Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.3 earthquake hits south of Tonga.

5.3 earthquake hits southern Alaska.

5.2 earthquake hits near the coast of southern Peru.

5.0 earthquake hits southeast of Panama.

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Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone 22s (Marian), located approximately 405 nm southwest of the Cocos Islands, Australia, is tracking southwestward at 09 knots.

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Disease

Covid-19

The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:

Dengue Fever – Asia

While it is early in 2021, the two countries reporting the most dengue fever to date in southeast Asia are Vietnam and the Philippines.

In Vietnam, a total of 11,659 cases of dengue without any deaths have been reported through February 14. The Philippines is also one of the countries reporting high number of cases globally to date. As of 6 February 2021, 6,614 dengue cases have been reported in 2021, including 20 deaths (CFR 0.3%).

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Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.6 earthquake hits Fiji.

5.2 earthquake hits Halmahera, Indonesia.

5.2 earthquake hits Iceland.

5.0 earthquake hits Iceland.

5.0 earthquake hits the Azores.

5.0 earthquake hits Vanuatu.

5.0 earthquake hits the southeast Indian ridge.

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Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone 22s (Marian), located approximately 210 nm southwest of the Cocos Islands, Australia, is tracking west-southwestward at 10 knots.

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Wildfires

Wildfires – South Africa

A wildfire in the Jonkershoek Valley in the Cape Winelands continues to rage out of control. Authorities are warning residents to pack a bag and be ready to evacuate. The fire has burned approximately 8 500 hectares and more than 250 firefighters and 24 vehicles are fighting the blaze. Two firefighters have been injured.

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Disease

Covid-19

The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:

Human infection with avian influenza A (H5N8) – the Russian Federation

On 18 February 2021, the National IHR Focal Point for the Russian Federation notified WHO of detection of avian influenza A(H5N8) in seven human clinical specimens. These are the first reported detection of avian influenza A(H5N8) in humans.

Leishmaniasis – Kenya

At least 19 cases of the parasitic disease visceral leishmaniasis, or kala-azar have been reported in Mandera in northeastern Kenya.

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Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.4 earthquake hits the State of Yap, Micronesia.

5.1 earthquake hits the State of Yap, Micronesia.

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Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone 22s (Twenty-two), located approximately 919 nm west-northwest of Learmonth, Australia, is tracking westward at 23 knots.

Newsbytes:

Australia – Torrential rain caused flooding in Mid North Coast area of New South Wales (NSW) Australia from late 24 February 2021. Parts of a freight train derailed near Nana Glen after tracks were flooded. According to Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) figures, 310 mm of rain fell in 24 hours in Nana Glen in 24 hours to 25 February 2021. Meanwhile further north, around 250 people are being evacuated after flooding in areas near Mataranka in Northern Territory (NT), Australia. Rapidly rising waters have surrounded Jilkminggan community near Mataranka, and as a precaution, the Local Emergency Committee has decided to evacuate the community.

Indonesia – A landslide occurred at an illegal mining site located in Burangga Village, Ampibabo District, Parigi Moutong Regency, Central Sulawesi in Indonesia on 24 February, causing at least 3 fatalities. This is the second deadly landslide reported in the country on the same day. The landslide at the Ampibabo mine was caused by heavy rain falling on unstable ground. Meanwhile flooding has also affected over 90,000 people in Semarang City, Central Java, Indonesia over the last few days. One person died after flood waters caused parts of a wall to collapse. According to local disaster authorities, 90,590 people from over 18,000 families have been affected. As many as 9,169 houses were inundated.

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Environment

Arctic Open for Navigation

Global heating has melted so much of the thick multi-year ice off the coast of Siberia that Russia has for the first time been able to navigate a cargo ship from Asia to a home port on the Arctic Ocean in winter. By using the newly opened Northern Sea Route (NSR) instead of the traditional path around Asia and the Middle East, through the Suez Canal and around Europe, the Sovcomflot shipping company saved millions of dollars and days of travel time. Traffic through the NSR has exploded during summer in recent years but has remained closed from November until July. Russia now has plans to use its expanding fleet of civilian nuclear-powered icebreakers to make the path available year-round.

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Wildlife

Power Line Hazard

The electrocution of 11 giraffes from low-hanging transmission lines in a Kenyan conservation area has the country’s power company promising to raise the cables and check its entire network for safety. Conservationists demanded immediate action after three rare Rothschild’s giraffes were killed in the Soysambu Conservancy within three days. Only about 1,600 of the species, which do not have spots on their legs, roam freely in the wild. The Soysambu Conservancy currently hosts about 125 giraffes.

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Environment

Global Temperature Extremes

The week’s hottest temperature was 109 degrees Fahrenheit (42.8 degrees Celsius) in Rivadavia, Argentina.

The week’s coldest temperature was minus 71.0 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 57.2 degrees Celsius) at Vostok, Antarctica.

Temperatures were tabulated from the more than 10,000 worldwide synoptic weather stations. The United Nations World Meteorological Organization sets the standards for weather observations, and provides a global telecommunications circuit for data distribution.

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Disease

Covid-19

The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:

Ebola – Guinea

As of Thursday, the World Health Organization (WHO) has reported nine confirmed and probable Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) cases, including five deaths. While no confirmed cases of Ebola have been recorded outside of the country, the latest outbreak in N’Zerekore prefecture is close to porous borders with Liberia, Sierra Leone and Côte d’Ivoire.

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Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – Ongoing Activity for the Week 17 February 2021 – 23 February 2021

Aira – Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that during 15-22 February incandescence from Minamidake Crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) was visible nightly. An explosion on 16 February generated an eruption plume that rose 1 km above the crater rim and ejected bombs 1-1.3 km away from the crater. That same day the sulfur dioxide emission rate was extremely high, at 4,300 tons per day. An ash plume from an explosion at 2253 on 21 February rose 1.6 km and entered weather clouds. Large bombs were ejected 800-1,100 m away from the crater. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a 5-level scale).

Ebeko – Paramushir Island (Russia) : Volcanologists in Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island), about 7 km E of Ebeko, observed explosions during 12, 14-15, and 17 February that sent ash plumes to 2.1 km (6,900 ft) a.s.l. and drifted E and SE. Ashfall was reported in Severo-Kurilsk on 15 February and a thermal anomaly was identified in satellite images on 17 February. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level

Fuego – Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that 4-12 explosions were recorded per hour during 17-23 February at Fuego, generating ash plumes as high as 1.1 km above the crater rim. Shock waves rattled buildings around the volcano. Block avalanches descended the Ceniza (SSW), Seca (W), Trinidad (S), Taniluyá (SW), Las Lajas (SE), and Honda drainages, often reaching vegetated areas. Ashfall was reported on most days in several areas downwind including Morelia (9 km SW), Panimaché I (8 km SW), Santa Sofía (12 km SW), El Porvenir (8 km ENE), and San Pedro Yepocapa (8 km NW). Notably, on 17 February ash plumes drifted as far as 50 km E, causing ashfall in local communities as well as in Guatemala City (city center is about 40 km ENE). Ash plumes drifted 40 km SW on 18 February. Curtains of old ash deposits remobilized by strong winds were observed during 19-21 February. Incandescent material was ejected 100-400 m above the summit during 19-22 February.

Ibu – Halmahera (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that on most days during 17-23 February gray-and-white ash plume from Ibu were seen rising 200-800 m above the summit and drifting in multiple directions. Weather conditions sometimes hindered observations. The report stated that during 16-17 February there were a total of 88 eruptive events. 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.

Kilauea – Hawaiian Islands (USA) : HVO reported that a vent on the inner NW wall of Kilauea’s Halema`uma`u Crater continued to supply the lava lake during 17-23 February. The depth of the western part of the lake fluctuated between 215 and 218 m and the lake surface actively overturned at “plate” boundaries. The sulfur dioxide emission rate was elevated at 1,000 tons/day on 19 February.

Lewotolo – Lomblen Island (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that the eruption at Lewotolok continued during 16-23 February; weather conditions sometimes hindered visual observations. Gray-and-white ash plumes rose 50-500 m above the summit and drifted E and SE. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4) and the public was warned to stay 4 km away from the summer crater.

Merapi – Central Java (Indonesia) : BPPTKG reported that the 2021 lava dome just below Merapi’s SW rim and the new lava dome in the summit crater both continued to grow during 12-18 February. The 2021 lava dome volume was an estimated 397,500 cubic meters on 17 February, with a growth rate of about 25,200 cubic meters per day; it was 258 m long, 133 m wide, and 30 m high. The summit lava dome was an estimated 426,000 cubic meters, with a growth rate of about 10,000 cubic meters per day; it was 160 m long, 120 m wide, and 50 m high. Seismicity was less intense than the previous week. Electronic Distance Measurement (EDM) data showed no notable deformation. PVMBG noted that foggy conditions often prevented visual observations during 18-23 February, though sometimes white emissions were observed rising up to 400 m above the summit. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public were warned to stay 5 km away from the summit.

Sabancaya – Peru : Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP) reported a daily average of 71 explosions at Sabancaya during 15-21 February. Gas-and-ash plumes rose as high as 3.2 km above the summit and drifted in multiple directions. Ten thermal anomalies originating from the lava dome in the summit crater were identified in satellite data. Minor inflation continued to be detected in areas N of Hualca Hualca (4 km N). 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.

Semeru – Eastern Java (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that the eruption at Semeru continued during 17-23 February, though weather conditions often prevented visual confirmation. At 0601 on 17 February an ash plume rose 300 m and drifted N. A white-and-gray ash plume rose 100 m and drifted N, NE, and E on 18 February. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), with a general exclusion zone of 1 km and extensions to 4 km in the SSE sector.

Semisopochnoi – United States : AVO reported that no significant activity at Semisopochnoi was recorded after several ash deposits were visible in satellite images during 6-7 February. On 19 February the Aviation colour Code and the Volcano Alert Level were lowered to Yellow/Advisory, respectively.

Sheveluch – Central Kamchatka (Russia) :KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Sheveluch was identified in satellite images during 12-19 February. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).

Sinabung – Indonesia : PVMBG reported that the eruption at Sinabung continued during 17-23 February, though weather conditions sometimes prevented visual confirmation. White plumes rose as high as 1 km above the summit and drifted in multiple directions. On 21 February pyroclastic flows traveled as far as 2 km down the E and SE flanks. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4), with a general exclusion zone of 3 km and extensions to 5 km in the SE sector and 4 km in the NE sector.

Suwanosejima – Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : JMA reported intermittent eruptive events at Ontake Crater during 12-19 February. These events produced ash plumes that rose as high as 1.5 km above the crater rim and ejected bombs 300 m away from the crater. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a 5-level scale).

Whakaari/White Island – North Island (New Zealand) : GeoNet reported that beginning around 0220 on 19 February a series of short-lived, low-energy steam explosions at Whakaari/White Island were recorded for about 100 minutes by local seismic and acoustic instruments. Webcam images were dark due to the time of day; no trace ash deposits were visible. Tremor had begun around 2100 the night before and then ceased at 0550 when the steam explosions ended. Visual observations and gas flux measurements taken during an overflight on 18 February showed no changes compared to the previous month. The Volcanic Alert Level remained at 1 and the Aviation colour Code remained at Green.

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Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.3 earthquake hits Iceland.

5.3 earthquake hits the southwest Indian ridge.

5.2 earthquake hits the Pacific-Antarctic ridge.

5.1 earthquake hits Guam.

5.0 earthquake hits Iceland.

5.0 earthquake hits Tonga.

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Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:

There are no current tropical storms.

Newsbytes:

Indonesia – Heavy rainfall triggered deadly landslides in Pamekasan Regency, East Java Province, Indonesia, on 24 February 2021. The landslides struck in the early hours, affecting the villages of Jepun and Bindang in Pasean District. Disaster authorities reported at least 5 people were killed. Two houses are thought to have been buried, while around 20 other homes and a school were also damaged. Surabaya City recorded 78mm of rain in 24 hours to 24 February, while Semarang City in Central Java recorded 155mm.

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Wildlife

Wildlife Severely Affected in Texas Freeze

Bats and birds were among the wildlife pummeled during the Southern freeze. Starving and disoriented, the winged mammals tumbled to the snow-coated ground as temperatures plunged to levels rarely seen in the region. Bats are among numerous wildlife believed to have taken a beating in the South, a region unaccustomed to such a severe and prolonged cold snap. Many species migrate there for winter precisely because of its normally mild weather.

Fish kills were feared in Arkansas and Louisiana. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department said it expected casualties among exotic deer and antelope. Across the Gulf of Mexico coast as far east as Florida, naturalists worried about monarch butterflies and the milkweed plants essential to their survival as they prepare to migrate northward. Milkweed provides spots for female monarchs to lay eggs and food for their larvae. If the plants’ growth across the South is stunted, more young would not survive.

Sea turtles stunned by frigid Gulf coastal waters were still being cared for at facilities this week. More than 10,600 had been found and officials were tabulating how many died.

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Disease

Covid-19

The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:

Lassa fever – Nigeria

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) reported an additional confirmed Lassa fever cases the week ending February 21, bringing the country total to 102. In addition, three additional deaths were reported–bringing the death toll to 22 for the first seven weeks of 2021.

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Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – New Activity for the Week 17 February 2021 – 23 February 2021

Etna – Sicily (Italy) : INGV reported that a series of paroxysmal events separated by relative calm periods at Etna began on 16 February and continued at least through 23 February. The first episode began late on 16 February, characterized by gradually increasing Strombolian activity at the E vents of the Southeast Crater (SEC). Overflows of lava from the crater at 1805 caused a partial collapse of the cone and a pyroclastic flow that traveled 1.5 km along the W wall of the Valle de Bove. Lava fountains afterwards rose 500-600 m high. An eruptive plume rose several kilometers and drifted S, causing ashfall in areas as far as Syracuse, 60-80 km SSE. Lava flows advanced into the Valle de Bove and the Valle del Leone, and produced explosions in areas where they interacted with snow cover. Activity ended around 1900.

Klyuchevskoy – Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that during 1100-1150 on 18 February a new vent opened on Klyuchevskoy’s lower NW flank, near Erman glacier at elevations of 2,500-2,700 m, based on satellite images. Snowfall in the area of Klyuchi during 18-19 February inhibited webcam views. Bright incandescence was visible in webcam images beginning at 0323 on 21 February, likely indicating an advancing lava flow. On 23 February the Kamchatka Volcanological Station team reported that lava was flowing from two vents and bombs were being ejected 50 m high. A lahar along the Krutenkaya River was visible in an area 7 km E of Klyuchi Village (30 km NNE). Bright incandescence over the two flank vents was identified in satellite and video images on 24 February. KVERT raised the Aviation colour Code to Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).

Krysuvik – Iceland : IMO raised the Aviation colour Code for Krýsuvík to Yellow on 24 February based on recent increased seismicity. Intense seismic activity had been detected for the previous few days and since midnight through the generation of the report at 1107 more than 500 earthquakes had been recorded. At 1005 a M 5.7 earthquake occurred 5 km W of Krýsuvík and at 1027 a M 4.2 was located in Nupshlidarhals, less than 1 km NW of Krýsuvík. The seismic unrest was unusual for the area in the context of the unrest in the Reykjanes peninsula that began in January 2020.

Laguna del Maule – Central Chile-Argentina border : SERNAGEOMIN reported that during 1-16 February the seismic network at Laguna del Maule recorded a total of 533 volcano-tectonic earthquakes. Two earthquake swarms were recorded during 15-16 February; the largest events were local magnitude 3.1, and were located 9.1 and 8.8 km SW of the lake at a depth of 1.9 km. The epicenters were near the area producing anomalous carbon dioxide emissions. Swarms were recorded in June and December 2020, and January and February 2021, with the largest events occurring during the most recent swarm. The highest rate of inflation during the previous 30 days was 2.3 cm/month, recorded at a station closest to the center of deformation. The highest horizontal displacement was an estimated 1.4 cm/month from a station just SW of the center. InSAR data mostly showed agreement in the magnitude and distribution of the ground-based deformation data. Overall, the deformation rates were higher than maximum averages. On 22 February the Alert Level was raised to Yellow, the second lowest level on a four-colour scale. ONEMI declared a Yellow Alert for San Clemente and recommended restricted access within a radius of 2 km from the center of elevated carbon dioxide emissions.

Pacaya – Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that seismicity at Pacaya increased around 0900 on 18 February. Incandescent material was ejected 200 m above Mackenney Crater and explosions produced gas-and-ash plumes that rose 450 m and drifted mostly NE and S. An active lava flow on the SSW flank was 1.1 km long and generated hot block avalanches from the flow front. A lava flow emerged on the SW flank on 19 February. During 19-20 February periods of increased activity lasted 3-5 hours; moderate-to-loud explosions were accompanied by rumbling and sounds resembling trains. Ballistics were ejected 300- 500 m from the crater and ash plumes rose as high as 450 m and drifted SW. Ashfall was reported in areas downwind including El Rodeo and El Patrocinio. A lava flow on the S flank was 800 m long and produced incandescent blocks from the flow front that descended 500 m.

Raung – Eastern Java (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that daily gray and sometimes black ash plumes rose 200-1,200 m above Raung’s summit during 17-23 February. Ash plumes were sometimes dense and drifted mainly N, NE, E, and S. 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.

Sarychev Peak-Matua Island (Russia) : SVERT noted that thermal anomalies over Sarychev Peak were identified in satellite images during 9-10 and 12-14 February. KVERT reported on 19 February that the effusive eruption was over, though lava continued to advance in the summit crater and a thermal anomaly remained visible. KVERT lowered the Aviation colour Code to Green (the lowest level on a four-colour scale).

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Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.3 earthquake hits Kepulauan Talaud, Indonesia.

5.1 earthquake hits northern Algeria.

5.0 earthquake hits Vanuatu.

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Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:

There are no current tropical storms.

Newsbytes:

South Africa/Zimbabwe – Flash floods were reported in towns close to the South Africa and Zimbabwe border after a thunderstorm brought heavy rain from 21 to 22 February 2021. In South Africa, flooding affected parts of Vhembe District, Limpopo Proince, in particular the town of Musina, where roads and homes were damaged along with electricity and water infrastructure. Flooding also affected areas the border town of Beitbridge in Matabeleland South, Zimbabwe, damaging roads and some buildings.

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Wildlife

Beached Whales

Hundreds of people in New Zealand worked together to successfully “refloat” 40 long-finned pilot whales that stranded on a remote beach. The whales did not swim out into the deeper ocean, however, so some conservationists are worried that the animals may beach themselves a second time. The 40 whales initially stranded Monday morning (Feb. 22) on Farewell Spit, a beach on South Island, along with nine other whales that died during the stranding.

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Disease

Covid-19

The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:

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Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.7 earthquake hits Minahasa, Sulawesi, Indonesia.

5.5 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.

5.3 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.

5.2 earthquake hits offshore Chiapas, Mexico.

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

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Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:

There are no current tropical storms.

Newsbytes:

Peru – Flooding in Madre de Dios Region of Peru has affected at least 15,000 people and damaged thousands of homes. The government has declared a State of Emergency for 60 days for the region. Water and electricity services have been interrupted and around 3,000 hectares of crops damaged.

Indonesia – The flood situation in Greater Jakarta, Indonesia, has worsened over the last 2 days. As of 22 February as many as 5 people have died, 2 are missing and over 30,000 people displaced.

Brazil – Heavy rain caused landslides and flooding in parts of Minas Gerais state in Brazil during the period 18 to 21 February 2021. Two people died and 4 are missing after a landslide caused a house to collapse in Santa Maria de Itabira. Other landslides and flooding also caused severe damage in the city.

Philippines – Thousands of people have evacuated their homes after flooding in Surigao del Sur Province in the Philippines. On 22 February severe weather brought by Tropical Storm Dujuan (known locally as Auring) has so far affected 50,956 people across the 3 regions of Northern Mindanao. Over 60,000 people were pre-emptively evacuated. As of 22 February, 12,825 families or 49,236 people remained in 308 evacuation centres.

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Environment

Oil Spill in the Mediterranean

A suspected oil tanker leak off the coast of Israel last week has led to Israel’s biggest maritime ecological disaster in many years, with authorities closing the country’s beaches and beginning a massive cleanup effort.

Chunks of sticky, black tar began washing up late last week. On Sunday, Israel’s Environmental Protection Ministry warned people to avoid going to beaches from the country’s northern border with Lebanon all the way to the south near the Gaza Strip. Tar exposure can make people sick and irritate the skin.

The tar pollution has already affected wildlife. Volunteers rushed to rescue sea birds, turtles and fish that were covered in oily residue or had ingested oil. One species that has ecologists particularly worried is a reef-building snail called Dendropoma petraeum. As the Mediterranean Sea heats up due to global warming, the snail’s population on the Israeli coast has plummeted. That makes the species particularly vulnerable to other ecological disasters.

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Disease

Covid-19

The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:

Ebola – DR Congo

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), authorities announced a 7th positive case of the Ebola virus.

Leptospirosis – New Caledonia

The New Caledonia Department of Health and Social Affairs reports an increase in leptospirosis cases in the first two months of 2021. From January 1 to February 21, a total of 80 cases were reported.

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Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.5 earthquake hits southeast of the Loyalty Islands.

5.2 earthquake hits southeast of the Loyalty Islands.

5.1 earthquake hits the Molucca Sea.

5.0 earthquake hits Vanuatu.

5.0 earthquake hits Tonga.

5.0 earthquake hits the Flores region, Indonesia.

5.0 earthquake hits New Ireland, Papua New Guinea.

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Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Northwest Pacific/North Indian Ocean: Tropical Depression 01w (Dujuan), located approximately 373 nm southeast of Manila, Philippines, is tracking northwestward at 05 knots.

In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone 21s (Guambe), located approximately 750 nm south-southeast of Europa island, is tracking east-northeastward at 35 knots.

Newsbytes:

Brazil – Over 100,000 people have been affected by flooding in the state of Acre, northwestern Brazil, after several rivers in the state broke their banks fin the last week. The State has declared an emergency situation. Acre is facing one of the most challenging times in its history, dealing with the worsening of the coronavirus pandemic, dengue outbreak, migratory crisis on the border with Peru and the overflow of rivers which has affected several municipalities across the state, including the capital Rio Branco.

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Disease

Covid-19

The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:

Ebola – Guinea

Health authorities in Guinea have reported a confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the Kankan region–outside the Gouecké, Nzérékoré and Conakary areas. This is the first case of Ebola recorded in Léro in the prefecture of Siguiri.

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Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.1 earthquake hits Vanuatu.

5.1 earthquake hits off the coast of Oregon, USA.

5.0 earthquake hits central Peru.

5.0 earthquake hits southwestern Siberia, Russia.

5.0 earthquake hits the Kuril Islands.

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Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Northwest Pacific/North Indian Ocean: Tropical Depression 01w (Dujuan), located approximately 518 nm southeast of Manila, Philippines, is tracking west-northwestward at 17 knots.

In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone 21s (Guambe), located approximately 409 nm south-southwest of Europa island, is tracking southeastward at 14 knots.

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Disease

Covid-19

The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:

Dengue Fever – Paraguay

The Paraguay Ministry of Health reported today that approximately 700 dengue fever notifications a week to date, prompting calls for the public to eliminate breeding sites and use protection barriers to avoid mosquito bites. In addition, health officials reported the second dengue-related death.

Bird Flu in Humans – Russia

Russian officials are reporting 7 human infections with the A(H5N8) bird flu virus. The virus infected workers of a poultry farm in southern Russia, where an outbreak was recorded among the birds in December.

Plague – DR Congo

In a follow-up report at the beginning of the year, health officials in the Ituri province region in the northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are reporting some 520 plague cases during the past three months, including 31 deaths.

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Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

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

5.3 earthquake hits Vanuatu.

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Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Northwest Pacific/North Indian Ocean: Tropical Depression 01w (Dujuan), located approximately 355 nm east of Davao, Philippines, is tracking northeastward at 06 knots.

In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone 21s (Guambe), located approximately 300 nm southwest of Europa island, is tracking southward at 05 knots.

Newsbytes:

Madagascar – Madagascar reported on 17 February 2021 that 1 person has died around 1,400 people have been affected by recent heavy rainfall, floods and landslides across the regions of Alaotra-Mangoro, Analamanga, Melaky and Menabe. Over 200 homes have been damaged.

Uganda – Uganda Red Cross reports that at least 7 people have died in a landslide in Western Uganda. The landslide buried a house in Karungu Sub-county, Buhweju District late on 18 February, 2021. Local media later reported the number of fatalities as 8, including several children.

Indonesia – Over 1,300 people have been displaced by recent flooding in Jakarta and surrounding areas in Indonesia. Halim Perdanakusuma International Airport in East Jakarta recorded 160 mm of rain in 24 hours to 19 February. In the following 24 hours period, 226mm of rain fell in Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta.

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Disease

Covid-19

The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:

Cholera – DR Congo

In the past week, more than 80 cases of cholera including 3 deaths have been recorded in the city of Sange in the territory of Uvira in South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Ebola – DR Congo

Two new cases of Ebola virus disease were confirmed in the province of North Kivu, in the east of the country on Thursday, February 18, 2021 after investigations carried out by response teams.

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Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.4 earthquake hits MacQuarie Island.

5.3 earthquake hits Fiji.

5.3 earthquake hits Tonga.

5.3 earthquake hits Vanuatu.

5.2 earthquake hits the Andreanof Islands in the Aleutian Islands.

5.2 earthquake hits offshore Coquimbo, Chile.

5.2 earthquake hits west of MacQuare Island.

5.1 earthquake hits the Per-Ecuador border.

5.1 earthquake hits near the north coast of New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.

5.1 earthquake hits the central east Pacific rise.

5.1 earthquake hits southeast of the Loyalty Islands.

5.1 earthquake hits the ventral mid-Atlantic ridge.

5.0 earthquake hits Fiji.

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Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Northwest Pacific/North Indian Ocean: Tropical Storm 01w (Dujuan), located approximately 682 nm southeast of Manila, Philippines, is tracking westward at 10 knots.

In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone 21s (Guambe), located approximately 236 nm southwest of Europa island, is tracking southwestward at 06 knots.

Newsbytes:

Ecuador – At least 1 person has died and several were injured after heavy rain triggered landslides and flooding in El Oro Province, southern Ecuador.

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Global Warming

Ozone Healing

The level of ozone-depleting chemicals banned by the 1987 Montreal Protocol to stop the annual ozone hole from forming over the Antarctic is once again falling.

The illicit use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in the manufacture of polyurethane insulation foam in China, discovered in 2018, had caused the levels of atmospheric CFCs to be higher than expected. This caused the healing of the ozone layer to be slower than what scientists had predicted. But now that China has reined in the use of those compounds, their levels in the atmosphere are once again declining.

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Environment

Bitcoin Fuel

Electricity used to operate Bitcoin’s “mining” operations around the world now exceeds that used by the entire nation of Argentina.

Experts told the BBC that the energy consumed by the cryptocurrency’s operations increased sharply as its value soared to ever-higher record levels during February. The complex puzzles that run on a vast network of computers, required to keep Bitcoin secure and verify its transactions, consume an enormous amount of power. The operators of those “mining” efforts earn a small amount of bitcoins for the tasks, with some filling warehouses with computers that operate continuously to maximize profits.

Some suggest imposing a carbon tax on all cryptocurrencies to offset the greenhouse gas emissions that result from their operations.

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Environment

Global Temperature Extremes

The week’s hottest temperature was 107 degrees Fahrenheit (41.7 degrees Celsius) in Kaolack, Senegal.

The week’s coldest temperature was minus 68.0 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 55.6 degrees Celsius) at Vostok, Antarctica.

Temperatures were tabulated from the more than 10,000 worldwide synoptic weather stations. The United Nations World Meteorological Organization sets the standards for weather observations, and provides a global telecommunications circuit for data distribution.

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Disease

Covid-19

The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:

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Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – Ongoing Activity for the Week 10 February 2021 – 16 February 2021

Aira – Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that during 8-15 February incandescence from Minamidake Crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) was often visible nightly. One explosion and five eruptive events generated eruption plumes that rose 1.4-1.5 km above the crater rim and ejected bombs 800-1,100 km away from the crater. The sulfur dioxide emission rate was high, at 2,500 tons per day on 9 February. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a 5-level scale).

Ebeko – Paramushir Island (Russia) : Volcanologists in Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island), about 7 km E of Ebeko, observed explosions during 29 January and 1-2 February that sent ash plumes to 3.6 km (11,800 ft) a.s.l. and drifted in multiple directions. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).

Dukono – Halmahera (Indonesia) : Based on satellite and wind model data and information from PVMBG, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 12-13 February ash plumes from Dukono rose to 1.5-1.8 km (5,000-6,000 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.

Fuego – Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that continuous avalanches of material at Fuego during 9-10 February descended the Ceniza (SSW), Seca (W), Trinidad (S), Taniluyá (SW), Las Lajas (SE), and Honda drainages. There were 8-12 explosions per hour, generating ash plumes that rose as high as 1.1 km above the crater rim that drifted 15-20 km W and SE. Ashfall was reported in areas downwind including Santa Sofía, Panimache, Morelia, and Yucales, and shockwaves were audible up to 15 km away. The number of explosions increased to 3-6 per hour during 11-12 February. Ash-and-gas plumes rose to 1.1 km and drifted W and SW, causing ashfall in Sangre de Cristo, Palo Verde, and Yepocapa. Shock waves were felt by nearby residents. Avalanches of material descended the flanks, reaching vegetated areas. During 12-13 February incandescent material was ejected 200 m above the summit and shock waved vibrated local structures. A lava flow had traveled 1 km down the Ceniza drainage, spalling blocks from the flow front that reached vegetated areas. By 14 February the lava flow had lengthened to 1.5 km and a lava flow in the Seca drainage traveled 500 m. During 1020-1023 a series of pyroclastic flows traveled several hundred meters down the Ceniza. Ash plumes from explosions rose 850 m and drifted NE, E, and SE, and caused ashfall in Alotenango, El Porvenir, and Finca La Reunion, in the department of Sacatépequez. During 14-15 February explosions ejected incandescent material 100 m above the summit and rattled nearby structures. Ash plumes rose as high as 450 m and drifted short distances E. Lava flows remained active; they were 800 and 200 m long in the Ceniza and Seca drainages, respectively. Block avalanches from the lava-flow fronts reached vegetated areas. The lava effusion rate had steadily decreased during the late morning of 15 February. During the afternoon explosions, occurring at a rate of 14-30 per hour, produced ash plumes that rose 850-1,050 m above the summit and drifted as far as 50 km E, NE, and N. Ash fell in Porvenir and Alotenango. Activity continued to decrease through the day, characterized by a reduction in the explosion rate, less intense summit incandescence, and low RSAM values. INSIVUMEH declared an end to the effusive eruption phase. Explosions (12-14 per hour) generated ash plumes that rose over 1 km and drifted 130 km N, NE, and E.

Kanlaon – Philippines : PHIVOLCS reported slightly increased seismic activity and volcanic gas flux at Kanlaon. The seismic network recorded 28 volcanic earthquakes during 11-13 February with local magnitudes between 0.7 and 2.2. They were located at shallow depths around 10 km across the N to E portions of the edifice. The sulfur dioxide emission rate on 13 February was 1,130 tonnes per day, the highest value recorded this year; sulfur dioxide emissions had been higher than background levels of 300 tonnes/day since June 2020. Ground deformation data from continuous GPS and tilt measurements indicated slight inflation of the lower and middle flanks since June 2020. Increased seismic activity continued through 16 February; from 0800 on 14 February to 0800 on 16 February there were a total of 59 earthquakes. The Alert Level remained at 1 (on a scale of 0-5) and PHIVOLCS reminded the public to remain outside of the 4-km-radius Permanent Danger Zone.

Karymsky – Eastern Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that activity at Karymsky had decreased; strong explosions were last observed on 2 January and a thermal anomaly was last detected in satellite images on 5 February. The Aviation colour Code was lowered to Yellow (the second lowest level on a four-colour scale) on 11 February and then lowered to Green, the lowest level, on 16 February. Gas-and-steam emissions persisted.

Kavachi – Solomon Islands : Satellite data showed discoloured water around and to the SW of Kavachi on 25 January. Discoloured water was not obviously visible in 20 January images; weather clouds prevented views of the area in images through 14 February.

Kilauea – Hawaiian Islands (USA) : HVO reported that a vent on the inner NW wall of Kilauea’s Halema`uma`u Crater continued to supply the lava lake during 10-16 February. The western part of the lake deepened from 215 m to around 217 m and the lake surface actively overturned at “plate” boundaries. The W end of the lava lake was perched by 3 m above the distal margin of recent overflows. A series of surficial cracks separated the W part of the lake from the stagnant E part. Lava spillovers just N of the inlet of lava sporadically flowed around the NW margin of the perched lake. Gas jetting at two locations above the W vents and two bursts of spatter were observed during 9-10 February. The sulfur dioxide emission rate was 1,600 and 1,100 tons/day on 10 and 12 February, respectively. During 15-16 February a few lava flows were visible along the N and E margins of the E part of the lake.

Klyuchevskoy – Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that activity at Klyuchevskoy notably decreased, with the eruption likely ending on 8 Febryary. The temperature of the thermal anomaly identified in satellite images abruptly dropped on 7 February, and the magnitude of volcanic tremor decreased during 7-8 February and continued to decline through 12 February. Strombolian activity was not visible at night during 11-12 February. The Aviation colour Code was lowered to Yellow (the second lowest level on a four-colour scale) on 12 February. The Tokyo VAAC reported that re-suspended ash was identified in satellite images during 12-13 February. On 15 February an ash plume rose to 5.2 km (17,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE.

Lewotolo – Lomblen Island (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that the eruption at Lewotolo continued during 9-15 February. Gray-and-white ash plumes rose 400-1,000 m above the summit and drifted E and SE. Strombolian explosions ejected material 500 m SE on 13 February. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4) and the public was warned to stay 4 km away from the summer crater.

Pacaya – Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that a during 9-10 February Strombolian explosions at Pacaya’s Mackenney Crater ejected material 200-300 high and away from the crater. Ash clouds occasionally rose as high as 650 m and drifted 10 km W and SW. A 1.3-km-long lava flow was active on the S flank; block avalanches from the front of the lava flow descended 200 m. Activity increased around 1600 on 10 February. Strombolian explosions ejected incandescent material 500 m above the crater rim and produced gas-and-ash plumes that drifted W. Ashfall was reported in the villages of El Patrocinio (about 5 km W) and El Rodeo (4 km WSW). During 11-12 February material was ejected 300-500 m above the crater. Ash plumes rose 950 m and drifted N, causing ashfall in San Francisco de Sales (5 km N), San Jose Calderas, and Concepción el Cedro (9 km NNW). Seismic data recorded pulses of increased activity during the morning of 12 February and again around 1400 on 13 February. Explosions ejected material 300-500 m above the crater. Ash-and-gas plumes rose almost 500 m and drifted 6 km W, N, and NE, causing ashfall in Santa Elena Barillas (6 km ENE), Mesillas Bajas (5 km NE), and Mesillas Altas. Another pulse of activity was recorded at 1145 on 14 February. Material was ejected as high as 250 m. Ash plumes rose less than 400 m and drifted 5 km E. A 650-m-long lava flow in the SSW flank was active on 15 February. Explosions continued to ejected material as high as 250 m above the vent.

San Cristobal – Nicaragua : The Washington VAAC reported that on 14 February an ash cloud from San Cristóbal rose to 2.3 km (7,500 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SW based on satellite data, webcam images, and weather models. A thermal anomaly was also identified.

San Miguel – El Salvador : SNET stated that San Miguel’s seismic network recorded long-lasting and continuous periods of volcanic tremor that began on 7 February and continued through 14 February. Discrete earthquakes from minor rock fracturing were also detected. RSAM values fluctuated between 25 and 75 units, below normal values around 150 units.

Sheveluch – Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Sheveluch was identified in satellite images during 5-12 February. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).

Sinabung – Indonesia : PVMBG reported that the eruption at Sinabung continued during 10-16 February, though weather conditions sometimes prevented visual confirmation. Dense white plumes rose as high as 1 km above the summit and drifted in multiple directions. During 12-14 February pyroclastic flows traveled as far as 2 km down the E and SE flanks. Avalanches descended 500-1,500 m down the E, SE, and S flanks. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4), with a general exclusion zone of 3 km and extensions to 5 km in the SE sector and 4 km in the NE sector.

Soufriere St. Vincent – St. Vincent : University of the West Indies Seismic Research Centre (UWI-SRC) and National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) reported that the lava dome in Soufrière St. Vincent’s main crater continued to grow during 10-16 February. Gas-and-steam continued to rise from the top of the dome as well as along the contact of the old and new domes. The dome also grew taller and spread laterally to the NW and SE. By 12 February the it was 90 m tall, 618 m long, 232 m wide, and had an estimated volume of 6.83 million cubic meters. Four additional seismometers were installed, strengthening the seismic network. NEMO reminded the public to avoid the volcano and that descending into the crater remained extremely dangerous. The Alert Level remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).

Suwanosejima – Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : JMA reported that incandescence at Suwanosejima’s Ontake Crater was occasionally visible at night during 5-12 February. Intermittent eruptive events produced ash plumes that rose as high as 1.2 km above the crater rim and ejected bombs 500 m away from the crater. Ashfall was reported in Toshima village (4 km SSW). The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a 5-level scale).

Taal – Luzon (Philippines) : PHIVOLCS reported that geochemical data collected from Taal’s Main Crater lake indicated a continuous acidification of the water from pH 2.79 to 1.59 between January 2020 and February 2021. A maximum temperature of 77.1 degrees Celsius was unseasonably high, and carbon dioxide/hydrogen sulfide gas flux ratios were consistent with shallow magma degassing. Tilt data indicated minor deflation around Main Crater, though minor inflation was consistently recorded across the Taal region as indicated by analysis of GPS data, InSAR, and microgravity changes. A total of 68 relatively weak tremor signals were detected during 13-15 February; 50 of those were recorded during 0500-1500 on 15 February. The events on 15 February ranged in duration from two to five minutes and occurred at depths less than 1 km. The depth and location of the earthquakes suggested increased hydrothermal activity beneath Taal Volcano Island. Increased seismic activity continued through 16 February; from 0800 on 15 February to 0800 on 16 February there were a total of 98 earthquakes. The Alert Level remained at 1 (on a scale of 0-5) and PHIVOLCS strongly recommended no entry onto the island, and the Main Crater and the Daang Kastila fissure (along the walking trail) was strictly prohibited.

Villarrica – Chile : SERNAGEOMIN reported that dense gas emissions were observed in Villarrica’s webcam images rising 700 m above the summit on 10 February. Long-period (LP) events were recorded by the seismic network at 1146 and 1156 on 16 February. Ash emissions associated with the earthquakes rose 160 m and drifted NW and 280 m and drifted NE, respectively. The Alert Level remained 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 the exclusion zone for the public of 500 m around the crater.

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Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

6.1 earthquake hits Vanuatu.

5.8 earthquake hits southeast of the Loyalty Islands.

5.5 earthquake hits Vanuatu.

5.4 earthquake hits central Iran.

5.2 earthquake hits Vanuatu.

5.2 earthquake hits Southeast of the Loyalty Islands.

5.1 earthquake hits Taiwan.

5.1 earthquake hits southeast of the Loyalty Islands.

5.0 earthquake hits southeast of the Loyalty Islands.

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Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Northwest Pacific/North Indian Ocean: Tropical depression 01w (One), located approximately 787 nm east-southeast of Manila, Philippines, is tracking northwestward at 05 knots.

Newsbytes:

Peru – At least 1 person has died and 9 are missing after flooding and mudslides in the region of Cusco in southern Peru. the disaster, triggered by heavy rainfall, occurred on 16 February in the Santa Ana district on the outskirts of the city of Quillabamba in La Convención Province. Initial assessments suggest that 13 homes were destroyed along with 2 bridges and 2 schools. Around 11 other homes and buildings were damaged, as were roads, crops and power infrastructure.

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Disease

Covid-19

The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:

Legionnaires Disease – Australia

NSW Health is reporting an increase in Legionnaires’ disease cases in the Greater Sydney area in December and January. Seventeen cases of Legionnaires’ disease were notified across Sydney and in the Illawarra in January. Health officials has not identified a specific source to date.

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Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – New Activity for the Week 10 February 2021 – 16 February 2021

Etna – Sicily (Italy) : Strombolian activity from all four of Etna’s summit craters, the Southeast Crater (SEC), Northeast Crater (NEC), Bocca Nuova (BN), and Voragine (VOR), was visible during 8-14 February. The frequency and intensity of explosions at SEC were variable; almost continuous strong explosions originated from two vents in the E part of the top of the cone. Tephra accumulated near the top of the cone and rolled several tens of meters down the flanks. Minor ash emissions rapidly dispersed. Less-intense Strombolian activity occurred at the S vent (also called the saddle vent). Intra-crater Strombolian activity at NEC sometimes produced nighttime crater incandescence. The activity at BN sometimes ejected coarse material beyond the crater rim, and rare emissions that had diffuse ash content. The the VOR Strombolian explosions ejected material that sometimes rose above the crater rim and generated diffuse ash emissions. During the morning of 15 February explosive activity at SEC gradually intensified. Activity originated from the E vents but sometimes intense explosions occurred at the saddle vent. A significant increase in tremor amplitude began at 1700. Tremor amplitude waned at 2100, the same time that explosive activity decreased. At 1700 on 16 February lava began advancing down the E flank of SEC. Part of the cone collapsed at 1705 and generated a pyroclastic flow that traveled 1.5 km along the W wall of the Valle de Bove. An ash plume rapidly dispersed to the S. Explosive activity at SEC increased and lava fountaining began at 1710. Ash clouds drifted S. Lava flows advanced into the Valle de Bove, reaching an elevation of 2,000 m by 1759 at the latest. Lapilli, 1 cm in diameter, was reported in Nicolosi (16 km S) and Mascalucia (19 km S), and ash and lapilli fell in Catania (29 km SSE). Ashfall was also reported in Syracuse, 60-80 km SSE. Another lava flow advanced N into the Valle del Leone. Lava fountains were about 500 m tall, possibly as tall as 600 m. Tremor amplitude began to decrease at 1750 and lava fountains ceased around 1800. Lava effusion from SEC gradually diminished; the flow in the Valle de Bove was a few kilometers long and smaller flows that had traveled N and S reached an elevation of 2,900. Strombolian activity persisted at SEC overnight during 16-17 February and ceased at 0715 on 17 February. Explosions at VOR were sporadic.

Merapi – Central Java (Indonesia) : BPPTKG reported that the 2021 lava dome continued to grow just below Merapi’s SW rim during 5-11 February. The lava-dome volume was an estimated 295,000 cubic meters on 11 February, with a growth rate of about 48,900 cubic meters per day. Incandescent avalanches of material were occasionally visible; they traveled 700 m SW in the upper parts of the Krasak and Boyong drainages during 9-10 February. Weather conditions prevented visual observations of the lava dome in the summit crater. Seismicity was higher than the previous week. Electronic Distance Measurement (EDM) data showed no notable deformation. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public were warned to stay 5 km away from the summit.

Sarychev Peak – Matua Island (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Sarychev Peak was identified in satellite images during 5-12 February. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow (the second lowest level on a four-color scale).

Raung – Eastern Java (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that daily gray ash plumes rose as high as 2.5 km above Raung’s summit during 10-16 February. Ash plumes were sometimes dense and drifted N, NE, E, and S. 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.

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Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.5 earthquake hits Papua, Indonesia.

5.3 earthquake hits Tonga.

5.3 earthquake hits eastern New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.

5.2 earthquake hits the Loyalty Islands.

5.1 earthquake hits Vanuatu.

5.1 earthquake hits Greece.

Two 5.0 earthquakes hit Vanuatu.

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Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Northwest Pacific/North Indian Ocean: Tropical depression 01w (One), located approximately 88 nm west-southwest of Koror, Republic of Palau, is tracking westward at 12 knots.

Newsbytes:

USA Pacific Northwest – A winter storm that blanketed the Pacific Northwest caused lingering problems Monday, with hundreds of thousands of people in Oregon still in the dark after heavy snow and ice brought down tree branches this weekend and blocked storm drains in Washington state and Idaho, raising concerns about flooding.

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Environment

Black Summer Wildfires Burned 100 Plant Species

More than 100 plant species had their entire populations burned in the Black Summer bushfires, according to the most detailed study yet of the impact on Australia’s plants.

An estimated 816 species had at least half the areas they grow burned, according to estimates in the study, and some ecosystems are now at risk of “regeneration failure”.

While many of the species studied are adapted to recover from fire – either by reshooting or growing from seeds waiting dormant in nearby soils – there are fears that the loss of mature plants has left some species and entire ecosystems vulnerable.

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Disease

Covid-19

The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:

Ebola – Guinea, DR Congo

In a follow-up on the Ebola outbreak in Guinea, the African CDC reports a total of 17 cases–N’Zerekore prefecture (16) and Conakry (1). Five deaths have been reported in N’Zerekore. In addition, over 2,000 miles away in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), four cases and two deaths have been reported.

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Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

6.5 earthquake hits Vanuatu.

5.7 earthquake hits Vanuatu.

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

Two 5.3 earthquakes hit Vanuatu.

5.3 earthquake hits southeast of the Loyalty Islands.

5.3 earthquake hits the Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia.

5.2 earthquake hits southeast of the Loyalty Islands.

5.2 earthquake hits Vanuatu.

5.1 earthquake hits Java, Indonesia.

5.1 earthquake hits Costa Rica.

Four 5.1 earthquakes hit Vanuatu.

5.0 earthquake hits southeast of the Loyalty Islands.

5.0 earthquake hits the Galapagos triple junction region.

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Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:

There are no current tropical storms.

Newsbytes:

Mozambique – A low pressure system brought heavy rainfall to parts of southern Mozambique over the last few days, causing flooding in Maputo and Gaza Provinces. 

Wildlife

Wildlife Trafficking Driving Species into Extinction

Wildlife populations decline by an average of 62% in areas where species are traded, pushing some closer to extinction, according to a new report.

The first analysis to quantify the impact of the legal and illegal wildlife trade looked at 133 land-based species and found the most endangered – which typically have smaller populations – are most at risk, with average declines of 81%. In some cases this resulted in local disappearances, with certain populations of spider monkeys and Baird’s tapir declining by 99.9%, according to an international team of researchers led by Sheffield University.

Some estimates suggest the illegal wildlife trade could be worth as much as $23bn (£16.5bn) a year, with more than 100 million plants and animals trafficked annually.

The main drivers of wildlife trafficking are the pet industry, bushmeat (defined as wildlife traded for food consumption), traditional medicine, ivory and laboratory use. The study did not include subsistence-based bushmeat eaten by the communities that hunted it. Local wildlife trade involving the extraction or commercialisation of bushmeat supports an estimated 150 million households.

National and international trade – which were found to be more significant drivers of decline than local trade – generally involve the extraction and trade of species of high commercial value, such as ivory from African elephants, horns from Javan rhinoceros and pangolin scales from across Asia and Africa.

Disease

Covid-19

The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:

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Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.5 earthquake hits southeast of the Loyalty Islands.

5.3 earthquake hits Minahasa, Sulawesi, Indonesia.

5.3 earthquake hits the Volcano Islands off Japan.

5.2 earthquake hits the Andreanof Islands in the Aleutian Islands.

5.1 earthquake hits southeast of the Loyalty Islands.

5.1 earthquake hits Vanuatu.

Four 5.0 earthquakes hit southeast of the Loyalty Islands.

5.0 earthquake hits the Nias region, Indonesia.

5.0 earthquake hits of the coast of northern Peru.

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Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:

There are no current tropical storms.

Newsbytes:

South Africa – Flooding continues to affect parts of South Africa, with 10 fatalities reported in Limpopo province over the last few days. Parts of the country were badly hit by flooding after heavy rainfall brought by Tropical Cyclone Eloise from around 23 January 2021. Eloise has long since dissipated but heavy rainfall has continued to fall throughout the first weeks of February, causing further flooding and dam levels to rise.

Indonesia – Further disasters have struck on Indonesia‘s Java island as a result of heavy rainfall. Landslides and floods were triggered by heavy rain in Ngetos Village, Ngetos District, Nganjuk Regency, East Java Province during the evening of 14 February 2021. As of 15 February, 2 people were confirmed dead and 17 injured and 16 missing. Search and rescue operations are ongoing.

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Disease

Covid-19

The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:

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Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

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

5.7 earthquake hits New Britain, Papua New Guinea.

5.4 earthquake hits Alaska.

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

Two 5.3 earthquakes hit southeast of the Loyalty Islands.

Two 5.2 earthquakes hit near the east coast of Honshu, Japan.

5.2 earthquake hits offshore Tarapaca, Chile.

5.0 earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.0 earthquake hits Guatemala.

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Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone (tc) 19s (Faraji), located approximately 1005 nm east of Port Louis, Mauritius, is tracking west-southwestward at 08 knots.

Newsbytes:

Albania – Teams from the Albanian Armed Forces were called in to assist flood victims in Shkodra (also Shkodër) County, Albania. Parts of Shkodra County have seen flooding since January. As of 08 January, around 4,080 hectares of land was under water. Recent heavy rainfall worsened the situation. As of 09 February, an estimated 3,500 hectares of land was under water in the county, according to the regional government. By 11 February, the Ministry of Defence reported 5,030 hectares flooded.

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Wildfires

Wildfires – UK

A number of major wildfires have sprung up across Cornwall and Devon over the past week, culminating with a massive blaze on Dartmoor. It is understood that the bitingly cold winds which have lashed the UK in the past few days have served to dry out the vegetation, making it more flammable. These same winds, despite their chill, have then fanned the flames of these fires, helping them spread and making them even more difficult to put out. The remote locations of the fires also made them even more challenging to extinguish.

In Scotland, A wildfire has broken out in the Highlands on a busy day for firefighters on the mainland and islands. Two fire engines from Dingwall and one from Applecross were scrambled to the scene of a wildfire in the Loch Carron area of Ross-shire. It follows another Wester Ross wildfire last night between Aultbea and Laide, near to Laide Wood. Elsewhere, another blaze cut off road access to the north of Skye on Friday afternoon after a wildfire broke out close to the A87 between Luib and Moll.

Wildfires – California

California’s annual rainy season is getting underway about 27 days later now than it did in the 1960s, according to new research. Instead of starting in November, the onset of the rains is now delayed until December, and the rain, when it comes, is being concentrated during January and February. Less rain is falling in the so-called shoulder seasons of autumn and spring, and more is falling during the core winter months. The worst fires occur in the fall, rather than in the hottest summer months, because that’s when vegetation is at its maximum dryness.

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Disease

Covid-19

The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:

Ebola – Guinea

As the Democratic Republic of the Congo reports at least three confirmed Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) cases in the past week, more than 2,000 miles away, Guinea’s Health Minister provided details on the alleged return of the Ebola hemorrhagic disease in Guinea, according to local media.

Dengue Fever – Cook Islands

In a follow-up to the dengue virus serotype 2 (DENV-2) outbreak in the Cook Islands, as of February 12, 30 probable and confirmed cases have been reported. Twelve people have been hospitalized and no deaths have been reported.

Botulism – Uzbekistan

On February 7, five people with signs of food poisoning were admitted to the infectious diseases department of the Bulungur District Medical Association in Samarkand region in southeastern Uzbekistan. They were later diagnosed with botulism at the hospital. Despite the efforts of the doctors, one of the admitted, a 20-year-old man, died. The cases are believed to be linked to named tomatoes.

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Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.7 earthquake hits Tajikistan.

5.5 earthquake hits southeast of the Loyalty Islands.

5.4 earthquake hits the Peru-Ecuador border.

5.3 earthquake hits southeast of the Loyalty Islands.

Two 5.2 earthquakes hit southeast of the Loyalty Islands.

5.2 earthquake hits southwest of Sumatra, Indonesia.

Two 5.1 earthquakes hit southeast of the Loyalty Islands.

Two 5.0 earthquakes hit southeast of the Loyalty Islands.

5.0 earthquake hits southwest of Sumatra, Indonesia.

5.0 earthquake hits south of the Mariana Islands.

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Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone (tc) 19s (Faraji), located approximately 1269 nm east of Port Louis, Mauritius, is tracking west-southwestward at 06 knots.

Newsbytes:

Peru – Disaster authorities in Peru report that at least 1 person has died and over 300 homes were damaged after flash floods in Huánuco department. The disaster struck on 10 February after heavy rain caused the flooding of the Huamuco River (a small tributary of the Huallaga River) in Santa Rosa de Alto Yanajanca district, Marañón province. On the same day the Santa Martha river broke its banks flooding areas of La Morada district in Huánuco, damaging 70 houses, 3 public buildings, 4 bridges, as well as crops and roads.

Bolivia – Flooding has affected thousands of people in the departments of Beni and Santa Cruz in Bolivia since late January 2021. Disaster authorities report that over 35,000 families have now been affected by heavy rain and flooding across the country since the start of the year with 9 fatalities having been reported.

Philippines – At least one person has died after flooding in parts of Eastern Visayas region of the Philippines. Flooding began after heavy rainfall from 08 February 2021. Borongan City in Eastern Samar Province recorded more than 117mm of rain in 24 hours to 09 February. Schools and offices were closed in Palo, Tolosa, Santa Fe, Alangalang, and San Miguel, as a result of flooding.

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Global Warming

How global warming causes Europe’s harsh winter weather

Climate deniers are using a spell of unusually cold weather in Europe to incorrectly argue that CO2 emissions are not warming the planet. Their rather simplistic claim — which has been repeatedly debunked by climate scientists — is that extremely cold weather shows that carbon dioxide emissions are not warming the Earth.

In fact, the effects of global warming may even have favored the extremely cold temperature. The sub-zero temperatures and heavy snowfalls are more than just a cold winter. They are made more likely by the collapse of the polar vortex — a huge ring of cold winds raging in the Earth’s stratosphere — at the North Pole.

The polar vortex is closely connected to the jet stream, a band of strong winds about 10 kilometers above the ground. At the polar front, this flows between warm air from the tropics and subtropics, and cold polar air. The pressure extremes that form in this transitional area at lower layers are sometimes referred to in weather reports as the Icelandic low or the Azores high.

The jet stream usually determines the winter weather in Europe: if it is strong and flows from west to east, it brings mild, windy and rainy weather from the Atlantic, and holds the cold air from the Arctic.

But if the jet stream is weak and wavy, the polar vortex also weakens, and sometimes breaks down completely. The cold snap across Europe is the result of a weak jet stream — more precisely a dip — that has caused a strong and long-lasting collapse of the polar vortex.

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Wildfires

Logging and Wildfires

Logging of native forests makes them much more flammable and elevates the severity of bushfires when they occur, pushing some species closer to ecological collapse, according to a review of published science by two leading universities. The study found logging increased the severity of forest fires from about 10 years after the trees are extracted with effects lasting more than three decades. Selective logging or thinning can also increase fire risks. It is up to seven times more likely that the canopy in a logged forest will burn compared with an unlogged forest and once the canopy is burnt, it takes a long time for the recovery. The fragmentation of the canopy also results in warmer and drier conditions for the remaining vegetation as litter and the soil desiccate, contributing increased flammability, the paper noted.

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Disease

Covid-19

The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:

Ebola – DR Congo

Since the declaration by the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) of a new outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Butembo Area of North Kivu Province, two additional cases have been reported, including one death.

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Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.5 earthquake hits southeast of the Loyalty Islands.

Two 5.3 earthquakes hit southeast of the Loyalty Islands.

Three 5.2 earthquakes hit southeast of the Loyalty Islands.

5.1 earthquake hits southwest of Sumatra, Indonesia.

Two 5.1 earthquakes hit southeast of the Loyalty Islands.

Five 5.0 earthquakes hit southeast of the Loyalty Islands.

5.0 earthquake hits the Iran-Iraq border region.

5.0 earthquake hits Los Lagos, Chile.

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Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone (tc) 19s (Faraji), located approximately 1408 nm east of Port Louis, Mauritius, is tracking west-southwestward at 11 knots.

Newsbytes:

Indonesia – Four people have died, 1 is still missing and over 60,000 people have been displaced after heavy rain caused flooding and landslides on the island of Java, Indonesia. Disaster authorities in Indonesia report that heavy rainfall from 04 February 2021 caused flooding and landslides in 8 regencies / cities in West Java Province from 07 February. As of 10 February, 156,800 people were affected, 63,700 displaced and 39,100 buildings damaged.

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Environment

Sahara Dust

One of the strongest in a series of powerful winter storms raging across parts of Europe drew in a massive plume of Saharan dust, which coated Pyrenees and Alpine ski resorts with an orange hue. The airborne particles also triggered respiratory problems in humans from Barcelona to southern France. Originating in Algeria, the dust turned skies red as far north as the German city of Stuttgart. The dust contained particles of calcite, ferric oxide, quartz and clay.

Rodent Invasion

Parts of southeastern Australia have been overrun by a massive infestation of mice, with untold numbers of the ravenous rodents swarming into people’s homes and threatening crops.

The center of the infestation is in rural New South Wales, but the pests have also spread into parts of Queensland, Victoria and South Australia. Researcher Steve Henry blames abundant rainfall and a good harvest for allowing mice to spike in numbers starting last year. He says all that is needed to start killing the mice off is a cold, heavy rain to flood their nests in the ground.

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Wildlife

Ocean Noise

The racket of human activity beneath the ocean surface is drowning out the natural noises made by marine creatures, which researchers say is as harmful as overfishing, pollution and climate change.

A University of Exeter team made the conclusion after reviewing more than 500 studies on marine noise. The review says while military sonar and oil exploration blasts are obvious sources of distress and deafness in the ocean, noise from shipping has increased by 32 times in the past 50 years. The study says the din of offshore wind farms, bottom trawling and other sources are drowning out the calls many species use to communicate, spawn and migrate.

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Environment

Global Temperature Extremes

The week’s hottest temperature was 106 degrees Fahrenheit (41.1 degrees Celsius) in Rivadavia, Salta, Argentina.

The week’s coldest temperature was minus 59.0 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 50.6 degrees Celsius) at Fort Relianace, Northwest Territories, Canada.

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.

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Disease

Covid-19

The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:

Rift Valley Fever – Kenya

In a follow-up on the Rift Valley Fever (RVF) outbreak in Kenya, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports as of Feb. 4, 2021, there are a 32 total cases reported, of which 14 are confirmed and 11 deaths.

Ebola – DR Congo

In a follow-up on the report of a new Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) case in Butembo, North Kivu Province, the Minister of Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) declared an outbreak.

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Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – Ongoing Activity for the Week 3 February 2021 – 9 February 2021

Aira – Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that during 29 January-1 February incandescence from Minamidake Crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) was often visible nightly. Seven explosions generated eruption plumes that rose as high as 2 km above the crater rim and ejected bombs 1,000-1,300 km away from the crater. The sulfur dioxide emission rate was 1,100 tons per day on 2 February. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a 5-level scale).

Asamayama – Honshu (Japan) : On 5 February JMA lowered the Alert Level for Asamayama to 1 (on a scale of 1-5) noting that no deformation or crater incandescence had been detected since late November 2020, sulfur dioxide emissions had trended downward beginning in December, volcanic earthquakes were recorded only occasionally since mid-December, and the number of small-amplitude volcanic tremors were recorded occasionally and had not increased.

Dukono – Halmahera (Indonesia) : Based on satellite and wind model data, and information from PVMBG, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 3-4, 6-7, and 9 February ash plumes from Dukono rose to 1.5-2.1 km (5,000-7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted S, SW, and NE. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was warned to remain outside of the 2-km exclusion zone.

Ebeko – Paramushir Island (Russia) : Volcanologists in Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island), about 7 km E of Ebeko, observed explosions during 29 January and 1-2 February that sent ash plumes to 2.3 km (7,500 ft) a.s.l. and drifted E. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).

Ibu – Halmahera (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that during 3-9 February gray-and-white ash plume from Ibu rose 200-800 m above the summit and drifted in multiple directions. 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.

Karymsky – Eastern Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Karymsky’s summit crater was visible in satellite images on 2 February. Weather clouds obscured views on the other days during 30 January-5 February. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).

Kilauea – Hawaiian Islands (USA) : HVO reported that lava from a vent on the inner NW wall of Kilauea’s Halema`uma`u Crater streamed down the cone into a perched lava lake during 3-9 February. The western half of the lake dropped from 213 m on 3 February to 211 m on 4 February and stayed at that level during 5-6 February; the drop in lake level was likely the result of summit deflation that was detected by tiltmeters. The lake level had risen to 214 m by the morning of 7 February coincident with the onset of summit inflation. A small dome fountain was visible at the entry point of lava into the lake on 8 February. The stagnant E half of the lake, separated by a series of surface cracks, was about 5 m lowed than the W half.

Klyuchevskoy – Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that Strombolian and sometimes Vulcanian activity at Klyuchevskoy continued during 29 January-5 February and lava advanced down the Apakhonchich drainage on the SE flank. A large bright thermal anomaly was identified daily in satellite images. Steam-and-gas plumes with some ash rose to 6 km (19,700 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 92 km in multiple directions. The Aviation colour Code remined at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).

Lewotolo – Lomblen Island (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that the eruption at Lewotolo continued during 3-9 February. Gray-and-white ash plumes rose 200-700 m above the summit and drifted E and SE. During 5-9 February Strombolian explosions ejected material 100-350 m above the summit and incandescent material was ejected 300-500 m SE from the crater. Rumbling and occasional banging sounds were reported. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4) and the public was warned to stay 4 km away from the summer crater.

Pacaya – Guatemala : On 6 February INSIVUMEH reported increased Strombolian activity and a higher number of explosions at Pacaya’s Mackenney Crater. The explosions rattled nearby houses and ejected ballistics as far as 500 m from the crater. Ash plumes rose as high as 650 m above the summit and drifted 5 km W, NW, and N. Ashfall was reported in areas downwind including San Francisco de Sales, El Cedro, Calderas, El Bejucal, and Mesías Altas. Lava effusion also increased and two active lava flows, 800 and 1,200 m long, were advancing. On 8 February ash plumes rose almost 600 m and drifted 30 km NW and W, and 10 km N. Explosions ejected ballistics as far as 300 m from the crater.

Popocatepetl – Mexico : CENAPRED reported that each day during 3-9 January there were 14-34 steam, gas, and ash emissions from Popocatépetl. Minor crater incandescence from the crater was visible during a few of the nights. An explosion at 2138 on 6 February generated an eruption plume with low ash content that rose 2 km above the summit and drifted NE. The Alert Level remained at Yellow, Phase Two (middle level on a three-colour scale).

Sheveluch – Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Sheveluch was identified in satellite images on 29 January as well as 2 and 4 February. Weather clouds obscured views of the volcano on the other days during 30 January-5 February. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).

Sinabung – Indonesia : PVMBG reported that the eruption at Sinabung continued during 3-9 February, though weather conditions sometimes prevented visual confirmation. Dense white plumes rose as high as 1 km above the summit and drifted in multiple directions. An eruptive event was recorded on 5 February but was not seen, and on 6 February a pyroclastic flow traveled 2.5 km down the flank. The Darwin VAAC noted that ash plumes rose to 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted W and NNW that same day. On 7 February ash plumes rose 1 km above the summit and drifted E, SE, and S, causing ashfall in the Karo Regency. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4), with a general exclusion zone of 3 km and extensions to 5 km in the SE sector and 4 km in the NE sector.

Soufriere St. Vincent – St. Vincent : University of the West Indies Seismic Research Centre (UWI-SRC) and National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) reported that the lava dome in Soufrière St. Vincent’s main crater continued to grow during 1-9 February. Gas data analysis conducted during a field visit showed that sulfur dioxide emissions were first detected on 1 February, suggesting that ground water was drying up and no longer interacting with the gas species. The dome had an estimated volume of 5.93 million cubic meters. Scientists observed damaged vegetation, likely caused by fire, on the NW part of the crater (just N of the dome). A report on 6 February stated that the dome continued to spread laterally N and S, with N as the dominant growth direction. Gas-and-steam continued to rise from the top of the dome as well as along the contact of the old and new domes. Scientists visited the Wallibou Hot Spring area on 7 February after a report of anomalously higher temperatures and gas odors; they collected water samples and took temperatures measurements for later analysis. Initial findings suggested the presence of hydrogen sulfide in that area and temperatures that had increased around 5-6 degrees; the lead scientist noted that based on their findings there was no increased risk associated with the hot springs. NEMPO reminded the public to avoid the volcano and that descending into the crater remained extremely dangerous. The Alert Level remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).

Suwanosejima – Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : JMA reported that incandescence at Suwanosejima’s Ontake Crater was occasionally visible at night during 29 January-5 February. Intermittent explosions produced ash plumes that rose as high as 1.2 km above the crater rim and ejected bombs 300 m away from the crater. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a 5-level scale).

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Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

7.2 (initial 7.7) earthquake hits southeast of the Loyalty Islands.

6.6 earthquake hits southeast of the Loyalty Islands.

Two 5.9 earthquakes hit southeast of the Loyalty Islands.

5.7 earthquake hits southwest of Sumatra, Indonesia.

5.8 earthquake hits southeast of the Loyalty Islands.

5.7 earthquake hits Coquimbo, Chile.

Two 5.7 earthquakes hit southeast of the Loyalty Islands.

Three 5.5 earthquakes hit southeast of the Loyalty Islands.

Two 5.4 earthquakes hit southeast of the Loyalty Islands.

Six 5.3 earthquakes hit southeast of the Loyalty Islands.

5.3 earthquake hits Kepulauan Talaud, Indonesia.

Fourteen 5.2 earthquakes hit southeast of the Loyalty Islands.

Twelve 5.1 earthquakes hit southeast of the Loyalty Islands.

Two 5.1 earthquakes hit southwest of Sumatra, Indonesia.

Six 5.0 earthquakes hit southeast of the Loyalty Islands.

5.0 earthquake hits the Loyalty Islands.

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Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone (tc) 19s (Faraji), located approximately 903 nm southeast of Diego Garcia, is tracking southwestward at 05 knots.

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