Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.6 earthquake hits Kapulauan Barat Daya, Indonesia.

5.2 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.

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Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Atlantic Ocean: Sub-tropical Storm Wanda is located about 935 mi…1500 km w of the Azores and about 850 mi…1365 km se of Cape Race Newfoundland with maximum sustained winds…50 mph…85 km/h. Present movement…ese or 105 degrees at 16 mph…26 km/h.

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Disease

Covid-19

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

Measles – Sierra Leone

On Friday, the Sierra Leone Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MoHS) declared a measles outbreak in Kambia District. There have been a total of three confirmed cases from a cluster of suspected cases in Bamoi Luma in the district.

Yellow Fever – Ghana

The Ghana Health Services (GHS) reported Friday that they have received interim laboratory results of an unusual disease from the Savannah Region that has led to the deaths of eight people. Yellow fever is suspected and samples have been sent out for confirmatory testing.

West Nile Virus – Arizona, USA

In a follow-up on the record West Nile virus (WNV) outbreak in Arizona this year, state health officials now report 763 total cases (275 confirmed and 488 probable) through Oct. 27. This is up from 55 total cases two weeks ago and by far the most in the United States.

Dengue Fever – Bangladesh

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) in Dhaka report 130 additional dengue fever cases in the past 24 hours, bringing the total since the beginning of the year to 23,357. Of the total, about 20,000 of the cases were reported from Dhaka. 89 fatalities have been reported to date.

Chikungunya – Americas

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reports 122,203 chikungunya cases year to date in the Americas. This compares with 103,000 total cases reported in all of 2020. Brazil accounted for more than 97 percent of the total with 119,019 cases, including 57,221 confirmed cases. This is followed by Guatemala with 1,091 cases and Belize with 737. Eight fatalities were reported in the region, all in Brazil.

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Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.6 earthquake hits southern Peru.

5.5 earthquake hits Fiji.

5.3 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.

5.1 earthquake hits the western Indian-Antarctic ridge.

5.0 earthquake hits the west Chile rise.

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Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:

There are no current tropical storms.

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Wildfires

Wildfire Effect on Wildlife

While many animals have adapted to live with wildfires of the past — which were smaller, more frequent and kept ecosystems in balance across the West — it’s unclear to scientists how animals are coping with today’s unprecedented megafires. A team of researchers tracked a population of black-tailed deer before, during and after the 2018 Mendocino Complex Fire and found that deer that had to flee the flames returned home, despite some areas of the landscape being completely burned and void of vegetation to eat. Most of the deer returned home within hours of the fire, while trees were still smoldering.

It’s unknown whether this loyalty-to-home strategy will prove helpful, or harmful, in the future. Smaller wildfires encourage new vegetation growth — tasty for deer — but massive wildfires can actually destroy seed banks, which reduces the amount of plants available to eat. In this case, some of the deer that had to expand their home range to eat did so at the expense of their body condition.

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Disease

Covid-19

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

Legionnaires Disease – Oregon, USA

Washington County Public Health is investigating six cases of Legionnaires’ disease in the Murrayhill area of Beaverton. The cases were reported within the last week in people who live within two miles of Murray Boulevard and Scholls Ferry Road. The people range in age from late 40s to early 80s.

Dengue Fever – Most Cases

Through September this year, over 1.3 million dengue fever cases have been reported worldwide. Brazil has seen the most with more than 845,000 cases, which is not unusual as the country routinely report over 1 million, sometime more than 2 million dengue cases annually.

Following Brazil in the first nine months of the year is India with 60,112. Additionally, during the past month, India has reported the most cases on the globe with 46,068.

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Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.2 earthquake hits Alaska.

5.1 earthquake hits Mindanao in the Philippines.

5.0 earthquake hits the State of Yap, Micronesia.

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Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Northwest Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm 25w (Malou), located approximately 402 nm east-southwest of Yokosuka, Japan, is tracking northeastward at 27 knots.

NewsBytes:

Colombia – Heavy rain has taken its toll in at least 3 departments of Colombia over the last week, with damaging floods and landslides reported in the departments of Antioquia, Meta and Putumayo. Heavy rain from late 26 October caused flooding in the municipality of El Retiro, Antioquia. The La Agudelo stream broke its banks, with the ensuing floods damaging over 130 homes and affecting around 600 residents. Flooding has also affected parts of Putumayo Department during late October. Homes were damaged and around 250 people affected across the municipalities of Puerto Guzman and Valle del Guamez.

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Wildlife

Migration May Come to an End

Climate change appears to be causing many migratory birds to spend between 50 and 60 fewer days in their historic African wintering homes, and new research says some may soon stop migrating southward from Europe entirely.

Writing in the journal Global Change Biology, scientists from Britain’s Durham University say records from 1964 to 2019 reveal that some species are arriving at their wintering grounds later in autumn and departing earlier in spring. “In the traditional migration destinations of sub- Saharan Africa, a reduction in the time migratory birds spend there could have implications … such as insect consumption, seed dispersal and pollination,” said lead author Kieran Lawrence.

Nasty Buzzards

Dozens of troublesome buzzards have mysteriously laid siege to a North Carolina town, where their acid vomit, toxic feces and general carousing have become a nightmare for residents.

Droppings of the scavengers that have invaded the town of Bunn can strip paint from a car, and their seemingly intentional projectile vomit is often aimed at approaching people or other creatures, according to the News and Observer daily. Local naturalist Kathy Schlosser says the practice is a means of escape as it lessens the birds’ weight to allow a quick takeoff.

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Global Warming

Climate Warnings

The world is now on track for 2.6 degrees Celsius of warming above pre-industrial levels based on current pledges by world leaders to cut emissions, according to the United Nations.

The prediction comes as a survey of nearly 90,000 climate-related studies revealed that 99.9% of all atmospheric scientists agree that global heating is being caused by human activities, especially greenhouse gas emissions. “This report is another thundering wake-up call. How many do we need? The emissions gap is the result of a leadership gap,” U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres told reporters. “The era of half measures and hollow promises must end.”

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Environment

Global Temperature Extremes

The week’s hottest temperature was 42.2 degrees Celsius (108 degrees F) at Oodnadatta, South Australia.

The week’s coldest temperature was minus 58.8 degrees Celsius (-74 degrees F) 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:

Malaria – Pakistan

The Sindh Health Department reported 87,751 malaria cases through September this year, accounting for approximately 97 percent of all vectorborne disease in the province.

Cryptococcus gattii outbreak in porpoises and dolphins

Cryptococcus gattii is a fungus that lives in the environment in primarily tropical and sub-tropical areas of the world but also in some temperate regions such as British Columbia and some parts of the United States. C. gattii cryptococcosis is a rare infection that people can get after breathing in the microscopic fungus. Scientists have found that the disease also killed porpoises and dolphins in the Salish Sea.

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Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – Ongoing Activity for the week 20 October – 26 October 2021

Aira – Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that incandescence from Minamidake Crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) was visible at night during 18-25 October. The sulfur dioxide emission rate was 1,000 tons per day on 22 October.

Cleveland – Chuginadak Island (USA) : On 20 October AVO lowered both the Aviation Color Code and the Volcano Alert Level for Cleveland to Unassigned, noting a steady decline in volcanic unrest over the previous few months. Elevated surface temperatures were still identified in satellite images, though at a reduced frequency and strength. A short-lived explosion on 1 June 2020 was the last time eruptive activity was recorded.

Dukono – Halmahera (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that during 19 and 22-26 October white-and-gray ash plumes from Dukono rose as high as 300 m above the summit and drifted E and W.

Ebeko – Paramushir Island (Russia) : On 22 September KVERT lowered the Aviation Color Code for Ebeko to Yellow (the second lowest level on a four-color scale), noting that a thermal anomaly over the volcano was last visible on 25 August and eruptive activity had not been recorded since 22 September.

Etna – Sicily (Italy) : Strombolian activity resumed at Etna’s Southeast Crater (SEC) beginning at 0447 on 20 October. Small ash-and-gas puffs drifted SW. Activity gradually increased and by 1920 on 21 October explosions were ejecting incandescent material out of the crater. Activity intensified during the evening of 22 October, and crater incandescence was visible in between weather clouds at night during 22-23 October. Ash plumes drifted NE. Explosive Strombolian activity increased at 1000 on 23 October, producing ash plumes that then abruptly stopped at 1035. A series of strong explosions began a few minutes later, producing visible pressure waves and ash emissions. Lava fountaining began sometime before 1043 and dense ash-and-gas plumes rose several kilometers high and drifted ENE. A fracture opened on the SE side of the SEC cone and at 1048 a pyroclastic flow traveled 1.5 km SE toward the Valle del Bove. A second pyroclastic flow observed at 1100 also traveled 1.5 km SE. Several smaller pyroclastic flows were visible on the E flank of the cone. At 1158 a pyroclastic flow bifurcated and traveled a few hundred meters S and SE. Lava fountains rose as high as 800 m during the most intense period and a lava flow originating from the E side of the crater descended SE. The ash plumes rose more than 10 km (32,800 ft) a.s.l. and caused ash and lapilli to fall in many areas downwind, including Linguaglossa, Vena, Presa, Piedimonte Etneo, Taormina, and Mascali. Explosive activity began to decrease around 1200 and then ceased at 1220. Ash emissions continued to rise from the SEC and by 1932, the lava flows on the SE flank had stopped advancing.

Great Sitkin – Andreanof Islands (USA) : AVO reported that lava effusion continued at Great Sitkin during 20-26 October. Lava advanced down the S and W flanks and were 500 m long by 20 October based on satellite images. Geophysical and web camera data streams returned back online during 22-23 October; seismicity remained slightly elevated and no explosive activity was recorded in both seismic and infrasound data through 26 October. Elevated surface temperatures were visible in satellite images during 25-26 October.

Karymsky – Eastern Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that during 19-20 October explosions at Karymsky generated ash plumes that rose as high as 5 km (16,400 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 225 km E. A thermal anomaly was visible on 21 October.

Langila – New Britain (Papua New Guinea) : The Darwin VAAC reported that on 21 October ash plumes from Langila were visible in satellite images rising 1.8-4.6 km (6,000-15,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifting NW.

Lewotolok – Lembata Island (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that the eruption at Lewotolok continued during 20-26 October. White-and-gray plumes generally rose as high as 600 m above the summit and drifted in multiple directions.

Merapi – Central Java (Indonesia) : BPPTKG reported no morphological changes to Merapi’s SW lava dome, located just below the SW rim and in the summit crater, and the summit crater dome during 15-21 October. Two pyroclastic flows traveled 2.5 km down the SW flank and as many as 60 lava avalanches traveled a maximum of 2 km SW.

Pavlof – United States : AVO reported that the eruption at Pavlof continued during 20-26 October and was focused at a vent on the upper SE flank, near the location of the 2007 vent. Seismicity remained elevated with tremor and daily small explosions during 20-24 October. Weather clouds obscured satellite and webcam images most days, but the explosions likely produced low-level ash plumes that rose no higher than 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. Elevated surface temperatures were visible in satellite images during 25-26 October.

Semisopochnoi – Aleutian Islands (USA) : AVO reported that eruptive activity at Semisopochnoi’s North Cerberus crater continued during 19-26 October. Tremor and multiple minor explosions were detected daily in seismic and infrasound data. Although weather clouds often prevented webcam and satellite views, intermittent, low-level ash emissions were visible during clear weather rising to altitudes up to 3 km (10,000 ft a.s.l.); the farthest plume drifted 250 km on 19 October. Sulfur dioxide emissions were detected during 25-26 October.

Sheveluch – Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Sheveluch was identified in satellite images during 16-17 and 20-21 October when the volcano was visible through weather clouds. A plume of resuspended ash rose as high as 4 km (13,100 ft) a.s.l. on 21 October and drifted 40 km SE.

Shishaldin – Fox Islands (USA) : AVO reported that several outages affected GPS, seismic, and infrasound stations used to monitor Shishaldin. On 20 October AVO changed both the Aviation Color Code and the Volcano Alert Level to Unassigned, reflecting the lack of this data to detect unrest. The volcano continued to be monitored with webcams, satellite data, remote infrasound, seismic, and GPS networks.

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Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.1 earthquake hits Kepulauan Barat Daya, Indonesia.

5.0 earthquake hits Tonga.

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Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Northwest Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm 25w (Malou), located approximately 83 nm south-southwest of Iwo To, is tracking northeastward at 12 knots.

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Wildlife

Rare Owl Spotted in the Wild

Two scientists stumbled across a Shelley’s eagle-owl, a species not seen in the wild for over 150 years as they were working in the Atewa Forest, Ghana. According to a report by Lad Bible, “The last confirmed sighting of the Shelley’s eagle-owl, which is native to Central and Western Africa, was in the 1870’s. The giant owl is officially classified as at risk of extinction, with only a few thousand of them believed to exist in the wild.”

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Disease

Covid-19

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

Diphtheria – India

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports 13 diphtheria cases through October in Ghaziabad district in Uttar Pradesh state, according to a TOI report. This compares to 14 cases in 2020. Two confirmed deaths were reported while two other fatalities are under investigation.

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Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – New Activity for the week 20 October – 26 October 2021

Asosan – Kyushu (Japan) : JMA characterized the eruption at Asosan that occurred at 1143 on 20 October as medium-sized. The event ejected blocks 900 m S, produced pyroclastic flows that descended 1.3 km W, and generated an ash plume that rose 3.5 km above the crater rim. Very small eruptive events were recorded during 1244-1410. The sulfur dioxide emission rate was high at 2,500 tons per day on 21 October. White plumes rose 900 m from the crater during 21-22 October.

Karangetang – Siau Island (Indonesia) : The Darwin VAAC reported that on 25 October a pilot observed an ash plume from Karangetang rising to 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifting SW. Continuous ash emissions were also visible in satellite images, though emissions ceased within five hours.

Kilauea – Hawaiian Islands (USA) : HVO reported that the summit eruption at Kilauea continued during 19-26 October at a vent in the lower W wall of Halema`uma`u Crater. Lava entered the lake through a 10-m-wide breach in the E part of the W wall cone, feeding the lake which had risen 49 m since 29 September. Consistent lava fountains from the W vent rose 5-18 m with occasional bursts up to 23 m, based on field crew observations. The sulfur dioxide emission rate was high at 2,600-3,200 tonnes per day during 21-22 and 24-25 October. The lava lake was not level with the deepest parts surrounding the W vent; the W end was 8 m higher than the stagnant E part by 24 October.

Krakatau – Indonesia : PVMBG reported that at 1413 on 26 October an eruption at Anak Krakatau produced a dense gray ash plume that rose 500 m above the summit and drifted N. The eruption lasted 45 seconds based on seismic data.

La Palma – Spain : The eruption at La Palma continued during 20-26 October, characterized by Strombolian explosions, lava fountaining from multiple vents, advancing and branching lava flows, and daily ash emissions. Eruption details are based on official sources including PEVOLCA (Plan de Emergencias Volcánicas de Canarias) steering committee summaries issued daily. Seismicity remained elevated, with most earthquakes located 10-15 km deep (though some were as deep as 39 km); dozens of events were felt by local residents and some were felt across the entire island. A M 4.8 earthquake was recorded at 2248 on 19 October at a depth of 39 km, and the largest earthquake recorded since the beginning of the eruption, a M 4.9 at 38 km deep, was recorded at 1634 on 23 October; both of these events were felt across La Palma Island, as well as in some areas of Gomera and Tenerife islands. The vents in the main cone continued to effuse lava, eject tephra, and produce sometimes dense and billowing ash-and-gas plumes that rose 2.8-4 km (9,200-13,100 ft) a.s.l. Sulfur dioxide emissions fluctuated at high levels between 3,200 and 53,600 tons per day. Four vents in the main cone were active, though the activity levels varied in intensity throughout the week. A new vent opened on 19 October, in an area between the 16 October vent (located 300 m from the SE base of the main cone) and the main cone. The new vent began with explosive phreatomagmatic activity before Strombolian activity commenced. The main cone changed shape, with cycles of partial crater rim and wall collapses and growth as the eruption continued. Explosions and a lava overflow from the main cone were visible at 2000 on 22 October. A partial collapse of the NW flank of the main cone on 23 October intensified ash emissions and sent large blocks downslope; the blocks fell onto another vent, causing lava to spill out into numerous lava flows. Strong explosions were heard at 1230 and lava overflowed a vent on the flanks of the main cone at 1415. On 24 October tall lava fountains rose from at least two vents. During the afternoon, a new vent opened on the W flank and effused lava at a high rate. The vent grew taller and widened during 24-25 October. The vent located at the SE end of the fissure produced slow-moving lava flows that traveled SW. Very intense explosive activity was visible on 25 October. A small collapse of the cone was observed at 1700. At around 2100 a lava lake in the main cone increased in volume, causing a partial collapse of the upper part of the cone, and producing large, detached blocks that were carried downslope by several lava flows. Lava fountains rose about 600 m above the vent. The lava-flow field was characterized by three main areas: the initial main flow that traveled W, flowing around the S part of Montaña de Todoque, toward the sea and created a lava delta, a flow that had branched off of the main flow to the S, and the flows that traveled W along the N margins of the main flow. Lava flows sometimes overflowed their channels, forming ephemeral flows that spread laterally, descended short distances, and were also transported downslope in lava tubes. The lava flows along the northern margins (the N flow) were the most active; the flow that traveled N of Montaña Todoque had stopped, while the flow to the S of Montaña de La Laguna continued to advance and spread laterally. A lull in lava advancement during 22-23 October allowed for some homeowners to retrieve items from their residences. Lava advanced over some areas in the flow field that were previously unaffected, particularly in Alcalá, and covered an estimated 8.79 square kilometers by 26 October. The farthest end of N flows was less than 100 m from the coastline. Lava at the delta had reached 120 m water depth and rock fragments from the end of the flow were observed at depths of 360 m. The thickness of the flow at the delta was 10-30 m; lava had filled the upper and middle parts of underwater ravines and covered an area of about 0.11 square kilometers. Scientists observed an absence of marine life around the lava flows.

Manam – Papua New Guinea : According to the Darwin VAAC, ground-based observers at Manam observed on going, low-level eruptive activity on 21 October. Ash emissions rose as high as 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted W. Within a few hours, ash had dissipated and activity was no longer visible.

Yasur – Vanuatu : The Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department (VMGD) reported that seismic activity slightly increased at Yasur beginning at 1330 on 22 October. Emissions also increased and large, dense ash-and-gas plumes were visible rising from the crater in webcam images at 1445. Increased ash emissions were confirmed during field observations later that day, prompting VMGD to expand the restricted area to a 1-km radius around the cone, defined by Danger Zone B on the hazard map. The Wellington VAAC noted that ash plumes rose as high as 1.2 km (4,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SE, E, and N during 22-24 October, based on webcam views and information from VMGD; emissions ceased by 1845 on 24 October.

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Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.4 earthquake hits the Sea of Okhotsk.

5.2 earthquake hits off the east coast of Honshu, Japan.

5.1 earthquake hits south of the Kermedec islands.

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Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Northwest Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm 25w (Malou), located approximately 235 nm south-southwest of Iwo To, is tracking north-northeastward at 07 knots.

Tropical depression 26w (Twenty-six), located approximately 159 nm east-northeast of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, has tracked west-northwestward at 06 knots.

NewsBytes:

Vietnam – At least one person has died and thousands have evacuated their homes in central Vietnam after days of heavy rainfall. More severe weather is likely to affect the country as Tropical Depression ‘Twenty-six’ moves eastwards over the South China Sea. 5,373 houses were flooded in Quang Nam Province. 11,038 houses flooded in Quang Ngai Province. Over 7,000 people were evacuated to safety from flooded areas and areas at risk of landslides in Quang Nam (2,535 people) and Quang Ngai (4,541 people).

USA – A convergence of strong Pacific storms – a “bomb cyclone” and an “atmospheric river” – triggered floods, mudflows and wind damage in California on 24 October. The storm also affected parts of Washington state and Oregon. Wind damage caused power outages affecting 400,000 people. Two people were killed when a tree fell on a vehicle near Preston, Washington. Flooding was reported across the San Francisco Bay Area, including in Berkeley and Oakland. Swollen rivers caused flooding in Napa and Sonoma counties. Some homes were evacuated in Santa Rosa, Sonoma county, after several creeks broke their banks. Landslides blocked a stretch of Highway 70 in Butte and Plumas counties after rain fell in areas of the Dixie Fire burn scar. Sections of Highways 16 and 20 were closed in due to mudslides in Colusa and Yolo counties. Evacuation warnings or orders were issued in burn scar areas of parts of Fresno, San Mateo, Santa Cruz and Santa Barbara counties.

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Global Warming

Global warming is reshaping Arctic landscapes

Wide tears in the ground, tilted telephone poles and the whiff of rotten eggs in fresh air are warning signs of a carbon “time bomb” as permafrost in Sweden’s thaws. Global warming is happening in these parts three times faster than in the rest of the world.

Permafrost — defined as soil that stays frozen year-round for at least two consecutive years—lies under about a quarter of the land in the Northern Hemisphere. In Abisko, the permafrost beneath the mire can be up to tens of metres thick, dating back thousands of years. In parts of Siberia, it can go down over a kilometre and be hundreds of thousands of years old. With average temperatures rising around the Arctic, the permafrost has started to thaw. As it does so, bacteria in the soil begin to decompose the biomass stored within. The process releases the greenhouse gases carbon dioxide and methane.

Between carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane, permafrost contains some 1,700 billion tonnes of organic carbon, almost twice the amount of carbon already present in the atmosphere. Methane lingers in the atmosphere for only 12 years compared to centuries for CO2 but is about 25 times more potent as a greenhouse gas over a 100-year period.

So when will the permafrost reach a tipping point? That is, a temperature threshold beyond which an ecosystem can tip into a new state and risk disturbing the global system. It’s feared, for example, that the Amazon tropical forest could turn into a savannah or that the ice sheets atop Greenland and West Antarctica could melt entirely.

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Disease

Covid-19

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

Meningitis – DR Congo

In a follow-up on the meningitis outbreak in Tshopo Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), health officials now report 2,395 suspected meningitis cases, including 14 confirmed (Neisseria meningitidis serotype W) and 200 deaths (case fatality ratio = 8.4%), in Banalia health district, as of October 23.

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Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Northwest Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm 25w (Malou), located approximately 349 nm south-southwest of Iwo To, is tracking northeastward at 06 knots.

Tropical depression 26w (Twenty-six), located approximately 259 nm east-northeast of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, has tracked west-northwestward at 08 knots.

NewsBytes:

Algeria and Tunisia – One person died after a vehicle was swept away by flood water in Baba Hassen commune in Algiers Province. A second victim is still missing. Some areas of Algiers city recorded more than 140 mm in 24 hours to 24 October. Floods also affected several regions of neighbouring Tunisia overnight from 23 to 24 October 2021. Two people died in Thala, Kasserine Governorate, after a car was washed away. A third victim died in similar circumstances in Borj Chakir, a locality near the city of Tunis. Civil Protection teams rescued several people from flood waters in Manouba and Béja governorates. Severe flooding was also reported in Bizerte Governorate.

Italy – Italy’s fire service Vigili del Fuoco reported that, as a result of the severe weather fire fighters carried out more than 400 interventions in Sicily Region, mostly in areas around Catania and Syracuse, and 180 interventions in Calabria, in particular in areas around Vibo Valentia. Two elderly people were missing after being swept away by floods in Scordia comune in the Metropolitan City of Catania in Sicily region. The body of one victim has since been found while search operations including helicopters are continuing. Four people were rescued from floods in Trapani.

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Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.6 earthquake hits east of the South Sandwich Islands.

5.2 earthquake hits Halmahera, Indonesia.

5.1 earthquake hits Papua, Indonesia.

5.1 earthquake hits the Maug Islands in the North Mariana Islands.

5.0 earthquake hits the South Sandwich islands.

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Disease

Covid-19

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

Ebola – DR Congo

One new confirmed Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) case in the health area of Butsili was reported on Oct. 22. This brings the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s 13th EVD outbreak totals to six confirmed cases, including three deaths.

Dengue Fever – Pakistan

Pakistan reported 463 new dengue fever cases today, of which, 365 cases were reported in the capital city of Lahore. This puts the dengue total over the 10,000 case mark (10,258) with nearly 70 percent of the total cases reported from Lahore. An additional two fatalities reported.

Anthrax – India

A suspected anthrax outbreak has sickened six people, killing one in Tukum village, Koraput district in Odisha state. According to officials, the members of a tribe of Tukum had organized a feast where they consumed the meat about 10 days ago.

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Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.2 earthquake hits New Britain, Papua New Guinea.

5.0 earthquake hits Ethiopia.

5.0 earthquake hits south of Java, Indonesia.

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Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Hurricane 17e (Rick), located approximately 1249 nm southeast of San Diego, is tracking northward at 07 knots.

In the Northwest Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm 25w (Malou, located approximately 416 nm west of Agrihan, is tracking northward at 16 knots.

NewsBytes:

Califonia, USA – A “bomb cyclone” in the Pacific is dumping extreme rain and several feet of snow on California. The wild weather follows a summer of extreme drought and wildfires, and it could bring flooding, mudslides and debris flow to the parched and wildfire-scarred Golden State. The term “bomb cyclone” refers to the rapid intensification process — “bombogenesis” — that forms it. Such storms occur when pressure in the central region of the storm descend by at least 24 millibars (an atmospheric pressure measurement) in 24 hours. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Sacramento issued numerous warnings on Sunday (Oct. 24) concerning extreme rainfall, flooding and debris flows. In some regions, rainfall may reach into the double digits in inches.

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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

6.2 earthquake hits Taiwan.

5.4 earthquake hits Taiwan.

5.1 earthquake hits southern Sumatra, Indonesia.

5.0 earthquake hits Mindanao in the Philippines.

5.0 earthquake hits the Canary Islands.

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Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Hurricane 17e (Rick), located approximately 1339 nm southeast of San Diego, is tracking northward at 02 knots.

In the Northwest Pacific Ocean: Tropical depression 25w (Twenty-five), located approximately 157 nm north of Ulithi, is tracking northwestward at 06 knots.

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Disease

Covid-19

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

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Wildfires

Upwards of 10 000 Sequoia Trees to be Removed

The Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks announced Friday there are around 10,000 sequoia trees that will need to be removed from the area in California. The trees have been weakened either from age, drought, disease, wildfires or a combination of these factors.

The 10,000 trees are located along the Generals Highway and have the potential to fall on people, cars, other structures or cause hazardous conditions for emergency services, according to the statement.

Along with the sequoias near the highway, there are more trees in the backcountry that require removal. The park did not say how many trees in the backcountry were potentially hazardous.

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Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.3 earthquake hits Taiwan.

5.3 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.

5.2 earthquake hits the Rat Islands in the Aleutian Islands.

5.1 earthquake hits southwestern Siberia, Russia.

5.0 earthquake hits Tonga.

5.0 earthquake hits Valparaiso, Chile.

5.0 earthquake hits Salta, Argentina.

5.0 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.

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Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Tropical storm 17e (Rick), located approximately 1428 nm southeast of San Diego, is tracking north-northwestward at 05 knots.

NewsBytes:

Ivory Coast – At least 4 people have died and several were injured after heavy rain caused flooding and severe material damage in parts of the city of Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) in West Africa. Heavy rain caused buildings to collapse as well as flooding and landslides in several parts of the city. Roads were blocked and vehicles left stranded in flood waters.

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Wildlife

Humpback Whales Return

The population of humpback whales in the South Atlantic has made a sharp recovery in recent years, with an estimated 24,543 of the marine mammals feeding in sub-Antarctic waters each southern summer. More than that number were slaughtered by whalers there between 1900 and the 1950s.

The species was rarely seen in the three decades after whaling ended in the 1960s. But scientists say the whales are increasingly feeding in the South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands during summertime. “Good news environmental stories have sadly become rare these days, so we are very pleased to confirm the recovery of the humpback whale population in the southwest Atlantic,” said lead researcher Mick Baines.

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Disease

Covid-19

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

Diphtheria – Vietnam

The Vietnamese Center for Disease Control (CDC) reported today three people in Ky Son district were found positive for diphtheria bacteria in Huu Lap commune. Currently, the 3 patients are being treated at the Department of Tropical Diseases Hospital and are in good health.

Swine Flu – USA

Two human infections with novel influenza A viruses were reported. One infection with an influenza A(H1N1) variant (A(H1N1)v) virus was reported by North Dakota that occurred during the 2020-21 influenza season and one infection with an influenza (A(H3N2)v) virus was reported by Ohio that occurred during the 2021-22 influenza season. Both patients are <18.

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Wildfires

Syria Executes 24 People for Igniting Wildfires

Syria has executed 24 people after convicting them on terrorism charges for igniting last year’s devastating wildfires, leaving three people dead and burning thousands of hectares (acres) of forests, the Justice Ministry said Thursday.

The publicized executions of a large group of people is rare in war-torn Syria, where a decade-old conflict has left hundreds of thousands dead and displaced half the country’s population, including 5 million refugees outside the country.

Wildfires broke out in several Middle Eastern countries in October 2020 amid a heat wave that was unusual for that time of the year, leaving Syria particularly hard-hit.

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Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.4 earthquake hits the Federated States of Micronesia.

5.3 earthquake hits Java, Indonesia.

5.2 earthquake hits North Island, New Zealand.

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Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:

There are no current tropical Storms.

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Wildlife

Fukushima Aftermath

Wildlife around Japan’s crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant appears to have survived exposure to radiation from the meltdowns of the plant’s three nuclear reactors without serious consequences, according to a new international study.

Massive releases of radioactive material from the March 2011 disaster contaminated the Fukushima landscape and forced the evacuation of over 150,000 residents. But scientists writing in the journal Environment International say DNA and other markers in the region’s wildlife did not show any adverse health effects.

They did find unusually low levels of cortisol, a stress indicator, in some wild animals living in the evacuated Exclusion Zone.

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Global Warming

CO2 Surge

On the eve of the COP26 climate conference, established under the Paris Agreement to cope with the climate crisis, scientists say emissions from rich nations have risen sharply in 2021.

The Climate Transparency Report says emissions will rise 4% in the world’s 20 largest economies in 2021 after dropping about 6% last year due to COVID. With the world currently around 1.1 degrees Celsius warmer than pre-industrial times and with the goal to keep warming to only 1.5 degrees, the report says nations will have to put ambitious policies in place to curb the worst of global heating.

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Environment

Global Temperature Extremes

The week’s hottest temperature was 43.3 degrees Celsius (110 degrees F) at Podor, Senegal.

The week’s coldest temperature was minus 67.2 degrees Celsius (-89 degrees F) 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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Wildfires

Wildfires Affect Migrating Birds

Four radio-collared Tule geese left their summer breeding grounds near Alaska’s Cook Inlet in the fall of 2020 to head south for the winter. The migration typically takes about four days: The birds fly over the Gulf of Alaska, stay about 100 miles offshore from Canada and skirt Vancouver Island. They stop briefly to float and rest on the Pacific Ocean a handful of times and then gather en masse at Summer Lake in central Oregon before making the final push to California’s Sacramento Valley. Last summer, however, the migrating birds encountered dense wildfire smoke off the coast of British Columbia and over Washington — and that’s when their behavior got weird.

One bird backtracked north almost 80 miles. Two spent nearly four days floating on the ocean before trying to head inland again; they ended up flying directly at the Beachie Creek Fire in Oregon and then climbing almost four times higher than usual to get over the huge plume of smoke. A fourth bird got turned around and headed much farther east than normal, all the way to Idaho. Tule geese typically prefer to overnight at wetlands, but these four stopped in bizarre locations instead, even landing once on the side of Mount Hood.

The birds’ 2020 migration took twice as long as the 2019 migration — nine days versus four — and they flew an additional 470 miles, all to avoid wildfire smoke.

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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 13 October – 19 October 2021

Aira – Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that incandescence from Minamidake Crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) was visible at night during 11-18 October. The sulfur dioxide emission rate was 800 tons per day on 11 October. A very small eruptive event was recorded on 14 October.

Bagana – Bougainville (Papua New Guinea) : The Darwin VAAC reported that on 14 October an ash plume from Bagana rose to 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE based on satellite and wind model data.

Ebeko – Paramushir Island (Russia) : According to volcanologists in Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island), about 7 km E of Ebeko, an explosion on 10 October produced an ash plume that rose as high as 2.5 km (8,200 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE.

Erta Ale – Ethiopia : During 15 September-15 October satellite data showed thermal anomalies of variable intensities in Erta Ale’s S pit crater and occasional thermal anomalies at the N pit. An anomaly was detected in the N, NW, and W parts of the N pit crater on 15 October.

Great Sitkin – Andreanof Islands (USA) : AVO reported that lava effusion continued at Great Sitkin during 13-19 October. Seismicity remained elevated and was characterized by small earthquakes consistent with lava effusion, though an outage affected geophysical data streams during 16-18 October. Satellite images acquired on 11 October showed that lava filled more than half of the summit crater, flowing onto the S and W flanks, and had recently reached the N crater rim. Lava traveled 330 m down the S flank, 350 m down the W flank, descended small valleys, and in some areas, advanced over snow and ice. Blocks that had detached from the end of the W flow descended 450 m.

Karymsky – Eastern Kamchatka (Russia) : A thermal anomaly over Karymsky was identified in satellite images during 8-9 October. On 19 October KVERT lowered the Aviation Color Code to Yellow (the second lowest level on a four-color scale), noting that only gas-and-steam emissions persisted after the last ash explosions were recorded on 25 September. On 20 October explosions generated ash plumes that rose as high as 4 km (13,100 ft) a.s.l. and drifted almost 90 km ENE.

Kavachi – Solomon Islands : Satellite data showed discolored water around and to the SW of Kavachi on 12 October. Discolored water was not obviously visible in images from 2, 7, and 17 October.

Krysuvik-Trolladyngja – Iceland : Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) reported that during 18 September-18 October no lava effusion was detected at the Krýsuvík-Trölladyngja volcanic system. The seismic swarm that had begun on 26 September in an area SW of Keilir (about 10 km NE of the fifth vent), at the N end of the dike intrusion, had significantly decreased in mid-October. The Aviation Color Code was lowered to Yellow (the second lowest level on a four-color scale) on 18 October. IMO noted that gas emissions were ongoing, though with very low concentrations of eruptive gases. Minor thermal anomalies were detected less often; incandescence from previously emplaced lava flows was occasionally visible at night. IMO also stated that residual heat, gases, and incandescence may continue for weeks to months.

Lewotolok – Lembata Island (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that the eruption at Lewotolok continued during 13-19 October. White, gray, and black plumes generally rose as high as 1 km above the summit and drifted in multiple directions. Rumbling and banging sounds were reported almost daily. Incandescent material was ejected most days as far as 100 m from the vent and as high as 300 m above the vent.

Merapi – Central Java (Indonesia) : BPPTKG reported minor morphological changes to Merapi’s SW lava dome, located just below the SW rim, and the dome in the summit crater during 8-14 October. The SW dome grew about 2 m taller and had an estimated volume of 1.61 million cubic meters, while the summit lava dome grew about 4 m taller had an estimated volume of 2.93 million cubic meters. As many as 41 lava avalanches traveled a maximum of 2 km SW.

Pavlof – United States : AVO reported that the eruption at Pavlof continued during 13-19 October and was focused at a vent on the upper SE flank, near the location of the 2007 vent. Seismicity remained elevated. Two small explosions were recorded in infrasound and seismic data on both 14 and 16 October. A few explosions were recorded during 17-18 October; ash deposits on the flanks were visible in satellite images. Cloudy conditions obscured satellite and webcam images most days.

Rincon de la Vieja – Costa Rica : OVSICORI-UNA reported that at 0750 on 13 October an eruption at Rincón de la Vieja produced a plume that rose 500 m above the crater rim and drifted SW. Fumarolic activity inside the crater was visible during 14-15 October.

Semeru – Eastern Java (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that gray-and-white emissions rose 200-500 m above Semeru’s summit and drifted SW, W, and N during 12-13 and 15-16 October. Weather clouds often prevented visual observations of the summit.

Semisopochnoi – Aleutian Islands (USA) : AVO reported that eruptive activity at Semisopochnoi’s North Cerberus crater continued during 13-19 October. Seismicity remained elevated and daily minor explosions were detected in infrasound data. Although weather clouds often prevented webcam and satellite views, intermittent, low-level ash emissions were visible rising to altitudes up to 3 km (10,000 ft a.s.l.) and drifting E on 13 October. Ash plumes rose as high as 1.5 km (5,000 ft) a.s.l. on 18 October.

Sheveluch – Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Sheveluch was identified in satellite images during 8-15 October.

Suwanosejima – Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : JMA reported that 13 explosions at Suwanosejima’s Ontake Crater produced eruption plumes that rose as high as 2.7 km above the crater rim during 11-18 October. Large volcanic bombs were ejected 500-700 m from the crater. Ashfall was reported in Toshima village (4 km SSW).

Taal – Luzon (Philippines) : PHIVOLCS reported that upwelling of hot volcanic fluids in Taal’s crater lake was visible during 13-18 October, and gas-and-steam plumes rose 1.2-3 km above the lake and drifted in multiple directions. Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 6,393-12,611 tonnes/day, though on 15 October the emissions peaked at 23,576 tonnes/day, which was the second highest ever sulfur dioxide gas flux recorded at the volcano. Dense vog spread over the Taal Caldera region was noted on 15 October. Earthquake activity resumed on 11 October after a brief lull that first began on 27 September; 145 events characterized as mostly weak low-frequency earthquakes and volcanic tremor were recorded during 11-15 October. Volcanic tremor persisted through 18 October.

Whakaari/White Island – North Island (New Zealand) : On 18 October GeoNet reported results from a recent overflight of Whakaari/White Island. Gas measurements showed that sulfur dioxide emissions had decreased from 520 tons per day recorded at the end of September to 267 tons per day. Temperatures in the main vent area were as high as 220 degrees Celsius, similar to temperatures measure two weeks prior. Minor ash deposits from intermittent ash emissions were visible in the area close to the active vents. Seismicity was characterized by low levels of volcanic tremor and occasional low-frequency volcanic earthquakes.

A drone image captured the lava flow from Spain’s Cumbre Vieja volcano which destroyed parts of a banana plantation on La Palma and increased the size of the country as it flowed into the sea, creating new land.

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Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.7 earthquake hits south of Fiji.

5.7 earthquake hits the Izu Islands off Japan.

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Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:

There are no current tropical Storms.

NewsBytes:

India – Disaster authorities in India report at least 27 people have died in floods and landslides in the northern state of Uttarakhand in Pauri Garhwal (3), Nainital (18), Almora (3) and Champawat (3), while 8 people are still missing. Over 600 people have been rescued or evacuated by teams from National (NDFR). n a 24 hour period to 19 October, Mukteshwar village in Nainital district recorded 341 mm of rain and Pantnagar town in Udham Singh Nagar district recorded 404 mm.

Nepal – Disaster authorities in Nepal report that dozens of people have died or are missing after heavy rain caused floods and landslides over the last few days. Heavy rain fell from around 16 October. In 24 hours to 18 October, Jogbudha in Dadeldhura district recorded 168.8 mm of rain. In the following 24 hours Sahu Khark in Dadeldhura district saw 361.0 mm and a total of 502.2 mm across a 48 hour period. In a period 13 to 20 October, 29 people have lost their lives as a result of landslides, floods and heavy rain. A further 12 people are missing and 10 have been injured. A total of 30 homes have been destroyed and around 10 severely damaged.

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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 – New Activity for the week 13 October – 19 October 2021

Asosan – Kyushu (Japan) : According to JMA the number of volcanic tremor signals at Asosan began on 12 October. Tremor amplitude began increasing at 1530 on 13 October, prompting JMA to raise the Alert Level to 2 (on a scale of 1-5) almost two hours later. White plumes rose 1.4 km above Nakadake Crater. An eruption was detected at 0443 on 14 October; weather clouds prevented visual confirmation of an eruption plume, though ejected incandescent material was visible in thermal camera images. During a field visit to the volcano later that day, scientists confirmed ashfall in several areas, including parts of Takamori Town (Kumamoto Prefecture), Taketa City (Oita Prefecture), and Takachiho Town (Miyazaki Prefecture). Small eruptive events occurred at 1057 and 1325 on 15 October. Volcanic tremor amplitude increased at 1400 on 18 October. During an overflight scientists observed ash deposits extending SE from Nakadake Crater. Volcanic tremor amplitude continued to fluctuate at high levels on 19 October. At 1143 on 20 October a notable eruption ejected blocks 900 m S and produced an ash plume that rose 3.5 km above the crater rim and drifted E. Pyroclastic flows descended 1.3 km W.

Kilauea – Hawaiian Islands (USA) : HVO reported that the summit eruption at Kilauea continued in Halema`uma`u Crater during 12-19 October. A 10-m-wide, horseshoe-shaped spatter rampart had formed around the W vent and was open to the E where lava was feeding the lake. For about 10 hours on 12 October a new vent N of the W vent produced 10-15-m-high lava fountains. Lava fountains from the W vent rose as high as 20 m and fed the lava lake which was 46 m deep by 18 October. The lava lake was not level with the deepest parts measured around the W vent; the W end was 4-5 m higher than the N and S parts of the lake and 12 m higher than the E end. Cooled and crusted parts of the lake’s surface overturned, or “foundered,” in all parts of the lake except the E part. The sulfur dioxide emission rate was high at 1,600-6,800 tonnes per day during 12-14 and 16-17 October.

Manam – Papua New Guinea : RVO reported that sporadic small ash emissions from Manam’s Southern Crater were observed starting at the end of September. Nighttime incandescence began on 8 October and incandescent material was occasionally ejected from the crater. The activity was characterized as moderately Strombolian with incandescent material rolling down SW Valley, visibly appearing as short lava flows. The Darwin VAAC noted that on 18 October an ash plume rose to 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW. A thermal anomaly was visible in satellite images. RVO stated that at around 0800 on 20 October a large explosion at Southern Crater produced ash plumes that rose at least 1 km above the summit and drifted N and NW. According to the Darwin VAAC ash plumes rose as high as 15.2 km (50,000 ft) a.s.l. between 0840-0950, expanded radially, and then drifted E. Lower-level plumes rose 4.6-5.5 km (15,000-18,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW. Later that day a collapse of newly erupted material, as well deposits from the previous few weeks, produced a debris flow that originated at the head of the valley and descended the SW Valley.

Pagan – Mariana Islands (USA) : The U.S. Geological Survey reported that ash and sulfur dioxide emissions from Pagan were last detected on 6 September. The Aviation Color Code and the Volcano Alert Level were both lowered to Unassigned on 24 September; Pagan is monitored with satellite imagery, distal geophysical data, and mariner reports and not ground-based instruments.

Rabaul – New Britain (Papua New Guinea) : On 6 October RVO raised the Alert Level for Rabaul to Stage 1 (the lowest level on a four-stage scale) due to ongoing deformation and recent increases in seismicity. During the month of September, the seismic network detected a total of 22 high-frequency volcano-tectonic earthquakes, which was more than the 12 recorded in August. The earthquakes were distributed in the Beehives, Vulcan, Greet Harbour, and Namanula areas. Deformation data from a GPS station located at the S part of Matupit Island showed a continuing trend of uplift, with 39 mm/month in August and 35-39 mm/month in September. Diffuse white fumarolic plumes rose from the crater floor and inner walls.

Vulcano – Aeolian Islands (Italy) : INGV continued to monitor elevated activity at Vulcano during 12-19 October. Scientists collected temperature, water chemistry, and gas-emissions data from four fumarolic vents located inside La Fossa Crater near the rim and from one vent near the beach. According to news articles, elevated levels of carbon dioxide impacted nearby residents in Porto Levante causing a few families to leave their homes on 13 October. Several residents had reported inexplicable illnesses and some deaths of domestic animals the previous week. On 14 October authorities restricted public access to the crater.

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Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.0 earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

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Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:

There are no current tropical Storms.

Birds, Insects and Hurricanes

Scientists have new insight into how birds and insects become trapped inside the eyes of hurricanes.

Ship logs as far back as the 19th century detail how vessels became resting places for birds, exhausted from such entrapments. But studies by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln of weather radar “bioscatter” echoes during hurricanes show in detail how the storms can turn a free bird into a whirlybird.

Researchers found that the stronger the hurricane, the more birds appeared to be in the eye. And with the increasing intensity of the storms, the more difficult it will be for the birds to leave the relative safety of the eye. That could mean they need to spend as much as a week flying in circles across thousands of miles.

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Disease

Covid-19

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

Measles – DR Congo

From the beginning of the year through the end of September 2021, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) reported 41,099 suspected measles cases and 991 confirmed, including 603 deaths (CFR 1.5%) in 369 health districts across 26 provinces of the country.

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Volcanos

La Palma Destruction

The ongoing violent eruption of Spain’s La Palma volcano saw chunks of lava the size of buildings spewed from its craters.

Erratic and powerful lava flows forced an additional 800 residents from their homes as molten rock approached their municipalities. Nearly 7,000 people have evacuated since the Canary Island volcano began erupting on Sept. 19.

Lockdowns have been imposed when toxic gases from the eruption have threatened to blow over populated areas. Lava has destroyed more than 1,400 buildings on La Palma, including homes, farms and a cement factory.

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Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

6.3 earthquake hits the eastern Mediterranean Sea.

5.6 earthquake hits Tonga.

5.3 earthquake hits Hokkaido, Japan.

5.1 earthquake hits off the coast of Aisen, Chile.

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Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:

There are no current tropical Storms.

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Global Warming

Consensus: Humans Caused Climate Change

More than 99.9% of peer-reviewed scientific papers agree that climate change is mainly caused by humans, according to a new survey of 88,125 climate-related studies.

The research updates a similar 2013 paper revealing that 97% of studies published between 1991 and 2012 supported the idea that human activities are altering Earth’s climate. The current survey examines the literature published from 2012 to November 2020 to explore whether the consensus has changed.

The results of these studies demonstrate the absolute absurdity of climate change deniers.

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Disease

Covid-19

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

Cholera – Nepal

The Nepal Ministry of Health and Population reports a cholera outbreak in Krishnanagar Municipality in Kapilvastu in the western terai part of Nepal. So far, 885 people have been infected with the diarrheal disease.

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Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

6.2 earthquake hits Vanuatu.

5.5 earthquake hits near the east coast of Kamchatka, Russia.

5.2 earthquake hits Taiwan.

5.2 earthquake hits the Bonin Islands off Japan.

5.2 earthquake its the Kuril Islands.

5.1 earthquake hits the Kuril Islands.

5.0 earthquake hits south of Fiji.

5.0 earthquake hits Hokkaido, Japan.

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Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:

There are no current tropical Storms.

Newsbytes:

India – More than 20 people have died in landslides and flooding after days of heavy rain in the state of Kerala, southwestern India. All 14 districts in the state have been affected as of 17 October. A total of 5,223 people have been displaced and moved to 163 temporary relief camps. Emergency teams have rescued more than 800 people. As of 17 October, 23 fatalities were reported including 22 in landslides and 1 in flash floods. Massive landslides struck in Kuttickal and Mundakkayam in Kottayam District and Kokkayar in Idukki District.

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Disease

Covid-19

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

Ebola – DR Congo

In a follow-up on the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), three additional cases were confirmed, including one death, bringing the outbreak total to 5 confirmed cases with 3 deaths.

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Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.3 earthquake hits the Cayman Islands.

5.1 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.

5.1 earthquake hits the North Atlantic Ocean.

5.1 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.

5.1 earthquake hits central Iran.

5.0 earthquake hits the Bonin Islands off Japan.

5.0 earthquake hits the Ryukyu Islands off Japan.

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Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Northwest Pacific Ocean – Tropical storm 23w (Namtheun), located approximately 931 nm north of Wake Island, is tracking north-northeastward at 11 knots.

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Wildlife

One in five European bird species is slipping into extinction

The common brush, the common woodpecker and the nougat are among the species that are running out of extinction in Europe, according to the latest report from the continent’s red list, which states that one in five species of birds is now at risk.

From the Azores in the west to the Ural Mountains in the east, the birds that have been the cornerstone of European ecosystems are disappearing, according to analysis by BirdLife International, which is based on observations of 544 species of native birds. Three species have become extinct regionally in Europe since the last report in 2015: the Pallas agralla, the common button and the pine school.

In total, 30% of the species assessed show a decline in population, according to the observations of thousands of experts and volunteers working in 54 countries and territories. At European level, 13% of birds are threatened with extinction and another 6% are almost threatened.

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Disease

Covid-19

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

Dengue Fever – Pakistan

In a follow-up on the dengue outbreak in Pakistan, health officials in Punjab province in eastern Pakistan report dengue fever cases are rising at an alarming rate. Today, provincial officials reported another 508 cases, with most of the cases reported from the capital city of Lahore. This brings the total to more than 5,700 province-wide this year. The death toll due to dengue rose by 18.

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Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.4 earthquake hits the Kuril Islands.

5.0 earthquake his Bali, Indonesia.

5.0 earthquake hits Tobago, Trinidad-Tobago.

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Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Northwest Pacific Ocean – Typhoon 23w (Namtheun), located approximately 694 nm north of Wake Island, is tracking north-northeastward at 16 knots.

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Disease

Covid-19

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

Yellow Fever – Venezuela

On 1 October 2021, the IHR National Focal Point (NFP) for Venezuela reported seven confirmed human cases of yellow fever which were investigated between 23 and 24 September 2021. Additionally, between 11 August and 1 October 2021, 10 epizootics among non-human primates (NHP) were reported positive in Venezuela as part of the routine national surveillance.

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Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

6.2 earthquake hits the Solomon Islands.

6.0 earthquake hits the Molucca Sea.

5.0 earthquake hits the southwest Indian ridge.

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Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Northwest Pacific Ocean – Tropical storm 23w (Namtheun), located approximately 430 nm east-northeast of Minami Tori Shima, Japan, is tracking east-northeastward at 16 knots.

Newsbytes:

La Niña – A La Nina pattern has developed and will likely impact U.S. weather conditions for the entire winter with above-average precipitation across the northern Midwest, the northern Rockies, Northern California, and the Pacific Northwest’s southern and eastern regions. Meanwhile, precipitation in the southwestern and southeastern states, as well as Southern California, is below average. La Niña results in wetter-than-normal conditions in Southern Africa from December to February, and drier-than-normal conditions over equatorial East Africa over the same period. During a time of La Niña, drought plagues the coastal regions of Peru and Chile. From December to February, northern Brazil is wetter than normal.

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Environment

Global Temperature Extremes

The week’s hottest temperature was 43.9 degrees Celsius at Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The week’s coldest temperature was minus 64.4 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.

Icy Antarctica

The U.S. Snow and Ice Data Center says that the last six months in Antarctica, most of it spent in the southern winter’s polar darkness, were the coldest on record.

It calculated that the average temperature during the period was minus 77.6 degrees Fahrenheit. The Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station also recorded its second-coldest June-August period on record, behind only 2004 in the station’s 60 years of weather records. The chill was due to two periods of very strong winds encircling the continent, and a strong polar vortex.

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Disease

Covid-19

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

Ebola – DR Congo

The health zone of the city of Beni (North Kivu) recorded a second case that tested positive for Ebola virus disease (EVD) on Wednesday, October 13, 2021.

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Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – Ongoing Activity for the Week 6 October – 12 October 2021

Aira – Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that incandescence from Minamidake Crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) was visible at night during 4-11 October. The sulfur dioxide emission rate was 400 tons per day on 5 October. An explosion at 0517 on 8 October ejected material 600-900 m away from the crater and produced an eruption plume that was obscured by weather clouds.

Kadovar – Papua New Guinea : Based on satellite and wind model data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 8-9 October ash plumes from Kadovar rose to an altitude of 1.5 km (5,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted W and NW.

Karymsky – Eastern Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Karymsky was identified in satellite images on 7 October.

Lewotolok – Lembata Island (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that the eruption at Lewotolok continued during 6-12 October. White-and-gray plumes generally rose as high as 800 m above the summit and drifted in multiple directions. A VONA stated that on 7 October and ash plume rose 1.9 km above the summit and drifted W. Rumbling and banging sounds were reported daily. Incandescent material was ejected daily as far as 300 m away from the vent in multiple directions, though during 5-6 October incandescent material was ejected as far as 1 km SE. BNPB noted that 25-26 eruptive events per day were sometimes recorded before activity increased in October.

Merapi – Central Java (Indonesia) : BPPTKG reported minor morphological changes to Merapi’s SW lava dome, located just below the SW rim and in the summit crater, and no changes to the summit crater dome during 1-7 October. The SW dome grew about 3 m taller had an estimated volume of 1.679 million cubic meters, and the summit lava dome had an estimated volume of 2.854 million cubic meters. As many as 76 lava avalanches traveled a maximum of 2 km SW.

Nevados de Chillan – Chile : SERNAGEOMIN reported continuing explosive and effusive activity at Nevados de Chillán’s Nicanor Crater during 16-30 September though weather conditions often prevented visual confirmation. Explosions generated plumes with low ash content that rose as high as 1.1 km above the crater rim. A new lava dome (Dome 3) in the crater was first identified on 15 September and was 27 x 40 m, elongated NW-SE, and 990 square meters in area. The dome formation was preceded by a decrease in the extrusion rates and temperatures of the L5 and L6 lava flows. By 24 September growth at Dome 3 reached 36 x 43 m and covered 2,137 square meters. Dome 4 was first visible on 29 September, adjacent to Dome 3 on the NE side, and produced a new lava flow (L7) that traveled 50 m down the flank between the L5 and L6 flows. The L5 lava flow also began to advance. On 5 October the L5 and L7 lava flows advanced and nighttime incandescence from both flows increased. Incandescence from the crater was visible in webcam images at night during 8-9 October. On 9 October a long-period earthquake was recorded at 0706 on 9 October; an associated emission rose more than 240 m above the vent and drifted NW.

Pavlof – United States : AVO reported that seismicity at Pavlof remained elevated during 6-12 October. Two explosions were recorded by infrasound network during 6-7 October. Mostly cloudy conditions obscured satellite and webcam images most days.

Sabancaya – Peru : Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP) reported a daily average of 27 explosions at Sabancaya during 4-10 October. Gas-and-ash plumes rose as high as 2 km above the summit and drifted in multiple directions. One thermal anomaly originating from the lava dome in the summit crater was identified in satellite data. Minor inflation continued to be detected near Hualca Hualca (4 km N).

Semisopochnoi – Aleutian Islands (USA) : AVO reported that eruptive activity at Semisopochnoi’s North Cerberus crater continued during 6-12 October. Seismicity remained elevated and a few explosions per day were detected in infrasound data. Although weather clouds often prevented webcam and satellite views, discontinuous, low-level ash emissions were visible rising to altitudes up to 3 km (10,000 ft a.s.l.) and drifting E during 8-9 October. Low-level ash emissions were also visible in webcam images during 9-12 October.

Sheveluch – Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Sheveluch was identified in satellite images during 1, 4, and 6-7 October. Plumes of resuspended ash drifted 200 km SE during 6-7 October.

Stromboli – Aeolian Islands (Italy) : INGV reported that during 4-10 October activity at Stromboli was characterized by ongoing explosive activity from three vents in Area N (North Crater area) and six vents in Area C-S (South-Central Crater area). Explosions from two vents in the N1 vent (Area N) ejected lapilli and bombs 80 m high, and produced minor ash emissions. Explosions at two N2 vents (Area N) averaged 3-8 events per hour and ejected material less than 80 m high. Explosions from the S1 and S2 vents in Area C-S were sporadic and occurred at a rate of 4-8 per hour; coarse material was ejected 150 m high. Gas emissions rose from the C vent. A short explosive event at the N2 vents began at 1617 on 6 October. Notably, a large explosion ejected tephra radially beyond the crater terrace as far as the upper part of the Sciara del Fuoco, and incandescent material rolled down to the coast. An ash cloud was produced, though it quickly dissipated. A small lava overflow from the vents followed but it did not travel past the upper part of the Sciara del Fuoco

Suwanosejima – Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : JMA reported that 52 explosions at Suwanosejima’s Ontake Crater produced eruption plumes that rose as high as 2.4 km above the crater rim during 4-11 October. Large volcanic bombs were ejected as far as 1.1 km from the crater. Crater incandescence was visible nightly.

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Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.3 earthquake hits the southwest Indian ridge.

5.2 earthquake hits Vanuatu.

5.0 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.

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Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Northwest Pacific Ocean – Tropical depression 23w (Namtheun), located approximately 175 nm east of Minami Tori Shima, Japan, is tracking east-northeastward at 09 knots.

Tropical depression 24w (Kompasu), located approximately 101 nm south-southeast of Hanoi, Vietnam, is tracking west-northwestward at 08 knots.

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Wildlife

Elk Liberated

Wildlife officers have finally removed a rubber tire from around the neck of a bull elk in Colorado who had been carrying it around for over two years.

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Wildfires

Wildfires – California, USA

A wildfire raging through southern California coastal mountains threatened ranches and rural homes and kept a major highway shut down on Wednesday, as the fire-scarred state faced a new round of dry winds that raise the risk of infernos.

The Alisal fire covered more than 15,000 acres (24 square miles) in the Santa Ynez Mountains west of Santa Barbara, and the number of firefighters was nearly doubled to 1,300, with more on the way. Containment remained at 5%.

Although the scenic region along the Pacific shoreline is lightly populated, the blaze was a threat to more than 100 homes, ranches and other buildings, fire officials said.

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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 – New Activity for the Week 6 October – 12 October 2021

Kilauea – Hawaiian Islands (USA) : HVO reported that the summit eruption at Kilauea continued in Halema`uma`u Crater during 6-12 October. At the beginning of the eruption, on 29 September, lava erupted from vents along the floor and from the W wall of the crater, though by 8 October only the W vent was active. Sulfur dioxide emissions remained high and were 5,300 tonnes per day on 8 October. A 10-m-wide, horseshoe-shaped spatter rampart had formed around the W vent and was open to the E where lava was feeding the lake. Lava fountains from the W vent were generally 12-15 m high but decreased to 4 m during 10-11 October. The total erupted volume was an estimated 15.9 million cubic meters on 8 October and the lake was as deep as 40 m on 12 October. The lava lake was not level; the W end was 2-3 m higher than the N and S parts of the lake and 5 m higher than the E end. Cooled and crusted parts of the lake’s surface overturned, or “foundered,” in all parts of the lake, though by 11 October foundering was not observed in the E. HVO noted that the central island (or raft) of cooler material from the 2020 eruption remained above the surface as the lava lake rose, and other smaller rafts had reemerged in the E and N parts of the lake.

La Palma – Spain : The eruption at La Palma continued during 6-12 October, characterized by Strombolian explosions, lava fountaining from multiple vents, advancing and branching lava flows, and daily ash emissions. Eruption details are based on official sources including PEVOLCA (Plan de Emergencias Volcánicas de Canarias) steering committee summaries. Seismicity continued to be elevated with most earthquakes located 10-15 km deep (though some deeper than 35 km) in the same area where the swarm first began on 11 September; dozens of events were felt by local residents and some were felt across the entire island.

The largest earthquake, at 0816 on 12 October, was a M 4.1 at a depth of 37 km. Sulfur dioxide emissions fluctuated at high levels between 4,522 and 21,868 tons per day. Sulfur dioxide plumes drifted in multiple directions; on 8 October they reached the Caribbean and on 12 October plumes were over northern Africa, Spain, and Portugal. The main cone had at least three effusive vents and another vent to the N was also active. Multiple collapses of parts of the cone sometimes sent large blocks of cooler lava rafting down the flows. The lava delta was fed by numerous streams of lava during most of the week. Plumes of steam containing hydrochloric acid rose from the edge of the lava delta and were quickly dissipated by the wind; local resident were not affected.

On 6 October a breakout lava flow from the W end of the main flow field traveled S between Los Guirres and El Charcó (previously evacuated), destroying crops and buildings. The flow covered about 0.4 square kilometers and was about 350 m from the coast. Ash plumes rose 3-3.2 km (10,000-10,500 ft) a.s.l. during 6-7 October. On 8 October a new vent formed on the main cone and ash plumes rose as high as 3.5 km (11,500 ft) a.s.l. Ash accumulation at the La Palma and Tenerife North (on Tenerife Island) airports caused a temporary shutdown of operations until the ash was removed. On 9 October a collapse of the N part of the cone sent a wide, multi-lobed flow carrying larger blocks NW over older flows that quickly advanced W along the N margins of the flow field, covering crops and destroying buildings in both Todoque and an industrial area. Ash plumes continued to rise from the vents; lightning was visible in the plume at times.

By 10 October the flow field was 1,520 m wide, and covered 4.9-5.7 square kilometers, depending on the source of the estimates. Between 726 and 1,323 buildings had been engulfed by lava and more than 1.3 square kilometers of crops were lost. About 6,000 people had been evacuated. A partial collapse of the cone allowed the inner lava lake to spill out, sending flows and very large cooled blocks downslope. Ash plumes rose 3.5 km a.s.l. and caused ashfall to the S. Video showed lava fountains rising 500 m above the vent late that night. By 11 October the lava delta had grown mainly to the N and S, and was an estimated 0.34 square kilometers in size, though flows feeding it had slowed. Dense dark ash plumes were seen rising from the main vents. The most northern flow had continued to advance and was 300 m from the coast. The flows overtook a concrete plant, prompting authorities to instruct residents in El Paso and Los Llanos de Aridane to remain indoors and take measures to reduce exposure to toxic fumes. On 12 October the advancing northern flow caused the pre-emptive evacuation of the La Laguna area, totaling 700-800 people. The flow continued to cover crops and was 200 m from the coast, but had slowed. The lockdown for El Paso and Los Llanos de Aridane was lifted after air quality improved. Ash plumes from the main vent rose 3.5 km a.s.l. The Alert Level remained at Red (the highest level on a four-color scale) for affected communities.

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Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.5 earthquake hits Santa Cruz, Argentina.

5.2 earthquake hits Costa Rica.

5.2 earthquake hits New Britain, Papua New Guinea.

5.0 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.

5.0 earthquake hits Kepulauan Tanimbar, Indonesia.

5.0 earthquake hits Kepulauan Babar, Indonesia.

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Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Northwest Pacific Ocean – Tropical depression 23w (Namtheun), located approximately 123 nm southwest of Minami Tori Shima, Japan, is tracking north-northeastward at 10 knots.

Tropical storm 24w (Kompasu), located approximate2ly 291 nm east-southeast of Hanoi, Vietnam, is tracking westward at 19 knots.

In the Eastern Pacific Ocean – Hurricane 16e (Pamela), located approximately 784 nm southeast of San Diego, is tracking northeastward at 09 knots,

Newsbytes:

Philippines – At least 13 people have lost their lives and 9 are missing after Topical Storm Kompasu passed over northern Philippines bringing heavy rain and strong winds. Six people lost their lives in landslides in Benguet province and 5 people died in flash floods in Palawan Province. Fifty-five houses have been destroyed and 54 severely damaged. Roads in 108 locations and 21 bridges were also damaged. At one point power was cut in 58 cities or municipalities. 6 500 people have been evacuated.

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Disease

Covid-19

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

Schistosomiasis – Kenya

Some 200 children in Boni forest, Garissa County, Kenya have been stricken by an outbreak of schistosomiasis, aka bilharzia and diarrhea due to drinking contaminated water, according to a report in The Star. The affected children are from Kiangwe, Mangai, Milimani and Basuba villages inside the dense Boni forest.

Leishmaniasis – Panama

According to the Panama Ministry of Health, 22 leishmaniasis cases were reported, including adults and children in the province of Bocas del Toro in the north eastern part of the country. Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease spread by the bite of the female sandfly.

Malaria – Niger

Since the beginning of the year, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports 2,297,488 confirmed malaria cases through routine surveillance in Niger through September 19. Of this total, 2,124 deaths were recorded (CFR 0.1%).

Meningitis – DR Congo

In a follow-up on the meningitis outbreak in Panga, Banalia territory in the Kisangani district of Tshopo Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), as of October 4, 2021, 1,470 cases have been reported including 192 deaths (CFR= 13.1%).

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Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Northwest Pacific Ocean – Tropical storm 23w (Namtheun), located approximately 312 nm south-southwest of Minami Tori Shima, Japan, is tracking west-northwestward at 09 knots.

Tropical storm 24w (Kompasu), located approximate2ly 276 nm southeast of Hong Kong, is tracking westward at 15 knots.

In the Eastern Pacific Ocean – Hurricane 16e (Pamela), located approximately 959 nm south-southeast of San Diego, is tracking northward at 11 knots,

Newsbytes:

China – 5 people died on 05 October 2021 after continuous rainstorms battered Shanxi Province. Since then floods and landslides have been reported in 76 districts and cities. 17,000 homes have been severely damaged or destroyed. A total of 1.76 million people have been affected, as of 10 October. Emergency management departments have distributed relief supplies including tents, bedding and clothing. The heavy rain has also caused severe damage to crops and infrastructure. Local emergency management reported around 190,000 hectares of crops have been damaged. A section railway track was washed away by floodwaters in Qixian county on 07 October.

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