Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.1 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.
Two 5.2 earthquakes hit the South Sandwich Islands.
5.1 earthquake hits the Kermedec islands.
5.1 earthquake hits Buryatiya, Russia.
5.1 earthquake hits the Gulf of Paris, Venezuela.
5.0 earthquake hits the Hindu Kush, Afghanistan.
5.0 earthquake hits Vanuatu.
5.0 earthquake hits the South Sandwich islands.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Tropical Depression Ida is located about 145 mi…235 km nne of Jackson Mississippi and about 185 mi…300 km sw of Nashville Tennessee with maximum sustained winds…30 mph…45 km/h. Present movement…ne or 55 degrees at 12 mph…19 km/h.
Tropical Storm Kate is located about 815 mi…1310 km ene of the Leeward islands with maximum sustained winds…40 mph…65 km/h. Present movement…n or 360 degrees at 5 mph…7 km/h.
Newsbytes:
New Zealand – Torrential rain of up to 90 mm in 1 hour fell in northern New Zealand, causing dozens of families to evacuate their homes. Fifty to sixty homes were evacuated in West Auckland after flooding struck during the night 30 to 31 August 2021.
Ghana – At least 5 people have lost their lives in flooding the North East Region of Ghana over the last few days. Flooding has also affected parts of neighbouring Northern Region, in particular in the region’s capital Tamale where dozens of homes were damaged or destroyed and residents forced to flee.
Indonesia – Sulawesi – Widespread flooding has affected over 60,000 people across 4 regencies of South Sulawesi, Indonesia, after heavy rainfall over the last few days. Furthermore, 12,763 houses were damaged, along with bridges, roads, schools, medical centres and other public buildings.
Indonesia – Sumatra – Five people lost their lives after heavy rain caused landslides and mudflows in North Sumatra Province of Indonesia. Two landslides struck in areas of Kabanjahe District in Karo Regency late on 26 August 2021. Heavy rain also caused mudflows in Tiganderket District. No injuries or fatalities were reported. According to disaster authorities in Indonesia, the landslides in Kabanjahe damaged or destroyed 7 houses. Five people died in the incident while 4 people were injured.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) – Saudi Arabia
The Saudi Arabia Ministry of Health reported Thursday on an additional Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) case, the 12th this year.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.4 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.1 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.1 earthquake hits Veraceuz, Mexico.
5.0 earthquake hits the Kuril Islands.
Two 5.0 earthquakes hit the South Sandwich Islands.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Tropical Storm Ida is located about 65 mi…105 km ssw of Jackson Mississippi with maximum sustained winds…45 mph…75 km/h. Present movement…n or 360 degrees at 8 mph…13 km/h.
Tropical Depression Ten is located about 775 mi…1245 km ene of the Leeward islands with maximum sustained winds…35 mph…55 km/h. Present movement…n or 360 degrees at 8 mph…13 km/h.
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Tropical depression 14e (Nora), located approximately 664 nm southeast of San Diego, is tracking north-northwestward at 08 knots. Final warning.
Newsbytes:
Spain – Record rain fell in parts of the Province of Castellón in the region of Valencia in Spain on 29 August 2021, causing flash floods. Flooding damaged homes and roads in the coastal town of Benicàssim where about 50 homes were flooded.
India – Disaster management authorities in the state of Assam, northeastern India, report that flooding has worsened over the last few days with 16 of the state’s 34 districts now affected. Rivers are above the danger mark in 8 locations. A total of 258,191 people have now been affected by the floods across 732 villages in 16 districts.
Mexico – Civil Protection in Jalisco State on the Pacific Ocean in western Mexico reported at least 3 people were injured in floods and landslides following heavy rain brought by Hurricane Nora. Nora made a brief landfall in Jalisco on 28 August 2021, crossing the cape south of Puerto Vallarta. Strong winds downed trees and high waves, storm surge and heavy rain caused flooding in coastal areas. State Civil Protection urged residents along the coast to avoid beaches, rivers or streams.
Louisiana, USA – Ida, the category 4 hurricane made landfall at around noon on Sunday, with winds reaching 150 miles per hour (mph). It left a wake of destruction in its path, causing a major power outage in Louisiana. At least one person was reported to have died.
Wildfires – California, USA
The Chaparral Fire burning southwest of Murrieta began around midday Saturday and has burned more than 1,600 acres in Riverside and San Diego counties; it’s 10% contained as of Sunday. According to Cal Fire, the wildfire forced evacuations for people living “North of Tenaja Truck Trl, South of Calle Cielo, East of Calle Collado, and West of Calle Be Bietol” as well as prompting warnings for residents in an adjacent area bordering the Cleveland National Forest to “leave now.”
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.6 earthquake hits Papua, Indonesia.
5.3 earthquake hits Tonga.
5.3 earthquake hits southwest of Africa.
5.2 earthquake hits Potosi, Bolivia.
5.1 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits Papua, Indonesia.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Hurricane Ida is located about 75 mi…120 km s of the mouth of the Mississippi river and about 145 mi…235 km se of Houma Louisiana with maximum sustained winds…140 mph…220 km/h. Present movement…nw or 315 degrees at 15 mph…24 km/h.
Tropical Depression Ten is located about 790 mi…1275 km e of the Leeward islands with maximum sustained winds…35 mph…55 km/h. Present movement…n or 360 degrees at 10 mph…17 km/h.
Tropical Depression Eleven is located about 1235 mi…1985 km w of the Azores with maximum sustained winds…35 mph…55 km/h. Present movement…ne or 50 degrees at 15 mph…24 km/h.
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Hurricane 14e (Nora), located approximately 874 nm southeast of San Diego, is tracking northward at 10 knots.
Newsbytes:
Myanmar – A landslide struck in the Mandalay Region of Myanmar on 24 August 2021 burying 4 homes in Mogok Township. Fourteen people were buried under the collapsed houses. Three people survived but were injured. The landslide was caused by recent heavy rainfall. Around 2 weeks earlier heavy rain also took its toll on the township after a landslide caused the wall of a building to collapse, killing 3 people on 12 August. More than 145 mm of rain fell in just a few hours early on 12 August.
Wildfires – Minnesota, USA
The Greenwood fire continues to burn 26K acres in Superior National Forest. Hundreds of fire personnel worked Friday to defeat the largest of numerous wildfires in northeastern Minnesota, where smoke from tens of thousands of burning acres prompted a warning to residents to remain indoors. There are also blazes just across the border in the Canadian Quetico Provincial Park that continue to burn with no containment.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Dengue Fever – Yemen
Health officials in Yemen said this week that 4,770 cases of dengue fever had been detected in Taiz governorate in the southwestern part of the country since the beginning of the year through the end of July.
Bird Flu – Nigeria
The Delta Government on Wednesday confirmed the fresh outbreak of Avian Influenza, also known as Bird Flu with an estimated population of 164,473 birds so far affected in farms across seven Local Government Areas of the state.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.5 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.3 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.2 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.1 earthquake hits the Strait of Gibraltar
5.1 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.1 earthquake hits south of Sumbawa, Indonesia.
5.0 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Hurricane Ida is located about 385 mi…620 km sse of the mouth of the Mississippi river and about 440 mi…710 km sse of New Orleans Louisiana with maximum sustained winds…85 mph…140 km/h. Present movement…nw or 315 degrees at 16 mph…26 km/h.
Tropical Depression Ten is located about 820 mi…1320 km ese of the Leeward islands with maximum sustained winds…35 mph…55 km/h. Present movement…nnw or 340 degrees at 7 mph…11 km/h
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Hurricane 14e (Nora), located approximately 1163 nm southeast of San Diego, is tracking north-northwestward at 09 knots.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Typhoid – Pakistan
The Pakistan National Institute of Health reported an additional 52 extensively drug-resistant (XDR) typhoid fever the week ending Aug. 14 in Karachi, bringing the total cases in 2021 to date to 1,739.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.9 earthquake hits Mindanao in the Philippines
5.5 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.2 earthquake hits near the east coast of Honshu, Japan.
5.1 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Tropical Storm Ida is located about 75 mi…125 km nnw of Grand Cayman and about 115 mi…185 km se of the Isle of Youth with maximum sustained winds…60 mph…95 km/h. Present movement…nw or 320 degrees at 15 mph…24 km/h
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm 14e (Nora), located approximately 1351 nm southeast of San Diego, is tracking west-northwestward at 09 knots.
Newsbytes:
Niger – Civil Protection Authorities in Niger report that flooding has affected over 100,000 people across all regions of the country since the start of the rainy season in June this year. As of 23 August, over 60 people had died as a result. The United Nations also reported a widespread outbreak of cholera in the country. Niger reported flooding in 413 villages across 77 communes in all 8 regions: Agadez, Diffa, Dosso, Maradi, Niamey, Tahoua, Tillabéri and Zinder. Thousands of homes have been destroyed, mostly in Maradi Region (3,243), Zinder Region (2,354) Tahoua Region (1,040) and the capital region of Niamey (741).
Chile Megadrought
A blob of warm water in the southern Pacific is fueling a decade-long megadrought in Chile, and climate change is at least partly to blame, scientists say.
The “Southern Blob” east of New Zealand is driving hot and dry conditions in Chile, with snow caps melting on the Andes, reservoirs running low and once-lush landscapes withered. Chilean authorities this year were forced to truck water to some 400,000 people living in rural areas.
That massive blob – wider than the continental United States – is now 1.5 degrees Celsius warmer than it was 40 years ago. Areas of nearby ocean, however, have warmed much more slowly during that time, and are just 0.2C to 1C warmer, the study shows.
The heat from the blob warms the air directly above it and winds carry the heated air toward Chile. This impacts pressure trends, affecting rainfall and resulting in dry conditions in Chile.
Snowless Andes
South America’s majestic Andes Mountain range is in the grip of a decade-long drought that has left many slopes between Ecuador and Argentina with only patches of snow, or no snow at all.
Currently in the depth of the Southern Hemisphere winter, the Andes should be at the peak of the snow season. But satellite images from this July and a year ago show a significant decrease in snow cover, threatening ski resorts and the communities that depend upon the mountains for water.
“The glaciers are in a very dramatic process of retreat that is much more accelerated than we have seen before,” Ricardo Villalba of the Argentine Institute of Snow, Glacier and Environment Science Studies told Reuters.
Blue Whales Return
Blue whales are being spotted again off Spain’s Atlantic coast after a more than a 40-year absence.
The world’s largest mammal was hunted to near extinction, including from whaling ships out of Spain’s Galician ports until the country banned whaling in 1986. The first returning blue whale was spotted in 2017 by Bruno Diaz, head of the Bottle Dolphin Research Institute in Galicia. Another was seen a year later, then they both were joined this summer by yet another. Diaz believes they have returned to the region out of a form of homesickness, or ancestral memory.
Global Temperature Extremes
The week’s hottest temperature was 117 degrees Fahrenheit (47.2 degrees Celsius) in Adrar, Algeria.
The week’s coldest temperature was minus 98.0 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 72.2 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.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Syphilis, Gonorrhoea – Pennsylvania, USA
The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) issued a health alert Monday concerning increases in the sexually transmitted infections, gonorrhea and syphilis. Pennsylvania (exclusive of Philadelphia) reported 10 980 Gonorrhoea cases in 2020, and 535 cases of Syphilis. These are the highest numbers in 30 years.
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – Ongoing Activity for the Week 18 August – 24 August 2021
Atka – Andreanof Islands (USA) : AVO reported that small earthquakes and seismic tremors at Atka continued to be detected, though at near background levels during 18-24 August.
Ebeko – Paramushir Island (Russia) : According to volcanologists in Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island), about 7 km E of Ebeko, and the Tokyo VAAC, explosions continued during 14-20 August and produced ash plumes that rose as high as 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l and drifted S, SE, E, and NE. Thermal anomalies were detected in satellite imagery on 13 and 14 August. On 25 August an explosion produced an ash plume that rose to 3.7 km (12,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 10 km SE.
Fuego – Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that 6-13 explosions per hour were recorded during 18-25 August at Fuego, though the weather sometimes prevented visual confirmation. The resulting ash plumes rose to 4.5-4.8 km (14,800-15,700 ft) a.s.l. and drifted as far as 15 km W, SW, S, and NW, causing daily ashfall downwind in Panimaché I and II (8 km SW), Morelia (9 km SW), Santa Sofía (12 km SW), Yucales (12 km SW), El Porvenir (8 km ENE), and Yepocapa (8 km NW). White gas-and-steam plumes rose to 4.5 km (14,764 ft) a.s.l. on 19 and 25 August. Shock waves often rattled buildings around the volcano as far as 15 km from the summit. Block avalanches accompanied the explosions, descending the Santa Teresa, Ceniza (SSW), Taniluyá (SW), Trinidad (S), Seca (W), Las Lajas (SE), and Honda drainages, sometimes reaching vegetated areas. Incandescent ejecta was visible rising 100-400 m above the summit during the nights and early mornings of 20-23 August.
Great Sitkin – Andreanof Islands (USA) : AVO reported that the lava dome at Great Sitkin remained active during 17-24 August; satellite imagery showed changes from a diameter of 800 m on 17 August to 850-860 m throughout 18-21 August. Elevated surface temperatures and daily small earthquakes were consistent with an active dome. Gas-and-steam plumes were visible to local ground observers and in satellite imagery during 20-22 and 24 August.
Ibu – Halmahera (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that during 18-24 August gray-and-white ash plumes from Ibu rose 200-800 m above the summit and drifted N, W, and NW. On 18 August at 0810 an ash plume rose 800 m above the summit and drifted W. A thermal anomaly was visible in satellite images during 22-23 August, according to the Darwin VAAC.
Kadovar – Papua New Guinea : Based on satellite and wind model data, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 19 August an ash plume from Kadovar rose to an altitude of 1.2 km (4,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW.
Karymsky – Eastern Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that ash emissions from Karymsky were observed in satellite data during 14-20 August; gas-and-steam plumes containing some ash were also noted. The Tokyo VAAC reported that multiple ash plumes rose to 2.4-3.4 km (8,000-11,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SE, SW, S, and E during 17-21 August. On 19 August an explosion produced an ash plume that rose 2-2.5 km (6,600-8,200 ft) a.s.l and drifted 60 km ESE. Ash plumes during 19-20 August rose to 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted E. A thermal anomaly was identified in satellite imagery all week.
Langila – New Britain (Papua New Guinea) : Based on analyses of satellite imagery and wind model data, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 20 August ash plumes from Langila rose to 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted WNW. A thermal anomaly was observed at the summit based on satellite imagery on 20 August.
Lewotolok – Lembata Island (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that daily white, gray, and sometimes black plumes from Lewotolok rose 50-1,500 m above the summit and drifted SW, NW, and W during 18-24 August. Eruptive activity on 18 and 22 August generated an ash plume that rose 1 and 1.5 km above the summit, respectively, both of which drifted W. Material was ejected as far as 500 m SE on 18 August. On 22 August at 1244 an ash plume was reported 1.5 km above the summit and drifted generally W.
Merapi – Central Java (Indonesia) : BPPTKG reported that both the lava dome just below Merapi’s SW rim and the lava dome in the summit crater remained active during 13-19 August. Webcam images showed some changes in the SW dome due to lava avalanches and pyroclastic flows; there were no significant changes in the central dome. The volume of the SW lava dome was 1.35 million cubic meters. During 13-19 August a total of 20 pyroclastic flows were observed descending the SW flank as far as 3.5 km. Lava avalanches were observed 172 times to the SW, traveling up to 2 km. BNPB noted that ashfall was reported in several areas on 16 August, including Dukun, Sawangan, Tegalrejo, Secang, Gowok, Mertoyudan, Selo, Mojotengah, Temanggung, Kedu, Pringsurat, Bulu, Tlogomulyo, Kranggan, and Parakan. PVMBG reported that during 18-19 and 23-24 August white plumes rose 20-200 m above the crater and drifted in different directions. As many as 331 lava avalanches traveled a maximum distance of 1.5 km SW. Two pyroclastic flows moved as far as 2 km, though the direction was not observed.
Pacaya – Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that white-to-blue gas-and-steam emissions rose as high as 600 m above Pacaya’s Mackenney crater and drifted as far as 2 km S, SW, and N during 18-25 August. Seismic stations recorded some weak explosion and degassing events on 18 August.
Reventador – Ecuador : IG reported that several ash emissions from Reventador during 18-24 August rose 500-1,400 m above the summit and drifted NW, W, SW, and S; sometimes weather conditions prevented visual confirmation. Seismicity was characterized by daily explosions, harmonic tremor, long-period earthquakes, and signals that indicated emissions. The Washington VAAC reported gas-and-steam and ash plumes to 1.4 km above the summit that drifted W, NW, and SW, often observed multiple times per day in satellite imagery or webcams. Nighttime crater incandescence was frequently observed, accompanied by incandescent blocks rolling down the NE, E, and S flanks as far as 600 m. A lava flow was reported traveling down the NE flank during 17-18 August.
Sangay – Ecuador : IG reported gas-and-ash emissions from Sangay rising 500-1,500 m above the summit that drifted W and SW during 19-20 and 24 August. During 20-23 August gas-and-steam plume rose 1-2 km above the summit and drifted W, SW, and NW. Weather clouds and rain sometimes prevented visual and webcam observations of the volcano. Ash plumes were identified in satellite images by the Washington VAAC, rising 570-1,500 m above the volcano and drifting W and SW during 19-21 and 23-24 August. During the evening on 19 August explosions accompanied by incandescent blocks were reported around 1852 rolling down the SE drainage. Signals indicating lahars were recorded by the seismic network during 18-19 and 22-23 August.
Santa Maria – Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that daily ash plumes from Santa Maria’s Santiaguito lava-dome complex during 18-25 August rose to 2.8-3.5 km (9,200-11,500 ft) a.s.l. and drifted as far as 8 km W and SW. Ashfall was reported in San Marcos (8 km SW), Loma Linda Palajunoj (6 km WSW), and surrounding farms on 24 August. An active lava flow 600 m long extended down the W and S flanks of the dome during 18-24 August. Collapses of blocky lava from the Caliente dome generated block-and-ash avalanches down the W, S, and SW flanks, often reaching the base and causing minor ashfall on the flanks. Weak explosions accompanied these avalanches on 21 August and generated abundant gas-and-steam emissions. Nighttime incandescence was often observed from the lava flow and dome.
Semeru – Eastern Java (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that a vertical gray-and-white plume from Semeru rose 400-500 m above the summit and drifted SW on 19 August. This eruption continued during 20-24 August, but the height of the plume was not observed due to cloud cover.
Semisopochnoi – Aleutian Islands (USA) : AVO reported that multiple explosions and seismicity at Semisopochnoi’s North Cerberus crater continued during 18-24 August. Low-level gas-and-ash emissions, including occasional sulfur dioxide emissions were detected in satellite and webcam data during 18-24 August and rose no higher than 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l.; views were often obscured due to weather. On 20 August minor ashfall deposits were reported; ashfall may have continued following explosive events during the rest of the week.
Sheveluch – Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that the growth of the lava dome at Sheveluch continued during 14-24 August, accompanied by strong fumarolic activity, dome incandescence, and hot avalanches. A thermal anomaly was identified in satellite imagery all week. Gas-and-steam plumes containing some ash drifted 370 km SW, E, and SE. On 21 and 24 August ash plumes rose to 4 km (13,100 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 86 km SE and 3.5 km (11,500 ft) a.s.l. and drifted as far as 100 km SE, respectively. The Tokyo VAAC reported ash plumes during 17-25 August that rose to 3.7-5.5 km (12,000-18,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted E, S, SE.
Suwanosejima – Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : JMA reported that explosions at Suwanosejima’s Ontake crater were detected on 19, 20, and 21 August. The first explosion at 0137 on 19 August produced an ash plume that rose 3 km above the crater and drifted NE, followed by another at 1613 that generated an ash plume 2.2 km above the crater and drifted N. A small amount of ashfall was reported in Yakushima, Nishinoomote, and Nakatane. A third explosion at 2059 that day produced an ash plume that rose 2.5 km above the crater and drifted N; ashfall was reported in Toshima village (4 km SSW). Explosions at 0628 and 0713 on 20 August generated ash plumes that rose 2.5-3 km above the crater and drifted N, resulting in ashfall in Toshima village, with smaller amounts of ash in Yakushima, Mishima, Ibusuki, Minamikyushu, and Makurazaki. On 21 August at 0617 an explosion generated an ash plume that rose 3.2 km above the crater and drifted N. A large amount of ashfall (over 1 mm) was reported in Toshima village and smaller amounts (less than 0.1 mm) were reported in Makurazaki, Minamisatsuma, Minamikyushu, Kagoshima, Ibusuki, and Hioki. A second explosion followed at 0906 that produced an ash plume 3.2 km above the crater that drifted N. The Tokyo VAAC reported ash plumes to 1.5-3.9 km (5,000-13,000 ft) altitude that drifted NE during 18-25 August.
Taal – Luzon (Philippines) : PHIVOLCS reported that gas-and-steam plumes from Taal rose 1-3 km and sulfur dioxide emissions peaked at 15,347 tonnes/day on 19 August and declined to an average of 8,351 tonnes/day during 13-19 August.
Tengger Caldera – Eastern Java (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that during 18-24 August white gas-and-steam plumes rose 50-400 m above Tengger Caldera’s Bromo cone and drifted SW, W, and NW. A weak thermal anomaly was visible in Sentinel-2 infrared satellite images on 23 August.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.7 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.6 earthquake hits northern Qinghai, China.
5.5 earthquake hits Sulawesi, Indonesia.
5.3 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.2 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.2 earthquake hits Portuguese, Venezuela.
5.0 earthquake hits Guatemala.
5.0 earthquake hits northeast of Taiwan.
Two 5.0 earthquakes hit the South Sandwich Islands.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Tropical depression 14e (Fourteen), located approximately 1547 nm southeast of San Diego, is tracking westward at 07 knots.
Newsbytes:
France and Spain – More than 40 mm of rain fell in 1 hour causing flash floods in parts of southern Spain early on 25 August 2021. The previous day a storm in southeastern France dumped over 100 mm of rain in a short period causing floods in Var Department. Météo-France said their rain gauges recorded 81.3 mm at Vauvenargues, near Bouches-du-Rhône on 24 August, which is nearly 3 times the average monthly total for the month of August on this station. As much as 58 mm fell in just in 1 hour. Hail and high intensity rainfall totalling over 100 mm fell in the town of Pignans in Var Department, which was badly affected by flooding. The town was completely closed to traffic after streets were swamped with mud and flood water 30 cm deep, police said. In Spain, flash flooding struck on 25 August after storms in southern parts of the country brought a short period of heavy rainfall in the early hours. Flash floods swept through Burunchel and nearby areas in Jaén Province, Andalusia. Cars were were wrecked and houses flooded. Roads were buried in mud and flood debris. No injuries were reported however. Authorities reported several roads were closed to traffic on 25 August.
Cambodia – One person was killed after hours of torrential rain caused flash flooding in the coastal city of Sihanoukville in southern Cambodia. Flooding struck after around 279 mm of rain fell during the evening 24 August 2021. Drainage channels overflowed and roads around the city were under 1 metre of water in some areas. Residents of the city were warned to stay indoors. One man died after being swept away by the flood waters.
South Korea – Typhoon Omais made landfall in South Korea late on 23 August 2021. Heavy rain flooded roads, railways and homes and threatened landslides which prompted some evacuations but there were no reports of injuries or casualties. Over 120 roads were flooded across the metropolitan areas of Busan, Ulsan and Daegu. Rail services were temporarily suspended after tracks were flooded in South Gyeongsang Province. Around 150 buildings were affected by the storm, including 85 in Ulsan.
Ice Worms on Mt Rainier
The glacial slopes of Mount Rainier in Washington State, USA might seem lifeless at first glance. That is, until the ice worms emerge.
As if on cue, billions of black, threadlike worms wriggle their way to the surface of the snow every summer, when the sun directly strikes the glaciers. And scientists still don’t know why.
If they want the answer to that question or any other related to this mysterious creature, scientists have to act fast. Black ice worms (Mesenchytraeus solifugus) are the only worm species known to science that spend their entire lives in ice. As glaciers in the region shrink due to global warming, these worms risk becoming extinct alongside them.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – New Activity for the Week 18 August – 24 August 2021
Chirinkotan – Kuril Islands (Russia) : SVERT and KVERT reported that moderate eruptive activity continued at Chirinkotan during 14-23 August, characterized by explosions and ash plumes that rose to 2.5-4.5 km (4,900-9,800 ft) a.s.l. and drifted as far as 125 km S, E, SE, and SW. At 1110 on 18 August an explosion produced an ash plume, 20 x 27 km in size, that rose to 2-3 km (6,600-9,800 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 7 km NE and as far as 100 km SE. An explosion at 0935 on 23 August rose to 1.5-2.5 km (4,900-8,200 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 8 km SW and later, as far as 126 km W. The Tokyo VAAC reported ash plumes to 2.7-4.9 km (9,000-16,000 ft) a.s.l. that drifted S, NE, and SW during 18 and 23 August. .
Fukutoku-Oka-no-Ba – Volcano Islands (Japan) : The Japan Coast Guard reported that the eruption at Fukutoku-Oka-no-Ba continued during 16-22 August. Gas-and-steam emissions continued to be observed from the center of the island on 16 August. The pumice raft that was first identified on 15 August had expanded to about 100 km to the WNW and was about 13 km wide. Brown discoloration was visible surrounding the new island, which had a variable shape but a consistent diameter of 1 km by 16 August. A local fisherman in the Ogasawara Islands who was fishing in South Iwo Jima (5 km NNE) posted photos and videos on 17, 20, and 22 August that showed strong white gas-and-steam plumes rising above the volcano. On 20 August lightning was visible within the gas-and-steam plume. On 22 August the plume was observed during 0430-0630.
Kilauea – Hawaiian Islands (USA) : HVO reported that a swarm of earthquakes beneath the S part of Kilauea that began at 1630 on 23 August continued into the early morning of 24 August. The earthquake swarm increased in intensity at 0130 and was accompanied by an increase in the rate of ground deformation to the W of the swarm, as recorded by the Sandhill tiltmeter. This possibly indicated that there was magma movement 1-2 km beneath the S part of the caldera. Over 140 earthquakes were recorded during 24 August, the largest of which was an Mw 3.3; a majority of them were less than Mw 1. Small earthquakes continued at a rate of at least 10 earthquakes per hour through 24 August.
Krysuvik-Trolladyngja – Iceland : The fissure eruption in the W part of the Krýsuvík-Trölladyngja volcanic system, close to Fagradalsfjall on the Reykjanes Peninsula, continued during 18-24 August, though weather often obscured the view of the vents. During 18-19 August new lava flows were observed overflowing the SW and NE crater rims and traveling S, E, and SE in the Geldingadalur and Meradalir valleys. Gas-and-steam plumes often accompanied these flows. On 20 August a large collapse from the inner crater rim was observed in video images (Langihryggur camera), generating some ash emissions. Lava flows traveled toward the Nàtthagi valley during 21-24 August, based on webcam data. Video taken during 21-22 August showed some lava fountaining and flows overflowing the sides of the main cone, accompanied by white gas-and-steam emissions.
Pavlof – United States : AVO reported that occasional small explosions and elevated seismicity at Pavlof were detected in geophysical data during 18-19 August; clouds often obscured the view of the volcano. Observations from webcams and pilots indicated minor low-level ash emissions during 18-19 August. Weakly elevated surface temperatures were frequently detected during 18-22 August in the active vent based on satellite and webcam data.
Whakaari/White Island – North Island (New Zealand) : GeoNet maintained the Volcanic Alert Level at 2 and the Aviation Color Code at Yellow for Whakaari/White Island. A volcanic earthquake was recorded at 1900 on 19 August that continued for ten minutes; other seismic activity has been minor. Webcam images showed some incandescence during the night, which suggested that temperatures in the vent area were likely 500-600°C. On 22 August at 0740 a period of minor ash emissions was observed from the active vent area that lasted for two minutes, based on webcam images. Low levels of ground deformation around the active vent and lake area were identified in satellite radar data.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.5 earthquake hits Atacama, Chile.
5.4 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.
5.4 earthquake hits the Izu Islands off Japan.
5.2 earthquake hits offshore Guatemala.
5.2 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.1 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.1 earthquake hits Guam.
5.0 earthquake hits Alaska.
Two 5.0 earthquakes hit the South Sandwich Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits the Ryukyu Islands off Japan.
Wildfires – Paraguay
Vast areas of Paraguay have been affected, with blazes concentrated in the northeastern administrative departments of Concepcion and Amambay. Thick smoke has reached the capital Asuncion, leaving the sky yellow and severely reducing air quality. Fires have been seen in at least five protected forested areas with 70 percent of the Cerro Cora National Park, a 5,836-hectare (14,420-acre) area of immense ecological and historical importance, consumed by flames.
Wildfires – Mediterranean
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are no current tropical storms.
Newsbytes:
Benin – Overflowing rivers and heavy rains have caused floods in the south of Benin. One person has died in Zou Department. Rising levels of the Niger and Ouémé rivers could affect as many as 900,000 people across the two river basins, Civil Protection said. Meanwhile further north the Niger River at Malanville in Alibori Department of northeastern Benin stood at 8.23 metres, also at orange warning level.
Russia – Teams from the Emergencies Ministry (EMERCOM) of Russia are searching for 5 people who were swept away by floods and mudflows in mountainous areas of Dagestan. Heavy rain affected the republic from 22 to 23 August, 2021. Flooding damaged hundreds of homes and roads across the districts of Gunibsky, Gergebilsky, Levashinsky, Laksky and Kurakhsky. Damage to a pipeline has left thousands without gas. Flooding caused severe damage in the community of Urma in Levashinsky District in particular, where at least 1 house was completely destroyed and 600 others damaged. Meanwhile mudflows in Levashinsky district dragged away a car carrying 2 people in Khadzhalmakhi village.
Venezuela – At least 15 people have died after heavy rain caused foods and mudslides in the state of Mérida in western Venezuela. Hours of heavy rain fell on the steep slopes surrounding the Mocotíes Valley Area late on 23 August 2021. Mudslides and overflowing rivers inundated communities in the valley below. Powerful floods dragged cars through streets, buried roads with mud, rocks and debris and damaged or destroyed homes. Power supply has been cut in affected areas.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Dengue Fever – Bangladesh
The Bangladesh Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) reported an additional 258 more dengue patients were hospitalized (212 from Dhaka), bringing the total since the beginning of the year to 8,575. Of that total, 5,917 were recorded in August alone. More than 8,000 of the country total are reported from Dhaka.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.7 earthquake hits the Kuril Islands.
Two 5.2 earthquakes hit the South Sandwich Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits the Bay of Bengal.
5.0 earthquake hits Tarapaca, Chile.
5.0 earthquake hits the Kermedec islands.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Post Tropical Cyclone Henri is located about 50 mi…85 km e of Providence Rhode island and about 55 mi…90 km se of Boston Massachusetts with maximum sustained winds…25 mph…35 km/h. Present movement…e or 80 degrees at 14 mph…22 km/h.
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Tropical storm 13e (Marty), located approximately 727 nm south of San Diego, is tracking westward at 11 knots.
Newsbytes:
Sudan – The United Nations reports that flooding in Sudan has affected over 60,000 people across 12 states. Furthermore, 3,848 houses have been destroyed and 8,514 damaged. A total of 43 people have lost their lives as a result of heavy rains and flooding. The Nile river is above the danger mark in several locations in the country. As of 22 August, the river stood at 16.12 metres at Atbara in River Nile State. The danger mark here is 15.78 metres.
USA – Tropical Storm Henri made landfall near Westerly, Rhode Island USA on 22 August 2021. The storm brought heavy rainfall to the region before landfall. A record 1.94 inches (49.28 mm) of rain fell in Central Park, New York in 1 hour late on 21 August 2021. Henri also brought strong winds and storm surge. At one point more than 120,000 people were without power across the Northeast. Some flights and trains were suspended temporarily.
Sand Dollar Die-Off
Thousands of sand dollars mysteriously washed ashore in Oregon in a “mass die-off” event. Last week, the circular sea creatures showed up in droves on Seaside Beach in northern Oregon. Sand dollars are species of sea urchins that live on the sandy seafloor, typically close to shore. Beachgoers are likely familiar with the white exoskeleton of the dead sand dollar. But living sand dollars are covered with tiny gray or purple spines that make the animals look fuzzy.
“At this time, we do not know what has caused this. The sand dollars were alive when they washed in during high tides and became stranded, but they “are unable to make it back to the water once the tide recedes,” aquarium representatives said. “This is resulting in them drying up and dying.”
Wildfires – California, USA
More than 13,500 firefighters were working Monday to contain a dozen large California wildfires that have destroyed hundreds of homes and forced thousands of people to flee to safety.
Containment increased to 40% at the Dixie Fire, which has burned more than 1,130 square miles (2,926 square kilometers) in the northern Sierra Nevada and southern Cascades. Ongoing assessments showed 1,259 buildings destroyed, including 678 single-family homes, Cal Fire said. Nearly 13,000 structures remained threatened.
Tallies of losses also increased at the Caldor Fire, which has incinerated more than 166 square miles (430 square kilometers) of El Dorado National Forest on Sierra slopes southwest of Lake Tahoe. Continuing assessments showed 447 buildings destroyed. More than 17,000 structures were still under threat.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
H5N6 avian influenza – China
For the third time in a week, Hong Kong health officials report monitoring a human case of avian influenza A(H5N6) on the Chinese mainland. He is a farmer and had contact with live poultry.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.8 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.5 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.4 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
Four 5.0 earthquakes hit the South Sandwich Islands.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Tropical Depression Henri is located about 60 mi…95 km nnw of New York City and about 90 mi…145 km w of Hartford Connecticut with maximum sustained winds…30 mph…45 km/h. Present movement…e or 90 degrees at 1 mph…2 km/h.
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Tropical storm 13e (Marty), located approximately 850 nm south-southeast of San Diego, is tracking westward at 12 knots.
In the Northwest Pacific Ocean: Tropical Depression 16w (Omais) is located approximately 135 nm south-southwest of Jeju Island, South Korea, is tracking northward at 24 knots.
Newsbytes:
Mexico – Officials in the state of Veracruz, Mexico, report that 8 people died after heavy rain brought by Hurricane Grace on 21 August 2021. Strong winds from Hurricane Grace also caused power cuts and brought down trees. Overall Veracruz Civil Protection reported damages in 22 municipalities in the state. Flooding was also reported in Ciudad Madero in the state of Tamaulipas close to the border with Veracruz.
Tennessee, USA – Record rain fell in Tennessee, USA on 21 August, 2021 causing catastrophic flooding. A state of emergency is in effect for Dickson, Hickman, Houston and Humphreys counties. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Nashville said a record 17 inches (432 mm) of rain fell in the county on 21 August. Officials reported 22 people have lost their lives and approximately 40 people are missing or unaccounted for. Rural roads and highways have been ripped up or washed away and a large section of Interstate 40 was closed temporarily. Power, water and telecommunications infrastructure has also been damaged or destroyed.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Plague – China
The Health Commission of Ningxia has reported a confirmed bubonic plague case in capital Yinchuan, imported from North China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.6 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.4 earthquake hits off the east coast of Honshu, Japan.
5.1 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits off the east coast of Honshu, Japan.
5.0 earthquake hits central Peru.
5.0 earthquake hits Halmahera, Indonesia.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Hurricane Henri is located about 80 mi…125 km sse of Montauk Point New York and about 120 mi…190 km s of Providence Rhode island with maximum sustained winds…75 mph…120 km/h. Present movement…n or 350 degrees at 18 mph…30 km/h.
In the Northwest Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm 16w (Omais) is located approximately 159 nm west-southwest of Kadena afb, Okinawa, Japan, is tracking north-northwestward at 09 knots.
Newsbytes:
Mexico – A short period of intense rainfall late on 19 August 2021 caused severe flooding and landslides in the state of Chihuahua in northern Mexico, where one person died and another is missing. State Civil Protection reported 80 incidents of flooding and 9 landslides across the state capital, Chihuahua and surrounding areas during the evening and night of 19 August. Twenty-nine roads were closed due to floods around the city. Flooding also affected the city of Cuauhtémoc, where around 30 homes were flooded and 10 vehicles left stranded on roads.
DR Congo – One person died and 2 are missing after flash floods ripped through the city of Bukavu, capital of the South Kivu Province in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Flooding has also affected areas of neighbouring North Kivu Province. Meanwhile parts of western Uganda have also seen flooding, with reports of 2 fatalities.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Tetanus – Russia
In August, two cases of tetanus among children were registered in the Altai Territory in southern Siberia, according to the regional department of Rospotrebnadzor. Their parents refused to vaccinate against this disease.
Leptospirosis – India
Health officials in the heavily populated Maharashtra state, India, are reporting 184 cases to date this year.
Plague – USA
New Mexico state health officials reported the first human case of bubonic plague in the state this year Friday. The patient – a resident of Torrance County – is being treated in a local hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.4 earthquake hits Timor.
5.4 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.1 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
Two 5.0 earthquakes hit the South Sandwich Islands.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Hurricane Grace is located bout 45 mi…70 km sw of Tuxpan Mexico and about 135 mi…220 km nw of Veracruz Mexico with maximum sustained winds…110 mph…175 km/h. Present movement…w or 260 degrees at 14 mph…22 km/h.
Tropical Storm Henri is located about 195 mi…315 km se of Cape Hatteras North Carolina and about 555 mi…895 km s of Montauk Point New York with maximum sustained winds…70 mph…110 km/h. Present movement…nne or 15 degrees at 12 mph…19 km/h.
In the Northwest Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm 16w (Omais) is located approximately 270 nm south of Kadena afb, Okinawa, Japan, is tracking northwestward at 08 knots.
Newsbytes:
Nigeria – More flooding has affected Nigeria, this time in the west of the country. Over the last few days floods in Niger state have caused damage to hundreds of homes and farms, mostly across the Local Government Areas (LGA) of Mashegu and Kontagora. At least 200 homes and wide areas of farmland were destroyed in the the floods. Furthermore, at least 4 fatalities were reported with many more people feared missing.
USA – Dozens of people were rescued or evacuated after heavy rain brought by the remnants of Tropical Storm Fred triggered severe flash flooding in parts of New York State. Flooding was also reported in parts of Massachusetts, where 2 people were rescued. Flooding damaged an estimated 120 homes in Steuben County where stretches of road were destroyed.
Rain Falls on Greenland for First Time
Rain has fallen on the summit of Greenland’s ice sheet for the first time in recorded history, heightening concerns about the already precarious condition of its ice.
An unprecedented 7 billion tons (6.3 billion metric tons) of water pelted the ice sheet last Saturday (Aug. 14), falling as rain and not snow for several hours. This was the third time temperatures at the summit had risen above freezing in less than a decade.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.4 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.3 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.2 earthquake hits Tonga.
Three 5.1 earthquakes hit the South Sandwich Islands.
Four 5.0 earthquakes hit the South Sandwich Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits south of Fiji.
5.0 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Tropical storm Grace is located about 265 mi…425 km e of Tuxpan Mexico and about 215 mi…345 km ene of Veracruz Mexico with maximum sustained winds…70 mph…110 km/h. Present movement…w or 270 degrees at 16 mph…26 km/h.
Tropical Storm Henri is located about 370 mi…600 km sse of Cape Hatteras North Carolina and about 780 mi…1255 km ssw of Nantucket Massachusetts with maximum sustained winds…65 mph…100 km/h. Present movement…wnw or 300 degrees at 9 mph…15 km/h.
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm 12e (Linda), located approximately 745 nm east of Hilo, Hawaii, is tracking westward at 15 knots.
In the Northwest Pacific Ocean: Tropical depression 16w (sixteen) has strengthened again and is located approximately 462 nm south-southeast of Kadena afb, is tracking west- northwestward at 09 knots.
Newsbytes:
Singapore – Over 100 mm of rain fell in a few hours in Singapore on 20 August 2021, flooding dozens of roads and causing severe disruption to traffic.
Malaysia – At least 4 people have died and 2 are still missing after powerful flash floods and landslides swept down the steep hillsides of Gunung Jerai in the Yan District of Kedah State in Malaysia. The weather station at Gunung Jerai (Mount Jerai) in Kedah recorded 219 mm of rain in 24 hours to 18 August 2021. Disaster officials said as much as 90mm of rain fell in just 1 hour.
Ghana – Damaging floods struck in Ghana‘s Upper West Region after recent heavy rainfall. Disaster authorities said over 1,605 people were affected and over 100 homes destroyed. Furthermore flooding caused severe damage to roads and bridges in the region, impacting livelihoods and leaving some communities cut off.
Sri Lanka – Sri Lanka‘s Disaster Management Centre (DMC) reports that heavy rain and flash flooding damaged homes and displaced over 1,500 people in the districts of Kandy and Kegalle. In Kandy, areas of Gangawata Korale and Pasbage Korale were badly affected after heavy rain from 11 August. DMC reported 1,509 people were displaced as a result of floods and heavy rain, which severely damaged 19 homes. In total 1,972 people from 426 families were affected.
India – Flooding has affected over 20,000 people across 5 districts of Assam, northeastern India over the last few days. 43 village across the districts of Bongaigaon, Chirang, Dhemaji, Dibrugarh and Lakhimpur have been flooded, affecting 22,022 people. Twenty relief camps have ben set up to house those displaced. 2,937 hectares of crops have been damaged, along with several river embankments in particular in Bongaigaon district. A total of 27 roads have also been damaged.
Ancient Coral
Australian scientists have discovered one of the largest and oldest coral colonies in the Great Barrier Reef, which is the largest coral reef system on Earth. The massive coral belongs to the genus Porites and measures 34 feet (10.4 meters) wide and 17.4 feet (5.3 m) tall, making it the widest and sixth-tallest coral in the Great Barrier Reef.
The researchers found that the massive coral has been around for between 421 and 438 years, meaning that it predates the colonization of Australia. The colony has survived centuries of exposure to invasive species, coral bleaching events and low tides, as well as around 80 major cyclones.
New Temporary Island
Japan’s Coast Guard found a newly formed island about 750 miles south of Tokyo when a surveillance flight spotted an active eruption in a remote area south of Iwo Jima. The Japan Meteorological Agency says previous eruptions created islands in 1904, 1914 and 1986, with all eventually being eroded by waves and currents.
La Niña Return?
A La Niña watch has been issued for the tropical Pacific as the ocean-cooling phenomenon now has a 70% chance of developing from November to January. The sea surface between South America and Indonesia is now in a “neutral” phase between El Niño warming and La Niña.
La Niña typically pushes the polar jet stream northward, bringing wetter weather to the Pacific Northwest, western Canada and the Ohio Valley. But it may also bring ongoing dry conditions to California and the Desert Southwest, worsening droughts and wildfire threats. La Niña’s cooling can also contribute to an extended and active hurricane season.
Fish Baking
With record summer heat and drought threatening wild salmon in California, the Pacific Northwest, British Columbia and Atlantic Canada this summer, experts say many commonly eaten fish could face extinction as global heating makes waters too hot for them to survive.
A report in the journal Nature Climate Change warns many species will struggle to keep pace with the deepening climate emergency. “Warming waters are a double whammy for fish, as they not only cause them to evolve to a smaller size, but also reduce their ability to move to more suitable environments, said co-author Chris Venditti of Britain’s University of Reading. He warns this could threaten global food security.
Global Temperature Extremes
The week’s hottest temperature was 120 degrees Fahrenheit (48.9 degrees Celsius) in Agadir, Morocco.
The week’s coldest temperature was minus 90.0 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 67.8 degrees Celsius) at Vostok, Antarctica.
Temperatures were tabulated from the more than 10,000 worldwide synoptic weather stations. The United Nations World Meteorological Organization sets the standards for weather observations, and provides a global telecommunications circuit for data distribution.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – Ongoing Activity for the Week 11 August – 17 August 2021
Ebeko – Paramushir Island (Russia) : According to volcanologists in Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island), about 7 km E of Ebeko, explosions during 6-9 and 11 August produced ash plumes that rose as high as 2.5 km (8,200 ft) a.s.l. and drifted E and SE. A thermal anomaly was identified in satellite images on 6, 9, and 11 August.
Karymsky – Eastern Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that explosions at Karymsky during 6-13 August produced ash plumes that rose as high as 2.5 km (8,200 ft) a.s.l. Gas-and-steam plumes containing some ash drifted over 60 km SE and SE. A thermal anomaly was identified in satellite images during 7-8 August.
Lewotolok – Lembata Island (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that the Strombolian eruption at Lewotolok continued during 11-17 August. White, gray, and sometimes black plumes rose as high as 2 km above the summit and drifted S, NW, and W during 10-12 August. Incandescent lava was ejected 200-350 m radially on 10 August, accompanied by banging noises. Ash plumes rose 100-300 m during 13-17 August and drifted NE and W. Incandescence from the SW part of the crater was visible during 15-16 August.
Merapi – Central Java (Indonesia) : BPPTKG reported that both the lava dome just below Merapi’s SW rim and the lava dome in the summit crater remained active during 5-12 August. The domes grew and shed material down the flanks, resulting in relatively stable dome volumes. A total of 28 pyroclastic flows descended the SW flank as far as 3 km; as many as 252 lava avalanches traveled a maximum of 2 km SW and one traveled 500 m SE. BNPB noted that ashfall was reported in 19 villages on 10 August and several on 12 August, in the districts of Dukun, Sawangan, Grabag, Pakis, Tegalrejo, Secang, Srumbung, Salam, Muntilan, and Mungkid. Winds played a role in the extensive distribution of ashfall.
Rincon de la Vieja – Costa Rica : OVSICORI-UNA reported that eruptive events at Rincón de la Vieja were recorded at 1052 on 12 August and 0703 on 13 August, though weather conditions prevented visual confirmation of emissions. Fumarolic activity within the crater increased during 16-17 August.
Sheveluch – Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Sheveluch was identified in satellite images during 6-13 August. Gas-and-steam plumes containing some ash drifted 140 km SW during 7 and 9-12 August. On 11 August the Kamchatka Branch of Geophysical Services (KBGS; Russian Academy of Sciences) reported that the spine had crumbled and incandescent material descended the flanks.
Suwanosejima – Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : JMA reported that 10 explosions at Suwanosejima’s Ontake Crater produced eruption plumes that rose as high as 2.2 km above the crater rim during 6-13 August. Large volcanic bombs were ejected 400 m from the crater. Crater incandescence was visible nightly and ashfall was occasionally reported in Toshima village (4 km SSW).
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.0 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.7 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.2 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
Five 5.1 earthquakes hit the South Sandwich Islands.
5.1 earthquake hits Haiti.
5.0 earthquake hits the Kuril Islands.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Hurricane Grace is located about 25 mi…40 km se of Tulum Mexico with maximum sustained winds…80 mph…130 km/h. Present movement…w or 280 degrees at 17 mph…28 km/h.
Tropical Storm Henri is located about 525 mi…845 km se of Cape Hatteras North Carolina and about 810 mi…1300 km s of Nantucket Massachusetts with maximum sustained winds…70 mph…110 km/h. Present movement…w or 260 degrees at 9 mph…15 km/h.
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Hurricane 12e (Linda), located approximately 1107 nm east of Hilo, Hawaii, is tracking west-northwestward at 15 knots.
Newsbytes:
Sweden – More than 100 mm of rain fell in 2 hours in parts of central Sweden on 18 August causing damaging flash floods in the counties of Dalarna and Gävleborg. Flood damage was reported in parts of Gävleborg and Dalarna Counties. Many houses in Gävleborg County were flooded and have suffered major water damage. Several roads were damaged in affected areas. One road was completely destroyed in Borlänge. Flooded railway tracks disrupted rail transport.
North Carolina, USA – As many as 35 people are reported missing or unaccounted for after flash floods in North Carolina brought by torrential rainfall from Tropical Storm ‘Fred’. Water systems in the towns of Canton and Clyde have been impacted and boil water advisories are in effect. There is significant damage to roads and bridges, especially in Cruso, with at least 10-15 bridges damaged or destroyed.
Ethiopia – At least 7 people have died in flash floods that struck the city of Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia on 17 August 2021. Several neighbourhoods of the city were inundated after heavy rain on 17 August 2021. Roads were submerged, cars stranded and buildings damaged. Dozens of people were injured and taken to various hospitals in the city.
Wildfires – British Columbia, Canada
As of Tuesday (Aug. 17) afternoon, 262 wildfires are burning in the province with 86 evacuation orders and 125 evacuation alerts affecting a combined total of 30,991 properties. Over the weekend, multiple B.C. municipalities experienced new wildfires or struggled to accommodate evacuees from other regions. Wildfire activity caused a 40-hour closure of the Coquihalla Highway, which has since reopened to essential travel.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Chikungunya – Brazil
Pernambuco State Health Department (SES-PE) is reporting a significant increase in the number chikungunya cases during the first seven months of 2021. As of July 30, 9,378 chikungunya cases have been confirmed, compared to 1,648 confirmed cases in 2020. Health officials have also reported 6,926 cases of dengue fever for the same period.
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – New Activity for the Week 11 August – 17 August 2021
Atka – Andreanof Islands (USA) : The number of small shallow earthquakes increased at Atka during 10-11 August, prompting AVO to raise the Aviation Color Code to Yellow and the Volcano Alert Level to Advisory. The earthquakes were located at a depth of 3-6 km and around 7 km SW of Korovin, though may be related to the several vents that are part of the Atka volcanic complex. Seismicity declined afterwards but remained above background levels through 16 August, and was near baseline levels by 17 August.
Chirinkotan – Kuril Islands (Russia) : KVERT reported that the eruption at Chirinkotan continued during 11-17 August. An explosion at 1315 on 14 August produced a 15 x 17 km ash plume that rose 3-3.5 km (10,000-11,500 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 13 km SSE. Ash plumes from an explosion at 0945 on 15 August rose 2.5-3 km (8,200-10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 8 km S. KVERT and SVERT noted that another explosive event at 1010 on 16 August generated ash plumes that rose 3.5-5 km (11,500-16,400 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 23 km E.
Fukutoku-Oka-no-Ba – Volcano Islands (Japan) : JMA reported that a large eruption at Fukutoku-Oka-no-Ba commenced around 0620 on 13 August based on satellite data. Ash plumes rose as high as 16 km (54,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted W. The eruption was also confirmed during an overflight later that day. Video showed Surtseyan explosions ejecting black material above the ocean’s surface, and ash plumes drifted W. Ash plumes identified in satellite images rose 12.2-16 km (40,000-54,000 ft) a.s.l. during 13-15 August; the height of the plume decreased afterwards though the eruption intermittently continued. The Japan Coast Guard observed a new horseshoe-shaped island that was about 1 km in diameter during an overflight on 15 August. They also observed and photographed a notable pumice raft swirling with the currents as far as 60 km NW. JMA noted that the volcano last erupted in 2010 and frequent episodes of discolored seawater had been observed since then.
Great Sitkin – Andreanof Islands (USA) : AVO reported that the lava dome at Great Sitkin continued to be active, growing in diameter from 250 m on 6 August, to 380 m three days later, and to 700 m by 16 August. Steam-and-gas plumes were periodically observed in webcam images, in satellite data, and by observers on the ground during 11-17 August. Elevated surface temperatures and small earthquakes detected daily were consistent with the growing dome.
Krysuvik-Trolladyngja – Iceland : The fissure eruption in the W part of the Krýsuvík-Trölladyngja volcanic system, close to Fagradalsfjall on the Reykjanes Peninsula, continued during 11-17 August. According to the Institute of Earth Sciences photographs of the flow field captured on 8 August suggested that the lava effusion rate averaged 9.3 cubic meters per second over the previous 12 days. The area of the flow field had grown to 4.4 square kilometers, and the total volume erupted was 119 million cubic meters. New ground cracks were observed in Gónhóll, a hill S of the main crater (the fifth vent) that was a former vantage point but is now surrounded by lava, though they had likely formed sometime in the previous two weeks and may not have been caused by rising magma. A new vent that opened on 9 August was not confirmed to be separate from the nearby main vent until about a week later. The new cone quickly grew from intense spattering and by 17 August was around the same height as the main crater. Spattering from the new vent was at times ejected higher than spatter from the main vent.
Nishinoshima – Japan : JMA reported that ash plumes from Nishinoshima were visible in satellite images on 14 August rising about 1.9 km and drifting N. The Japan Coast Guard conducted an overflight the next day and did not observe eruptive activity or new deposits from the day before. The Tokyo VAAC noted that a period of continuous ash emissions was visible in satellite data on 15 August.
Pacaya – Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that gas emissions rose as high as 1.1 km above Pacaya’s summit and drifted as far as 1 km S and SW during 10-17 August. Two explosions produced ash plumes that drifted S on 13 August.
Pavlof – United States : AVO reported that several small daily explosions at Pavlof were recorded by seismic and infrasound sensors during 10-17 August. The vent producing the explosions was possibly near the 2007 vent location on the upper SE flank. Small ash emissions, visible in webcam images and occasionally observed by pilots, dissipated quickly and likely deposited ash no further on the upper flanks.
Sarychev Peak – Matua Island (Russia) : SVERT reported that an emission of sulfur dioxide from Sarychev Peak was identified in satellite data on 15 August.
Semisopochnoi – Aleutian Islands (USA) : AVO reported that an eruption at Semisopochnoi’s North Cerberus crater was ongoing during 11-17 August, characterized by daily explosions, ash plumes, and occasional sulfur dioxide emissions identified in satellite images. Multiple energetic explosions were detected daily in seismic and infrasound data, and strong seismic tremor was occasionally recorded. Daily steam-and-ash plumes identified in webcam and satellite data rose no higher than 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 200-300 km W. Daily ashfall likely occurred on the island.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.8 earthquake hits Vanuatu.
6.1 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.9 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.9 earthquake hits south of Fiji.
5.8 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.4 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.4 earthquake hits Fiji.
5.3 earthquake hits the Izu Islands off Japan.
Two 5.3 earthquakes hit the South Sandwich Islands.
5.1 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
Haiti – Update
The death toll from the Magnitude 7.6 earthquake that hit Haiti on 14 August has risen to 1 941 deaths with more than 9 900 injuries. The earthquake destroyed at least 860 homes and 700 others have been damaged.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Tropical Depression Fred is located about 20 mi…30 km nw of Charleston West Virginia and about 260 mi…420 km sw of State College Pennsylvania with maximum sustained winds…25 mph…35 km/h. Present movement…ne or 35 degrees at 20 mph…31 km/h.
Tropical Storm Grace is located about 20 mi…30 km sw of Grand Cayman and about 405 mi…650 km ese of Tulum Mexico with maximum sustained winds…65 mph…100 km/h. resent movement…wnw or 285 degrees at 16 mph…26 km/h.
Tropical Storm Henri is located about 160 mi…260 km ssw of Bermuda with maximum sustained winds…65 mph…100 km/h . Pesent movement…w or 260 degrees at 8 mph…13 km/h.
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Hurricane 12e (Linda), located approximately 1132 nm southwest of San Diego, is tracking westward at 11 knots.
Newsbytes:
Arizona, USA – Officials in Coconino County, Arizona, reported record rainfall fell on burn scar areas on 17 August 2021, causing more severe flooding in areas around the city of Flagstaff.
Turkey – Update – A week after flooding struck, rescue workers in Turkey are continuing their search for people missing in the northwestern Black Sea provinces of Kastamonu, Sinop and Bartın. The death toll has increased to 77, which includes 62 in Kastamonu, 14 in Sinop, and 1 in Bartın.
Caribbean – Flooding rain from Tropical Storm Grace has complicated rescue and recovery efforts in the wake of the earthquake in Haiti in which 1,941 people have now died. Meanwhile over 500 homes were damaged by floods in neighbouring Dominican Republic. As the storm moved west, incidents of flooding and landslides were reported in Jamaica. Earlier heavy rain associated with Storm Grace caused flooding and landslides in Trinidad where one person died.
Germany, Austra, Italy – Flash floods and mudslides triggered by heavy rainfall caused widespread damage across parts of southern Germany, Austria and northern Italy from 16 August. One person died and one reported missing in Bavaria, Germany. Flash floods in Austria buried a train in rocks and debris in Wald im Pinzgau, Austria. Flash floods triggered by heavy rainfall were reported in Grainau in Garmisch-Partenkirchen district, southern Bavaria in Germany. Police reported 12 people were swept away or stranded after flash floods from the Hammersbach stream swept through the narrow Höllental gorge situated at the foot of the Zugspitze, the highest peak of the Wetterstein Mountains. The area is popular with tourists and hikers. Heavy rain in parts of Salzburg State in Austria from 16 August triggered mudslides and flash floods in the Pongau and Pinzgau regions. The severe weather caused damage in parts of South Tyrol Province of northern Italy on 16 August. The communes of Ahrntal and Pflersch were the worst affected.
Wildfires – France
Thousands of people fled homes, campgrounds and hotels near the French Riviera on Tuesday as firefighters battled a blaze that raced through nearby forests, sending smoke pouring down wooded slopes toward vineyards in the picturesque area.
The wildfire started Monday evening, in the height of France’s summer vacation season, about 40 kilometers (24 miles) inland from the coastal resort of Saint-Tropez. Fueled by powerful seasonal winds coming off the Mediterranean Sea, the fire had spread across 5,000 hectares (12,000 acres) of forest by Tuesday morning.
Wildfires – California – Update
– Antelope Fire – 56,753 acres, 27% contained, started Aug. 1.
– Dixie Fire – 604,511 acres, 31% contained, started July 13.
– River Complex – 44,117 acres, 10% contained, started July 30.
– McFarland Fire – 97,407 acres, 68% contained, started July 29.
– Monument Fire – 119,280 acres, 10% contained, started July 30.
– Caldor Fire – 6,500 acres, 0% contained, started Aug. 14.
Wildfires – Washington, USA
The Schneider Springs Fire grew has burned more than 44 square miles (114 square kilometers) since the lightning-ignited blaze started.
The Corkscrew Fire has damaged or destroyed 20 buildings — including eight homes — and has burned through more than 20 square miles (52 square kilometers).
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Covid-19 – New Zealand
Auckland health officials reported a positive case of COVID-19 in a 58-year-old man who was unvaccinated–the first locally acquired case in six months. This prompted New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern to put the whole country on lockdown–7 days for Auckland and 3 days for the rest of the country.
Syphilis – Alberta, Canada
Health officials in the province say Alberta has not seen such high levels of syphilis since 1948. With 765 cases reported in the province during the first three months of 2021.
Polio – Uganda
The Ministry of Health has declared Polio a Public Health Emergency in Uganda following confirmation of positive laboratory tests from environmental samples in Kampala. The samples were collected from the sewage plants in Bugolobi and Lbigi which are two of the sentinel environmental surveillance sites in Kampala.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.8 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.7 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.5 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
Two 5.2 earthquakes hit the South Sandwich Islands.
5.1 earthquake hits Vanuatu.
5.0 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Tropical Depression Fred is located about 15 mi…25 km ssw of Columbus Georgia with maximum sustained winds…35 mph…55 km/h. Present movement…nne or 15 degrees at 14 mph…22 km/h.
Tropical Storm Grace is located about 165 mi…265 km e of Montego bay Jamaica and about 385 mi…620 km e of Grand Cayman with maximum sustained winds…40 mph…65 km/h. Present movement…w or 280 degrees at 16 mph…26 km/h.
Tropical Storm Henri is located bout 135 mi…215 km sse of Bermuda with maximum sustained winds…50 mph…85 km/h. Present movement…wsw or 240 degrees at 5 mph…7 km/h.
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Hurricane 12e (Linda), located approximately 1026 nm south-southwest of San Diego, is tracking westward at 10 knots.
In the northwestern Pacific Ocean: Tropical depression 16w (Sixteen), located approximately 61 nm west-southwest of Andersen AFB, is tracking westward at 12 knots.
Newsbytes:
India – Officials in the state of Bihar in eastern India report flooding in 15 districts has affected 2.7 million people. The Ganges River is at record levels in Bhagalpur and Patna Districts. Rivers across the state are above the danger mark in 26 locations. As many as 12 people have lost their lives.
Nigeria – Flooding has affected hundreds of families in the northern and northeastern states of Jigawa, Bauchi and Adamawa in Nigeria over the last week. At least 21 people died in road accident at a bridge destroyed by the floods.
Wildfires – Minnesota, USA
A rapidly growing wildfire in northeastern Minnesota has expanded to at least 1,500 acres (600 hectares) and prompted some evacuations, the U.S. Forest Service said Monday.
Wildfires – Greece
Fanned by strong winds, two new big wildfires erupted Monday in hard-hit Greece, triggering evacuation alerts for villages southeast and northwest of Athens — only days after blazes consumed large tracts of forest north of the Greek capital.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.5 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.6 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.5 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.4 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
Three 5.3 earthquakes hit the South Sandwich Islands.
5.2 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
Four 5.1 earthquakes hit the South Sandwich Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits the Sea of Japan.
5.0 earthquake hits Antofagasta, Chile.
5.0 earthquake hits Chitinskaya Oblast, Russia.
5.0 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits the South Indian Ocean.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Tropical Storm Fred is located about 90 mi…145 km ssw of Apalachicola Florida with maximum sustained winds…50 mph…85 km/h. Present movement…n or 360 degrees at 9 mph…15 km/h.
Tropical Depression Grace is located about 125 mi…200 km se of Port au Prince Haiti and about 390 mi…625 km e of Montego bay Jamaica with maximum sustained winds…35 mph…55 km/h. Present movement…w or 275 degrees at 15 mph…24 km/h.
Tropical Depression Eight is located about 120 mi…190 km ese of Bermuda with maximum sustained winds…35 mph…55 km/h. Present movement…s or 185 degrees at 9 mph…15 km/h.
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Hurricane 12e (Linda), located approximately 912 nm south-southwest of San Diego, is tracking west-southwestward at 09 knots.
In the northwestern Pacific Ocean: Tropical depression 16w (Sixteen), located approximately 286 nm east of Andersen AFB, is tracking westward at 16 knots.
Newsbytes:
Colombia – Three people have died in recent floods in Meta Department, Colombia, while Civil Defence reported flooding and landslides in 7 departments across the country over the last 2 weeks. Flooding has affected the municipalities of El Dorado, Mapiripán, Villavicencio and Acacías in Meta Department from 10 August 2021. Civil Defence said 3 people lost their lives in floods in Acacías, while around 80 people were affected in Mapiripán. The last 2 weeks has seen flooding or landslides in 7 departments across the country, affecting around 5,000 people.
Somalia – Humanitarian organisations in Somalia report that flooding along the Shabelle River has forced thousands of families from their homes. Two young children reportedly died in the floods.
Japan – Three people died and dozens were rescued after torrential rain in Japan caused further flooding and mudslides on 15 August 2021. Heavy rain has been falling in the country since late last week. As much as 743.0 mm of rain fell in 48 hours in areas near the city of Unzen in Nagasaki prefecture, where a landslide struck early on 13 August. Two houses collapsed, burying 4 residents. As of 13 August, 1 fatality was reported and 2 people were missing and 1 seriously injured. On 15 August another deadly mudslide struck, burying eight people in a house in Okaya City, Nagano Prefecture. Three people died, 2 were injured and 3 others rescued.
Arizona, USA – Officials in Gila Bend, Arizona, USA, declared a state of emergency after flash floods caused 2 fatalities and severe damage on 14 August 2021. Monsoon rains once again triggered flash flooding in Arizona, with the town of Gila Bend in Maricopa County the worst affected. The town is situated about 50 miles / 80 km southwest of Phoenix, Arizona.
Turkey – The death toll from the catastrophic floods in the Black Sea Region of Turkey has reached 59 according to disaster authorities in the country. Torrential rain of more than 300mm in 24 hours hammered the provinces of Bartin, Kastamonu and Sinop in the Black Sea Region of northern Turkey on 11 August. The ensuing flooding and mudslides destroyed homes, roads, and 5 bridges. Power, water and telecommunications infrastructure were also damaged. Twenty-five villages remain without power in Kastamonu and 56 villages in Sinop.
