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus infection in a man in his 70s from Worcester County. In addition, the health department was notified by a hospital of a death from EEE of an Essex County resident, the 4th of the year.
Diptheria - Philippines
Philippines health officials are urging parents to ensure that their children receive all the necessary vaccinations on a timely basis. This call comes after the DOH reported an increase in diphtheria this year to date. From January 2019 – September 2019, there have been 167 cases and 40 deaths.
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) – Saudi Arabia
From 1 through 31 August 2019, the National IHR Focal Point of Saudi Arabia reported 6 additional laboratory-confirmed cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS-CoV) infection and one associated death.
Global Volcanic Activity - New Activity for the week of 18 September - 24 September 2019
No new volcanic activity was reported this week.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.6 earthquake hits the southwest Indian ridge.
5.2 earthquake hits Tonga.
Two 5.1 earthquakes hit the southwest Indian ridge.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Post Tropical Cyclone Jerry is located about 155 mi...245 km w of Bermuda with maximum sustained winds...45 mph...75 km/h. Present movement...ne or 55 degrees at 7 mph...11 km/h.
Tropical Storm Karen is located about 155 mi...250 km nne of San Juan Puerto Rico with maximum sustained winds...45 mph...75 km/h. Present movement...n or 360 degrees at 14 mph...22 km/h.
Hurricane Lorenzo is located about 640 mi...1030 km w of the southernmost Cabo Verde islands with maximum sustained winds...80 mph...130 km/h. Present movement...wnw or 285 degrees at 17 mph...28 km/h.
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Post Tropical Cyclone Kiko is located about 950 mi...1530 km e of Hilo Hawaii with maximum sustained winds...35 mph...55 km/h. Present movement...nw or 325 degrees at 15 mph...24 km/h.
NewsBytes:
England - Heavy rain is causing flash flooding and travel problems on roads across England. Five flood warnings and 40 flood alerts remain in place across much of the country. Flooded roads and cancelled trains have caused evening rush hour chaos for commuters as heavy rain, wind and thunder battered parts of the UK. More than 50mm (2in) of rain fell in less than 12 hours in some areas - with London's Liverpool Street station flooding. Floods have been reported on roads in Southampton, Birmingham and Liverpool, while Transport for London said a number of roads across the capital were also affected.
Landmark UN report warns sea levels will rise faster than projected
Cities from New York to Shanghai could see regular flooding, as sea levels rise faster than previously thought.
Glaciers and ice sheets from the Himalayas to Antarctica are rapidly melting.
And the fisheries that feed millions of people are shrinking.
These are just some of the impacts that emissions of greenhouse gases have already triggered across the planet's oceans and frozen regions, according to a new landmark report from the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
This new report paints a full and alarming picture of the rapid thawing happening in frozen regions all across the globe -- and how the changes will dramatically alter human civilization in the coming decades.
The findings show that the planet's warming is accelerating melting in glaciers and ice sheets from Greenland to Antarctica, and that sea levels will likely rise more than previously projected by the end of this century.
Of the major ice sheets, Greenland's -- which has the potential to raise sea levels around 20 feet -- is melting the fastest, and lost more than 275 gigatons on average per year between 2006 and 2015. But the even larger Antarctic ice sheet is also shrinking, and its mass loss tripled between 2007 and 2016 compared to the previous ten years.
Even if collapse of the Antarctic ice sheet is not imminent, the report says that many of the 680 million people around the world living in low-lying coastal areas will experience annual flooding events by 2050 that used to occur only once a century.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.3 earthquake hits Puerto Rico.
5.9 earthquake hits Pakistan.
5.5 earthquake hits Crete.
5.3 earthquake hits Fiji.
5.3 earthquake hits the Fox Islands in the Aleutian Islands.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Tropical Storm Jerry is located about 275 mi...440 km wsw of Bermuda with maximum sustained winds...60 mph...95 km/h. Present movement...n or 360 degrees at 8 mph...13 km/h.
Tropical Storm Karen is located about 75 mi...120 km wsw of St. Croix and about 85 mi...140 km s of San Juan Puerto Rico with maximum sustained winds...40 mph...65 km/h. Present movement...n or 360 degrees at 7 mph...11 km/h.
Tropical Storm Lorenzo is located about 310 mi...500 km sw of the southernmost Cabo Verde islands with maximum sustained winds...65 mph...100 km/h. Present movement...wnw or 285 degrees at 16 mph...26 km/h.
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm Kiko is located about 1115 mi...1795 km e of Hilo Hawaii with maximum sustained winds...50 mph...85 km/h. Present movement...nw or 310 degrees at 10 mph...17 km/h.
In the Indian Ocean: Tropical cyclone (tc) 03a (Hikaa), located approximately 46 nm east-southeast of Masirah island, Oman, is tracking westward at 13 knots.
NewsBytes:
Nigeria - Food supplies are threatened in northwest Nigeria where floods have destroyed crops. Dozens of people have been killed recently and thousands of homes washed away.
Caribbean - Tropical Storm Karen’s gusty winds and flooding rains are still affecting parts of the southern Windward Islands, and are expected to move on to bring flooding to Puerto Rico.
Chikungunya - Ethiopia
In a follow-up on the chikungunya outbreak in Dire-Dawa, Ethiopia, health officials report an additional 5,500 cases in the week ending September 15, bringing the outbreak total to 40,340 since late July.
African Swine Fever - Asia
The number of countries reporting African swine fever (ASF) rose to nine last week with the addition of South Korea. On Monday, South Korea, the Philippines and China all reported new cases/outbreaks.
South Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture (MAFRA) reported the third case (computer translated) in the city of Gimpo. Some 1,800 pigs were affected on the pig farm near Seoul.
Philippines agriculture officials reported more ASF in a village in Antipolo, Rizal, east of the Philippine capital Manila, and some areas in central Luzon. At least a dozen backyard farms in Manila and Rizal and Bulacan provinces have been affected. The country declared the first ASF outbreak two weeks ago.
In China,the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs reported a new case of African swine fever on a farm in Cen Xi city in southwestern region of Guangxi.
In addition to these three countries, ASF has also been reported in Vietnam, Laos, Mongolia, North Korea, Cambodia and Myanmar.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.2 earthquake hits the State of Yap, Micronesia.
5.2 earthquake hits southwest of Sumatra, Indonesia.
5.1 earthquake hits off the coast of Bio-Bio, Chile.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Tropical Storm Jerry is located about 355 mi...575 km ssw of Bermuda with maximum sustained winds...65 mph...100 km/h. Present movement...nnw or 335 degrees at 9 mph...15 km/h.
Tropical Storm Karen is located about 180 mi...295 km w of St. Vincent and about 290 mi...465 km sse of St. Croix with maximum sustained winds...40 mph...65 km/h. Present movement...nw or 320 degrees at 8 mph...13 km/h.
Tropical Depression Thirteen is located about 315 mi...505 km sse of the southernmost Cabo Verde islands with maximum sustained winds...35 mph...55 km/h. Present movement...w or 270 degrees at 15 mph...24 km/h
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm Kiko is located about 1730 mi...2785 km wsw of the southern tip of Baja California with maximum sustained winds...40 mph...65 km/h. Present movement...wsw or 255 degrees at 9 mph...15 km/h.
Tropical Depression Mario is located about 85 mi...135 km wsw of Cabo San Lazaro Mexico with maximum sustained winds...30 mph...45 km/h. Present movement...nnw or 335 degrees at 10 mph...17 km/h.
In the Indian Ocean: Tropical cyclone (tc) 03a (Hikaa), located approximately 327 nm east of Masirah island, Oman, is tracking westward at 13 knots.
NewsBytes:
North Dakota, Minnesota, USA - Residents in northern North Dakota and Minnesota were waking up to flooded streets and fields after an overnight storm dumped more than 5 inches of rain in some areas.
Mayhem as sea ice melts in heating world - Bering Strait
In the Bering Strait region, where a narrow passage separates Alaska from Russia and links the Arctic Ocean to the Pacific, the sea ice is long gone and mayhem has taken hold in the marine environment.
The most striking signs are on the shorelines, which have been littered with dead animals ranging from tiny shellfish to giant whales.
The toll of discovered dead animals as of mid-July: 137 ice-dependent seals and five gray whales, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA); dozens of walruses, piles of bird carcasses — marking what has become the latest in five consecutive years of bird die-offs in the region; carcasses of salmon that never got the chance to spawn clogging rivers and streams; and in some spots, stretches of dead blue mussels and krill have coated beaches.
Sometimes animals are found alive, but only barely so. A walrus found in June near Solomon, a village 30 miles east of Nome, was so thin that its ribs were visible and so weak its head was down on the ground, according to a local report. “It was having trouble keeping its head out of the mud,” said the report filed with the Local Environmental Observer network operated by the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium.
Extreme warmth that, this summer, brought air temperatures in places to the high 80s and even low 90s Fahrenheit (or into the 30s Celsius) and cooked marine waters.
Freeze-up that used to come in fall is now delayed to mid-winter and the ice that forms is thin. That thinner ice melts earlier, exposing open waters that absorb more of the sun’s heat. That means water temperatures soar, freeze-up is again delayed, the late-forming winter ice is again thin, melt is early, and so on.
When there is little or no ice, seals and walruses cannot find platforms to rest in between food-foraging dives and during key life events like birth and nursing of young. More light penetrates the water, boosting phytoplankton blooms and upsetting a prior balance, benefitting fish and pelagic species in the upper reaches of the ocean water but reducing the amount of nutrition that drifts down to the deep-dwelling benthic species like tiny amphipods, clams, crabs and snails that are crucial to the marine-mammal food web.
The absence of a winter freeze also means lack of the usual “cold pool” of ultra-salty, super-chilled water that normally serves as an underwater barrier separating the high-fat, nutrition-dense species in the northern Bering Sea from the lower-fat species that live in the southern part of the sea.
There is another possible heat-related explanation for the die-offs: lack of the high-quality, high-fat food in the environment. As water temperatures rise, the lower-fat species more typical of the southern Bering Sea are moving north, taking over the higher-fat northern species’ territory.
Among the newcomers is Pacific cod, a staple of people’s diets for millennia in southern Alaska and marine predators so voracious they are known to eat seabirds. To the south, in the heated-up Gulf of Alaska, cod have become scarce, a severe blow to commercial fishermen and fishing-dependent communities; harvest quotas were slashed so deeply that the state sought a fisheries disaster declaration from the federal government. Now it appears that cod populations have swum north, swarming Norton Sound, a waterbody famous for its harvests of succulent king crab.
The wildlife in the region are unable to adequately deal with changes and interruptions in their traditional food chains and poisoning from the toxins released by increasingly prevalent algal blooms.
Dengue Fever; Scrub Typhus - Nepal
Dengue fever cases are spiking in Nepal according to the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD). Through this past week, 5,096 people have been diagnosed with the mosquito-borne infection across the country, including six fatalities.
A scrub typhus outbreak has been reported in Sudurpaschim Province. At least 138 people have tested positive for scrub typhus in Sudurpaschim Province and those affected are growing in numbers. Two deaths have been recorded.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.7 earthquake hits the Banda Sea.
5.6 earthquake hits Tonga.
5.6 earthquake hits the Adriatic Sea.
5.4 earthquake hits the Adriatic Sea.
5.3 earthquake hits northern Colombia.
5.2 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Tropical Storm Jerry is located about 520 mi...835 km ssw of Bermuda with maximum sustained winds...65 mph...100 km/h. Present movement...nnw or 330 degrees at 12 mph...19 km/h.
Tropical Storm Karen is located about 100 mi...165 km e of Grenada and about 120 mi...190 km se of St. Vincent with maximum sustained winds...40 mph...65 km/h. Present movement...wnw or 285 degrees at 9 mph...15 km/h.
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm Kiko is located about 1545 mi...2485 km w of the southern tip of Baja California with maximum sustained winds...40 mph...65 km/h. Present movement...sw or 235 degrees at 8 mph...13 km/h.
Tropical Depression Mario is located about 160 mi...255 km sw of the southern tip of Baja California with maximum sustained winds...35 mph...55 km/h. Present movement...nnw or 335 degrees at 9 mph...15 km/h.
Tropical Depression Lorena is located about 40 mi...70 km wnw of Guaymas Mexico with maximum sustained winds...35 mph...55 km/h. Present movement...n or 350 degrees at 10 mph...17 km/h.
In the Western Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm 18w (Tapah), located approximately 94 nm west-southwest of Sasebo, Japan is tracking northwestward at 22 knots.
Climate Change Protests
Millions of people around the world walked out of their schools and workplaces Friday to demand urgent action on climate change. The global climate strikes, which are taking place in more than 150 countries, were scheduled ahead of the opening of the United Nations General Assembly and the Climate Action Summit on September 23.
Measles - Thailand
Thailand health officials have reported a total of 4,648 measles cases from 74 provinces through Sept. 15–including 539 cases with complications and 14 deaths.
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever - Namibia
Health officials in Namibia reported a confirmed Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) case from Outapi District Hospital in Omusati region on Sep. 12. The case is from Oukwandongo village in Cunene province, Angola, bordering Oukwandongo village in Outapi district, Namibia. No death has been reported.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.5 earthquake hits Vanuatu.
5.0 earthquake hits Kepulauan Obi, Indonesia.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Tropical Storm Jerry is located about 755 mi...1215 km s of Bermuda and about 250 mi...400 km nne of San Juan Puerto Rico with maximum sustained winds...65 mph...100 km/h. Present movement...nw or 310 degrees at 15 mph...24 km/h.
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm Kiko is located about 1345 mi...2165 km w of the southern tip of Baja California with maximum sustained winds...65 mph...100 km/h. Present movement...n or 360 degrees at 2 mph...4 km/h.
Tropical Storm Mario is located about 275 mi...445 km s of the southern tip of Baja California with maximum sustained winds...60 mph...95 km/h. Present movement...n or 350 degrees at 5 mph...7 km/h.
Hurricane Lorena is located about 30 mi...45 km n of La Paz Mexico and about 120 mi...190 km se of Loreto Mexico with maximum sustained winds...75 mph...120 km/h. Present movement...nw or 325 degrees at 9 mph...15 km/h.
In the Western Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm 18w (Tapah), located approximately 397 nm south-southwest of Sasebo, Japan is tracking northward at 12 knots.
Dengue Fever - Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is one of several countries in the Americas experiencing an outbreak of dengue fever. The Ministry of Health reported more than 8,855 cases through mid-August. 12 deaths have been reported. This is an increase of 1,145 percent in reported cases compared to the same period in 2018 (711 cases).
Measles - New Zealand
In a follow-up on the measles outbreak in New Zealand, country health officials report through Friday, 1384 confirmed cases of measles across the country, with 1151 of these confirmed cases in the Auckland region. In Auckland, there have been at least three cases of measles encephalitis during this outbreak.
Cholera - Sudan
Sudan's Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) announced on 10 September that four out of the six samples obtained from patients with acute diarrhoea were positive for Vibreo cholera at the National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL). As of 9 September 2019, a total of 41 suspected cholera cases, with two deaths.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.0 earthquake hits Java, Indonesia.
5.9 earthquake hits Java, Indonesia.
5.4 earthquake hits Tonga.
5.3 earthquake hits Tonga.
Two 5.1 earthquakes hit Tonga.
5.0 earthquake hits Tonga.
5.0 earthquake hits the Molucca Sea.
5.0 earthquake hits New Britain, Papua New Guinea.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Post Tropical Cyclone Humberto is located about 525 mi...845 km ssw of Cape Race Newfoundland with maximum sustained winds...100 mph...155 km/h. Present movement...nne or 30 degrees at 20 mph...31 km/h.
Hurricane Jerry is located about 290 mi...465 km e of the northern Leeward islands with maximum sustained winds...105 mph...165 km/h. Present movement...wnw or 290 degrees at 16 mph...26 km/h.
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm Kiko is located about 1370 mi...2205 km wsw of the southern tip of Baja California with maximum sustained winds...50 mph...85 km/h. Present movement...nw or 315 degrees at 6 mph...9 km/h.
Tropical Storm Mario is located about 365 mi...590 km s of the southern tip of Baja California with maximum sustained winds...65 mph...100 km/h. Present movement...nne or 30 degrees at 5 mph...7 km/h.
Hurricane Lorena is located about 100 mi...160 km ese of Cabo San Lucas Mexico with maximum sustained winds...70 mph...110 km/h. Present movement...wnw or 290 degrees at 9 mph...15 km/h.
In the Western Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm 18w (Tapah), located approximately 210 nm south-southwest of Kadena AFB, Okinawa, Japan is tracking northwestward at 03 knots.
NewsBytes:
Texas, USA - Record-breaking rainfall from the tropical storm Imelda is soaking southeastern Texas. Some areas have been swamped with 20 to 42 inches (51 to 107 centimeters) of rain over just three days, causing catastrophic flooding that is among the worst in U.S. history.
Mauritania: Floods - Aug 2019 - From 26 to 27 August 2019, Guidimakha Wilaya (Region), located in southeast Mauritania, witnessed torrential rains exceeding the 200 mm mark in the regional capital city of Sélibaby and which approached 300 mm in other areas of the region. These torrential rains caused heavy human and material damages in all three districts of the Wilaya namely Sélibaby, Ould Yenja and Ghabou. According to the latest information, a total of 4,200 households were affected including 850 homeless households.
Endangered Giant Salamanders of Mexico
When the Aztecs settled the Valley of Mexico in the 13th century, they found a large salamander living in the lake surrounding the island where they built their capital, Tenochtitlán. They called the salamander "axolotl" after Xolotl, their god of fire and lightning. Xolotl was said to have transformed into a salamander, among other forms, to avoid being sacrificed so the sun and moon could move in the sky. He was eventually captured and killed.
In the same vein, axolotls were commonly killed for food by the Aztecs and are still eaten today in Mexico. They've also become one of the world's most popular pets, thanks to their easy care and charisma. The creatures' extraordinary regenerative abilities have made them an interesting study subject for scientists. But in their native home, the salamanders have almost disappeared.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources considers axolotls critically endangered and their population declining. Surveys in 1998 and 2008 found that the population density had dropped from about 6,000 individuals per square kilometer to 100 individuals per square kilometer. A more recent survey in 2015 found about 35 individuals per square kilometer.
Pollution has been particularly detrimental to the species. Poor waste regulations and increasing tourism in Mexico City mean that trash, plastics, heavy metals and high levels of ammonia spilled from waste-treatment plants clog the canals where the salamanders live.
Aussie bats suffer mass starvation event
A mass starvation event affecting bats in the Australian State of Queensland has left rescue organizations inundated and prompted a call to the public to leave food out in their backyards to support the struggling creatures.
The affected population are a native species known fruit bats, or flying foxes, which normally feed on fruit and nectar.
With the recent drought, developments and deforestation, there's just not enough food supply and especially with the recent bushfires which aggravated the situation because there has been a lot of habitat loss.
Aggravating the problem is the issue that a number of bats are now failing to return to their colonies during the day and are instead remaining with food sources, leaving them vulnerable to birds, people and other dangers. They're so desperate for food, when they do find a food source, they're staying there and they're guarding it and they're refusing to leave.
Residents in the Gold Coast region are being told if they want to help the bats they can thread apples onto wire and hang them at least two meters from the ground in their gardens where the bats can feed safely during the night.
Hottest Summer
A full 90 percent of the world’s population just experienced the hottest summer on record, according to the U.S. agency NOAA.
While it was the second-hottest on record worldwide, most people live in the Northern Hemisphere, where records say it was a tie with 2016 as the hottest meteorological summer.
• French researchers say that mounting atmospheric CO2 from the burning of fossil fuels is warming the Earth’s surface more quickly than earlier predicted.
New models that will replace those used for the current U.N. global warming predictions point to an atmosphere up to 2 degrees Celsius hotter than the 2014 U.N. report had warned.
Nuclear Waste Flush
Japan’s power company is running out of storage for the radioactive water held in tanks at the crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant and will have to start dumping it into the Pacific.
Since the 2011 meltdowns, brought on by an offshore temblor and subsequent tsunami, the Tokyo Electric Power Company has collected more than 1 million tons of contaminated water from the cooling pipes that keep the remaining reactors from melting.
“The only option will be to drain it into the sea and dilute it,” Environment Minister Yoshiaki Harada told a news conference in Tokyo.
Global Temperature Extremes
The week’s hottest temperature was 120 degrees Fahrenheit (48.9 degrees Celsius) in Basra, Iraq.
The week’s coldest temperature was minus 106.0 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 76.7 degrees Celsius) at Concordia, 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.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis - New Jersey, USA
The New Jersey Department of Health has reported the second and third human Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) cases in Union and Atlantic counties. This has prompted health officials to encourage residents to take steps to protect themselves from all mosquito-borne diseases.
Polio - Philippines
The Philippines on Thursday announced an outbreak of polio, 19 years after the World Health Organization declared the Southeast Asian country free of the infectious disease. The government blamed “poor immunization coverage,” a lack of sanitation and proper hygiene and poor surveillance by health workers as among the reasons the disease returned.
Global Volcanic Activity - Ongoing Activity for the week of 11 September - 17 September 2019
Aira | Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that inflation at Minamidake crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) began to be detected on 9 September and was similar to the deformation recorded just before a notable eruption on 16 June 2018. An eruption recorded at 0746 on 16 September produced an ash plume that rose 2.8 km above the crater rim and drifted SW. A series of eruptive events were recorded during 0830-1110. Deformation ceased after the events. An explosion at 0927 on 17 September generated an ash plume that rose 1 km and ejected blocks as far as 1.1 km. Two eruptive events later than day produced ash plumes that rose 1.6 km. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a 5-level scale).
Asosan | Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that during 10-13 September ash plumes rose 1.6 km above Asosan’s summit crater rim. The sulfur dioxide emission rate was 1,600 tons per day on 11 September. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-5).
Dukono | Halmahera (Indonesia) : Based on satellite and wind model data, and information from PVMBG, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 11-17 September ash plumes from Dukono rose to altitudes of 1.8-2.1 km (6,000-7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted N, NNE, and NE. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was warned to remain outside of the 2-km exclusion zone.
Ebeko | Paramushir Island (Russia) : Volcanologists in Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island), about 7 km E of Ebeko, observed explosions during 7-13 September that sent ash plumes up to 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted S, SE, and N. Ash fell in Severo-Kurilsk on 6 September. A thermal anomaly was identified in satellite images on 8 September. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).
Etna | Sicily (Italy) : INGV reported that Strombolian activity at Etna’s Northeast Crater (NEC) likely began on 8 September. Continuous Strombolian activity recorded between 2000 on 9 September and 0700 on 10 September produced diffuse ash emissions which quickly dissipated. The most intense part of the eruptive period occurred during 2000-2200. Minor ashfall was reported in Piedimonte Etneo, Giarre-Riposto, and Rifugio Citelli. Incandescence from the activity had significantly subsided by 0300 on 10 September, coincident with the ejection of lava fragments outside of the crater. Dilute ash puffs were continuously observed at dawn the next day. Strombolian activity ceased around 0540 and then resumed around 0800. Weather conditions hindered observations at times on 11 September but clear observations after 2000 allowed for the confirmation of continuing explosive activity at varying intensity at NEC. Ash emission from Voragine Crater began during the morning of 12 September and gradually increased in frequency. Activity further intensified at 1200 as Strombolian activity commenced and tephra ejected out of the crater was deposited at the base of Bocca Nuova Crater. Strong Strombolian explosions were felt in Zafferana Etnea, Aci S. Antonio, Pedara, and neighboring areas. Webcam and field observations on 13 September confirmed continuing activity at NEC and Voragine craters. Diffuse ash plumes rose from NEC and dispersed near the summit area. Strombolian activity at Voragine Crater ejected coarse tephra as high as 20 m above the crater rim and produced diffuse ash emissions. Impact craters from the ejected tephra were distributed mostly in the W part of the area between Bocca Nuova and Voragine craters down to 3,000 m elevation. Activity continued on 14 September. During an overflight on 15 September observers noted that a scoria cone had formed in Voragine Crater, and diffuse ash emissions continued to rise from NEC.
Karangetang | Siau Island (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that during 9-15 September lava continued to effuse from Karangetang’s Main Crater (S) and Dua Crater (N), traveling as far as 1.5 km down the Nanitu, Pangi, and Sense drainages on the SW flank. Sometimes dense white plumes rose to 100 m above the summit. According to the Darwin VAAC an ash plume rose almost 650 m above the summit and drifted E on 11 September. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4).
Karymsky | Eastern Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Karymsky was visible in satellite images on 10 September. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).
Krakatau | Indonesia : PVMBG reported that Anak Krakatau’s seismic network recorded five eruptive events during 9-15 September. A webcam at the summit recorded diffuse white plumes rising 150 m from the bottom of the crater, and dense gray-and-white ash plumes rising 300 m. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was warned to remain outside of the 2-km-radius hazard zone from the crater.
Merapi | Central Java (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that during 9-15 September the lava-dome volume at Merapi did not change and was an estimated 461,000 cubic meters, based on analyses of drone images on 8 August. Extruded lava fell into the upper parts of the SE flank, generating block-and-ash flows that traveled as far as 1.1 km down the Gendol drainage. Diffuse white plumes rose as high as 100 m above the summit. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and residents were warned to stay outside of the 3-km exclusion zone.
Pacaya | Guatemala : A special report from INSIVUMEH noted that seismic activity at Pacaya had increased on 8 September, with RSAM values reaching 7,000 units by 13 September, coincident with increased explosive activity at Mackenney Crater. Explosions from a growing cone in the crater ejected material as high as 75 m above the cone. Lava effusion increased; lava flows advancing on the N and NW flank towards Cerro Chino were about 500 m long. Avalanches of blocks up to 1 m in diameter were produced by the flow front. Similar activity was observed during 15-16 September.
Sangeang Api | Indonesia : The Darwin VAAC reported that on 11 September a diffuse ash plume from Sangeang Api was identified in satellite images rising to 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifting N. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4).
Sheveluch | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Sheveluch’s lava dome was identified daily in satellite images during 6-9 and 12 September. Resuspended ash formed plumes that drifted 250 km ESE during 11-12 September. Satellite and webcam data recorded ash emissions and a gas-and-steam plume with some ash drifting 50 km ESE on 12 September. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).
Shishaldin | Fox Islands (USA) : Low-level lava fountaining and minor explosive activity within Shishaldin’s summit crater was last observed on 17 August and likely continued during 11-17 September; continuous tremor was recorded by the seismic network and elevated surface temperatures were visible in satellite images. The webcam possibly recorded a steam emission on 16 September. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Watch.
Tangkubanparahu | Western Java (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that phreatic events, accompanied by roaring, continued at Tangkubanparahu's Ratu Crater during 9-15 September, though no larger eruptions were recorded. Ash-and-steam emissions rose as high as 20 m above the vent and steam plumes rose as high as 200 m. The seismic network recorded continuous tremor. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was warned to stay 1.5 km away from the active crater.
Ubinas | Peru : During 10-15 September the number of seismic events at Ubinas totaled 4,093, with volcano-tectonic (VT) signals being the most numerous, averaging 572 events per day, and all having magnitudes under M 2.5. Hybrid events averaged 299 events per day. Continuous emissions of blueish gas and water vapor were recorded by the webcam rising to heights less than 1.5 km above the summit. Two thermal anomalies were recorded by the MIROVA system. An explosion at 0725 on 12 September produced a gas-and-ash plume that rose 1.5 km and affected several districts S and SE in the Moquegua region. The Alert Level remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale) and the public were warned to stay outside of a 10-km radius.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.4 earthquake hits Java, Indonesia.
5.5 earthquake hits Java, Indonesia.
5.4 earthquake hits the Bouvet Islands.
5.3 earthquake hits the D’Entrecasteaux Islands.
5.1 earthquake hits eastern New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Hurricane Humberto is located about 250 mi...400 km ne of Bermuda with maximum sustained winds...125 mph...205 km/h. Present movement...ne or 45 degrees at 22 mph...35 km/h.
Tropical Depression Imelda is located about 110 mi...180 km n of Houston Texas and about 70 mi...115 km ne of College Station Texas with maximum sustained winds...30 mph...45 km/h. Present movement...nnw or 335 degrees at 5 mph...7 km/h.
Tropical Storm Jerry is located about 575 mi...925 km e of the Leeward islands with maximum sustained winds...70 mph...110 km/h. Present movement...wnw or 290 degrees at 16 mph...26 km/h.
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm Kiko is located about 1285 mi...2065 km wsw of the southern tip of Baja California with maximum sustained winds...65 mph...100 km/h. Present movement...w or 270 degrees at 6 mph...9 km/h.
Tropical Storm Mario is coated about 500 mi...805 km ssw of the southern tip of Baja California with maximum sustained winds...65 mph...100 km/h. Present movement...n or 355 degrees at 7 mph...11 km/h.
Hurricane Lorena is located about 70 mi...115 km se of Cabo Corrientes Mexico and about 390 mi...625 km se of Cabo San Lucas Mexico with maximum sustained winds...75 mph...120 km/h. Present movement...nnw or 330 degrees at 8 mph...13 km/h.
In the Western Pacific Ocean: Tropical depression 18w (eighteen), located approximately 256 nm south of Kadena AFB, Okinawa, Japan is tracking westward at 01 knot.
NewsBytes:
Texas, USa - East Texas was facing days of heavy rains and flash flooding Wednesday as Tropical Depression Imelda, downgraded from a tropical storm, still packed a dangerous punch for millions of residents. The storm made landfall Tuesday afternoon near Freeport, 60 miles south of Houston. Imelda, crawling north at about 5 mph. Parts of Houston had seen almost 7 inches, and the storm could drench areas with up to 3 inches of rain per hour, the weather service warned. Flash flood watches were in effect for southeast Texas and extreme southwest Louisiana.
Spotted Zebra
A rare polka-dot zebra foal has created a stir after pictures appeared this past week. The equine oddity was spotted at Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, and is said to be a first for the park.
Tularemia - Sweden
In a follow-up on the tularemia outbreak in Sweden, health officials (Folkhalsomyndigheten) report an additional 90 cases during the past week, bringing the total to 875 since the end of July. Officials report a slowdown in cases; however, compared to a typical year, the numbers are quite high.
Global Volcanic Activity - New Activity for the week of 11 September - 17 September 2019
Alaid | Kuril Islands (Russia) : The Tokyo VAAC reported that on 11 September an ash plume from Alaid identified in satellite images rose to an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SE.
Copahue | Central Chile-Argentina border : OVDAS-SERNAGEOMIN reported that a long-period (LP) earthquake at Copahue recorded at 1657 on 11 September correlated with an infrasound signal from an explosion; a gas-and-ash emission rose to low heights. A larger explosion, recorded at 2245 along with an LP earthquake, produced a plume that rose 250 m above the crater rim. Incandescent deposits around the vent were visible at night, and a 3-km-long ash deposit, covering an area of 3.4 square kilometers, was visible on the ESE flank. The Alert Level remained at Yellow (second lowest level on a four-colour scale); SERNAGEOMIN recommended no entry into a restricted area within 500 m of the crater. ONEMI maintained the Alert Level at Yellow (the middle level on a three-colour scale) for the municipality of Alto BiobÃo.
Nevados de Chillan | Chile : ONEMI and SERNAGEOMIN reported that during 10-17 September white-to-gray gas plumes from Nevados de Chillán’s Nicanor Crater rose 400-800 m above the rim and drifted NE, E, and SE. Explosions sometimes ejected incandescent material onto the E and SE flanks. A lava flow on the NNE flank was 100 m wide, 5 m thick, and had advanced 600 m by 14 September. The Alert Level remained at Orange, the second highest level on a four-colour scale. ONEMI maintained an Alert Level Yellow (the middle level on a three-colour scale) for the communities of Pinto, Coihueco, and San Fabián, and stated that the public should stay at least 3 km away from the crater on the SW flank and 5 km away on the ENE flank.
Villarrica | Chile : Video from an 11 September overflight of Villarrica, conducted by the Carabineros Región de La AraucanÃa, showed an active cone on the crater floor. ONEMI and SERNAGEOMIN noted that the activity was consistent with the elevated seismicity detected by the seismic network during the previous few days. Seismicity and explosive activity in the crater both began decreasing on 12 September and continued a downward trend at least through 16 September. Discrete tremor signals disappeared during 15-16 September, with moderate levels of continuous tremor dominating the signal. No explosions were detected. SERNAGEOMIN lowered the Alert Level to Yellow, the second lowest level on a four-colour scale. ONEMI maintained an Alert Level Yellow (the middle level on a three-colour scale) for the municipalities of Villarrica, Pucón (16 km N), Curarrehue, and the commune of Panguipulli, and changed the exclusion zone for the public to a radius of 1 km around the crater.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.5 earthquake hits Mindanao in the Philippines.
5.4 earthquake hits the Kuril Islands.
5.4 earthquake hits the Azores.
5.1 earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.
5.1 earthquake hits Halmahera, Indonesia.
5.1 earthquake hits New Britain, Papua New Guinea.
5.1 earthquake hits the Bougainville region, Papua New Guinea.
5.0 earthquake hits the Bismarck Sea.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Hurricane Humberto is located about 285 mi...455 km w of Bermuda with maximum sustained winds...115 mph...185 km/h. Present movement...ene or 65 degrees at 16 mph...26 km/h.
Tropical Depression Imelda is located about 25 mi...40 km nnw of Houston Texas and about 65 mi...100 km se of College Station Texas with maximum sustained winds...30 mph...45 km/h. Pesent movement...n or 360 degrees at 5 mph...7 km/h.
Tropical Storm Jerry is located about 1030 mi...1660 km e of the Leeward islands with maximum sustained winds...35 mph...55 km/h. Present movement...wnw or 285 degrees at 10 mph...17 km/h.
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm Kiko is located about 1130 mi...1815 km wsw of the southern tip of Baja California with maximum sustained winds...50 mph...85 km/h. Present movement...wsw or 240 degrees at 5 mph...7 km/h.
Tropical Storm Mario is coated about 635 mi...1025 km s of the southern tip of Baja California with maximum sustained winds...45 mph...75 km/h. Present movement...nw or 310 degrees at 10 mph...17 km/h.
Tropical Storm Lorena is located about 160 mi...260 km ssw of Zihuatanejo Mexico with maximum sustained winds...50 mph...85 km/h. Present movement...nw or 305 degrees at 15 mph...24 km/h.
Wildfires - Indonesia
Brazil has captured global attention over deliberately set fires that are burning the Amazon rainforest, often called the earth’s lungs. Now Indonesia is compounding the concern with blazes to clear forest on the other side of the world.
Hundreds of wildfires burned across Indonesian Borneo and Sumatra on Tuesday, producing thick clouds of smoke that disrupted air travel, forced schools to close and sickened many thousands of people. Poorly equipped firefighters were unable to bring them under control.
Officials said that about 80 percent of the fires were set intentionally to make room for palm plantations, a lucrative cash crop that has led to deforestation on much of Sumatra.
The slash-and-burn conflagrations, which tore through sensitive rainforests where dozens of endangered species live, immediately drew comparisons to the wildfires in the Amazon basin that have destroyed more than 2 million acres.
Wildfires - Australia
Across NSW, the latest confirmed losses from the current spate of bushfires are:
. 26 homes destroyed, 13 damaged
. 6 facilities destroyed, 2 damaged
. 77 outbuildings destroyed, 50 damaged
Researchers forecast more intensified global warming
The latest climate forecasts made by several French scientific bodies reveal a rather alarming situation: current forecasts are a little too optimistic in relation to the reality of global warming.
According to models from the Pierre-Simon Laplace Institute (IPSL) and France’s National Meteorological Research Centre, our planet, in the worst-case scenario, could warm up to 6 or even 7°C by 2100.
However, at best, the situation is also alarming. If the planet achieves carbon neutrality by 2060, which is far from certain, then global warming will reach 1.9°C, as opposed to less than 1.5°C.
In an intermediate scenario, where the planet would reach carbon neutrality by 2080, the increase would be 2.6°C.
In the scientific community, the 1.5°C target appears increasingly unattainable. And climatologists are now increasingly reluctant to mention a “business as usual” scenario, simply because it no longer exists.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis - Michigan, USA
In a follow-up on the Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) situation in Michigan, state health officials are urging residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites as four additional cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) have been confirmed in Southwest Michigan – including two that were fatal. To date, seven confirmed human cases of EEE have been reported in Michigan with onset dates in July.
Bats - Australia
Queensland, Australia health officials are reminding people not to handle bats–dead or alive–after six Wide Bay people have required treatment after being scratched or bitten in the past 16 days. Officials say all bats are potential carriers of Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABLV) and any bite or scratch from a bat poses a risk of infection, which is why only trained and vaccinated professionals should handle them.
African Swine Fever - South Korea
South Korea is the latest country to confirm an outbreak of African swine fever (ASF). The outbreak of ASF in South Korea was announced by the agriculture minister on Tuesday. Around 4,000 pigs will be culled and the disease alert level has been raised to the maximum.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.3 earthquake hits the Gansu-Qinghai border, China.
5.2 earthquake hits southern Alaska.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Hurricane Humberto is located about 570 mi...920 km w of Bermuda with maximum sustained winds...90 mph...150 km/h. Present movement...ene or 75 degrees at 8 mph...13 km/h.
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Hurricane Kiko is located about 1035 mi...1670 km wsw of the southern tip of Baja California with maximum sustained winds...80 mph...130 km/h. Present movement...w or 265 degrees at 5 mph...7 km/h.
NewsBytes:
India - Heavy rain has caused flash floods in Sirivella, Gospadu, Mahanandi, Nandyal, and Rudravaram mandals in Kurnool district in the early hours of Monday. While no deaths have been reported, the authorities expect significant crop and property damage.
Birds lose weight, migrate later after consuming insecticide
Birds that have ingested seeds treated with a common insecticide experience weight loss and delay their migrations — effects that could reduce their chances of surviving and reproducing, researchers found.
In a study of white-crowned sparrows (Zonotrichia leucophrys) in Canada, biologists documented the effects in birds that eat the equivalent of just a few seeds treated with the neonicotinoid pesticide imidacloprid — an amount they could be expected to consume in the wild from agricultural fields.
Researchers suspect these impacts could be related to a dramatic decline in some songbird populations.
Neonicotinoids are often applied as a seed coating to protect crops from harmful insects, but when the chemicals are exposed in the environment, studies have found they can affect pollinating insects as well as birds.
Researchers found that birds given a higher dose of the pesticide lost 6% of their body mass within six hours, causing the birds to stay an average of 3 ½ days longer than birds in a control group at the stopover site before resuming migration.
Wildfires - Australia
A major fire on the NSW north coast is causing concern for emergency services amid fears some properties may have been lost. The fire in bushland around Drake has already burned through more than 60,000 hectares since it began almost two weeks ago. Overnight the threats to homes eased but firefighters are still bracing for damage reports.
Meanwhile, another fire burning about 15km east of Glen Innes in the Brother State Forest is still out of control. So far it has burned through 16,000 hectares. But the threat to homes has eased after crews acted to hold the fire to the western side of Old Grafton Road.
Measles - Dr Congo
The measles outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is the largest in the world and continues to trend and spread geographically. Through September 1 this year, officials have reported 179,477 suspected measles cases including 3,559 deaths (CFR 2.0%). Cases have been reported from more than 90 percent health zones across the country.
Chikungunya - Ethiopia
In a follow-up on the chikungunya outbreak in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia, health officials continues to see an increasing trend in cases since the end of July. During the week ending September 8, officials saw an additional 7,264 new suspected cases from nine urban kebeles, or neighborhoods in Dire Dawa City Administration.
Brain-eating Amoeba - Pakistan
The the second time in two days, Karachi officials report a fatality due to the brain-eating amoeba, Naegleria fowleri. The 14th case occurred in a 26-year-old man from Gulistan-e-Jauhar Block-27. He was was taken to the Aga Khan University Hospital [AKUH] last week after complaining of fever, vomiting and headache.
Yellow Fever - Nigeria
In a follow-up on the yellow fever outbreak in Bauchi state, Nigeria, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) now report that since the first confirmed case was reported on the 29th of August, 169 suspected and 15 laboratory confirmed cases by RT-PCR have been reported. Of this total, 23 people have died
.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.4 earthquake hits the west Chile rise.
5.1 earthquake hits Fiji.
5.1 earthquake hits the Volcano Islands off Japan.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Hurricane Humberto is located about 760 mi...1225 km w of Bermuda with maximum sustained winds...85 mph...140 km/h. Present movement...ne or 50 degrees at 5 mph...7 km/h.
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Hurricane Kiko is located about 940 mi...1515 km wsw of the southern tip of Baja California with maximum sustained winds...115 mph...185 km/h. Present movement...w or 270 degrees at 6 mph...9 km/h.
In the Western Pacific Ocean: Tropical depression 17w (Peipah), located approximately 152 nm east-southeast of Iwo To, Japan, is tracking north-northwestward at 28 knots.
NewsBytes:
India - More than 350 students and 50 teachers have been stuck at a school in Chittorgarh in Rajasthan for the past 24 hours due to the floods in the city. The students have been stuck in the school as roads are reportedly blocked due to the heavy discharge of water from the Rana Pratap Dam.
Wildfires - Colorado, USA
A number of wildfires are burning near Denver, Colorado encompassing about 1 250 acres. Some evacuations have been ordered for a fire northwest of Fort Collins. Firefighters are containing the blazes.
Wildfires - Australia
Emergency warnings for bushfires burning near Darwin have been downgraded as fire crews battle to prevent the further spread of fire. Bushfires NT said between 50 and 60 properties were under threat due to the blaze burning at Fog Bay Road in Milne, and the fire was spotting ahead of the front.
Meanwhile firefighters continued to battle about 50 bushfires across Queensland on Sunday.
Crews from the states of Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and from New Zealand were helping fight blazes that have destroyed homes, businesses and an estimated 55,000 hectares (135, 908 acres) of land. The 10-day emergency has seen some 1,200 bushfires burning across the state, with more than 600 community warnings issued in the past two weeks. Officials have warned some fires could burn for months because the ground is bone-dry and there is no significant rain in sight.
Measles - Romania
In a follow-up on the measles situation in Romania, the Institutul Naţional de Sănătate Publică reported an additional 54 new confirmed cases in 9 counties and in Bucharest during the past week. In 2019 through Sept. 6, 2,614 cases, including five deaths have been reported, the most in the EU.
Polio - Global
The total number of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) cases on the globe has increased to 78 cases with the addition of five cases from Pakistan and Afghanistan during the past week.
Listeriosis - Spain
On 16 August 2019, Regional Health Authorities in Andalusia, Spain, reported an outbreak of listeriosis, caused by the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes), associated with the consumption of a chilled roasted pork meat product manufactured in Spain by Magrudis Company Limited and sold under the brand name “La Mechá”. From 7 July through 13 September , a total of 222 confirmed cases linked to this outbreak have been reported in five regions of Spain.
Italy - Superbug NDM-1 outbreak reported in Tuscany
Health officials in Tuscany, Italy are reporting an outbreak of the antibiotic resistant superbug bacterium, New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase-1 (NDM-1) Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in hospitals since November 2018. Between November 2018 and August 31, 2019 the NDM bacteria were isolated in the blood of 75 patients. Infections vary from being asymptomatic to potentially life-threatening or fatal. The level of risk depends on which part of the body is affected by the infection, and the general health of the patient.
African Swine Fever - Japan
Japanese officials have culled 753 pigs in Saitama Prefecture north of Tokyo after detecting an outbreak of swine fever. The cull, which took place on Saturday, was necessary after it was determined that pigs raised in the prefecture for shipment to central Japan were infected. Saitama also decided to halt shipments from two other pig farms in the area of the outbreak.
Dengue Fever - Nepal
Six people have died of dengue and over 5096 diagnosed positive across Nepal since the outbreak was declared in May. The first outbreak of the disease in the Himalayan nation occurred in 2006 when 5 cases were identified.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.9 earthquake hits Halmahera, Indonesia.
5.4 earthquake hits the Fox Islands in the Aleutian Islands.
5.2 earthquake hits offshore Guatemala.
5.2 earthquake hits the southern mid-Atlantis ridge.
5.1 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Tropical Storm Humberto is located about 135 mi...220 km nnw of Great Abaco island and about 175 mi...285 km e of Cape Canaveral Florida with maximum sustained winds...60 mph...95 km/h. Present movement...nnw or 335 degrees at 7 mph...11 km/h.
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm Kiko is located about 815 mi...1310 km wsw of the southern tip of Baja California with maximum sustained winds...125 mph...205 km/h. Present movement...w or 265 degrees at 8 mph...13 km/h.
In the Western Pacific Ocean: Tropical depression 17w (Seventeen), located approximately 651 nm southeast of Iwo To, Japan, is tracking northwestward at 13 knots.
NewsBytes:
Thailand - Floods in north-eastern Thailand have submerged homes, roads and bridges, leaving more than 23,000 people in evacuation shelters as anger grows over the government's "slow" emergency response. Torrential rain has lashed the country for the last two weeks, causing flash floods and mudslides in almost half its provinces, with families evacuated from their homes in boats or makeshift rafts. Since 29 August, 32 people have been killed in the deluge. Local media reports from the worst-hit province of Ubon Ratchathani showed people wading through chest-deep water and rescuers in boats trying to steer buffalo to higher ground.
Botswana Reintroduces Elephant Hunting
Botswana has reintroduced elephant hunts with a cautious approach to pricing, a move that's likely to further inflame the controversy that's threatening a $2bn tourism industry after a five-year ban on hunting was lifted.
The government will auction licenses to hunting operators for the right to shoot 158 elephants but is yet to decide on the minimum price it will set at the sales, said Kitso Mokaila, the country’s environment minister.
There will also be a charge of 20 000 pula (about R27 000) for each of 72 elephant hunting licenses designated for foreigners, according to government documents seen by Bloomberg. That compares to at least $21 000 for the right to shoot an elephant in neighbouring Zimbabwe.
Botswana has the world's largest elephant population, with about 130 000 of the animals roaming free nationwide.
By lifting the hunting ban, Botswana has brought itself in line with its neighbours. The number of hunting licenses are below the 400 cap it set itself, and compares with 500 licenses in Zimbabwe and 90 in Namibia. In South Africa, foreign hunters generated R1.95bn in 2017. Less than 50 elephants are shot in South Africa annually and Zambia has allocated 37 licenses for this year.
Drought in Botswana
Animal are struggling to survive in drought-hit Botswana. Around 38,000 livestock depend on the waters of Lake Ngami in northern Botswana, but the animals -- like the lake itself -- are being badly hit by a crippling drought. Hippo have also been severely affected seeking out the few remaining pools of muddy water to survive.
Dengue Fever - Western Hemisphere
In the Western hemisphere, the number of dengue cases reported through August is 2,384,029 cases and 949 deaths. The number of cases reported in 2019 as August 31 is higher than the annual totals reported in 2016, 2017, and 2018, and the total by the end of the year will likely exceed the total reported in the epidemic year of 2015.
In Colombia, 84,664 cases of dengue and 919 cases of severe dengue have been reported to date. In addition, 169 deaths have been recorded. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) indicated that Colombia has the second highest incidence in this new cycle of the epidemic. The El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon, the country’s geographical conditions, and the natural cycle of the disease have generated an increase in dengue cases since the final quarter of 2018.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.4 earthquake hits Tonga.
5.4 earthquake hits the northern mid-Atlantic ridge.
5.1 earthquake hits central Turkey.
5.1 earthquake hits near the north coast of Papua, Indonesia.
5.0 earthquake hits San Juan, Argentina.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Tropical Storm Humberto is located about 70 mi...110 km e of Great Abaco island and about 170 mi...270 km e of Freeport Grand Bahama island with maximum sustained winds...40 mph...65 km/h. Present movement...nw or 315 degrees at 7 mph...11 km/h.
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm Kiko is located about 605 mi...975 km sw of the southern tip of Baja California with maximum sustained winds...50 mph...85 km/h. Present movement...wnw or 285 degrees at 9 mph...15 km/h.
NewsBytes:
Spain - Three more people died as torrential rain and flash floods battered southeastern Spain, raising the death toll to five with the rising waters causing havoc for travellers and forcing 3,500 people from their homes, officials said Friday.
Wildfires - California
California’s biggest blaze of 2019, the Walker Fire, has grown steadily to surpass 50,000 acres, and firefighters could face additional challenges as fire activity is expected to increase to start the weekend. Burning in Plumas National Forest since Sept. 4, the Walker Fire has grown relatively slowly after exploding from 2,000 acres to 17,000 acres last Friday amid erratic wind conditions. It’s charred through nearly 80 square miles of wildland.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.1 earthquake hits Luzon in the Philippines.
Two 5.1 earthquakes hit the mid-Indian ridge.
5.0 earthquake hits southwestern Siberia, Russia.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine is located about 235 mi...375 km ese of Freeport Grand Bahama island and about 140 mi...225 km se of Great Abaco island with maximum sustained winds...30 mph...45 km/h. Present movement...nw or 315 degrees at 6 mph...9 km/h.
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm Kiko is located about 480 mi...775 km ssw of the southern tip of Baja California with maximum sustained winds...40 mph...65 km/h. Present movement...wnw or 295 degrees at 10 mph...17 km/h.
NewsBytes:
Spain - Parts of eastern Spain received what in some places was the heaviest rainfall on record on Thursday, as storms wreaked widespread destruction and killed at least two people. The storm was expected to track across the Mediterranean regions of Valencia, Alicante and Murcia during Thursday and Friday.
Eruptive Bloom
The more than 1 billion tons of lava that spewed into the Pacific last summer from the eruption of Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano triggered an algae superbloom offshore that initially puzzled scientists.
There are no nutrients contained in Kilauea’s lava. But Southern California and Hawaii scientists found that as the lava flowed deep into the coastal waters off the Big Island, its heat caused nitrates, silicic acid, iron and phosphate nutrients to rise from the deep, fueling the algae growth on the surface.
Pacific Hot Blob
The unusually hot sea-surface temperatures that caused algae blooms and sea lion deaths in the Pacific several years ago are back.
The “hot blob” is basically caused by unusually weak winds, which typically don’t stay weak for long. But they have this summer, and lingering heat from the last warming seems to be amplifying the current outbreak.
Oceanographers say that if the hot water stays around for a long time, it will begin to penetrate deeper into the Pacific, increasing its influences on marine life.
Fish Rescue - Australia
Australia’s New South Wales (NSW) state government has launched an operation to transplant masses of native fish from a dwindling river threatened with further shrinkage during the scorching and dry summer ahead. The move comes after massive fish deaths hit the stressed lower Darling River basin last summer.
“We’re staring down the barrel of a potential fish Armageddon, which is why we’re wasting little time rolling out this unprecedented action,” said NSW agriculture minister Adam Marshall.
Some environmental advocates say water extraction for agriculture upstream amplified the effects of the drought on the river, which ravaged species living in it.
