Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.4 earthquake hits Antofagasta, Chile.
5.3 earthquake hits northern Sumatra, Indonesia.
5.2 earthquake hits near the north coast of Honshu, Japan.
5.0 earthquake hits Jujuy, Argentina.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are no current tropical storms.
NewsBytes:
Canada – Update – Fort McMurray is under evacuation for the second time in four years. The Albertan town was besieged by a huge wildfire in 2016, but now it faces flooding due to an army of ice. The Athabasca River that cuts through the town has been choked by piles of ice chunks that stretch roughly 15 miles, according to the Albertan government. That’s left water with nowhere to go but into the streets, businesses, and homes of Fort McMurray, Canada’s tar sands capital. The regional government has issued mandatory evacuation orders for 13,000 people over the past 48 hours and more could be on the way as water continues to back up on the Athabasca and other rivers in the area.
Kenya – Update – At least 116 people have now died due to floods caused by torrential rains in Kenya, local media reported on Wednesday. The floods in the eastern African country have affected some 29 counties, leaving 100,000 households displaced.
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – New Activity for the Week 22 April 2020 – 28 April 2020
Karymsky | Eastern Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Karymsky was identified in satellite images on 17 and 21 April; gas-and-steam plumes containing some ash drifted 80 km SE on those same days. The Aviation Colour Code remained at Yellow (the second lowest level on a four-colour scale).
Krakatau | Indonesia : PVMBG reported that during 21-28 April weather conditions around Anak Krakatau often prevented visual observations, though white plumes were sometimes seen rising 25-50 m high. 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.
Comet – Swan
With less air traffic due to travel bans, sky gazers have been enjoying an undisrupted view of the stars. However, stars are not the only celestial treasures worth looking up for: you may also be able to spot a pair of comets during lockdown.
South Africans should hopefully be able to catch a glimpse of the comet Swan, which is visible now and should remain visible for the next week or so, when it will move on to the northern hemisphere. As comet Swan moves closer to the horizon, it will appear to be getting considerably brighter with its tail getting slightly longer, granting an even better view.
COVID-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.6 earthquake hits Cuba.
As yet, there have been no reports of any damage or injuries inflicted by the tremor.
5.5 earthquake hits Salta, Argentina.
5.1 earthquake hits New Britain, Papua New Guinea.
5.0 earthquake hits the northern mid-Atlantic ridge.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are no current tropical storms.
NewsBytes:
Morocco – Seven people watching a football match in Morocco have been killed in a flash flood that swept across the pitch. Heavy rainfall caused the nearby river to swell which flooded the football field in Tizert, in the Taroudant region of Morocco.
Wildfires – Florida, USA
A wildfire fire sparked by mistake and fed by drought burned more than 1,200 acres in South Florida’s Everglades and continues to smolder despite pockets of drenching rain over the weekend. The so-called Sunday Afternoon fire that has seared sawgrass prairie, melaleuca and Australian Pine in Everglades National Park began April 19 and was 70 percent contained as of Monday.
Fires on adjacent state-owned land were mostly extinguished, but concerns are mounting that relaxed coronavirus orders could mean more unintended ignitions with 65 percent of the state in moderate to severe drought.
COVID-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Covid-19 – Taiwan
For the third consecutive day, Taiwan’s Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) announced that no additional cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were confirmed. To date, Taiwan has reported 429 confirmed COVID-19 cases–of this, 343 are imported and 55 are indigenous while 31 are Navy members aboard the Panshi fast combat support ship. Of the confirmed cases, there have been 6 deaths.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.2 earthquake hits Tonga.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are no current tropical storms.
NewsBytes:
Somalia – The 2020 Gu (April-June) seasonal rains continued to intensify across Somalia during the 4th week of April. Compared to the previous two weeks, there was a significant increase of rainfall in most parts of Somalia as well as the eastern Ethiopian highlands. Many areas observed more than three days of consecutive heavy rains across the country. The good rains received so far have continued to replenish water and pasture resources. An improvement in livestock body conditions and milk production has been reported as well. On the downside, parts of the country experienced flash flood and flooding has begun in the Juba and Shabelle rivers.
Canada – Floods have forced mandatory evacuations in parts of Fort McMurray, the hub for Canada’s oil sands industry, even as the province of Alberta tries to stem the spread of the coronavirus. The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, which includes Fort McMurray, ordered mandatory evacuations of some residents that began on Sunday and were expanded on Monday. Ice jams caused the Athabasca River to spill its banks.
Climate Change Affecting Antarctic Seals
Crabeater seals have historically been quite successful. Their population ranges around 15 million, and conservationists haven’t had to worry too much about them—until now. Climate change is quickly changing the habitat of these cute Antarctic critters, and a new study shows that these seals will have to work harder for their food in a warmer world.
Despite the name, these ice-loving animals eat krill. In fact, that’s about all they eat. So the team followed seals and looked at their foraging patterns to predict krill habitat and project how that might change moving forward.
The results show that increased heat and loss of sea ice (which helps keep the sun’s heat out of the water) could reduce krill populations and push them to seek shelter farther south. That’s bad news for these seals that love to hang out near the coast on the ice where krill are typically found these days. If the krill move away from coastal waters—as the models in this study predict—the crabeater seals will need to swim farther to find them and eat.
The animals may spend more energy in search of a food source that may be less abundant. But understanding the changes here is crucial not just for the seals’ fate, but krill and other animals that rely on it as the base of the food chain.
The shift in krill habitat away from coastal waters in the north has big implications for species like penguins and fur seals, which can’t make long foraging trips because they have to come back to land to feed their offspring.
Wildfires – Siberia
Wildfires in Siberia, Russia, are bringing even more misery to an area which is already on lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic. On April 23, 2020, strong winds helped to push fires set by locals to dry grass out of control. The regions of Kemerovo and Novosibirsk among others have been the hardest hit to date. Nine Siberian regions have been affected by these wildfires. Clouds of smoke have swept across the Siberian landscape.
COVID-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Zimbabwe – Malaria
The World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa reports a surge in malaria cases in Zimbabwe. According to officials, the increase in malaria cases began in early March 2020. The week ending April 12, Zimbabwe saw more than 35,000 cases and 25 deaths. Since the beginning of the year through last week, Zimbabwe has seen a cumulative total of 170,303 malaria cases, including 152 deaths (CFR 0.1%).
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.4 earthquake hits New Ireland, Papua New Guinea.
5.2 earthquake hits New Ireland, Papua New Guinea.
5.1 earthquake hits Mindanao in the Philippines.
5.0 earthquake hits Hokkaido, Japan.
5.0 earthquake hits the Pacific Antarctic ridge.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Post-Tropical Cyclone One-E is located about 770 mi…1240 km sw of the southern tip of Baja California with maximum sustained winds…30 mph…45 km/h. Present movement…nw or 305 degrees at 9 mph…15 km/h.
NewsBytes:
Vietnam – Severe thunderstorms in Vietnam have claimed the lives of three people, injured 13 and damaged almost 6,000 homes. One person died in Ha Giang province after being hit by a fallen tree. Others lost their life when the house collapsed following a rockslide.
Farmed Fish Are Becoming More Dangerous to Eat
A report in Nature Communications has linked global warming to spreading antibiotic resistance in farmed fish and shellfish. This is why? Because seas and lakes are warming, albeit slower than our air; bacteria adore this warmer environment; fish farmers are dosing the hapless sea-life with ever increasing doses of prophylactic antibiotics, in the fond but futile hope of keeping them healthy long enough to be sold as food. All of this drives the development of antibiotic-resistant bacterial species – which can and do confer their resistance unto nonresistant bacterial species. Aquaculture is now responsible for more than half the fish and seafood consumption around the world.
Insectageddon: They’re starving
A host of sources warn that locusts aside, insects are declining, which is seriously bad news for posterity. Now a study done in the canton of Zurich, representative of all central Europe, and reported in Ecological Applications, has isolated a cause beyond rampant pesticide use and habitat devastation: they’re starving. Farming has “captured” vast areas and the diversity of food plants the insects need has dramatically shrunk over the past 100 years, leaving bees, butterflies and, yes, flies unable to find the food they need. Even leaving aside fly rights, this is seriously bad news because insects play an unimaginably enormous role in the ecology.
Nearly half of Americans are breathing filthy air
The Clean Air Act enacted in 1963 is very nice, but nearly half of Americans breathe polluted air, the American Lung Association reported last week. Climate change is contributing to the situation in multiple ways, including increasing use of artificial environment enhancers – aka air conditioners – as record heat withers the cities, and heaters when record snows and cold descend; and wildfires, which significantly boost soot in the air – one of the many forms of particle pollution. The association points out that particle pollution can trigger “heart attacks and strokes, and cause lung cancer. New research also links air pollution to the development of serious diseases, such as asthma and dementia.” Also, the filthier the air you breathe, the more likely you are to suffer serious consequences if you catch COVID-19.
Wildfires Still Raging on Chernobyl’s 34th Anniversary
More than a thousand firefighters were working in the radiation-contaminated Chernobyl exclusion zone on Sunday, the 34th anniversary of the nuclear disaster, amid a weeks-long effort to extinguish brush fires in the area.
Authorities have attributed the fires in the predominantly uninhabited Chernobyl zone and in other parts of Ukraine in recent weeks to strong winds and abnormally dry conditions after a winter that lacked significant snow cover.
COVID-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.1 earthquake hits Honshu, Japan.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Tropical Depression One-E is located about 760 mi…1220 km sw of the southern tip of Baja California with maximum sustained winds…35 mph…55 km/h. Present movement…nw or 305 degrees at 8 mph…13 km/h.
NewsBytes:
China – China’s Ministry of Emergency Management has warned of relatively severe floods in areas along several major rivers in the country’s northern and northeastern regions. Heavy floods are likely to take place in the Songhua River basin, the Haihe River basin, the upper and middle reach of the Yellow River basin and the northern part of the Huaihe River.
COVID-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.3 earthquake hits New Britain, Papua New Guinea.
5.8 earthquake hits Tonga.
5.0 earthquake hits Romania.
5.0 earthquake hits south of Fiji.
Wildfires – Poland
Around 6,000 hectares of the Biebrza National Park – roughly 10% – are currently in flames as hundreds of firefighters attempt to get the blazes under control. The Environment Ministry said the fire was most likely caused by farmers illegally burning grass. The situation is worsened due to the fact Poland is currently experiencing its worst droughts in decades.
COVID-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Dengue Fever
Costa Rica – The Costa Rica Health Ministry is calling on the public to eliminate mosquito breeding sites as the number of dengue fever cases reported to date is significantly higher to date than 2019. According to officials, from the beginning of the year through the end of March, 1,760 cases of dengue have been confirmed.
Mayotte – Mayotte Island is part of the Comoros archipelago (Mozambique Channel, southwestern Indian Ocean), which is under French administration. Since the beginning of the year, the Agence Régionale de Santé of Mayotte has reported 3533 confirmed cases of dengue fever on the island, including 16 deaths.
Measles – Mexico
Mexico is experiencing a measles outbreak. Between 1 January and 2 April 2020, 1,364 probable1cases of measles were reported, of which 124 were laboratory confirmed, 991 were discarded and 328 remain under investigation.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.4 earthquake hits the South Pacific Ocean.
5.2 earthquake hits Hokkaido, Japan.
5.1 earthquake hits Vanuatu.
5.1 earthquake hits the Kuril Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits the Ryukyu Islands off Japan.
5.0 earthquake hits off the coast of Chiapas, Mexico.
Pollination without Bees
Israeli farmers are experimenting with an artificial method of pollinating crops because of fears that disappearing bees could threaten the future of some agriculture.
The method involves tractors pulling a mast equipped with small cannons that shoot out pollen into individual almond trees. The pollen is first extracted from budding trees with a mechanical harvester.
Eylam Ran, CEO of Edete Precision Technologies for Agriculture, says the process can initially help out pollinating bees, then eventually replace them.
Global Temperature Extremes
The week’s hottest temperature was 114 degrees Fahrenheit (45.6 degrees Celsius) in Dori, Burkino Faso.
The week’s coldest temperature was minus 88.0 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 66.7 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.
COVID-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Polio – Global
Three additional wild poliovirus 1 (WPV1) cases were reported over the past week–one in Afghanistan and 2 in Pakistan, bringing the global total to 45 in 2020.
Ebola – DR Congo
From 15 to 21 April 2020, three new confirmed cases of Ebola virus disease (EVD) were reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, all from Beni Health Zone in North Kivu Province
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – Ongoing Activity for the Week 15 April 2020 – 21 April 2020
Aira | Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that during 13-20 April incandescence from Minamidake Crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) was visible nightly. The seismic network occasionally recorded very small eruptive events and three explosions. Ash plumes rose as high as 2.5 km above the crater rim. The sulfur dioxide emission rate was high at 1,700 and 2,000 tons/day on 14 and 17 April, respectively. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a 5-level scale).
Asosan | Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that eruptive activity at Asosan was recorded during 13-20 April. Gray-white ash plumes rose 800-1,100 m above the crater rim and caused ashfall in areas downwind. The sulfur dioxide emission rate was somewhat high at 1,600 and 1,200 tons per day on 14 and 16 April, respectively. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-5).
Bezymianny | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Bezymianny was identified in satellite images during 10-17 April. Gas-and-steam emissions persisted. The Aviation colour Code remained at Yellow (the second lowest level on a four-colour scale).
Dukono | Halmahera (Indonesia) : Based on satellite and wind model data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 15-21 April ash plumes from Dukono rose to 2.1 km (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 on 13 April that sent ash plumes up to 2.5 km (8,200 ft) a.s.l. Ash plumes drifted SE. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).
Klyuchevskoy | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that Strombolian activity at Klyuchevskoy was visible during 10-17 April along with a bright thermal anomaly identified in satellite images. Gas-and-steam plumes with some ash rose to 6 km (19,700 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 200 km S and E on those same days. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange.
Kuchinoerabujima | Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : JMA reported that during 13-20 April very small eruptive events at Kuchinoerabujima’s Shindake Crater produced grayish-white plumes that rose 600 m above the crater rim. An event at 0147 on 20 April generated a grayish-white plume that rose 800 m and drifted SE. The Alert Level remained at 3 (the middle level on a scale of 1-5).
Merapi | Central Java (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported relatively quiet conditions at Merapi during 13-19 April. White plumes of variable densities rose as high as 300 m above the crater that had formed on 10 April. 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.
Nevados de Chillan | Chile : ONEMI and SERNAGEOMIN reported that an explosive event at Nevados de Chillán’s Nicanor Crater recorded at 1333 on 21 April was associated with a long-period earthquake signal. The explosion produced a gas-and-ash plume that rose 2.4 km above the vent and drifted SE. The Alert Level remained at Yellow, the second lowest level on a four-colour scale, and residents were reminded not to approach the crater within 3 km. 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.
Rincon de la Vieja | Costa Rica : OVSICORI-UNA reported periodic hydrothermal explosions at Rincón de la Vieja during 15-21 April. At 0306 on 15 April a phreatic eruption was recorded by the seismic network; weather conditions prevented visual confirmation, though local residents reported lahars in the Pénjamo, Azufrada, and Azul rivers. A steam plume from a phreatic event at 0929 on 18 April rose 200 m above the crater rim. Several small events were detected during the morning of 19 April but none produced plumes that rose above the rim. At 1014 a phreatic eruption ejected water and sediment 300 m above the crater rim and onto the flank, and produced a steam-and-gas plume that rose 1.5 km above rim. A lahar followed the activity. During 20-21 April several low-energy puffs of gas-and-steam were recorded. A low-energy event at 0626 on 21 April generated a steam plume that rose 1 km above the crater rim.
Sheveluch | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Sheveluch was identified in satellite images during 10-17 April. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).
Shishaldin | Fox Islands (USA) : On 16 April AVO reported that seismicity at Shishaldin had decreased during the past two weeks, though it remained slightly above background levels. Additionally, satellite images showed no new lava nor changes in the crater area, and a decrease in surface temperatures. The Volcano Alert Level was lowered to Advisory and the Aviation colour Code was lowered to Yellow.
Suwanosejima | Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : JMA reported that during 10-17 April incandescence from Suwanosejima’s Ontake Crater was visible nightly. Small eruptions occasionally occurred, along with an explosion on 15 April, producing gray-white plumes that rose as high as 1 km above the crater rim; plumes drifted N on 15 April. Rumbling sounds were noted in a village 4 km SSW. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a 5-level scale).
Whakaari/White Island | North Island (New Zealand) : On 16 April GeoNet reported that data collected from Whakaari/White Island came from instrumentation on the island only, including seismic stations, webcams, and sulfur dioxide gas emission sensors; no overflights had been conducted over the past three weeks. GeoNet concluded that there were no significant changes in sulfur dioxide flux, seismicity remained low, and the active vents area appeared unchanged since early March. High temperatures from the vent area were apparent at night. The Volcanic Alert Level remained at 2 and the Aviation colour Code remained at Yellow.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.5 earthquake hits Tonga.
5.2 earthquake hits eastern Honshu, Japan.
5.1 earthquake hits Tonga.
5.0 earthquake hits the Gulf of Aden.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are no current tropical storms.
NewsBytes:
Rwanda & Burundi – Severe flooding and landslides in Rwanda and Burundi have claimed the lives of at least nine people and affected 27,000 people from April 17 to 20, 2020. Heavy rainfall triggered landslides in the district of Gicumbi in the Northern Province of Rwanda, with the most affected areas being Nyankenke and Kageyo sectors. Heavy rainfall wiped out the cobblestone road in an area commonly known as “Ku Ntaraga” in Kimisagara. Meteo Rwanda has issued heavy rainfall warnings until April 26, 2020.
Southeast USA – At least five people were killed when severe storms ripped through southern states Wednesday night, after weeks of extreme weather that killed more than two-dozen people and destroyed hundreds of homes. A tornado in Marshall County, Oklahoma killed one person and damaged at least two businesses. At least three people were killed when apparent tornado in southeast Texas touched down about 6 p.m. near Onalaska, about 75 miles north of Houston, the Polk County Emergency Management System said in a statement. There was a flood-related death in Mansfield, southeast of Fort-Worth, where a man reportedly lost his balance as he tried to retrieve a trash can from the water. Hours later, a tornado hit Rapides Parish in Alexandria, Louisiana, and destroyed homes. There were no deaths reported as of 10:45 p.m. Wednesday.
Lake Victoria waters rise – Five years ago, scientists warned about the rising water levels of Lake Victoria, but many people did not take them seriously. Raging floods, which have left trails of destruction and swept away villages, have only worsened and is slowly turning into a calamity. Several beaches, fish-landing sites, sporting facilities and luxurious homes have been submerged as water levels continue to rise. Many human activities are now submerged in water. Fields adjacent to the lake are now inundated on a regular basis, making farming impossible. The latest floods have marooned a number of villages on the shores of the lake.
Wildfires – Australian bushfire smoke cloud continues to circle the earth
The vast smoke cloud which darkened New Zealand skies in January is continuing its journey around the world. The Australian bushfire smoke is now 35km above the earth and scientists are still tracking it almost four months later.
Niwa (National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research) atmospheric scientist Dr Richard Querel said it was remarkable to be able to track a smoke plume for more than 100 days. The main bulk of the plume was about five kilometres high and hundreds of kilometres wide.
Scientists have been tracking the smoke since it formed in December, and it has since travelled around the globe several times.
COVID-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Guinea Worm Disease – Ethiopia
After reporting zero human cases for more than two years, Ethiopia has recorded six suspected new human cases of dracunculiasis (guinea-worm disease) over the past two weeks. All of them are from Gog district in the region of Gambella.
Covid-19 in Pets
On Wednesday, The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) announced the first confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) infection in two pet cats. These are the first pets in the United States to test positive for SARS-CoV-2. The cats live in two separate areas of New York state.
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – New Activity for the Week 15 April 2020 – 21 April 2020
Karymsky | Eastern Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that over the past few weeks a minor amount of ash was present in Karymsky’s gas-and-steam plumes and trace ash deposits were visible on the surrounding snow. A very weak thermal anomaly was identified in satellite data on 6 April. The Tokyo VAAC reported that on 18 April an ash plume rose to 1.5 km (5,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SE based on satellite data and information from UHPP (Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky Airport). The Aviation colour Code was raised to Yellow (the second lowest level on a four-colour scale) on 19 April.
Krakatau | Indonesia : PVMBG reported that during 13-19 April dense gray eruption plumes from Anak Krakatau rose as high as 50 m above the crater rim, and white plumes rose 25-100 m above the summit. Satellite data acquired on 15 April revealed new lava flows from the 10-11 April eruption covering the vent and extending the coastline W. 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.
Lokon-Empung | Sulawesi (Indonesia) : An increased number of volcanic earthquakes over a few days prompted PVMBG to issue a VONA on 15 April and raise the Aviation colour Code for Lokon-Empung to Yellow (the second lowest on a four-colour scale). The volcano Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4). Residents and tourists were reminded not to approach the crater within a radius of 1.5 km.
Semeru | Eastern Java (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that the eruption at Semeru continued during 1-16 April. Eruptive events produced gray ash plumes that rose 400-600 m above the summit. Additionally, gray-to-white gas plumes from Jonggring-Seloko Crater rose 200-400 m; incandescent material was ejected 10-20 m above the crater. Incandescent lava flows traveled 500-1,000 m down the Kembar, Bang, and Kobokan drainages (on the S flank). At 0608 on 17 April a pyroclastic flow descended 2 km along the Bang drainage. Ash plumes drifted N, SE, and SW during 15-16 and 20-21 April. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was reminded to stay outside of the general 1-km radius from the summit and 4 km on the SSE flank.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.3 earthquake hits the Kuril Islands.
5.2 earthquake hits southeast of the Loyalty Islands.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are no current tropical storms.
NewsBytes:
Yemen – Flash floods caused by heavy rains have hit Yemen’s interim capital, Aden, leading to a power outage and city wide immobilization. Local sources confirmed that at least three Yemenis have drowned to death and that dozens of houses have been destroyed.
Alberta, Canada – Ice jams from rapidly melting rivers and thawing snow is flooding communities in northwestern Alberta. Overland flooding in the regions has submerged roads and highways, waterlogged farm fields and seeped into residential basements. Crews have been working to minimize the damage, draining culverts, piling sandbags and running pumps to divert water away from homes and streets.
COVID-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Yellow Fever – Ethiopia
On 3 March 2020, the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) reported three suspected yellow fever cases in Enor Ener Woreda, Gurage zone, SNNPR.
Malaria – Zimbabwe
At least 131 people have died from malaria in Zimbabwe in a new outbreak, adding pressure to a country already struggling to deal with Covid-19. The fatalities occurred in 201 outbreaks recorded across the country, according to the Ministry of Health. Meanwhile Zimbabwe’s lockdown has been extended by two weeks to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.1 earthquake hits the Solomon Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits south of Fiji.
5.0 earthquake hits Kyushu, Japan.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are no current tropical storms.
NewsBytes:
Kenya – Several people are feared dead and many more are missing after more heavy rainfall caused flash floods and landslides in parts of western Kenya. Local media reported that the rains swept away several houses and a police post in Chesogon trading centre between the counties of Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot. The current was strong enough to uproot trees and sweep them along in a fast-moving tide.
USA – The prediction center received more than 250 reports of possible tornadoes, high winds, hail and storm damage from east Texas to south Georgia on Sunday afternoon and evening. A suspected twister resulted in one death in Marion County, Mississippi. In south Georgia, the Wilcox County Sheriff’s Office said lightning struck a rural home during a storm early Monday, causing a fire that killed one person. A suspected tornado overturned a mobile home in south Alabama late Sunday, killing one person. Monday, four tornadoes were reported in north-central Florida, along with several reports of wind damage.
Lyrid meteor shower
The annual Lyrid meteor shower officially started up Thursday and will remain active for about 10 days, with the peak viewing night coming late Tuesday into Wednesday morning. It can be seen starting at 10 p.m., but this shower’s perfect for early risers, as the hour or two before dawn is probably the best time to spot the “shooting stars.”
The Lyrids are bits of rock and dust left behind by the comet C/1861 G (Thatcher). Each year around this time, the Earth drifts through a cloud of debris from an earlier visit by the comet — its most recent trip through the inner solar system was in 1861 — and those particles collide with our upper atmosphere at a speed of about 27 miles (43 kilometers) per second.
The 2012 Lyrid meteor shower as captured by astronaut Don Pettit aboard the International Space Station.
Wildfires – Ukraine
Wildfires are burning in Ukraine’s Zhytomyr region, about 150 kilometers west of the capital, Kyiv, having extended beyond the Chernobyl exclusion zone. Three planes and 600 firefighters battled about 15 blazes. Smoke from the fires contributed to air pollution in Kiev. As of April 20, most of the fires were extinguished but that foua were still burning.
COVID-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Ebola – DR Congo
In a follow-up on the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the World Health Organization (WHO)has reported six new EVD cases since April 10 in Beni. A patient escaped from a clinic on Sunday complicating efforts to contain the disease. Since the outbreak began in mid-2018, 3448 confirmed and probable cases were reported, including 2259 deaths.
Dengue Fever - Brazil
Health officials in the midwestern Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul have reported 45,759 dengue fever cases to date. This gives the state an incidence of 1,769 cases per 100,000 inhabitants and 22 deaths.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.4 earthquake hits eastern Honshu, Japan.
5.4 earthquake hits Vanuatu.
5.3 earthquake hits Kepulauan Talaud, Indonesia.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are no current tropical storms.
NewsBytes:
DR Congo – More than 10,000 homes were displaced in separate floods in the Democratic Republic of Congo, authorities said. The flooding submerged homes in Maniema province in the east, according to authorities. The River Congo burst its banks, forcing water into several villages in Maniema province, including Kindu. Meanwhile, 24 people were killed Friday by flooding in Uvira territory in South Kivu province that is also in the east, authorities said. Area administrator Kiza Muhato told the media 45 people were injured and 3,500 homes were destroyed when the Mulongwe River flooded. About 1,000 families were left homeless, according to reports.
Rwanda – Saturday and Sunday rains in Gatsibo district have reportedly claimed lives of three people, all the victims were washed away by extremely heavy floods.
USA – For the second Sunday in a row and continuing into Monday, the South is in the midst of an outbreak of severe weather, including widespread damaging winds, tornadoes, hail and torrential rainfall. Multiple waves of severe thunderstorms are underway or anticipated into early Monday from Mississippi to the South Carolina coast as a strong storm system rolls across the area. Flash flooding is accompanying violent storms in some areas. Initial reports indicate a number of tornadoes touched down in Mississippi.
COVID-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.0 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits the Molucca Sea.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are no current tropical storms.
NewsBytes:
Kenya – Several people are feared dead and property worth thousands of shillings destroyed by flash floods and mudslides along the Elgeyo-Marakwet/West Pokot border. Authorities have received reports that the area has been hit by landslides and floods.
Canada – A state of local emergency has been declared in the Town of Peace River, Alberta, Canada due to flooding in its downtown caused by an ice jam.
New Zealand – Heavy rain caused flooding in West Harbour. Several properties were flooded following heavy rain in Dunedin where a stream burst its banks.
COVID-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Dengue Fever – Americas
During the first 15 weeks of 2020, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has reported 1,126,481 total dengue fever cases in the countries of the Americas. About one-third of these cases (365,699) are laboratory confirmed.
Measles – Americas
Between 1 January and 10 April 2020, 7 countries have reported 1,104 confirmed cases in the Region of the Americas: Argentina (54 cases, including 1 death), Brazil (909 cases, including 4 deaths), Canada (1 case), Chile (2 cases), Mexico (124 cases), the United States of America (12 cases), and Uruguay (2 cases).
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.7 earthquake hits the Bonin Islands off Japan.
5.7 earthquake hits the Bonin Islands off Japan.
5.7 earthquake hits the mid-Indian ridge.
5.0 earthquake hits Reykjanes ridge.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are no current tropical storms.
NewsBytes:
DR Congo – At least 23 people were killed and dozens of others injured on Friday by floods in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The floods lashed out the city of Uvira, the eastern DRC’s South Kivu province. According to authorities, the heavy rainfall began Thursday night and continued through Friday, causing floods that have destroyed over 200 houses.
Malaysia – Several areas in Petaling Jaya were hit by flash floods after a downpour Thursday evening and among the worst affected was Kampung Chempaka with 75 houses inundated. Another area affected was Jalan 51A/223 in Section 51A. Thursday’s downpour was unusually heavy, so the sudden deluge of water resulted in an overflow of Sungai Penchala and drains in the Section 51A area.
Interesting Images
Wildlife During Lockdown
A white-bellied pangolin that was rescued from animal traffickers is seen at the Uganda Wildlife Authority office in Kampala, Uganda.
A squirrel runs across a fence as the sun shines in Berlin’s Kreuzberg district.
A fruit bat eats lettuce as it hangs from a rope during a behind-the-scenes interactive live stream from Oakland zoo in California, US, which remains closed to the public.
Nemophila flowers at Hitachi Seaside Park in Hitachinaka, Japan. The park has been closed to the public since 4 April to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
For the first time in decades, bald eagles have been found nesting in a saguaro cactus in Arizona, US. Kenneth ‘Tuk’ Jacobson, the Arizona game and fish department’s coordinator of raptor management, called the find ‘amazing’. According to Jacobson, the last known mention of such a sighting was in 1937.
Climate Change Has Helped Fuel a Megadrought in the Southwest USA
A “megadrought” gripping the western United States is the worst one in 500 years, scientists say. And it’s the first to be influenced by human-caused climate change.
According to the tree ring data, which extend back to A.D. 800, there have been a handful of extreme megadroughts over the last 1,200 years. The most recent one is happening right now. It’s gripping a wide swath of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, and it’s been ongoing since around 2000.
The severity of the current megadrought is second only to the last event, which occurred in the late 1500s, the research say. It also seems to be happening for different reasons.
Past megadroughts were triggered by natural fluctuations in the Earth’s climate. Temporary shifts in the temperature of the Pacific Ocean, for instance, can have a strong influence on climate in the southwestern United States.
The researchers used a suite of climate models to investigate the influence of anthropogenic warming on the present-day situation. The models suggest that the warmer and drier conditions brought by climate change account for nearly half the severity of the current drought.
COVID-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covod-19 cases:
Lassa fever – Nigeria
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) reported 10 additional confirmed Lassa fever cases the week ending April 12, bringing the country total to 973 since the beginning of the year. It’s the largest Lassa fever outbreak ever reported in any country anywhere in the world.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.9 earthquake hits the Myanmar-India border.
5.3 earthquake hits the Ryukyu Islands off Japan.
5.2 earthquake hits the Kodiak Islands, Alaska.
5.0 earthquake hits offshore Bio-Bio, Chile.
5.0 earthquake hits the Solomon Islands.
Arctic stratospheric ozone depletion hits record low
Ozone levels above the Arctic reached a record low for March, NASA researchers report. An analysis of satellite observations show that ozone levels reached their lowest point on 12 March, at 205 Dobson units.
While such low levels are rare, they are not unprecedented. Similar low ozone levels occurred in the upper atmosphere, or stratosphere, in 1997 and 2011. In comparison, the lowest March ozone value observed in the Arctic is usually around 240 Dobson units.
March 12, 2019, shows in reds and yellows the higher concentration of stratospheric ozone over the Arctic which are much more typical from year to year. Usually, from December through March, waves in the upper atmosphere disrupt the circumpolar winds and cause the mixing of ozone brought from the mid-latitudes as well as warming that leads to less ozone depletion.
“This year’s low Arctic ozone happens about once per decade,” says Paul Newman, chief scientist for Earth Sciences at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. “For the overall health of the ozone layer, this is concerning since Arctic ozone levels are typically high during March and April.”
The March Arctic ozone depletion was caused by a combination of factors that arose due to unusually weak upper atmospheric “wave” events from December through March. These waves drive movements of air through the upper atmosphere akin to weather systems that we experience in the lower atmosphere, but much bigger in scale.
In a typical year, these waves travel upward from the mid-latitude lower atmosphere to disrupt the circumpolar winds that swirl around the Arctic. When they disrupt the polar winds, they do two things. First, they bring with them ozone from other parts of the stratosphere, replenishing the reservoir over the Arctic.
Avian Tragedy
Thousands of migrating swallows and swifts were found dead across parts of Greece during the first week of April after they were killed by freak high winds and downpours. Others were found gravely injured.
The country’s ornithologist association blamed currents that blew the birds from northern Africa into the strong winds from the north of the Aegean Sea, especially around the Greek Islands.
The association warned residents to take care not to drive or walk over exhausted birds that may have landed after flying for many hundreds or thousands of miles.
Hungry Rodents
Desperate rats, deprived of their usual food sources outside shuttered restaurants and other sources of snacks, have begun to invade nearby rodent colonies, eating the flesh of their own species.
While food supplies have pretty much remained the same for vermin living hear human households, rodentologist Bobby Corrigan told NBC News that those living near eateries, malls and airports have resorted to cannibalism, rat battles and infanticide to cope with their starvation diets.
The crazed rats are also threatening the homeless population, according to New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell.
A viral video posted in March showed areas in the French Quarter overrun by rats taking to the streets in search of food.
Global Temperature Extremes
The week’s hottest temperature was 114 degrees Fahrenheit (45.6 degrees Celsius) in Podor, Senegal.
The week’s coldest temperature was minus 94.0 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 70.0 degrees Celsius) at Vostok, Antarctica.
Temperatures were tabulated from the more than 10,000 worldwide synoptic weather stations. The United Nations World Meteorological Organization sets the standards for weather observations, and provides a global telecommunications circuit for data distribution.
Wildfires – Ukraine
Three new wildfires have started in the radiation-contaminated evacuation zone around Ukraine’s wrecked Chernobyl nuclear power plant, the site of the world’s worst nuclear accident 34 years ago, emergency officials said Thursday.
COVID-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covod-19 cases:
Ebola – DR Congo
From 10 to 14 April 2020, three new confirmed cases of Ebola virus disease (EVD) were reported in the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
African Swine Fever – China
China began to repopulate the country’s swine farms, decimated by a rampant African swine fever outbreak that reached its peak last year, by flying in more than 4,000 high-quality breeding pigs from France aboard six jet aircraft.
Tens of millions of hogs, including 60% of China’s sow herd, were either put down to halt the spread of the disease or died. Pork is exceedingly popular on Asian dinner tables, and the shortage has caused prices for the commodity to soar.
The pigs being imported must undergo a month of health checks before leaving France, along with another 30 days in quarantine under Chinese supervision. Once they arrive in China, they spend another 45 days in quarantine to guarantee they are free of disease.
African Horse Sickness – Thailand
Thailand, already battling the spread of coronavirus, is now contending with another deadly viral outbreak—in horses. With hundreds of horse deaths reported there in the last 3 weeks, horse owners are rushing to seal their animals indoors with netting, away from biting midges that spread the virus for African horse sickness (AHS). Some scientists suspect that zebras, imported from Africa, led to the outbreak.
The disease’s sudden appearance, far from its endemic home in sub-Saharan Africa, has surprised Thai veterinary authorities, who are ramping up testing for the disease and ordering the vaccination of thousands of horses, donkeys, and mules. It is the first major outbreak of the disease outside Africa in 30 years
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – Ongoing Activity for the Week 8 April 2020 – 14 April 2020
Aira | Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that during 6-13 April incandescence from Minamidake Crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) was visible nightly. The seismic network recorded 16 eruptive events and 6 explosions. Ash plumes rose as high as 2 km above the crater rim and material was ejected 300-500 m 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 during 8-14 April ash plumes from Dukono rose to 2.1-3 km (7,000-10,000 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 4-5 and 9 April that sent ash plumes up to 1.5 km (4,900 ft) a.s.l. Ash plumes drifted NE. A thermal anomaly was visible in satellite images on 5 April. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).
Fuego | Guatemala : In a special report from 6 April INSIVUMEH reported a change in the eruptive pattern at Fuego indicated by seismic and acoustic data. Lava effused from a summit vent and traveled 400 m down the Ceniza (SSW) drainage. Avalanches of material descended the flank as far as 1 km, reaching vegetated areas. Explosions caused rumbling, shock waves, and ash plumes that rose 1.1 km above the summit. The report noted that this activity was similar to the eight-day phase during 16-24 March. There were 5-14 explosions per hour recorded during 7-14 April, generating ash plumes that rose as high as 1.1 km above the crater rim and generally drifted 10-20 km in multiple directions. Minor ashfall was reported in several areas downwind including Santa Sofía (12 km SW), Morelia (9 km SW), Panimaché I and II (8 km SW), Quisache, and Sangre de Cristo (8 km WSW). Explosions sometimes produced shock waves that rattled houses in communities within a 25-km radius. Incandescent material was ejected 100-600 m high. Lava flows in the Ceniza drainage had variable lengths during the week, from 200 to 600 m long. Avalanches of blocks from the lava flows traveled sometimes long distances, and in some cases set fire to vegetated areas.
Ibu | Halmahera (Indonesia) : The Darwin VAAC reported that during 8-10 and 13 April ash plumes from Ibu rose 1.8-2.1 km (6,000-7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted N, SE, and S based on satellite images and weather models. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was warned to stay at least 2 km away from the active crater, and 3.5 km away on the N side.
Klyuchevskoy | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that Strombolian activity at Klyuchevskoy was visible during 3-10 April along with a bright thermal anomaly identified in satellite images. Vulcanian activity was visible during 6-9 April; ash plumes drifted 200 km S, SE, and E at altitudes of 5.5-6 km (18,000-19,700 ft) a.s.l. on those same days. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange.
Mayon | Luzon (Philippines) : PHIVOLCS reported that during 7-14 April white steam plumes periodically emitted from Mayon rose as high as 400 m above the summit and drifted mainly NW, W, and SW. Crater incandescence was visible nightly. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a 0-5 scale) and PHIVOLCS reminded residents to stay away from the 6-km-radius Permanent Danger Zone and the 7-km Extended Danger Zone on the SSW and ENE flanks.
Merapi | Central Java (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that an eruption at Merapi began at 0910 on 10 April and lasted for one minute and 43 seconds. A gray ash plume rose as high as 3 km above the summit and drifted NW. 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.
Rincon de la Vieja | Costa Rica : OVSICORI-UNA reported periodic hydrothermal explosions at Rincón de la Vieja during 8-14 April. A possible small eruption occurred at 0658 on 8 April and was followed by a decrease in the amplitude of tremor signals. Beginning at 0033 on 11 April a small-scale hydrothermal explosion was recorded by the infrasoiund and seismic networks for 20 seconds. Water and sediment was ejected onto the upper flanks of the volcano. The event was recorded by the webcam located in Sensoria, 4 km N of the crater. In the morning local residents noted that the water in the Pénjamo River was milky white. A small hydrothermal explosion at 0251 on 13 April produced a plume of steam and gas that rose 500 m.
Sheveluch | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Sheveluch was identified in satellite images during 3-10 April. Explosions on 8 April generated ash plumes that rose to 10 km (32,800 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 526 km SE during 8-9 April. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).
Suwanosejima | Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : JMA reported that during 3-10 April incandescence from Suwanosejima’s Ontake Crater was visible nightly. Small eruptions occasionally occurred, producing gray-white plumes that rose as high as 900 m above the crater rim; rumbling sounds were noted in a village 4 km SSW. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a 5-level scale).
Taal | Luzon (Philippines) : PHIVOLCS reported that during 8-9 April steam plumes rose 100-300 m above the Taal’s main vent and drifted SW. Weak steaming (plumes up to 20 m high) from ground cracks was visible during 8-14 April along the Daang Kastila trail which connects the N part of Volcano Island to the N part of the main crater. PHIVOLCS had lowered the Alert Level to 1 (on a scale of 0-5) on 19 March and recommended no entry onto Volcano Island, the area defined as the Permanent Danger Zone.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.1 earthquake hits north of Honduras.
5.6 earthquake hits the Molucca Sea.
5.4 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.3 earthquake hits New Britain, Papua New Guinea.
5.2 earthquake hits Fiji.
5.1 earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.
5.1 earthquake hits off the east coast of Kamchatka, Russia.
5.1 earthquake hits off the coast of Costa Rica.
5.0 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are no current tropical storms. Tropical Storm Jeruto has dissipated.
NewsBytes:
Namibia – The Hydrological Services of Namibia has warned communities in the northern and north-eastern parts of the country to be on high alert for possible flooding as water levels in the Zambezi, Kavango and Kunene rivers continue to rise.
Yemen – Heavy rains have been causing floodwaters to sweep through some areas of war-torn Yemen, overturning cars and damaging shops especially in the capital Sanaa and in Ma’rib.
World’s Longest Animal
Despite advances in technology and research methods, much of the natural world is still waiting to be discovered.
Now scientists from the Schmidt Ocean Institute, exploring the ocean off Western Australia’s coast, have made some astounding discoveries – including what they believe to be 30 new species, along with what may be “the longest animal ever seen”.
One of the biggest discoveries was a siphonophore measuring an estimated 150 feet (46 metres). Siphonophores are deep-sea predators made up of many small clones that act together as one and spread out like a single long string in the water. Researchers think this particular siphonophore may be the longest yet found. Siphonophores feed in much the same way as jellyfish. They dangle stinging tentacles in the water. If an unlucky fish makes contact with the tentacles they are stung, paralysed, and then pulled up into the body of the siphonophore.
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – New Activity for the Week 8 April 2020 – 14 April 2020
Kerinci | Indonesia : According to the Darwin VAAC, PVMBG reported that on 10 April an ash plume from Kerinci rose 600 m above the summit and drifted NW. On 13 April an observer noted that an ash plume rose to 900 m above the summit; the emission was not visible in satellite data. An ash plume rose 400 m above the summit on 14 April; meteorological clouds obscured views. 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.
Krakatau | Indonesia : PVMBG reported that at 2158 and 2235 on 10 April an eruptive event at Anak Krakatau generated dense white, gray, and black ash plumes that rose as high as 2 km above the summit and drifted S and E. The events were followed by Strombolian activity that ejected incandescent material onto the crater floor and summit areas; video revealed lightning visible in the ash cloud. The Darwin VAAC issued a notice at 0145 on 11 April stating that an eruption plume had risen to 14.3 km (47,000 ft) a.s.l., but noted low confidence in the altitude due to the possible mixing of the eruption plume with meteorological storm clouds. An intense thermal anomaly was visible. An hour later the VAAC reported an on-going sulfur-rich plume rising to 11.3 km (37,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifting W; the previous plume remained visible and continued to drift NW. Later that day ash plumes rose to 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted N. During 12-13 April plumes comprised mostly of sulfur dioxide and steam rose to 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l.; the plumes did not have a strong ash signal. 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.
Semeru | Eastern Java (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that during 6-12 April dense white-gray plumes rose 200-500 m above Semeru’s summit. Incandescent material was ejected 20 m above the Jonggring-Seloko Crater. Incandescent material from the ends of lava flows descended 200-1,000 m, reaching a maximum distance of 750-1,500 m from the crater. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was reminded to stay outside of the general 1-km radius from the summit and 4 km on the SSE flank.
Shishaldin | Fox Islands (USA) : AVO reported elevated seismicity at Shishaldin during 8-13 April characterized by occasional low-frequency earthquakes. Minor steaming from the summit crater was sometimes seen in satellite and webcam data. A small thermal anomaly was visible in satellite data during 8-9 April. The Volcano Alert Level remained at Watch and the Aviation colour Code remained at Orange.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.8 earthquake hits northern Colombia.
5.4 earthquake hits the Ryukyu Islands off Japan.
5.3 earthquake hits Santiago del Estero, Argentina.
5.2 earthquake hits offshore Chiapas, Mexico.
5.1 earthquake hits Atacama, Chile.
5.1 earthquake hits Region Metropolitana, Chile.
5.0 earthquake hits off the coast of Aisen, Chile.
5.0 earthquake hits Halamhera, Indonesia.
5.0 earthquake hits the Ryukyu Islands off Japan.
5.0 earthquake hits the Babuyan Islands in the Philippines.
5.0 earthquake hits Crete.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone (tc) 26s (Jeruto), located approximately 868 nm southeast of Diego Garcia, is tracking west-southwestward at 10 knots.
COVID-19
Yellow Fever – South Sudan
The Ministry of Health of South Sudan reported two confirmed yellow fever cases in Kajo Keni county, Central Equatoria State. The cases were identified through a cross-border rapid response team investigation mounted in response to the recently declared outbreak in bordering Moyo district, Uganda.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.0 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.
5.2 earthquake hits central Peru.
5.0 earthquake hits the Molucca Sea.
5.0 earthquake hits the Kuril Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits the State of Yap, Micronesia.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are no current tropical storms.
NewsBytes:
East Coast, USA – Ferocious winds walloped the East Coast on Monday after a harrowing Easter night that saw people huddled in basements, closets and tubs as tornadoes raged across the South, leaving at least 30 dead. Destructive winds were reported across the East on Monday, the Weather Channel said, a day after at least 40 reported tornadoes pounded several states. In Mississippi and Louisiana, the system spawned at least 13 radar-confirmed tornadoes Sunday that damaged up to 300 homes and buildings. More than 60,000 customers were without power across the two states. The Chattanooga, Tennessee, area and several counties in northwest Georgia appeared to take the brunt of the destruction. Murray County, Georgia, Fire Chief Dewayne Bain told WAGA-TV that two mobile home parks were severely damaged. The fierce storm system caused flooding and mudslides in mountainous areas overnight and knocked out electricity for nearly 1.3 million customers in a path from Texas to Maine.
Hawaii – The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for Oahu as drenching rains fall in Windward areas. A flash flood warning means that flooding is imminent or occurring in the warning area. Residents are being advised to stay away from streams, rivers, drainage ditches and culverts.
Locusts – East Africa
Swarms of locusts in Ethiopia have damaged 200 000 hectares of cropland and driven around a million people to require emergency food aid, the United Nations says.
Billions of desert locusts, some in swarms the size of Moscow, have already chomped their way through much of East Africa, including Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, Djibouti, Eritrea, Tanzania, Sudan, South Sudan and Uganda.
Their breeding has been spurred by one of the wettest rainy seasons in the region in four decades.
In Ethiopia, the locusts have caused widespread losses of sorghum, wheat and maize, also known as corn, and vastly reduced the amount of available land for cattle grazing.
Wildfires – Bosnia & Herzegovina
Dozens of wildfires of various sizes have blazed through forests, scrublands and pastures around Mostar, Konjic, Jablanica, Prozor-Rama and other places in the Herzegovina region over the past several days.
Firefighters have managed to contain the largest blazes with the help of helicopters from the Bosnian Army and from neighbouring Montenegro, local authorities and media have reported.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.3 earthquake hits New Britain, Papua New Guinea.
5.3 earthquake hits the Kuril Islands.
5.1 earthquake hits New Britain, Papua New Guinea.
5.0 earthquake hits northern Colombia.
5.0 earthquake hits Kepulauan Sangihe, Indonesia.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are no current tropical storms.
NewsBytes:
Canada – Some southern Manitoba residents spent Easter weekend evacuating their homes as floodwaters crept closer to their homes. The Rural Municipality of Montcalm declared a state of emergency on Saturday in order to help evacuate households. The water levels at Selkirk were high enough to close several roads in the area.
Mississippi, USA – Some communities in North Mississippi saw heavy rain and some localized flooding Sunday afternoon. Others saw fatal storms calling Governor Tate Reeves to declare a state of emergency for Mississippi, as one person died in Waltham County. An apartment complex in Panola County was flooded, but the water receded quickly.
COVID-19
China – China has reported the highest number of new coronavirus cases – 108 – in nearly six weeks.
Russia – Russia recorded its highest daily jump in coronavirus cases with 2,558 new infections out of 18 328 total cases.
Spain – Spain loosens lockdown restrictions as hundreds of thousands of people were allowed to return to work for the first time since a coronavirus outbreak in Spain caused the government to impose a lockdown.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.1 earthquake hits the mid-Indian ridge off the Amsterdam Islands.
5.2 earthquake hits central California. A series of earthquakes shook the California-Nevada border near the Yosemite National Park with the magnitude 5.2 near Bodie, California.
5.1 earthquake hits Tonga.
5.1 earthquake hits eastern Honshu, Japan.
5.0 earthquake hits southern Xinjiang, China.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are no current tropical storms.
NewsBytes:
Iran – Iran is grappling with potentially devastating floods in 16 provinces amid a coronavirus epidemic that has killed thousands, with tens of thousands infected. Unusual snowfalls have blanketed many highland regions in Iran since April 8 and countries to the east, including Tajikistan and other Central Asian countries. Rain has inundated many cities and villages. Emergency services have come to the rescue of many settlements and stranded passengers from western Iran to central regions and farther east near Afghanistan and Pakistan.
North Dakota, USA – The Red River at Grand Forks remains in major flood stages and was observed at 46.92 feet Saturday afternoon, although river levels are continuing to recede. National Weather Service projections show the flood will be downgraded to moderate stages around Monday, April 13. Meanwhile, the river is cresting near Oslo, and was observed Saturday at 37.91 feet. Flood levels are expected to recede slowly over the next week, but will remain in major flood stages at the end of the NWS forecast window on April 18. Below-freezing temperatures forecast for the upcoming week will slow any remaining snowmelt into the river system, according to the National Weather Service.
Army Worm – South Africa
Villagers are panicing as the African armyworm arrives in Eastern Cape fields. The army worm is already destroying pastures and grasslands in Amathole, Alfred Nzo and Chris Hani districts, and now villagers around King William’s Town and Ngqushwa municipality have found them in their crops too. The villagers are trying to spray the invasive pest, but the damage has already been done.
Wildfires – Ukraine, Russia
The wildfires in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone have flared up again. The fires have burned through over 8,600 acres in the past week, according to the Exclusion Zone Management Agency, which manages the site. About 400 firefighters, 100 fire engines and several helicopters were deployed to the area by Saturday.
Contaminated smoke is expected to reach Kiev this week, but the radiation level in the air, once smoke has dispersed far from the fires, is considered safe, and is expected to be about a hundredth of the level deemed an emergency.
Wildfires – Colorado, USA
Crews are responding to a wildfire in southeastern Colorado that’s burning on an estimated 1,200 acres as of 7:30 p.m. Saturday. According to a tweet from the Otero County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO), the “massive” Bent’s Fort fire is on Highway 194 east of La Junta. Multiple fire agencies and law enforcement are on the scene. Ground and air crews are fighting the fire, which has crossed into Bent County.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.8 earthquake hits the Batan Islands in the Philippines.
5.2 earthquake hits the Bonin Islands off Japan.
5.2 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.1 earthquake hits Mindanao in the Philippines.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are no current tropical storms.
NewsBytes:
California, USA – Driving rain closed Route 78 in Carlsbad on Friday morning and prompted water rescues throughout San Diego County. The highway was closed in both directions at 8:30 a.m. with two feet of water in some areas and remained closed at noon. Numerous freeway ramps throughout the region were closed because of flooding. The National Weather Service office in San Diego reported downfall of 1/2 inch per hour in some areas, and said the rain would not end until the evening. A flash flood watch is in effect through 8 p.m.
COVID-19
Ebola – DR Congo
Today an ebola case was reported in DRC, 2 days before calling end to epidemic. The new confirmed case was reported in a 26-year-old man in the city of Beni in the north eastern province of Nord-Kivu.
Yellow Fever – South Sudan
On 3 March 2020, the Ministry of Health of South Sudan reported two presumptive positive cases of yellow fever in Kajo Keni county, Central Equatoria State, South Sudan. Both the cases were subsequently confirmed.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.2 earthquake hits the Chagos Archipelago.
5.1 earthquake hits the northern mid-Atlantic ridge.
5.1 earthquake hits Tarapaca, Chile.
5.0 earthquake hits Guam.
5.0 earthquake hits the Hindu Kush, Afghanistan.
5.0 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits southeast of Easter Island.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are no current tropical storms.
NewsBytes:
Papua New Guinea – More than 200 households have been affected due to flooding in Morobe province of west coast of Papua New Guinea. The Rumu river overflowed. Also damages have been reported to several houses and public buildings across Gabnaron and Zifasing villages.
Greece – Heavy rainfall flooded several houses and shops in Skopelos. Similarly, road damage and landslides have been reported in Zagora-Mouresi Municipality. Mudslides have obstructed the the road linking Zagora and Horefto.
Crete – Authorities in eastern Crete closed the Lasithi plain to traffic to prevent accidents Thursday after the area flooded following four days of intense rainfall. This is the fifth time this year the plain has flooded and that the intensity and duration of the storms, which started on Monday evening and stopped yesterday morning, were unprecedented for the season.
Vanishing Ocean Buffer
The heating of the surface waters of the western North Atlantic under climate change has caused that important layer to shrink, which an international team of researchers says has crippled the water’s ability to absorb the atmosphere’s excess carbon dioxide and heat.
The North Atlantic Subtropical Mode Water has historically been about 800 feet thick. But more than 90% of that layer has been lost due to the warming of the past decade, according to a study published in the journal Nature Climate Change.
The loss is said to also threaten the region’s phytoplankton, the base of the marine food chain near the ocean’s surface.
Chinese Snake Trade
China’s ban on the sale of wild animals because of the coronavirus crisis has nearly wiped out the local economy of an area known for breeding snakes for food.
While experts say the disease probably didn’t emerge directly from snakes, Reuters reports factory and backyard snake farms around Zisiqiao village in Zhejiang province are no longer in business.They had been a key source of the reptiles for restaurants and traditional medicine.
Intensive snake farming has resulted in an increase in the transmission of parasites and various infectious diseases, according to a recent Wuhan University study.
Global Temperature Extremes
The week’s hottest temperature was 114 degrees Fahrenheit (46.7 degrees Celsius) in Matam, Senegal.
The week’s coldest temperature was minus 83.0 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 66.1 degrees Celsius) at Vostok, Antarctica.
Temperatures were tabulated from the more than 10,000 worldwide synoptic weather stations. The United Nations World Meteorological Organization sets the standards for weather observations, and provides a global telecommunications circuit for data distribution.
Wildfires – Chernobyl, Russia
Wildfires raging around Ukraine’s crippled Chernobyl nuclear power plant caused a local spike in radiation but did not affect levels in the capital of Kiev or other nearby areas, according to Yegor Firsov, Ukraine’s ecological inspection service chief.
Firefighters battled blazes across 50 acres inside the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, which may have been deliberately ignited. That area of Ukraine is currently experiencing an extended period of dry weather.
COVID-19
Ebola – DR Congo
No new cases have been reported in the ongoing Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo since 17 February 2020.
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – Ongoing Activity for the Week 1 April 2020 – 7 April 2020
Aira | Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that during 30 March-6 April incandescence from Minamidake Crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) was visible nightly. The seismic network recorded 22 eruptive events and one explosion (at 1558 on 4 April). The highest plume during the period rose to 3.8 km above the crater rim, visible at 1621 on 4 April. Material was ejected 500-900 m 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 9-16 March. Gray-to-white ash plumes rose as high as 1 km above the crater rim and caused ashfall in areas downwind. The sulfur dioxide emission rate was high; the rate on 2 April was 1,900 tons per day. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-5).
Dukono | Halmahera (Indonesia) : Based on satellite and wind model data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 1-7 April ash plumes from Dukono rose to 1.8-2.4 km (6,000-8,000 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 29 and 31 March and 1-2 April that sent ash plumes up to 2.2 km (7,200 ft) a.s.l. Ash plumes drifted NE and E, causing ashfall in Severo-Kurilsk on 1 April. A thermal anomaly was identified in satellite images during 30-31 March. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).
Ebeko | Paramushir Island (Russia) : Volcanologists in Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island), about 7 km E of Ebeko, observed explosions during 29 and 31 March and 1-2 April that sent ash plumes up to 2.2 km (7,200 ft) a.s.l. Ash plumes drifted NE and E, causing ashfall in Severo-Kurilsk on 1 April. A thermal anomaly was identified in satellite images during 30-31 March. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).
Ibu | Halmahera (Indonesia) : The Darwin VAAC reported that on 2 April an ash plume from Ibu rose to 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SW based on satellite images and weather models. On 7 April an ash plume rose to 1.8 km (6,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted S. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was warned to stay at least 2 km away from the active crater, and 3.5 km away on the N side.
Karangetang | Siau Island (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that during 30 March-5 April 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 up to 300 m above the summit; foggy weather occasionally prevented observations. 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 Strombolian activity at Klyuchevskoy was visible during 27 March-3 April, and a bright thermal anomaly was identified in satellite images those same days except for 1 April. Vulcanian activity was visible during 29-20 March; ash plumes drifted as far as 455 km E and NE at altitudes of 5.5-6 km (18,000-19,700 ft) a.s.l. on those same days. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange.
Kuchinoerabujima | Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : JMA reported that during 30 March-3 April white plumes rose 500 m above the rim of Kuchinoerabujima’s Shindake Crater. Sulfur dioxide emissions were at high levels. Very small eruptive events during 5-6 April generated plumes that rose 900 m and merged into weather clouds. The Alert Level remained at 3 (the middle level on a scale of 1-5).
Merapi | Central Java (Indonesia) : PVMBG and BPPTKG reported that incandescence from Merapi’s summit crater was visible at night and in the morning during 30 March-5 April. White plumes with variable densities rose as high as 600 m above the summit. An eruption at 1510 on 2 April generated an ash plume that rose 3 km above the summit. The morphology of the lava dome in the summit crater changed slightly based on a comparison of photos (taken from the DELES 3 station, SW) from 15 March to 2 April. 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.
Nevados de Chillan | Chile : The Buenos Aires VAAC reported that during 1-2 and 4-6 April ash plumes from Nevados de Chillán rose to altitudes of 3.7-4.3 km (12,000-14,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted N, NE, E, and SE, based on webcam and satellite images.
Rincon de la Vieja | Costa Rica : OVSICORI-UNA reported that occasional low-frequency and low-amplitude volcanic earthquakes were ongoing at Rincón de la Vieja. A steam explosion was recorded at 0240 on 1 April. An eruption at 0824 on 4 April generated a plume that rose 1 km above the crater rim. Continuous activity during part of 6-7 April produced emissions rising 50 m above the crater rim.
Sangay | Ecuador : IG reported a high level of activity at Sangay during 1-7 April. Weather clouds often prevented visual observations of the volcano; according to Washington VAAC notices ash plumes rose 570 m above the summit and drifted NW, W, and SW during 2-4 April. Signals indicating lahars were recorded by the seismic network on 2 and 5 April. Incandescent blocks were seen descending the S flank during a break in cloud cover on 4 April.
Semisopochnoi | United States : On 1 April AVO reported that seismic, infrasound, and satellite data collected during the previous two weeks indicated no signs of eruptive activity at Semisopochnoi; the Aviation colour Code was lowered to Yellow and the Volcano Alert Level was lowered to Advisory. A crater lake and robust steam plume were both identified in recent satellite images.
Sheveluch | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Sheveluch was identified in satellite images during 27 March-3 April. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).
Shishaldin | Fox Islands (USA) : AVO reported elevated seismicity at Shishaldin during 1-7 April characterized by weak continuous tremor and occasional low-frequency earthquakes. The webcam recorded steam plumes rising from the summit crater on 1 April. Weakly elevated surface temperatures were visible in satellite images on a few days. The Volcano Alert Level remained at Watch and the Aviation colour Code remained at Orange.
Suwanosejima | Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : JMA reported that during 27 March-3 April incandescence from Suwanosejima’s Ontake Crater was visible nightly. An eruptive event on 2 April produced a grayish-white plume that rose 800 m above the crater rim; ringing sounds were noted in a village 4 km SSW. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a 5-level scale).
Yasur | Vanuatu : Based on webcam images and information from the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department (VMGD), the Wellington VAAC reported that during 2-3 April low-level ash plumes from Yasur rose to an altitude of 1.5 km (5,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted N and SE. Ashfall was confirmed on the SSW parts of the island.
