Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.7 earthquake hits the Bismarck Sea.
5.7 earthquake hits the Dodecanese Islands, Greece.
5.2 earthquake hits Kepulauan Mentawai, Indonesia.
5.1 earthquake hits Romania.
5.1 earthquake hits northern Peru.
5.0 earthquake hits the Solomon Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits the Kuril Islands.
Global Temperature Extremes
The week’s hottest temperature was 119 degrees Fahrenheit (48.3 degrees Celsius) in Linguére, Senegal.
The week’s coldest temperature was minus 91.0 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 57.2 degrees Celsius) at Verkhoyansk, 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.
Missing Monarchs 2020
The number of wintering monarch butterflies along the coast of California has not recovered significantly from last year’s record low.
While about 4.5 million of the colourful monarchs fluttered through forest groves there in the 1980s, that number had plunged to about 27,000 last year and has risen by only 2,000 since.
The disappearance is being blamed on destruction of the milkweed they feed on along their migratory route, as well as agricultural use of pesticides and herbicides.
The western monarchs migrate from areas west of the Rockies to winter at more than 200 sites in coastal California each year.
Their eastern counterparts migrate to Mexico from summer habitats in eastern Canada and the northeastern United States.
Desert Survivous
Scientists are scrambling to save a species of critically endangered frog that lives in a tiny oasis of water and reeds in Chile’s otherwise parched Atacama Desert, the world’s driest.
Because pollution, habitat loss and an expanding nearby mining city threaten what few of the tiny, dark-spotted amphibians that have survived, 14 of the last remaining Lao River water frogs were airlifted to Santiago’s Metropolitan Zoo. Only one failed to survive the move.
Osvaldo Cabeza, the zoo’s herpetology supervisor, says a team will work to encourage the survivors to feed and reproduce in captivity as the species’ only chance of survival.
The range of Telmatobius dankoi is now limited to just 4 square miles of dried-up riverbed outside of the city of Calama.
Unique pink slug feared wiped out by Australia’s bushfires found alive and well
A bright pink slug species, found only on one mountain in Australia, has survived the devastating bushfires that ripped through much of its habitat. The unique, eye-catching creature only lives on the slopes of an isolated inactive volcano in New South Wales, Mount Kaputar, from which they take their name.
After recent rainfall, rangers from New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service found “about 60” Mount Kaputar slugs alive.
Ebola – DR Congo
From 22 to 28 January five new confirmed cases were reported in the ongoing Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Novel Coronavirus
World Health Organization (WHO) said Thursday that the novel coronavirus outbreak has become a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
China – As the official death toll tops 200, additional cases have been reported in England, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Japan and Grand while the USA has reported the first case of human to human transmission.
Nipah Virus – Bangladesh
The Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) Bangladesh has reported six Nipah virus infections, including four deaths in 2020.
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – Ongoing Activity for the Week 22 January 2020 – 28 January 2020
Aira | Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that during 20-27 January there were 27 explosions and nine non-explosive eruptive events detected by the Minamidake Crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) seismic network. Ash plumes rose as high as 2.2 km above the crater rim and material was ejected 1-1.7 km away from the crater. Crater incandescence was visible at night. The sulfur dioxide emission rate was very high at 4,400 tons/day on 20 January. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a 5-level scale).
Dukono | Halmahera (Indonesia) : Based on satellite and wind model data, and information from PVMBG, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 22-28 January ash plumes from Dukono rose to 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 19-20 January that sent ash plumes up to 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l.; ash plumes drifted E and caused ashfall in Severo-Kurilsk on 19 January. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).
Etna | Sicily (Italy) : INGV reported continuing eruptive activity at Etna’s Voragine Crater (VOR), New Southeast Crater (NSEC), and Northeast Crater (NEC) during 21-26 January. The cone in VOR produced Strombolian explosions which increased in frequency and resulted in rapid cone growth (especially the N part). Lava traveled down the S flank of the cone and into the adjacent Bocca Nuova Crater, filling the E crater (BN-2). Activity at NEC was characterized by discontinuous Strombolian activity and periodic emissions of very diffuse ash plumes. During 21-22 January there were several episodes of ash emissions at NSEC, originating from the vent that had opened on 11 December 2019 on the side of the saddle area. Ash emissions rarely rose form the E vent.
Karangetang | Siau Island (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that during 20-26 January lava continued to effuse from Karangetang’s Main Crater (S), 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 150 m above the summit. Incandescence from both summit craters was visible at night. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4).
Kerinci | Indonesia : PVMBG reported that on 24 January a brown ash plume rose 500 m above Kerinci’s summit and drifted NW. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was warned to remain outside of the 3-km exclusion zone.
Klyuchevskoy | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Klyuchevskoy was identified in satellite images during 17-24 January. Strombolian activity was visible daily, and Vulcanian activity was evident on 22 January. Explosions produced ash plumes that rose 5-6 km (16,400-19,700 ft) a.s.l.; an ash plume drifted 460 km E on 22 January. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange.
Nishinoshima | Japan : Based on satellite images, the Tokyo VAAC reported that during 25-26 January ash plumes from Nishinoshima rose 1.5 km (5,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SW, W, and NW.
Sangeang Api | Indonesia : The Darwin VAAC reported that on 23 January an ash emission from Sangeang Api rose to an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NNE. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4).
Semeru | Eastern Java (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that an eruption at Semeru continued during 20-26 January, producing ash plumes that rose as high as 500 m above the crater rim and drifted in multiple directions. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale from 1-4); the public was warned to stay 1 km away from the active crater and 4 km away on the SSE flank.
Sheveluch | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Sheveluch was identified in satellite images during 17-24 January. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).
Shishaldin | Fox Islands (USA) : AVO reported that seismic activity at Shishaldin remained above background levels during 22-28 January. Elevated surface temperatures continued to be identified in satellite images, though became weak during 26-28 January. Infrasound data suggested that minor explosions were occurring at the summit during 22-23 January. Small steam plumes from the summit were visible on 22, 23, and 26 January. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Watch.
Suwanosejima | Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : JMA reported that white plumes rose as high as 700 m above the rim of Suwanosejima’s Ontake Crater during 17-24 January. Crater incandescence was visible nightly. No changes in crater morphology were observed during an overflight on 21 January compared to 21 February 2019 observations; white plumes rose 400 m above the rim. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a 5-level scale).
Villarrica | Chile : SERNAGEOMIN reported low levels of activity at Villarrica during 1-15 January, characterized by whitish gas plumes rising 250 m above the crater rim and nighttime crater incandescence observed during periods of clear weather. Sulfur dioxide gas emissions averaged around 349 tons per day, peaking at 468 tons per day on 3 January. Low-energy thermal anomalies were identified on 11, 13, and 14 January. POVI reported that lava fountaining from 4-5-m-diameter vents was visible during 18-20 and 22 January. Low levels of activity and minor explosions were noted on 27 January. SERNAGEOMIN maintained the Alert Level at 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 500 m around the crater.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.0 earthquake hits the Solomon Islands.
5.9 earthquake hits the Molucca Sea.
5.5 earthquake hits the Dodecanese Islands, Greece.
5.4 earthquake hits the Andreanof Islands in the Aleutian Islands.
5.3 earthquake hits Tajikistan.
5.1 earthquake hits Cuba.
5.1 earthquake hits Guerrero, Mexico.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are no current tropical storms.
NewsBytes:
Indonesia – Floods and landslides on Indonesia’s Sumatra island have claimed the lives of at least seven people and displaced thousand others. Also, 22 have been injured in Central Tapanuli Regency when the Aek Sirahar river burst its banks. More than 2,000 people have been forced to leave their flooded homes.
Half a Billion Animals Killed in Australia Wildfires
Ecologists now say wildfires that have scorched huge swaths of Australia have killed half a billion animals, revising a previous estimate of more than 2 billion animals killed. Nearly a third of the continent’s koalas has been wiped out—and some other species face total extermination as high temperatures and drought fuel the blazes. “Many of the affected animals are likely to have been killed directly by the fires, with others succumbing later due to the depletion of food and shelter resources and predation from introduced feral cats and red foxes,” the team from University of Sydney said.
Wildfires – Australia
A wildfire sparked by a military helicopter helping firefighting efforts was blazing out of control and threatening homes on the outskirts of Australia’s capital on Wednesday as fire danger escalated across the country’s southeast.
The fire had spread over 23,500 acres since it was started by a transport helicopter landing light that ignited grass in a national park south of Canberra on Monday afternoon, authorities said.
Novel Coronavirus
Philippines – The Philippines Department of Health (DOH) confirmed today the first imported novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) case.
Finland – The Finland National Institute of Health and Welfare reported today a traveler has been diagnosed with Wuhan coronavirus infection at the Central Hospital of Lapland. He is currently in isolation.
China – On Wednesday, 31 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) and the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps reported 1737 new confirmed cases (the first confirmed case in Tibet), 131 new severe cases, and 38 new deaths. As of January 29, the National Health and Health Commission has received a cumulative report of 7711 confirmed cases, 31 cases of severe cases, 170 death cases.
Guinea Worm Disease – Chad
The Carter Center announced today that a provisional total of 53 cases of Guinea worm disease were reported in 2019, up from 28 cases reported in 2018.
Meningococcal Disease – Benin
An outbreak of meningococcal disease has been reported in the Banikora District of the Republic of Benin. Meningococcal disease includes infections of the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) and bloodstream infections. The bacteria that cause meningococcal disease is spread through respiratory secretions, such as saliva, says the CDC
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – New Activity for the Week 22 January 2020 – 28 January 2020
Fernandina | Ecuador : A reported from IG on 23 January noted that seismicity increased after the approximately nine-hour long 12 January eruption at Fernandina, characterized by sporadic earthquakes with magnitudes greater than 3 and small swarms. The strongest earthquake was a M 4.2 recorded on 21 January. Most of the earthquakes were shallow though occasionally some were located at depths greater than 10 km. Deformation of about 35 cm was detected around the fissures that produced the lava flows. The lava flows emitted on 12 January covered an approximate area of 3.8 square kilometers; no new thermal anomalies nor gas emissions have been recorded since the eruption.
Kuchinoerabujima | Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : Very small eruptive events recorded at Kuchinoerabujima on 20, 23, and 24 January produced grayish-white plumes that rose 500 m above the crater rim. Ashfall 2 km NE of the crater was confirmed during aerial observations on 23 January. The number of volcanic earthquakes increased during 25-26 January. An eruptive event was recorded at 0148 on 27 January, though weather clouds prevented visual confirmation; volcanic tremor, changes in tilt data, and infrasound signals accompanied the event. Sulfur dioxide gas emissions were 200-1,000 tons per day during 20-27 January; JMA characterized emissions of 600-1,000 tons per day as high.
Reykjanes | Iceland : IMO reported possible magma accumulation beneath Reykjanes, centered along the plate boundary below the Svartsengi fissure system, just W of Thorbjorn. Deformation began on 21 January and was unusually rapid, with the rate of inflation occurring at 3-4 mm per day (3 cm total by 29 January), as detected by InSAR and continuous GPS data. Magma accumulation, if that was causing the inflation, was small with an estimate volume of 1 million cubic meters, at 3-5 km depth. Deformation on the Reykjanes peninsula had been measured for three decades with no previously comparable signals. An earthquake swarm accompanied the deformation, just E of the center of the inflation. The largest earthquakes were M 3.6 and 3.7, recorded on 22 January, and felt widely on the Reykjanes peninsula and all the way to Borgarnes region. Earthquake swarms are relatively common, though coupled with deformation caused IMO to raise the Aviation Code to Yellow on 26 January. The swarm was declining by 26 January. On 29 January IMO stated that data showed continuing uplift and the earthquake swarm was ongoing.
Taal | Luzon (Philippines) : PHIVOLCS reported that white steam-laden plumes rose as high as 800 m above Taal’s main vent during 22-28 January and drifted SW and NE; ash emissions ceased around 0500 on 22 January. Remobilized ash drifted SW on 22 January due to strong low winds, affecting the towns of Lemery (16 km SW) and Agoncillo, and rose as high as 5.8 km (19,000 ft) a.s.l. as reported by pilots. PHIVOLCS stated that since the 12-13 January phreatomagmatic eruption activity has generally weakened. Both the number and magnitude of volcanic earthquakes declined; by 21 January hybrid earthquakes had ceased and both the number and magnitude of low-frequency events had diminished. GPS data had recorded a sudden widening of Taal Caldera by ~1 m, uplift of the NW sector by ~20 cm, and subsidence of the SW part of Volcano Island by ~1 m just after the main eruption phase. The rate of the deformation patterns was smaller during 15-22 January, and generally corroborated by field observations; Taal Lake had receded about 30 cm by 25 January but about 2.5 m of lakewater recession (due to uplift) was observed around the SW portion of the lake, near the Pansipit River Valley where ground cracking had been reported. The Alert Level was lowered to 3 (on a scale of 0-5) on 26 January and PHIVOLCS recommended no entry onto Volcano Island and Taal Lake, nor into towns W of the island within a 7-km radius. Sulfur dioxide emissions were low at 140 tonnes per day on 22 January but averaged around 250 tonnes per day through 26 January; emissions were 87 tonnes per day on 27 January and below detectable limits the next day. According to the Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC) there were a total of 125,178 people in 497 evacuation centers as of 2020 on 28 January.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
7.2 earthquake hits Cuba.
5.5 earthquake hits the Cayman Islands.
5.3 earthquake hits northwest of the Ryukyu Islands off Japan.
5.3 earthquake hits the Andreanof Islands in the Aleutian Islands.
5.2 earthquake hits the Dodecanese Islands, Greece.
5.1 earthquake hits New Britain, Papua New Guinea.
5.1 earthquake hits offshore Coquimbo, Chile.
5.0 earthquake hits western Turkey.
5.0 earthquake hits the Adriatic Sea.
5.0 earthquake hits the Nicobar Islands off India.
5.0 earthquake hits southern Iran.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are no current tropical storms.
NewsBytes:
Madagascar – The government of Madagascar has declared a national emergency after a week long flooding claimed the lives of 31 people and displaced more than 16,000 people. Flooding has inundated more than 10,000 homes. At least seven regions in the north of the country have been affected, with Boeny, Sofia and Alaotra Mangoro hardest hit.
Brazil – The death toll in the sever flooding in southeastern Brazil has risen to 58 with more than 40 000 people displaced. The worst-hit states are Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais and Espirito Santo, where torrential downpours have wreaked havoc since late last week.
Antarctica’s Largest Glacier Is Slowly Approaching Its Demise
The days of Antarctica’s Pine Island glacier are numbered, but no one really knows what that number is. New models could help to shed some much-needed light on the matter.
In the past four decades, this slow-moving monstrosity of ice has contributed more to sea level rise than any other glacier on Earth, and recently, scientists have noticed signs it might be accelerating and thinning unusually fast.
Using high-resolution satellite observations from the European Space Agency (ESA), researchers at the University of Bristol have tracked the ebbs and flows of Antarctica’s largest glacier
In short, the data suggests the Pine Island glacier is going to lose mass, but not any faster than it already is. Under present-day thinning rates, the glacier has retreated by 20 kilometres in 50 years, and this, according to the authors, is ‘negligible’ compared to more extreme estimates and although the glacier will continue to lose mass, it will do so at present rates and not any faster – which essentially is some good news.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.5 earthquake hits Hokkaido, Japan.
5.2 earthquake hits east of Severnaya Zemlya, Russia.
5.1 earthquake hits New Britain, Papua New Guinea.
5.1 earthquake hits southern Iran.
5.1 earthquake hits the Andreanof Islands in the Aleutian Islands.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are no current tropical storms.
Worst Locust Swarm to Hit East Africa in Decades
East Africa is facing its worst locust infestation in decades, and the climate crisis is partly to blame.
The UN’s Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) said that Ethiopia and Somalia had not seen a swarm this bad in 25 years, while Kenya was facing its largest infestation in 70 years. Vulnerable families that were already dealing with food shortages now face the prospect of watching as their crops are destroyed before their eyes.
The desert locust swarm came across the Red Sea from Yemen and was encouraged by heavy rains in late 2019, according to BBC News. The UN was already warning that the infestation could spread from Ethiopia in November. Some farmers in the country’s Amhara region lost 100 percent of their crops, and a swarm forced an Ethiopian passenger plane off course in December.
Locusts can travel 93 miles a day, and each adult can eat its weight in food in the same time span. A small swarm can eat enough food to feed 35,000 people in 24 hours, The Associated Press reported, and the locusts have already infested around 172,973 acres of land in Kenya.
Rainy conditions expected in March could cause the locust swarms to grow by a factor of 500 before drier weather is expected in June, the UN said.
Novel Coronavirus
Sri Lanka – Officials in Sri Lanka say they have the first confirmed case of novel coronavirus in a Chinese tourist.
Japan – Two additional novel coronavirus cases have been reported in Japan, bringing the case total in the country to six, with the first case not linked to China travel.
Thailand – Health officials in Thailand reported an additional six confirmed novel coronavirus cases, bringing the country’s tally to 14.
Germany – Health officials in Germany are reporting (computer translated) the first confirmed novel coronavirus (2019-NoCv) case in the country. The patient is from the district of Starnberg in Bavaria.
Canada – Officials in Ontario, Canada confirmed that the wife of the province’s first case of Wuhan novel coronavirus has tested positive for the virus at Ontario’s public health laboratory.
Cambodia – The Cambodia Ministry of Health reported in a press release (see below) the first confirmed case of novel coronavirus. The case was detected Monday in a 60-year-old Chinese man who arrived from Wuhan on last Thursday.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.2 earthquake hits the Solomon Islands.
5.4 earthquake hits the Andreanof Islands in the Aleutian Islands.
5.3 earthquake hits Jujuy, Argentina.
5.2 earthquake hits the southwest Indian ridge.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Southern Hemisphere – Tropical cyclone (tc) 11s (Esami), located approximately 1260 nm east-southeast of Port Louis, Mauritius, is tracking south-southeastward at 14 knots.
Tropical cyclone (tc) 10s (Diane), located approximately 756 nm east-southeast of Port Louis, Mauritius, is tracking eastward at 12 knots.
Tropical cyclone (tc) 12p (Twelve), located approximately 279 nm southeast of Niue, is tracking southeastward at 05 knots.
NewsBytes:
Brazil – At least 46 people have been killed in southeastern Brazil as record rainfall continues to cause floods and trigger mudslides. The death toll rose on Sunday as officials expressed alarm about continuing storms. At least 37 had died in the state of state of Minas Gerais and nine more in neighboring Espirito Santo, according to local disaster officials, who said 28 people remained missing.Some 20,000 people had been evacuated due to the threat of floods and landslides.
Novel Coronavirus
Australia – The New South Wales Department of Health (NSW Health) reports three cases of novel coronavirus (2019-NoCv) today. Two other cases are under investigation.
USA – Novel coronavirus (2019-NoCv) cases have been reported from Arizona and California.
China – China’s National Health Commission reported today 769 new confirmed cases, 137 severe cases and 24 new deaths (24 cases in Hubei Province).
To date, the National Health and Health Commission had received a total of 2,744 confirmed cases in 30 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities), 461 cases of severe cases, 80 cases of deaths, and 51 cases of hospitalization. There are 5794 suspected cases. So far, over 5 million people have left Wuhan, the epicenter of the virus outbreak.
China banned wildlife trade nationwide starting Sunday due to the deadly coronavirus sweeping across the country, officials said. No wildlife can be transported or sold in any markets and online until the “epidemic situation is lifted nationwide” in order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the country’s market watchdog, agricultural ministry, and forestry bureau said in a joint statement. The viral illness is believed to have emerged from wild animals in markets in the central Chinese city of Wuhan.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.0 earthquake hits the Andreanof Islands in the Aleutian Islands.
5.9 earthquake hits the Andreanof Islands in the Aleutian Islands.
Two 5.3 earthquakes hit the Andreanof Islands in the Aleutian Islands.
5.3 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.
5.3 earthquake hits east of North Island, New Zealand.
5.2 earthquake hits east of North Island, New Zealand.
5.2 earthquake hits the Andreanof Islands in the Aleutian Islands.
5.1 earthquake hits eastern Turkey,
5.1 earthquake hits Puerto Rico.
5.1 earthquake hits east of North Island, New Zealand.
5.0 earthquake hits Salta, Argentina.
5.0 earthquake hits the Banda Sea.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Southern Hemisphere – Tropical cyclone (tc) 11s (Esami), located approximately 1190 nm east-southeast of Port Louis, Mauritius, is tracking southeastward at 22 knots.
Tropical cyclone (tc) 10s (Diane), located approximately 676 nm east-southeast of Port Louis, Mauritius, is tracking southeastward at 24 knots.
Tropical cyclone (tc) 12p (Twelve), located approximately 250 nm southeast of Niue, is tracking south-southeastward at 02 knots.
NewsBytes:
Australia – Australia’s bushfire-stricken state of Queensland saw heavy rainfalls on Sunday that dampened some of the fires that have razed 2.5 million hectares (1.2 million acres) since September, but the wet weather caused major flooding. Several people were rescued from floodwaters and some bridges and causeways were closed, but no severe damage had been reported.
Brazil At least 30 people have died after two days of heavy rain caused flooding and landslides in southeast Brazil. Seventeen people have been listed as missing and 2,600 were evacuated from their houses in Minas Gerais state, which has been buffeted by 48 hours of torrential rain. Photos show people, including children, swimming through some of the flooded streets.
Novel Coronavirus
Malaysia – The Malaysia Ministry of Health has reported four confirmed imported novel coronavirus (2019-NoCv) cases through Jan. 25.
Canada – Officials with the Toronto-based Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre are reporting caring for a patient who has a confirmed case of the novel coronavirus that originated in Wuhan, China.
China – China has reportedly cured and discharged its first patient infected with a new coronavirus which has spread to at least a dozen countries. The Chinese state-owned Beijing Daily says that after six days of treatment a 56-year-old woman, identified only as Chen, has shown significant improvement and her latest series tests for the coronavirus have all come back negative.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6,8 earthquake hits eastern Turkey.
At least 19 people have been killed and more than 600 have been injured in eastern Turkey after an earthquake rattled Elazig on Friday evening at 08:55 pm.
5.3 earthquake hits near the coast of Nicaragua.
5.3 earthquake hits the Xizang-Qinghai border, China.
5.1 earthquake hits the Cook Strait, New Zealand.
5,0 earthquake hits near the coast of Nicaragua.
5.0 earthquake hits eastern New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Southern Hemisphere – Tropical cyclone (tc) 11s (Esami), located approximately 890 nm east-southeast of Port Louis, Mauritius, is tracking east-southeastward at 10 knots.
Tropical cyclone (tc) 10s (Diane), located approximately 171 nm east of Port Louis, Mauritius, is tracking east-southeastward at 16 knots.
NewsBytes:
Argentina – Flooding caused by a storm and heavy rainfall has caused the evacuation of more than 200 people in Tucuman province of northwest Argentina.
Peru – Flash floods and landslides triggered by heavy rainfall have affected the departments of Arequipa and Huanuco in Peru, damaging more than 80 homes.
Spain – The death toll from Storm Gloria in Spain rose to 13 people on Friday while four people were still missing as freak weather continued to batter the east of the country. The Balearic Islands and eastern regions including Catalonia and Valencia have borne the brunt of the storm now entering its fifth day. Winds of more than 140 km per hour, waves reaching more than 10 metres and heavy snow and rainfall have unleashed chaos, crippling transport and destroying infrastructure. Seawater has caused devastation as it smashed into and entered coastal towns while the heavy downpour has also prompted fear that swollen rivers could burst out of their beds and flood major cities including Girona. Elsewhere, such as in parts of Valencia, more than 80 cm of snow has accumulated.
Novel Coronavirus
– Confirmed cases: At least 1,297 in China, 19 abroad
– Deaths: 41
– Cities and provinces that have launched highest level of emergency response: Zhejiang, Guangdong, Hunan, Hubei, Anhui, Tianjin, Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing, Sichuan, Jiangxi, Yunnan, Guizhou, Shandong, Fujian, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Hebei, Jiangsu, Hainan
– Human-to-human transmission confirmed
– Health experts say the virus has the potential to mutate
France – France’s Ministry of Solidarity and Health reported Friday three confirmed cases of infection with the new coronavirus 2019-nCoV. The three patients, having stayed in China, are currently hospitalized in referral health establishments (ESR), one in Bordeaux and two in Paris.
Hong Kong – The Hong Kong Centre for Health Protection (CHP) reports investigating three additional imported cases of novel coronavirus infection. This brings the total cases in Hong Kong to five.
USA – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today confirmed the second infection with 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in the United States has been detected in Illinois.
Marburg Virus – Sierra Leone
Scientists have detected Marburg virus in fruit bats in Sierra Leone, marking the first time the deadly virus has been found in West Africa. Eleven Egyptian rousette fruit bats tested positive for active Marburg virus infection.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.7 earthquake hits Tajikistan.
5.5 earthquake hits Santiago del Estero, Argentina.
5.4 earthquake hits southern Peru.
5.0 earthquake hits northern Algeria.
5.0 earthquake hits Tajikistan.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Southern Hemisphere – Tropical cyclone (tc) 09s (Nine), located approximately 845 nm east-southeast of Port Louis, Mauritius, is tracking southward at 14 knots.
NewsBytes:
Madagascar – Floods across the island of Madagascar has killed at least 12 people this week, with 18 missing, after unseasonably heavy rain, the national disaster office said on Thursday. Parts of Africa have experienced heavy rain in recent months because the Indian Ocean is warmer than usual, partly as result of a cyclical weather phenomenon and partly because oceans are warming everywhere.
Human Footprint
Around 85% of Earth’s wildlife is now being trampled by intense human pressure, which researchers say is putting some of those species into an extinction crisis.
Scientists from the University of Queensland, the Wildlife Conservation Society and other groups point to land species with small ranges as being disproportionately exposed to human competition from factors such as grazing livestock, agriculture and urban sprawl.
The study’s “Human Footprint” report also lists other influences, such as population density, transportation networks, and mining and utility corridors, for their impacts on wildlife.
Global Temperature Extremes
The week’s hottest temperature was 112 degrees Fahrenheit (44.4 degrees Celsius) in Rivadavia, Argentina.
The week’s coldest temperature was minus 62.0 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 52.2 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.
Record Pressure
London experienced what was likely the U.K. capital’s highest barometric pressure since records began in 1692 as a massive area of high pressure blanketed the United Kingdom and much of northern Europe.
Instruments at London’s Heathrow Airport recorded a pressure of 1,049.6 millibars (30.99 inches of mercury) on Jan. 19. The all-time British record of 1,053.6 millibars (31.11 inches of mercury) was set in Aberdeen, Scotland, on Jan. 31, 1902.
The development of such a powerful high pressure system helped spawn Spain’s worst winter storm in decades to the south.
A deep low pressure area, dubbed storm Gloria, killed at least 11 people and caused widespread destruction and heavy snowfall across the Iberian Peninsula.
Lassa fever – Nigeria
The Lassa fever case count and death toll continues to rise in Nigeria this January. The Nigerian CDC reported an additional 81 confirmed Lassa cases during the week ending Jan. 19, bringing the case tally for 2020 to 163 to date. In addition, 10 more deaths were reported that week.
Novel Coronavirus
Vietnam – Health officials in Vietnam are reporting (computer translated) two positive 2019-NoCv cases.
Singapore – The Singapore Ministry of Health (MOH) reported today the confirmation of a imported case of novel coronavirus infection in the city-state.
Ebola – DR Congo
Nine new confirmed cases were reported from 15 to 21 January in the ongoing Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – Ongoing Activity for the Week 15 January 2020 – 21 January 2020
Aira | Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported nighttime crater incandescence at Minamidake Crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) during 14-20 January. Small eruptive events were occasionally recorded by the seismic network. A total of 21 explosions were detected, with ash plumes rising as high as 2 km above the crater rim and large blocks ejected as far as 1.3 km away from the crater. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a 5-level scale).
Asosan | Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that eruptive activity at Asosan was recorded during 7-20 January. Plumes rose 0.9-1 km above the crater rim during 15-20 January and caused ashfall in areas downwind; the Tokyo VAAC reported that ash plumes mainly drifted S, SE, E, and NE. 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 15-21 January ash plumes from Dukono rose 1.8-2.1 km (6,000-7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted E, SE, S, and SW. 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 11 and 13-14 January that sent ash plumes up to 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l.; ash plumes drifted E 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 there were 8-17 explosions per hour recorded at Fuego during 14-21 January, generating ash plumes that rose as high as 1.1 km above the crater rim and generally drifted 10-22 km SW and W. Ashfall was reported in several areas downwind including Santa Sofía (12 km SW), Morelia (9 km SW), Panimaché I and II (8 km SW), Finca Palo Verde, San Pedro Yepocapa (8 km NW), Sangre de Cristo (8 km WSW), and El Porvenir (8 km ENE). Explosions sometimes produced shock waves that rattled houses in communities within a 7 km radius, though they were felt up to 25 km away during 19-20 January. Incandescent material was ejected 100-500 m high and caused avalanches of material that occasionally traveled long distances (reaching vegetated areas) down the Seca (W), Taniluyá (SW), Ceniza (SSW), Trinidad (S), Honda, and Las Lajas (SE) ravines. Ash plumes drifted 18 km E during 20-21 January.
Ijen | Eastern Java (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that during 1-18 January white plumes rose 250-400 m above Ijen’s water lake surface and no change in the colour of the water was noted. An increase in the number of shallow volcanic earthquakes was detected; continuous tremor emerged on 11 January, peaked on 15 January, and then decreased during 17-18 January. The temperature of the lake water fluctuated, though overall it decreased from 38 degrees Celsius in June 2019 to 20 degrees Celsius on 14 January; the lake water was 46 degrees Celsius during a period of increased activity from February to March 2018. The Alert Level remained at 1 (on a scale of 1-4), and residents and visitors were advised to not approach the crater rim or descend to the crater floor.
Karangetang | Siau Island (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that during 13-19 January lava continued to effuse from Karangetang’s Main Crater (S), 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 50-300 m above the summit. Incandescence from both summit craters was visible at night. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4).
Klyuchevskoy | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Klyuchevskoy was identified in satellite images during 10-12 and 15-16 January. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange.
Nishinoshima | Japan : The Japan Coast Guard (JCG) reported that during an overflight of Nishinoshima conducted from 1335 to 1412 on 17 January surveyors observed continuous gray emissions rising from the central crater of the pyroclastic cone to 1.8 km (5,900 ft) a.s.l. and drifting E and NE. The central crater was open to the ENE; lava flows traveled NE and entered the ocean, producing steam plumes at the coastline.
Pacaya | Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that during 15-21 January Strombolian explosions at Pacaya’s Mackenney Crater ejected material as high as 100 m above the crater rim, building a small cone. Multiple lava flows, some short-lived, traveled as far as 150 m W and S, and down the NW flank towards Cerro Chino.
Reventador | Ecuador : IG reported that during 15-22 January seismic data from Reventador’s network indicated a high level of seismic activity, including explosions, long-period earthquakes, harmonic tremor, and signals indicating emissions. Daily gas-and-ash plumes rose as high as 1.6 km above the crater rim and drifted W, NW, and N. Incandescent blocks rolled 700 m down the flanks. Weather sometimes prevented views of the summit area.
Santa Maria | Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that explosions at Santa María’s Santiaguito lava-dome complex generated ash plumes that rose 800-900 m above the crater and drifted as far as 1.4 km W and SW. INSIVUMEH noted that ashfall was likely in areas downwind. Avalanches of material descended the NW, SW, and SE flanks of Caliente cone.
Sheveluch | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Sheveluch was identified in satellite images during 10-17 January. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).
Shishaldin | Fox Islands (USA) : AVO reported that after almost a week of relatively quiet conditions at Shishaldin, during 16-17 January seismicity began to climb and the temperature of the thermal anomaly slightly increased. Activity intensified at 0030 on 19 January and by around 0630 the plume became more ash-rich. By around 0828 the ash plume rose to 6.1 km (20,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 150 km E, prompting AVO to raise the Aviation colour Code to Red and the Volcano Alert Level to Warning. Lava flows descended the NE and N flanks and generated lahars. By 1530 seismicity abruptly decreased, though around the same time the robust steam-and-ash plume (visible to pilots and in webcam and satellite images) rose as high as 9.1 km (30,000 ft) a.s.l. and continued to drift 150 km SSE. Minor amounts of ash fell in False Pass. Ash emissions had significantly declined by 2200 and seismicity was low; the Aviation colour Code was lowered to Orange and the Volcano Alert Level was lowered to Watch just after midnight the next morning. A detached volcanic cloud was identified in satellite images drifting ESE over the Pacific Ocean. During 20-21 January elevated surface temperatures were identified in satellite images, though the N-flank flow was not active. Seismicity remained above background levels, and coincided with detections in infrasound data that suggested small explosions at the vent. Steaming from the summit was visible in webcam images.
Suwanosejima | Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : JMA reported that Suwanosejima’s seismic network recorded an explosion at Ontake Crater on 10 January and occasional small eruptive events during 12-17 January. Plumes rose as high as 1 km above the crater rim. Residents of Toshima Village (4 km SSW) reported ashfall and explosion and rumbling sounds. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a 5-level scale).
White Island | North Island (New Zealand) : On 22 January GeoNet reported that lava had been extruded into the vents created by the 9 December White Island eruption based on visual observations from the week before and on 21 January. Airborne gas measurements indicated high levels on 21 January and the vent temperature was very hot at more than 400 degrees Celsius. According to a news article another person died as a result from the eruption, bringing the total number of deaths to 20. The Volcanic Alert Level remained at 2 and the Aviation colour Code remained at Yellow.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.2 earthquake hits the Andreanof Islands in the Aleutian Islands.
5.6 earthquake hits western Turkey.
5.6 earthquake hits near the east coast of Kamchatka, Russia.
5.6 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.2 earthquake hits Myanmar.
5.1 earthquake hits the Mariana Islands.
5.1 earthquake hits southern Iran.
5.1 earthquake hits southeast od Easter Island.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Southern Hemisphere – Tropical cyclone (tc) 09s (Nine), located approximately 449 nm east-southeast of Port Mathurin, Mauritius, is tracking south-southeastward at 14 knots.
NewsBytes:
Iran – Since 11 January, heavy rains and river overflowing have led to widespread floods, affecting especially Sistan and Baluchistan (SB), Hormozgan and Kerman. Depth of water reached 8 metres. New waves of rain are expected. In SB, 13 counties are particularly impacted with thousands of people displaced and living in emergency shelters. 500 roads to villages are blocked, 719 villages damaged as well as agricultural land, livestock, schools, health clinics. First estimates report more than 200 000 people directly affected; 100 000 people have their houses at least partially destroyed.
Spain – Storm Gloria caused sea foam to engulf roads in the town of Tossa de Mar and left heavy rainfall and flooding all across Spain’s Catalonia region. The death toll has risen to 9.
Oldest Crater
When we gaze out into our solar system and observe its several planets and many moons, one thing tends to be true of just about all of them: They have lots and lots of impact craters. Each of those scars on a planet or moon’s surface tells a story, and while Earth’s weather and plentiful water ensure that most impact craters are erased or obscured from view, there are still a number of them that researchers have been able to sniff out.
As NASA reveals in a new post on its website, the previous record holder for the oldest crater on Earth has been bested by a new discovery in Australia. Called the Yarrabubba meteor crater, it’s estimated to be a whopping 2.229 billion years old.
Hepatitis A – Florida, USA
The Florida Department of Health saw an additional 40 outbreak hepatitis A (HAV) cases during the past week, bringing the total to 4,046 cases since Jan. 2018. This also puts the case tally for 2020 to over 100.
Novel Coronavirus – China
China banned trains and planes from leaving a major city at the centre of a virus outbreak on Thursday, seeking to seal off its 11 million people to contain the contagious disease that has claimed 17 lives, infected hundreds and spread to other countries.
Authorities in Wuhan, a major transport hub, also suspended public buses and subways, and said residents should not leave “without a special reason”.
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – New Activity for the Week 15 January 2020 – 21 January 2020
Krakatau | Indonesia : PVMBG reported that during 13-19 January dense white gas plumes rose 25-300 m above the bottom of Anak Krakatau’s crater. Two eruptive events were recorded by the seismic network on 15 January. 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.
Kuchinoerabujima | Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : White plumes from Kuchinoerabujima rose 600 m above the crater rim during 14-17 January. Minor eruptive activity from 1659 on 17 January through 1030 on 20 January generated grayish-white plumes that rose 300 m. Sulfur dioxide emissions were high at 800 and 1,600 tons per day on 15 and 16 January, respectively. The Alert Level remained at 3 (the middle level on a scale of 1-5).
Semeru | Eastern Java (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that an eruption at Semeru was recorded at 0725 on 18 January and lasted almost four minutes. A gray ash plume rose around 400 m above the crater rim and drifted SW and W. Ash plumes rose 300-400 m and drifted W and N during 19-21 January. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale from 1-4); the public was warned to stay 1 km away from the active crater and 4 km away on the SSE flank.
Taal | Luzon (Philippines) : PHIVOLCS reported that the eruption at Taal continued during 14-21 January, though was generally weaker. Activity during 15-16 January was characterized by dark gray, steam-laden plumes that rose as high as 1 km above the vents in Main Crater and drifted S and SW. Satellite images showed that the Main Crater lake was gone, and new craters had formed on the floor and N flank of Volcano Island. Sulfur dioxide emissions were 4,186 tonnes per day on 15 January. Eruptive events at 0617 and 0621 on 16 January generated short-lived, dark gray ash plumes that rose 500 and 800 m, respectively, and drifted SW. Weak steam plumes rose 800 m and drifted SW during 1100-1700, and nine weak explosions were recorded by the seismic network. Dropping water levels of Taal Lake were first observed in some areas on 16 January but reported to be lake-wide the next day. The known ground cracks in the barangays of Lemery, Agoncillo, Talisay, and San Nicolas in Batangas Province widened a few centimeters by 17 January, and a new steaming fissure was identified on the N flank of the island. Steady steam emissions were visible during 17-21 January. Infrequent weak explosions generated ash plumes that rose as high as 1 km and drifted SW. Sulfur dioxide emissions fluctuated and were as high as 4,353 tonnes per day on 20 January and as low as 344 tonnes per day on 21 January. From 1300 on 12 January to 0800 on 21 January the Philippine Seismic Network (PSN) had recorded a total of 718 volcanic earthquakes; 176 of those had magnitudes ranging from 1.2-4.1 and were felt with Intensities of I-V. During 20-21 January there were five volcanic earthquakes with magnitudes of 1.6-2.5; the Taal Volcano network (which can detect smaller events not detectable by the PSN) recorded 448 volcanic earthquakes, including 17 low-frequency events. According to the Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC) there were a total of 148,987 people in 493 evacuation centers as of 1800 on 21 January. The Alert Level remained at 4 (on a scale of 0-5).
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.5 earthquake hits Fiji.
5.0 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits Costa Rica.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are no current tropical storms.
NewsBytes:
Indonesia – Nine people have been killed after a flash flood destroyed a bridge in Kaur regency in Bengkulu, Indonesia. Kaur Disaster Mitigation Agency estimated around 30 people on the bridge when it collapsed. One person is still missing.
Spain – Powerful storm Gloria caused strong winds and heavy snowfall in Spain claiming the lives of four people. Fatalities have been reported in Asturias, Gandia, Avila and Moixent. The Spanish meteorological agency has placed 33 of its 55 provinces on high alert.
Novel Coronavirus – China
China warned Wednesday that a SARS-like virus could mutate and spread as the death toll rose to nine and the number of cases reached 445 across the country. Authorities announced measures to contain the disease as hundreds of millions of people travel across the country for this week’s Lunar New Year holiday, including disinfection and ventilation at airports, train stations and shopping centres.
Health officials are reporting the first confirmed novel coronavirus case in Macao. This is the ninth case reported outside China.
Federal health officials reported today of the first confirmed case of 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in the United States in the state of Washington. The patient, age 35, recently returned from Wuhan, China.
On 20 January 2020, National IHR Focal Point (NFP) for Republic of Korea reported the first case of novel coronavirus in the Republic of Korea. The case is a 35-year-old female, Chinese national, residing in Wuhan.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.3 earthquake hits Costa Rica.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are no current tropical storms.
NewsBytes:
Afghanistan – Severe weather in Afghanistan has claimed the lives of 13 people and injured forty others. According to the Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS), around 655 houses have been partially damaged, 30 houses are completely destroyed and 322 families have been displaced. Heavy snowfall, flooding and a large number of avalanches were reported in different parts of Afghanistan between 12 -15 January 2020.
Australia – Thunderstorms and giant hail battered parts of Australia’s east coast on Monday after “apocalyptic” dust storms swept across drought-stricken areas, as extreme weather patterns collided in the bushfire-fatigued country. Violent hail storms pelted the capital Canberra on Monday, with footage showing the storm ripping branches off trees. Dramatic images captured over the weekend from western New South Wales show a massive wall of dust rolling through outback towns. Locals reported being cast into darkness in the middle of the day.
Climate refugees cannot be sent back home – UN
Refugees fleeing the effects of the climate crisis cannot be forced to return home by their adoptive countries, a United Nations panel has ruled, in a landmark decision that could open the door to a flood of legal claims by displaced people around the world.
The UN’s Human Rights Committee was making a judgment on the case of Ioane Teitiota, who applied for protection from New Zealand after claiming his life was at risk in his home country of Kiribati. The Pacific island is at risk of becoming the first country to disappear under rising sea levels.
The committee ruled against Teitiota on the basis that his life was not at imminent risk — but it also outlined that countries could violate people’s international rights if they force them back to countries where climate change poses an immediate threat.
Brazilian hemorrhagic fever – Brazil
For the first time in 20 years, Brazil health authorities are reporting a confirmed case of Brazilian hemorrhagic fever. During this period, there were four cases in humans, three cases acquired in a wild environment in the state of São Paulo and one due to infection in a laboratory environment.
Novel Coronavirus – Taiwan
Taiwan health officials reported today on the first novel coronavirus case. The patient, a woman in her 50s, worked in Wuhan, Mainland China.
Novel Coronavirus – China
The Wuhan Municipal Commission of Health is reporting an additional 60 novel coronavirus (2019-NoCv) cases and two deaths. China’s mysterious and deadly coronavirus can be spread from person to person, Chinese medical authorities confirmed on Monday.
Dengue Fever – Singapore
Officials with the Singapore National Environment Agency (NEA) are reporting more than 1,000 dengue fever cases during the first 20 days of 2020. To date, 1,118 cases have been reported and as of today, there are 100 active dengue clusters reported.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.1 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
6.0 earthquake hits Sulawesi, Indonesia.
5.8 earthquake hits southern Xinjiang, China.
5.3 earthquake hits Guam.
5.1 earthquake hits southern Xinjiang, China.
5.0 earthquake hits Java, Indonesia.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are no current tropical storms.
NewsBytes:
Australia – After months of intense heat and devastating bushfires, Australia’s east coast was battered by heavy rainstorms Saturday, causing flash flooding in parts and road closures. Major highways were closed in Queensland as the state was hit with some of the heaviest rain the country has seen for months. There were also power was cut in parts of New South Wales.
Zimbabwe – Residents in Hwange were left counting their loses after a lot of their property was destroyed by a rain storm which also swept away their chickens and other domestic animals. A number of houses were also destroyed.
Brazil – At least six people have died and at least one more was missing Sunday following torrential rains in southern Brazil, authorities said. Meteorologists said nearly 250 millimeters (10 inches) of rain devastated parts of Espiritu Santo state starting Friday, though the rains had tapered off by Sunday. State firefighters reported three dead in the town of Alfredo Chaves and three others in Iconha, where at least one woman was missing. The flooding destroyed three bridges, left cars piled up, trees toppled and houses covered in mud.
Novel Coronavirus – China
Officials with the Beijing Daxing District Health and Health Committee have confirmed two novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) cases in the city. The patients had a history of travel to Wuhan. The authorities in China reported a third death from a mysterious virus and more than 130 new cases over the weekend, including the ones found in Beijing and southern China for the first time. The jump in cases raised questions about how the virus is being transmitted and added to concerns about the spread of the illness ahead of China’s busiest travel season.
Novel Coronavirus – South Korea
The South Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) reported today on the first confirmed, imported case of 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) from Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.0 earthquake hits near the north coast of Papua, Indonesia.
5.0 earthquake hits Greece.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone (tc) 08p (Tino), located approximately 535 nm south-southeast of Niue, is tracking southeastward at 33 knots.
NewsBytes:
Mozambique – Flooding in Cabo Delgado Province of Mozambique has claimed the lives of at least six people and left three others missing. Floodwater has affected Muidumbe, Nangade, Mueda and Palma e Mocímboa da Praia districts of northern Mozambique.
Indonesia – Flooding in the Samarinda area of Indonesia has caused the evacuation of people to nearby shelters and mosques. Floods triggered by heavy rainfall have submerged Samarinda City affecting at least 7,213 residents. No casualties have been reported.
Pakistan – At least 77 people have been killed and 94 others have been injured due to avalanches in northeast Pakistan. The avalanches were triggered by heavy snowfall in the Neelum Valley, in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
Novel Coronavirus – China
n an update on the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak in Wuhan City, China, the Wuhan Municipal Commission of Health reports (computer translated) 17 additional cases, bringing the total in the city to 62. No additional deaths were reported. The death toll remains at two.
Anthrax – Zimbabwe
Health officials in Zimbabwe are reporting some 177 cattle have died from anthrax while 87 people were treated for the disease in various clinics and hospitals in areas across the country after eating meat from cattle that died from the infection during this season.
Chikungunya – Djibouti
In a follow-up on the chikungunya situation in Djibouti, on the Horn of Africa, the chikungunya epidemic in the country is considered to be unprecedented. According to an official communication from the Minister of Health, the significant increase in the number of fever cases in the Republic of Djibouti is mainly due to three diseases: malaria, dengue fever and chikungunya. The health services have reportedly recorded 16,000 cases in the various health structures.
Olive Tree Disease – Italy
More than a third of olive oil in the U.S. comes from Italy, which has kept a longstanding reputation for quality. But the quantity of olive oil made in the south of Italy has been in sharp decline. A disease in the region of Puglia has been attacking olive trees, decimating the industry and causing Italy to import olive oil for the first time. In the past there were 500 olive oil mills in the Salento area. Now in the Province of Lecce, there are no more than 15 olive oil mills.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.5 earthquake hits southern Xinjiang, China.
5.3 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.
5.2 earthquake hits Kepulauan Tanimbar, Indonesia.
5.2 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone (tc) 08p (Tino), located approximately 294 nm west-southwest of Niue, is tracking southeastward at 16 knots.
NewsBytes:
Australia – Parts of Australia’s east coast were hit by severe storms on Saturday, dousing some of the bushfires that have devastated the region for months but causing road closures and flash flooding. Despite the heavy rain, authorities were still battling nearly 100 blazes – part of the bushfires that have killed 29 people since September, destroyed more than 2,500 homes and scorched an area nearly one-third the size of Germany. Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland, three of the states most hit by drought and bushfires, are now dealing with rain bucketing down in several areas.
Zambia – Heavy rainfall in recent days has led to riverine and flash floods in Zambia, mainly in the Southern Province, with Gwembe and Siavonga Districts hardest-hit. The flooding has destroyed crops, including maize, especially in Munyumbwe area in Gwembe District, according to the Government’s Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU). Some bridges have been submerged in the same area, hampering access.
Radioactive Habitat
Wildlife is thriving in the most contaminated areas around Japan’s crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant, which suffered meltdowns following a devastating 2011 offshore quake and subsequent tsunami.
Photos from automatic cameras set up by the University of Georgia showed that more than 20 species are flourishing in various areas of the irradiated landscape.
They found almost three times as many species such as wild boar, hares, macaques, pheasants and fox living there than in the slightly contaminated areas where people are able to live.
The research does not address the health and welfare of the animals in the presence of such radiation.
Nipah Virus – Pakistan
After reporting 24 human rabies deaths in 2019, the third rabies case has been reported in Karachi in January to date. The third and latest case is a 35-year-old woman from Thatta who was received a dog bite two months ago.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.3 earthquake hits off the east coast of Kamchatka, Russia,
5.3 earthquake hits Ascension Island.
5.0 earthquake hits Tarapaca, Chile.
5.0 earthquake hits the D’Entrecasteaux Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits Oaxaca, Mexico.
5.0 earthquake hits Kepulauan Obi, Indonesia.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone (tc) 08p (Tino), located approximately 178 nm north-northeast of Suva, Fiji, is tracking southeastward at 08 knots.
Prolific Tortoise
A species of Galapagos giant tortoise once on the brink of extinction has been saved with the help of a half-century of tireless breeding from one of only three surviving males.
Since 1976, “Diego” has fathered 800 of the now 2,000 Chelonoidis hoodensis of Española Island. But since the species is no longer in danger and the successful captive breeding project is ending, the pressure is now off for the approximately 130-year-old Diego.
Experts say the playboy has a “big personality” and is aggressive, active and vocal while mating. Diego will be allowed to live out his golden years in leisure after finally being released back into the wild on his native Española Island, where he was captured by scientists 80 years ago.
Global Temperature Extremes
The week’s hottest temperature was 116 degrees Fahrenheit (46.7 degrees Celsius) in Augrabies Falls, South Africa.
The week’s coldest temperature was minus 64.0 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 53.3 degrees Celsius) at Delyankir, 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.
Circumnavigating Smoke
NASA satellite images show the thick pall of smoke from Australia’s firestorms, which reached South America last week, has blown entirely around the Southern Hemisphere, approaching Australia from the west.
Besides choking most of southeastern Australia, the smoke has also created an air pollution crisis downwind in New Zealand and darkened that country’s glaciers after falling on them as soot.
Meanwhile, days of rain are bringing some much-needed relief to Australia’s firefighters, but it won’t be enough to fully alleviate the threat of more than 140 fires that were still burning.
At least 80% of the Blue Mountains world heritage area and more than 50% of the Gondwana world heritage rainforests have burned in Australia’s ongoing bushfire crisis.
The scale of the disaster is such that it could affect the diversity of eucalypts for which the Blue Mountains world heritage area is recognised.
Ebola – DR Congo
Fourteen new confirmed cases were reported from 8 to 14 January in the ongoing Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – Ongoing Activity for the Week 8 January 2020 – 14 January 2020
Aira | Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported nighttime crater incandescence at Minamidake Crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) during 6-14 January. Small eruptive events were occasionally recorded by the seismic network. Explosions were recorded during 6, 10, and 12-14 January; ash plumes rose 1.8-2.3 km above the crater rim and material was ejected as far as 1.3 km away from the crater. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a 5-level scale).
Dukono | Halmahera (Indonesia) : Based on satellite and wind model data, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 9 January ash plumes from Dukono rose to 1.8 km (6,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW. On 13 January ash plumes rose to 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted E. 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 3, 5, and 9 January that sent ash plumes up to 2.9 km (9,500 ft) a.s.l. Ash plumes drifted NE and SE, and caused ashfall in Severo-Kurilsk on 8 January. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).
Karangetang | Siau Island (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that during 6-12 January lava continued to effuse from Karangetang’s Main Crater (S), 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 100-400 m above the summit. Incandescence from both summit craters was visible at night. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4).
Klyuchevskoy | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a weak thermal anomaly over Klyuchevskoy was identified in satellite images during 3-10 January. Strombolian activity was visible all week and Vulcanian explosions were noted on 6 January. Ash plumes drifted 55 km ENE. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange.
Popocatepetl | Mexico : CENAPRED reported that each day during 8-14 January there were 76-268 steam-and-gas emissions from Popocatépetl, some of which contained ash (during 8-9 December). An explosion at 0631 on 9 January produced an ash plume that rose 3 km above the crater rim and drifted NE. The event also ejected incandescent material onto the flanks as far away as 1 km from the crater. The Alert Level remained at Yellow, Phase Two (middle level on a three-colour scale).
Sabancaya | Peru : Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP) reported that an average of eight daily low- to medium-intensity explosions occurred at Sabancaya during 6-12 January. Gas-and-ash plumes rose as high as 3 km above the summit and drifted NE, E, and SE. There were six thermal anomalies identified in satellite data, originating from the 282-m-diameter lava dome in the summit crater. 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 12-km radius.
Sangay | Ecuador : Based on information from the Guayaquil MWO, satellite and webcam images, and wind model data, the Washington VAAC reported that during 1-11 January ash plumes from Sangay rose to 5.2-6.7 km (17,000-22,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted in multiple directions. Crater incandescence was identified in satellite images during 9-10 January.
Semisopochnoi | United States : On 9 January AVO lowered the Aviation colour Code for Semisopochnoi to Yellow and the Volcano Alert Level to Advisory, noting that explosions had not been detected since 19 December 2019. In addition, seismic tremor had last been recorded on 29 December 2019; seismicity subsequently declined but remained above background levels.
Sheveluch | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Sheveluch was identified in satellite images during 3-10 January. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).
Shishaldin | Fox Islands (USA) : AVO summarized the 7 January eruptive activity at Shishaldin, characterizing the period of activity during 0500-1200 as the most sustained explosive activity of the eruptive sequence so far. Ash plumes drifted over 200 km ENE, were ash rich during 0900-1200, and caused several flight cancellations and minor ashfall in Cold Bay. Elevated surface temperatures continued to be identified in satellite images during 7-10 January, indicating lava effusion; seismicity decreased but remained above background levels. Satellite images acquired during 10-14 January showed weak surface temperatures, indicated cooling lava; seismicity remained above background levels.
Suwanosejima | Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : JMA recorded 13 explosions at Suwanosejima’s Ontake Crater during 3-10 January. Eruption plumes rose as high as 1.4 km above the crater rim and material was ejected as far as 600 m from the crater. Explosion and rumbling sounds, as well as ashfall, were reported in areas 4 km SSW. Crater incandescence was visible at night. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a 5-level scale).
White Island | North Island (New Zealand) : On 15 January GeoNet reported that White Island remained in an elevated state of unrest. Very hot (440 degrees Celsius) and strong steam and gas emissions continued to rise from the 9 December vents. Three short-lived episodes of tremor recorded during 8-10 January were accompanied by minor explosions at the active vents. Sulfur dioxide emission rates were within normal ranges, suggesting no additional magma movement since just after the December eruption. The Volcanic Alert Level remained at 2 and the Aviation colour Code remained at Yellow.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.3 earthquake hits southern Xinjiang, China
5.3 earthquake hits Timor, Indonesia.
5.2 earthquake hits Puerto Rico.
5.2 earthquake hits north of Ascension Island.
5.0 earthquake hits Mendoza, Argentina.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are no current tropical storms.
NewsBytes:
Scotland – Storm Brendan has been followed by wintry showers, flooding and more gales in parts of Scotland, causing further travel disruption. The severe weather has led to problems across the country with trees brought down and ferry sailings cancelled. A yellow wind warning covering the Highlands and Argyll and Bute has been issued. Trains have been disrupted due to damaged overhead power lines on several sections of the railway in Ayrshire.
Ocean Warming
After analyzing data from the 1950s through 2019, an international team of scientists determined that the average temperature of the world’s oceans in 2019 was 0.075 degrees Celsius (0.135 degrees Fahrenheit) higher than the 1981–2010 average.
That might not seem like a significant amount of warming, but given the massive volume of the oceans, an increase even that small would require a staggering influx of heat – 228 sextillion Joules’ worth, according to the scientists’ study, which was published in the journal Advances in Atmospheric Sciences on Monday.
That’s a hard number to contextualize, so one of the scientists behind the study did the math to put it into an explosive frame of reference – by comparing it to the amount of energy released by the atomic bomb the United States military dropped on Hiroshima, Japan, in 1945.
“The Hiroshima atom-bomb exploded with an energy of about 63,000,000,000,000 Joules,” author Lijing Cheng from the Chinese Academy of Sciences said in a press release.
“The amount of heat we have put in the world’s oceans in the past 25 years equals to 3.6 billion Hiroshima atom-bomb explosions.”
That averages out to four Hiroshima bombs’ worth of energy entering the oceans every second for the past 25 years. But even more troubling, the rate isn’t holding steady at that alarming figure – it’s increasing.
A blob of hot water in the Pacific Ocean killed a million seabirds
As many as one million seabirds died at sea in less than 12 months in one of the largest mass die-offs in recorded history — and researchers say warm ocean waters are to blame.
The birds, a fish-eating species called the common murre, were severely emaciated and appeared to have died of starvation between the summer of 2015 and the spring of 2016, washing up along North America’s west coast, from California to Alaska.
Now, scientists say they know what caused it: a huge section of warm ocean water in the northeast Pacific Ocean dubbed “the Blob.”
A years-long severe marine heat wave first began in 2013, and intensified during the summer of 2015 due to a powerful weather phenomenon called El Nino, which lasted through 2016.
The heat wave created the Blob — a 1,000-mile (1,600 km) stretch of ocean that was warmed by 3 to 6 degrees Celsius (5.4 to 10.8 Fahrenheit). A high-pressure ridge calmed the ocean waters — meaning heat stays in the water, without storms to help cool it down.
Those few degrees of warming wreaked havoc on the region’s marine ecosystems. There was a huge drop in the production of microscopic algae that feed a range of animals, from shrimp to whales. The warmth caused a massive bloom of harmful algae along the west coast, that killed many animals and cost fisheries millions of dollars in lost income.
Other animals that experienced mass die-offs include sea lions, tufted puffins, and baleen whales. But none of them compared to the murres in scale.
About 62,000 dead or dying murres washed up on shore — but the total number of deaths is likely to be closer to one million since only a small fraction of birds that die at sea wash up, said researchers from the University of Washington,
The murres likely starved to death because the Blob caused more competition for fewer small prey. The warming increased the metabolism of predatory fish like salmon, cod, and halibut — meaning they were eating more than usual. These fish eat the same small fish as the murres, and there simply wasn’t enough to go around.
Australia’s prehistoric Wollemi pine trees saved from bushfires
An ancient grove of pine trees whose ancestors are thought to have stood tall among dinosaurs some 200 million years ago has been saved from Australian bushfires in a covert firefighting mission.
Firefighters in New South Wales (NSW) were enlisted by the local government to save the prehistoric Wollemi Pine grove, which exists in a secret location within the 5,000-square-kilometre (1,930-square-mile) Wollemi National Park northwest of Sydney.
The oldest fossil of the rare pine species dates back 90 million years and the pines are thought to have existed during the Jurassic period.
Large air tankers of fire retardant were dropped inside the remote grove as part of the mission, while specialist firefighters attached to helicopters were winched down to set up an irrigation system to protect the trees from catching alight. There are fewer than 200 Wollemi Pines left in the wild.
Novel Coronavirus – First Case in Japan
The Japanese Ministry of Health reported a case of the novel coronavirus in Kanagawa Prefecture. The individual recently traveled to Wuhan City, Hubei province, China.
Dengue Fever – Yemen
First it was cholera, then diphtheria, now it appears the latest infectious disease epidemic to hit war-stricken Yemen is dengue fever. In a recent Save the Children press release, the NGO warns of a dengue epidemic. This comes after more than 52,000 suspected cases have been recorded across the country, including 192 deaths.
African Swine Fever – Serbia
Serbia has seen an outbreak of the pig disease African swine fever (ASF) in wild boars in the east of the country, close to the country’s borders with Bulgaria and Romania, the state Tanjug news agency said on Wednesday.
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – New Activity for the Week 8 January 2020 – 14 January 2020
Fernandina | Ecuador : IG reported that a M 4.7 earthquake was recorded at 1642 on 12 January at Fernandina and followed by a swarm of 29 local earthquakes all below M 3.1. A new eruption began just before 1810 from a circumferential fissure located near the E edge of the caldera, at elevations around 1300-1400 m above sea level. Several lava flows descended the E flank; Galapagos National Park rangers witnessed the eruption from the Bolívar Channel station. A gas cloud rose 1.5-2 km above the fissure and drifted WNW. A second peak in seismicity was recorded 30-40 minutes after the eruption onset and then gradually decreased. Gas emissions decreased sometime after 2100 and thermal anomalies began to gradually diminish.
Krakatau | Indonesia : PVMBG reported that during 6-12 January dense white gas plumes rose 50-200 m above the bottom of Anak Krakatau’s crater. An eruptive event on 7 January produced a dense ash plume that rose 200. 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.
Kuchinoerabujima | Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : An eruption at Kuchinoerabujima began at 1505 on 11 January and produced ash plumes that rose 2 km above the crater rim, drifted E, and then faded into a weather cloud. Tephra was ejected 300 m from the crater, and ashfall was reported on neighboring Yakushima Island. The eruption continued until 0730 on 12 January, producing ash plumes that rose 400 m above the crater rim and drifted SW; afterwards only white plumes were visible rising 600 m. The Alert Level remained at 3 (the middle level on a scale of 1-5).
Taal | Luzon (Philippines) : PHIVOLCS reported that seismicity at Taal began to increase on 28 March 2019 and fluctuated between moderate and high levels throughout the year and into 2020. A seismic swarm beneath Taal began at 1100 on 12 January and a phreatic eruption commenced at 1300. The initial eruptive activity was characterized by increased steaming from at least five vents in Main Crater and phreatic explosions that generated 100-m-high plumes. PHIVOLCS raised the Alert Level to 2 (on a scale of 0-5) and reminded the public that the entire Volcano Island (the main cone of Taal) is in a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ).
Booming was heard at 1400 in Talisay, Batangas (4 km NNE, all distances are measured from the center of Main Crater lake). Activity escalated at 1404; volcanic tremor and earthquakes felt locally were accompanied by an eruption plume that rose 1 km. Ash fell in the SSW part of Taal. The Alert Level was raised to 3 and the evacuation of high-risk barangays was recommended. Activity again intensified around 1730, prompting PHIVOLCS to raise the Alert Level to 4 and recommend a total evacuation of the island and high-risk areas within a 14-km radius. The eruption plume of steam, gas, and tephra significantly intensified and rose 10-15 km (32,800-49,200 ft) a.s.l., producing frequent lightning. Wet ash fell in areas downwind, including as far N as Quezon City (75 km). According to news articles schools and government offices were ordered to close and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (56 km N) in Manila suspended flights. About 6,000 people had been evacuated but the number was expected to rise. Residents described heavy ashfall, low visibility, and fallen trees.
Ashfall was reported in a wide area; in a statement issued at 0320 on 13 January PHIVOLCS noted that ashfall was reported in Tanauan (18 km NE), Batangas; Escala (11 km NW), Tagaytay; Sta. Rosa (32 km NNW), Laguna; Dasmariñas (32 km N), Bacoor (44 km N), and Silang (22 km N), Cavite; Malolos (93 km N), San Jose Del Monte (87 km N), and Meycauayan (80 km N), Bulacan; Antipolo (68 km NNE), Rizal; Muntinlupa (43 km N), Las Piñas (47 km N), Marikina (70 km NNE), Parañaque (51 km N), Pasig (62 km NNE), Quezon City, Mandaluyong (62 km N), San Juan (64 km N), Manila; Makati City (59 km N) and Taguig City (55 km N). Lapilli (2-64 mm in diameter) fell in Tanauan and Talisay; Tagaytay City (12 km N); Nuvali (25 km NNE) and Sta. Rosa, Laguna. Felt earthquakes (Intensities II-V) continued to be recorded in local areas.
The eruption progressed to a magmatic eruption during 0249-0428 on 13 January, characterized by weak lava fountaining accompanied by thunder and flashes of lightning. Activity briefly waned then resumed with sporadic weak fountaining and explosions that generated 2-km-high, dark gray, steam-laden plumes. New lateral vents opened on the N flank, producing 500-m-tall lava fountains. Heavy ashfall impacted areas SW including in Cuenca (15 km SSW), Lemery (16 km SW), Talisay, and Taal (15 km SSW), Batangas. News articles noted that more than 300 domestic and 230 international flights were cancelled as the Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport was closed during 12-13 January; some flights could depart in the early afternoon of 13 January. Some roads from Talisay to Lemery and Agoncillo were impassible and electricity and water services were intermittent. Ashfall in several provinces caused power outages. Authorities continued to evacuate high-risk areas within a 14-km radius of Taal; by 13 January more than 24,500 people had moved to 75 shelters out of a total number of 460,000 people within 14 km.
In a bulletin posted at 0800 on 14 January PHIVOLCS noted that lava fountaining continued and steam plumes rose form Main Crater. Fissures on the N flank produced 500-m-tall lava fountains. Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 5,299 tonnes/day on 13 January. By 1300 lava fountaining generated 800-m-tall, dark gray, steam-laden plumes that drifted SW. New ground cracks were observed in Sinisian (18 km SW), Mahabang Dahilig (14 km SW), Dayapan (15 km SW), Palanas (17 km SW), Sangalang (17 km SW), and Poblacion (19 km SW) Lemery; Pansipit (11 km SW), Agoncillo; Poblacion 1, Poblacion 2, Poblacion 3, Poblacion 5 (all around 17 km SW), Talisay, and Poblacion (11 km SW), San Nicolas. A fissure opened across the road connecting Agoncillo to Laurel, Batangas.
At 0800 on 15 January PHIVOLCS stated that activity was generally weaker; dark gray, steam-laden plumes rose about 1 km and drifted SW. Since 1300 on 12 January the seismic network had recorded a total of 446 volcanic earthquakes, with 156 of those felt with Intensities of I-V. New ground cracking was reported in Sambal Ibaba (17 km SW), and portions of the Pansipit River (SW) had dried up. Satellite images showed that the Main Crater lake was gone and new craters had formed inside Main Crater and on the N flank. According to the Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC) there were a total of 53,832 people dispersed to 244 evacuation centers by 1800 on 15 January.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.5 earthquake hits Timor, Indonesia.
5.3 earthquake hits south of Fiji.
5.3 earthquake hits near the coast of central Peru.
5.2 earthquake hits Oaxaca, Mexico.
5.0 earthquake hits Hokkaido, Japan.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone (tc) 07s (Claudia), located approximately about 449 nm north-northwest of Learmonth, Australia. Claudia is moving southwestward at 12 knots.
NewsBytes:
Pakistan, Afghanistan – Avalanches, flooding and harsh winter weather killed more than 130 people across Pakistan and Afghanistan in recent days, leaving others stranded by heavy snowfall, officials said on Tuesday. At least 93 people died and 76 were injured across Pakistan – with several still missing – while a further 39 were killed in Afghanistan, according to officials in both countries. Forecasts suggest more harsh weather is on the way.
Australia – Heavy rain, flash floods and severe thunderstorms have swept over Melbourne and rain is forecast to hit bushfire-affected parts of New South Wales and Victoria later this week. In just 30 minutes, 44mm of rain fell at Avalon on Wednesday afternoon, and wind gusts reached 110km/h as wild weather hit the state’s south and moved north.
Mississippi, USA – Flooding left roads in Mississippi underwater on Jan. 14. Authorities in Mississippi urged residents to evacuate in the northern part of the state Tuesday after heavy rains spawned a flash-flood emergency and put a dam at “imminent” risk of failing. A flash flood emergency was issued in Oktibbeha County, located in the east-central portion of the state. Oktibbeha County Lake Dam is in imminent danger of failing.
Global Warming – Thinner Clouds – More Heat
A new study suggests global warming effect is underestimated. The most up-to-date computer simulations suggest that greenhouse gases emitted by human activity will leave the planet hotter than previously thought, researchers have found.
A study that combines the outputs of nearly 30 new computer models that simulate the Earth’s climate suggests that, if the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere doubles, then the average global temperature should increase by 3.9 degrees C. This figure is around 0.6 degrees C more than previous simulations predicted.
Reflecting the findings of recent research, newer simulations assume that cold clouds thin out more as the atmosphere becomes warmer. Thinner clouds reflect less of the sun’s energy back to space—meaning more warming on the Earth’s surface. Over the whole planet, this effect could be amplifying global warming. Clouds are Earth’s sunscreen, reflecting away sunlight and keeping the planet cooler than it would otherwise be.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.4 earthquake hits near the east coast of Honshu, Japan.
5.1 earthquake hits south of Fiji.
5.1 earthquake hits Antofagasta, Chile.
5.0 earthquake hits eastern Honshu, Japan.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone (tc) 07s (Claudia), located approximately about 298 miles (480 km) northwest of Karratha and 320 miles (515 km) north of Exmouth. Claudia is moving west-southwest at 18 miles (29 kilometers) per hour.
