Measles – DR Congo
Health authorities in the Kasaï-Oriental province said this week the number of measles cases has increased significantly in the province to more than 6,000 cases with fifty deaths even in health zones where vaccination days were organized in April and May.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.9 earthquake hits south of the Kermedec Islands.
5.5 earthquake hits the Pacific-Antarctic ridge.
5.3 earthquake hits Guam.
5.2 earthquake hits Greece.
5.2 earthquake hits the Pacific-Antarctic ridge.
5.2 earthquake hits the Ryukyu Islands off Japan.
5.1 earthquake hits the Carlsberg ridge.
5.0 earthquake hits the Russia-Mongolia border.
5.0 earthquake hits the Carlsberg ridge.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Northwest Pacific Ocean: Typhoon 12w (Hinnamnor), located approximately 408 nm east of Kadena AFB, Okinawa, Japan, is tracking westward at 18 knots.
Wildfires – Russia
Wildfires have brought clouds of smoke to Moscow in recent days, covering famous landmarks and sparking health concerns. The fires affecting Moscow are concentrated in the Ryazan region, some 250 kilometers to the south of the capital, where forests and dried-out peat bogs have been burning for weeks.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Monkeypox – Nigeria
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reported an additional 48 confirmed monkeypox cases the week ending August 13. This brings the total confirmed cases in Nigeria this year to 220.
Polio – Pakistan
A 17-month boy in North Waziristan has been paralyzed by wild polio in the 14th case from the district this year, the 15th case in the country.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.3 earthquake hits Kepulauan Batu, Indonesia.
5.8 earthquake hits Kepulauan Batu, Indonesia.
5.6 earthquake hits Fiji.
5.3 earthquake hits the Carlsberg ridge.
5.1 earthquake hits Fiji.
5.1 earthquake hits eastern New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.
5.0 earthquake hits the Bougainville region, Papua New Guinea.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Northwest Pacific Ocean: Typhoon 12w (Hinnamnor), located approximately 825 nm east of Kadena AFB, Okinawa, Japan, is tracking westward at 19 knots.
Newsbytes:
Sierra Leone – At least 6 people have lost their lives after torrential rains caused floods and landslides across parts of Freetown, capital of Sierra Leone. The fatalities occurred when a mudslide destroyed two adjacent homes in an informal settlement in Looking Town, situated on a steep slope in the hills above the neighbourhood of Kissy. The heavy rain also impacted other areas of the city, including Kaningo and Tengbeh Town.
Wildfires – Mongolia
A total of 97 forest and steppe fires have been recorded across Mongolia since the beginning of this year, destroying 1,051,907 hectares of forest and grassland, the country’s National Emergency Management Agency said Sunday. The number of registered wildfires is up around 73 percent compared with the same period last year.
Wildfires – Idaho, USA
The Four Corners Fire 24 air miles south of McCall, Idaho grew by about 1,000 acres to more than 10 000 acres Saturday as winds gusting up to 33 mph from a cold front caused more intense burning. The blaze is near the southeast side of Lake Cascade.
Wildfires – Oregon, USA
Rum Creek Fire in remote southwest Oregon continued its rapid spread through a rural area and destroyed several structures, after forcing evacuations and prompting the state to take command of efforts to contain the blaze. The fire has burned almost 15 square miles which is more than double the 7 square miles reported Saturday. A house and two mining structures were destroyed.
Cholera – Iraq
In a follow-up on the cholera outbreak in Iraq, the Ministry of Health has reported 1,008 total cholera cases across the country, including five deaths.
Dengue Fever – Brazil
The city of Palmas in the Brazilian state of Tocantins is reporting 10,082 confirmed cases of dengue since the beginning of the year, according to a recent epidemiological bulletin. This compares to 1033 confirmed cases during the same period in 2021.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.3 earthquake hits Luzon in the Philippines.
5.2 earthquake hits the Izu Islands off Japan.
5.1 earthquake hits Atacama, Chile.
5.1 earthquake hits southeast of the Loyalty Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits Male, Chile.
Two 5.0 earthquakes hit Mindanao in the Philippines.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Northwest Pacific Ocean: Tropical storm 12w (Hinnamnor), located approximately 273 nm west-northwest of Minami Tori Shima, Japan, is tracking northwestward at 12 knots.
Newsbytes:
Pakistan – The catastrophic flooding continues to cause widespread destruction in Pakistan, where 33 million people have now been affected, according to the government. The situation is likely to worsen over the coming days. and warnings have been issued for rising levels of the Indus and Kabul rivers. The number of people who have died as a result of monsoon rain and flooding in Pakistan since mid-June now stands at 982, including 316 children. The figure represents an increase of almost 300 deaths in the last week.
Wildfires – Oregon, USA
A wildfire burning in rural Josephine County triggered evacuation alerts early Saturday morning. The Rum Creek Fire grew from about 1,200 acres Friday night to over 4,700 acres in a matter of hours. It’s burning near the unincorporated communities of Galice and Rand, about 20 miles northwest of Grants Pass. The fire was started by lightning on Aug. 17 and killed Logan Taylor, a 25-year-old firefighter, after he was struck by a tree the next day.
Wildfires – Nevada, USA
A fast-moving wildfire erupted in Humboldt County, Nevada on Friday afternoon, north of Black Rock Desert. The Cherry Gulch Fire started on Alta Peak late Friday and quickly exploded across the bone-dry landscape. The fire has burned 10,000 acres as of Saturday morning.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.1 earthquake hits Vanuatu.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are currently no tropical storm systems.
Newsbytes:
DR Congo – Heavy rains since the start of August have caused hardship and displacements for thousands of residents of 3 provinces in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo). Flooding struck in Lubutu Territory in the north-eastern Maniema Province after heavy rainfall from around 08 August 2022. Areas of Lubutu town, Oso and Otaka were most affected, with homes and infrastructure damaged. At least 6,634 people have been affected or displaced. Flooding also struck in parts of Haut-Uélé Province, also in the north east of the country. Around 3,635 people were affected or displaced, mostly in areas of the provincial capital, Isiro, a city of around 180,000. Further west, overflowing rivers including the Ubangi River, caused flooding in areas near the town of Zongo in Sud-Ubangi Province. Local media reported about 300 homes were damaged or destroyed and 1,365 people affected or displaced. Over 600 000 people are exposed to the flooding.
Philippines – Tropical Storm Ma-On (known as Florita in the Philippines) made landfall in the province of Isabela, Cagayan Valley region in the Philippines on 23 August 2022, bringing strong winds and heavy rain. One person drowned in Camarines Sur. Two people died as a result of wind damage and falling trees in Cagayan (1) and Cordillera (1). Wind gusts of 150 km/h were reported in the province of Isabela. In a 24 hour period to late 23 August, Laoag, capital of the province of Ilocos Norte recorded 169 mm of rain and Tuguegarao, capital of the province of Cagayan, recorded 178 mm.
Nigeria – At least 10 people have died and thousands were displaced after heavy rain and flash floods destroyed homes in Adamawa State in north-eastern Nigeria. Flooding struck after heavy rain from 18 August 2022. OCHA reported more than 3,000 people were displaced across Jabilamba community and environs in Girei Local Government Area (LGA). At least 10 residents were killed and three others wounded in the flash flooding that also damaged or destroyed dozens of homes, critical facilities and livelihoods across the affected areas. As of 22 August, many homes remained submerged across the affected areas and most residents were unable to return to salvage property and valuables. Unconfirmed reports from Girei suggested that the village is completely deserted after the flooding and many of the disaplced households have moved to neighbouring Song and Yola LGAs.
How Many Meteorites Hit Earth
Every year, millions of rocky shards from outer space burn up in Earth’s atmosphere, many briefly flaring and appearing in the sky as “shooting stars.” But how many survive their high-speed plunges to strike the ground?
Giant impacts, such as the one that likely ended the reign of the dinosaurs about 66 million years ago, caused by an asteroid or comet measuring about 6 miles (10 kilometers) across, are extraordinarily rare. Instead, most rocks that fall to Earth are very small, and relatively few survive their fiery plummet through Earth’s atmosphere.
Scientists estimate that fewer than 10,000 meteorites collide into Earth’s land or water, which is a drop in the bucket compared with the moon, which doesn’t have an atmosphere and gets hit by varying sizes of space rocks: about 11 to 1,100 tons (10 to 1,000 metric tons) — the mass of about 5.5 cars — of space rock dust per day, and about 33,000 pingpong-ball-sized space rock collisions yearly, Live Science previously reported.
Rift Valley Fever – Uganda
Uganda health authorities reported two confirmed cases of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) on 27 July and 2 August, respectively, in Rubanda and Isingiro districts both located in the south western regions of the country.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are currently no tropical storm systems.
Newsbytes:
Pakistan – The historic monsoon rains and flooding in Pakistan have affected more than 30 million people during the last few weeks. Pakistan has urged the international community to help with relief efforts as it struggled to cope with the aftermath of torrential rains that have triggered massive floods since last month, killing more than 900 people.
Afghanistan – Flooding in Afghanistan this month have now killed more than 180 people, the Taliban said on Thursday, also appealing to the international community for help.
Record Drought – China
This summer’s drought and heat in China have become the most severe ever recorded in the world. The nearly stationary heat dome has lasted longer than any other in history and has forced factories to shutter, threatening further global supply chain disruptions.
The heat has evaporated reservoirs and rivers, knocking out the hydroelectric turbines that provide power to many Chinese. China’s autumn harvest may now be lost, which could worsen the already acute global food crisis. “There is nothing in world climatic history which is even minimally comparable to what is happening in China,” said climatologist Maximiliano Herrera.
Melting Roads
The unprecedented heat that baked the Northern Hemisphere this summer has caused railroad tracks to contort, forced airport runways to be shut down and made roadways warp. The transport woes that followed have affected areas from Africa to China and even a busy highway in Cambridge, England.
Infrastructure experts warn that the world’s transportation system was, for the most part, built for a much cooler era. Flash floods from the now-frequent extreme rainfall triggered by the warmer and moister atmosphere are also eroding paved roadways and obliterating those made of gravel and dirt.
Cicada Silence
This summer’s extreme European heat that has melted glaciers, caused rivers to dry up and destroyed crops has also silenced the singing cicadas of southern France. “We have observed that the cicadas don’t sing almost ever in the afternoon when the temperature exceeds 36 degrees Celsius in the shade. It’s too hot for them,” said agro-climate specialist Serge Zaka.
The cigale, or cicada, has been mentioned in literature for centuries and represented death and rebirth to the ancient Greeks. But Zaka warned that if Europe continues to get hotter in summer, the Provençal cicadas will be forced to migrate northward or toward the higher elevations of the Pyrenees and southern Alps.
Duller Birds
A European study finds that at least one species of bird is becoming less colourful under the influence of global heating.
Basque and French researchers recorded the colors of Europe’s blue tits between 2005 and 2019 at sites near Montpellier and in Corsica and found that year after year, both sexes of the birds lost some of their distinctive blue and yellow colourations. “The change in plumage colour seems to be the result of a combination of a rise in temperature (1.23 C) and a fall in rainfall (0.64 mm), said lead researcher David López-Idiáquez of the University of the Basque Country.
Global Temperature Extremes
The week’s hottest temperature was 49.0 degrees Celsius (120 degrees F) at Death Valley. California.
The week’s coldest temperature was minus 72.0 degrees Celsius (-97.6 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.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Typhoid Fever – Philippines
The Negros Oriental Provincial Health Office (PHO) is reporting a significant increase in typhoid fever this year. Since the beginning of the year through August 20, the province has seen 279 cases with three deaths.
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – Ongoing Activity for the week 17 August – 23 August 2022
Aira – Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that 0009 on 15 August an explosion at Minamidake Crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) generated an ash plume that rose 2 km above the crater rim. Sulfur dioxide emissions were slightly high at 1,500 tons per day, measured during a field visit on 16 August. Two eruptive events were recorded during 19-22 August.
Bezymianny – Central Kamchatka (Russia) : The Tokyo VAAC reported that on 22 August an ash plume from Bezymianny was identified in a satellite image rising to 3.7 km (12,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifting NE.
Bulusan – Luzon (Philippines) : PHIVOLCS lowered the Alert Level for Bulusan to 0 (on a scale of 0-5) on 21 August, noting that unrest had further declined to background levels. The frequency of volcanic earthquakes declined to baseline levels during the third week of July. Deformation data showed short-term inflation at the SE flank, though long-term data showed no deformation associated with the volcano. Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 1,900 tonnes/day during 5-12 June and declined to about 230 tonnes/day during 25 July-6 August. Steam-laden emissions from the active vents declined to low-to-moderate levels.
Ebeko – Paramushir Island (Russia) : KVERT reported that moderate activity at Ebeko was ongoing. A thermal anomaly over the volcano was identified in satellite images on 13 and 18 August. According to volcanologists in Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island, about 7 km E) explosions generated ash plumes that rose up to 3.5 km (11,500 ft) a.s.l. during 15-18 August; ash plumes drifted more than 65 km SE during 17-18 August.
Great Sitkin – Andreanof Islands (USA) : AVO reported that slow lava effusion at Great Sitkin continued during 16-23 August; no changes to the flow margins were visible but the lava had deepened around the vent. Weather clouds often obscured satellite and webcam views during most of the week. Seismicity was low and occasional local earthquakes were recorded.
Kaitoku Seamount – Volcano Islands (Japan) : JMA reported that discolored water around the Kaitoku Seamount was visible during 18-19 August.
Karymsky – Eastern Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that the eruption at Karymsky continued during 11-18 August. A thermal anomaly over the volcano was identified in satellite images during 12-13, 16, and 18 August.
Kilauea – Hawaiian Islands (USA) : HVO stated that by 16 August about 104 million cubic meters of lava had been erupted from a vent in the lower W wall of at Kilauea’s Halema`uma`u Crater since the current eruption began on 29 September 2021, raising the crater floor by 137 m. Lava continued to effuse from the vent during 17-22 August, entering the lava lake and flowing onto the crater floor. Part of the lake was continuously active. The lake level mostly remained within the bounding levees, though daily breakouts were visible along the margins.
Lewotolok – Lembata Island : PVMBG reported that the Strombolian eruption at Lewotolok continued during 17-23 August. Daily white emissions rose as high as 500 m above the summit and drifted in multiple directions. White-and-gray plumes rose as high as 300 m on 19 August. Photos in some daily reports showed Strombolian activity.
Merapi – Central Java : BPPTKG reported that the eruption at Merapi continued during 12-18 August and seismicity remained at high levels. As many as 23 lava avalanches traveled down the Bebeng drainage on the SW flank, reaching a maximum distance of 1.8 km. Photo analyses showed no changes at the SW and central lava domes.
Nevado del Ruiz – Colombia : Servicio Geológico Colombiano’s (SGC) reported that at 1751 on 18 August an ash emission at Nevado del Ruiz rose 3.2 km and drifted WNW and was associated with a seismic signal indicating fluid movement. The plume was visible on webcams and from Manizales.
Pavlof – Alaska Peninsula, Alaska : AVO reported that a minor eruption at a vent on Pavlof’s upper E flank was ongoing during 16-23 August. There was no evidence of lava effusion, but seismic tremor persisted and multiple small explosions were detected on most days in local seismic, regional seismic, and infrasound data. During 17-18 August explosions produced minor ash emissions that rose to 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and dissipated quickly, as reported by pilots and seen in webcam images. Daily elevated surface temperatures were identified in satellite images reflecting a hot vent.
Semeru – Eastern Java : PVMBG reported that the eruption at Semeru continued during 16-23 August. Eruptive events recorded at 0544 and 0718 on 22 August produced ash plumes that rose 500 and 300 m above the summit and drifted SW and W, respectively. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4). The public was warned to stay at least 5 km away from the summit, and 500 m from Kobokan drainages within 17 km of the summit, along with other drainages originating on Semeru, including the Bang, Kembar, and Sat, due to lahar, avalanche, and pyroclastic flow hazards.
Sheveluch – Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that the ongoing eruption at Sheveluch was characterized by explosions, hot avalanches, and lava-dome extrusion during 11-18 August. A daily thermal anomaly was identified in satellite images.
Suwanosejima – Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : JMA reported that the eruption at Suwanosejima’s Ontake Crater continued during 15-22 August. There were six explosions, producing eruption plumes that rose as high as 900 m above the crater rim and ejecting large blocks 600 m from the vent. Crater incandescence was observed nightly, and volcanic tremor was occasionally recorded.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.6 earthquake hits Antofagasta, Chile.
5.1 earthquake hits Kepulauan Talaud, Indonesia.
5.0 earthquake hits the Kuril Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits Vanuatu.
5.0 earthquake hits southern Sumatra, Indonesia.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Northwest Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm 11w (Tokage), located approximately 530 nm east of Misawa, Japan, is tracking northeastward at 22 knots.
Tropical storm 10w (Ma-On), located approximately 230 nm west of Hong Kong, is tracking west-northwestward at 17 knots.
Newsbytes:
Indonesia – Heavy rainfall has taken its toll in western and eastern parts of Indonesia over the last few days. At least 3 people have died in floods and landslides in West Papua Province on New Guinea Island, while flooding in provinces of Sumatra Island has affected over 35,000 people.
Sudan – The death toll from ongoing floods in Sudan continues to rise as levels of the Nile have surpassed critical or flood levels over the last few days. As of 22 August 2022, the estimated number of flood-affected people is more than 146,200. Torrential rains and floods have destroyed at least 9,600 houses and damaged another 22,000 across 14 states. The government authorities reported that 79 people died and 30 people were injured since the beginning of the rainy season.
Mauretania – Heavy rainfall from late July caused severe flooding across several regions of Mauritania. Recent assessments reveal over 3,000 homes were destroyed and many others damaged. At least 14 fatalities were reported. Flooding caused extensive material damage, destroying 3,817 houses. In total 4,351 households, or 28,926 people, were affected. IFRC also reported the deaths of 14 people, most of them children.
Dengue Fever – Cuba
Cuba as registered more than 3,000 dengue fever cases during the first seven months of 2022. Vector breeding sites have increased due to the lack of hygiene in the streets due to inefficient garbage collection, and the accumulation of stagnant water due to blockages in drains and sewers. The lack of fumigation is another of the aggravating factors of the crisis. For example, fumigation is carried out in tall buildings; however, they only do it on the first floor.
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – New Activity for the week 17 August – 23 August 2022
Bagana – Bougainville (Papua New Guinea) : The Darwin VAAC reported that on 22 August an ash plume from Bagana rose to 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SW based on satellite and wind model data.
Chikurachki – Paramushir Island (Russia) : Observers reported that on 22 August an ash emission from Chikurachki rose to 2 km (6,600 ft) a.s.l. and drifted E.
Krysuvik-Trolladyngja – Reykjanes Peninsula : The Institute of Earth Sciences reported that lava effusion at the fissure eruption in the Krýsuvík-Trölladyngja volcanic system continued during 16-19 August. Lava erupted mainly from a central cone, containing a lava pond, and flowed SE. Measurements taken during an overflight on 16 August indicated that the flow rate had decreased to 2 cubic meters per second. An estimated 12 million cubic meters of lava had erupted. The lava near the vent was 20-40 m thick, but flows were 5-15 m thick in the Meradalir valley, outside the crater area. Seismic tremor began to decrease on 19 August. Incandescence from the northern vent and from the lava flows was reflected by the gas plume that rose from the crater, but through the night of 20-21 August incandescence from the flow diminished. Incandescence from the vent was visible until about 0400 on 21 August. Beginning at around 0500 several explosions ejected spatter from the vent over a period of about 15 minutes. Just before 0600 a dense, bluish-gray plume rose from the crater, and simultaneously seismic tremor signals stopped.
Mayon – Luzon (Philippines) : On 21 August PHIVOLCS raised the Alert Level for Mayon to 1 (on a 0-5 scale) noting changes at the summit lava dome that was emplaced in 2018. Changes in morphology of the dome and minor extrusion estimated at about 40,000 cubic meters was detected during 6 June-20 August based on daily visual and camera monitoring data. Minor inflation, particularly on the NW and SE flanks, had been recorded since April. Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 688 tonnes/day on 12 August, near baseline levels. Seismic activity was at baseline levels for most of 2022, though short-lived spikes in the number of low-frequency volcanic earthquakes were recorded on 26 May and 20 June. Based on the data PHIVOLCS stated that the dome growth was likely the result of gas pressurization at shallow depths.
Nevados de Chillan – Central Chile : On 11 August SERNAGEOMIN reported that the lava dome on the floor of Nevados de Chillán’s Nicanor Crater had grown taller in the previous few days based on webcam views. The portion of the dome that was visible with the webcam was reddish and rocky. The report noted that an increase in sulfur dioxide emissions and more intense explosions had been detected since 18 July. Similarly, an increase in the intensity and occurrence of thermal anomalies in the crater had been noted since 18 July, though anomalies had further intensified during the recent period of dome extrusion. An explosion at 1041 on 10 August was followed by the most intense thermal anomaly recorded during the last month.
Ofu-Olosega and Ta’u – American Samoa (SW Pacific) : HVO reported that an earthquake swarm in the Manu’a Islands of American Samoa continued to be recorded and felt by residents of Ta’u Island and Ofu-Olosega. About 20 earthquakes per hour were recorded by four microseismometers distributed on Tutuila, Ta’u, and Ofu-Olosega Islands. The largest events were estimated to be between magnitudes 2 and 3; most events are too small to be felt. Analysis of the seismic data indicated that the earthquakes were occurring beneath or around the Manu’a Islands, likely closer to Ta’u rather than Ofu-Olosega, though the exact locations, depths, and magnitudes were unknown. The number, size, and frequency of earthquakes recorded by instruments and being felt by people and on both islands indicated that seismicity was above background levels. Earthquakes continued to be recorded at around the same rate during 20-22 August. Two additional seismometers were installed on Ta’u during 22-23 August.
Semisopochnoi – Aleutian Islands (USA) : AVO reported that at 1347 on 21 August a short-lived explosion at Semisopochnoi’s North Cerberus cone produced an ash emission that was visible in webcam images. The ash emission was not visible in satellite images due to weather clouds, indicating that they did not rise above 6 km (20,000 ft) a.s.l. This was the first explosion detected since 12 June.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.2 earthquake hits southern Sumatra, Indonesia.
5.7 earthquake hits the Balleny Islands.
5.2 earthquake hits Tonga.
5.2 earthquake hits the Banda Sea.
5.0 earthquake hits southwest of Sumatra, Indonesia.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Northwest Pacific Ocean: Typhoon 11w (Tokage), located approximately 421 nm east of Narita Airport, Japan, is tracking north-northeastward at 11 knots.
Tropical storm 10w (Ma-On), located approximately 213 nm southeast of Hong Kong, is tracking west-northwestward at 10 knots.
Wildfires – British Columbia, Canada
Another 23 wildfires cropped up across B.C. throughout the day Monday (Aug. 22), bringing the province to a total of 215 active blazes as of Tuesday morning. About a third (72 fires) are considered out of control, with another 52 under control and 32 being held. An additional 54 are new ones and five are fires of note, meaning they are especially visible or pose a potential threat to the public.
Dengue Fever – Philippines
The Philippines Department of Health reported 15,907 additional dengue fever cases the week ending August 6, bringing the country total to 118,526 cases.
Ebola – DR Congo
In a follow-up on the report of a suspected Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) case in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) eastern province of North Kivu, health authorities have confirmed the case as ebola virus disease and have declared an outbreak of the disease in Beni. 160 persons (contacts) are under surveillance.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
Two 5.2 earthquakes hit the Pacific-Antarctic ridge.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Northwest Pacific Ocean: Typhoon 11w (Tokage), located approximately 424 nm north-northwest of Minami Tori Shima, Japan, is tracking north-northwestward at 17 knots.
Tropical storm 10w (Ma-On), located approximately 190 nm north-northeast of Manila, Philippines, is tracking northwestward at 10 knots.
Newsbytes:
Texas, USA – As much as 385 mm of rain fell in 24 hours in parts of northern Texas, triggering flash floods across the Dallas-Fort Worth area, 21 to 22 August 2022. Meanwhile heavy rain has taken its toll in parts of New Mexico, Arizona and Utah, where one person is reported missing in flash floods. Streets and vehicles were submerged across the wider Dallas-Fort Worth area. Officials said one person died when a vehicle was swept away by floodwaters in Dallas County. The heavy rain later moved east into Louisiana. By the evening of 22 August, the city of Shreveport had seen 5.43 inches (138 mm) in 24 hours.
Wildfires – China
Army personnel and firefighters have been deployed to put out multiple bushfires raging in southwest China’s Chongqing as the municipality and several provinces continue to be scorched by a record heatwave, which has dried up rivers, withered crops and led to rationing of electricity. Over 5,000 rescue personnel, including firefighters, armed forces, and professional rescue teams, as well as seven helicopters have been mobilised to put out the fires. More than 1,500 people have been evacuated to safe places.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.5 earthquake hits Bali, Indonesia.
5.1 earthquake hits the central mid-tlantic ridge,
5.1 earthquake hits northeast of Taiwan.
5.1 earthquake hits near the east coast of Kamchatka.
5.0 earthquake hits Reykjanes ridge.
5.0 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Northwest Pacific Ocean: Tropical storm 11w (Tokage), located approximately 880 nm southeast of Yokosuka, Japan, is tracking north-northeastward at 09 knots.
Tropical storm 10w (Ma-On), located approximately 183 nm east-northeast of Manila, Philippines, is tracking westward at 09 knots.
Newsbytes:
Yemen – International aid agency CARE reported this week that as many as 91 people are now thought to have died as a result of heavy rains and flash floods in Yemen, with more heavy rain likely. Rainfall in the month of July was nearly 300 percent above average. Widespread destructive flash floods have resulted in infrastructure, homes, food stock, and livestock being washed away. According to CARE, nearly 30,000 families have been affected.
India – Heavy rain has caused havoc in the state of Himachal Pradesh in northern India. As many as 22 people have lost their lives in floods, rockslides and landslides, with at least 6 people missing and 10 injured. Heavy rain began around 19 August 2022. The cities of Dharamshala and Kangra both recorded over 500 mm of rain in 48 hours. Over 700 roads have been blocked or closed across affected areas, leaving many stranded. Rail services were suspended after a bridge over the Chakki River was destroyed by floods in Kangra District. Schools have been closed in some districts.
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever – Iraq
In a follow-up on the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) outbreak in Iraq, the Ministry of Health is now reporting 299 confirmed cases and 55 deaths nationwide since the beginning of the year. This is up from 289 cases and 52 deaths reported last week.
Dengue Fever
Sri Lanka – The Sri Lanka National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) reports that the dengue fever tally in the island nation is just short of 50,000 cases, according to a Sunday Times report today. 49,941 people were admitted to public hospitals for treatment for dengue in the past eight months.
Thailand – In a follow-up on the surging dengue fever situation in Thailand, the Bureau of Epidemiology of the Department of Disease Control (DDC) reports 17,412 total dengue cases (dengue fever and severe dengue) from the beginning of the year through August 16.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.5 earthquake hits near the coast of Ecuador.
5.4 earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits the Molucca Sea.
5.0 earthquake hits south of Fiji.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are currently no tropical storm systems.
Newsbytes:
Pakistan – Almost 700 people have now lost their lives as a result of weeks of monsoon rains in Pakistan, including 42 people who died in the last 2 days. Over 1.5 million people have now been affected, with thousands moving to relief camps for safety. Pakistan has already received over 95 per cent of its total normal monsoon rainfall. The heavy rain continues to fall and Padidan in Sindh Province recorded 595 mm in 48 hours to 20 August 2022. Since the start of the monsoon in mid-June this year, heavy rain has caused houses to collapse, flash floods, mudslides and landslides. Higher temperatures and heavy rain caused Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF) in mountainous areas of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Rainfall has also increased river levels. Images provided by the United Nations Satellite Centre UNOSAT on 15 August revealed 1,550 km² of land was flooded in Balochistan and Sindh, with around 410,000 people potentially exposed to the floods close the Indus river and tributaries.
Ebola – DR Congo
he World Health Organization (WHO) reports health authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are investigating a suspected case of Ebola virus disease (EVD), in the country’s eastern province of North Kivu.
Monkeypox – Peru
The Peru Ministry of Health reported 85 additional confirmed monkeypox cases on Friday, bringing the country total to 1,022. Sixteen regions in Peru have reported cases with the Lima metropolitan area accounts 82 percent of the country’s total (841). Peru is one of nine South American countries to report monkeypox.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.4 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.
5.2 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.1 earthquake hits the Nepal-India border.
5.0 earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the North Indian Ocean: Tropical cyclone 04b (Four), located approximately 71 nm west-southwest of Kolkata, India, is tracking west-northwestward at 09 knots.
Newsbytes:
New Zealand – Torrential downpours that have battered New Zealand for four days straight have caused floods that could take years to clean up and displaced at least 1,200 people from their homes in the top of the South Island. Friday’s rain comes on top of weeks of wet weather and is worsening conditions in New Zealand’s already sodden landscape. Experts have attributed the unseasonably wet weather to a narrow stream of water vapour, or “atmospheric river”, sitting above the country.
Wildfires – Spain
A wildfire burning out of control in the eastern province of Valencia has become one of the biggest this year in Spain, having already scorched more than 19,000 hectares along a 120-kilometre perimeter. Thirty-five aircraft have been deployed as the blaze entered its fifth day. Rain boosted hopes the fire could be brought under control on Thursday but strong winds have made it “very aggressive”.
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever – Senegal
On 12 August 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) was notified of a confirmed outbreak of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) ongoing in Podor District, Saint-Louis region, Senegal with two confirmed cases.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.3 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.2 earthquake hits the southern mid-Atlantic ridge.
Two 5.1 earthquakes hit the southern mid-Atlantic ridge.
5.0 earthquake hits southeast of the Loyalty Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits Atacama, Chile.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the North Indian Ocean: Tropical cyclone 04b (Four), located approximately 104 nm south-southeast of Kolkata, India, is tracking northwestward at 05 knots.
Newsbytes:
Cameroon - At least five people died and many others were injured following a landslide in the North West Region of Cameroon. Meanwhile around 100 people have been left homeless after floods destroyed homes in the South West Region. Heavy rain has impacted southern and western parts of the country for some time. Over 200 mm of rain fell in 48 hrs to 11 August 2022 in Douala, the coastal city in southwest Cameroon. The rain triggered a landslide in Widikum, North West Region, on 11 August 2022.
India - Officials in Odisha, eastern India report that flooding in the state has affected almost 500,00 residents, with some 60,000 displaced from their homes. Flooding began after a period of heavy rain from around 13 August 2022. Around 215 mm of rain fell in Ersama in Jagatsinghpur District in 24 hours to 14 August. The flooding has affected 467,000 people in 1,757 villages in 10 districts. Over 60,000 people were displaced and had moved to safer areas.
China - At least 16 people have lost their lives in flash floods and landslides in north-western China. This is the third severe spate of flooding in the country in the last few days. Flooding and mudslides raged down slopes in mountainous areas of Datong Hui and Tu Autonomous County in Qinghai Province after heavy rain late on 17 August 2022. According to Xinhua News Agency, 6,245 residents of six villages in the area were affected. The nearby city of Xining, capital of Qinghai province, recorded 39.3 mm of rain in 3 hours. This is the third spate of severe flooding in the country in the last week.
Geothermal Energy
The dream of tapping the unlimited geothermal energy a few miles beneath the surface may be a little closer to reality, thanks to the same new laser technology developed to spark nuclear fusion.
Efforts to drill down the 7 miles or so have been blocked by layers of granite or basalt that are five times harder than the sedimentary rock just below ground. But Quaise Energy has plans for a test project in 2024 that will use millimeter-wave beam technology to vaporize those hard layers into glass boreholes. The startup says that if successful, the technology could be deployed on a global scale. It adds that if wells were drilled beneath existing coal or gas plants, their steam turbines could easily be retrofitted to generate deep geothermal energy as cheaply as 1 cent per kilowatt-hour.
African Drought
The deaths of more than 7 million head of livestock due to the worst East African drought in four decades is causing a humanitarian disaster to unfold. The World Health Organization warns that more than 80 million people in Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia now suffer from food insecurity.
Beyond the loss of livestock, vast swaths of cropland have been parched, and communities are being torn apart as families migrate in search of food and grazing. Even Kenya’s nomadic Masai now struggle to preserve their way of life as they are forced to travel farther than before in search of grazing land and water.
Rewilding the USA West
A new study suggests that increasing the numbers of wolves and beavers in federal lands across the western United States could help reestablish habitats lost during the past two centuries. The proposed Western Rewilding Network would cover nearly 190,000 square miles in Oregon, Washington, California, Nevada, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico and Utah.
Only a small fraction of the former wolf and beaver populations still exists across the region, with no beavers left in many waterways. Lead author William Ripple of the Oregon State University College of Forestry says that by felling trees and shrubs to construct dams, beavers enrich fish habitats, increase water and sediment retention and maintain water flows during drought.
Cyclone Victims
A subtropical cyclone swirling off the coast of southern Brazil washed ashore hundreds of Magellan penguins that were migrating northward to breed. Most of the 620 penguins driven onto the sandy beaches along the Santos Basin were found dead.
“Penguins can’t fly and ended up drowning since the wind and waves were too strong,” said Andre Barreto, head of the cleanup operation. “We underwent a cyclone with gales of over 100 kilometers per hour (62 mph) along the Santa Catarina coast.” The cyclone also caused flooding and wind damage.
Global Temperature Extremes
The week’s hottest temperature was 49.0 degrees Celsius (120 degrees F) at Death Valley. California.
The week’s coldest temperature was minus 73.0 degrees Celsius (-99 degrees F) at the Vostok, Antarctica.
Temperatures were tabulated from the more than 10,000 worldwide synoptic weather stations. The United Nations World Meteorological Organization sets the standards for weather observations, and provides a global telecommunications circuit for data distribution.
Wildfires – Algeria
Wildfires in Northeast Algeria have killed at least 38 people according to reports by local journalists and the fire service. Most of the fatalities have occurred in the El Tarf province near Algeria’s border with Tunisia within about 20 miles of the Mediterranean Sea. Officials said that 39 fires were spreading through parts of northern Algeria, and they warned that hot, dry winds could worsen the situation. Approximately 16 fires are near the city of El Tarf. About 90 people are thought to have died in fires last year when more than 250,000 acres of forests burned.
Wildfires – Spain
Thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes as more wildfires sweep across parts of Spain. Climate change and lightning strikes have seen fires break out across the land in recent days, causing damage to countryside and populated areas, as firefighters try to control the situation. In one hair-raising incident, a train service was caught up in a sweeping wildfire near Valencia, which left three passengers seriously injured.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – Ongoing Activity for the week 10 August – 16 August 2022
Aira – Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that nighttime incandescence at Minamidake Crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) was visible during 8-15 August. The seismic network recorded 33 eruptive events and 12 explosions. Volcanic plumes rose as high as 2.5 km above the crater rim and material was ejected large ballistics as high as 1.7 km above the summit.
Ebeko – Paramushir Island (Russia) : KVERT reported that moderate activity at Ebeko was ongoing. According to volcanologists in Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island, about 7 km E) explosions generated ash plumes that rose up to 3.5 km (11,500 ft) a.s.l. and drifted in multiple directions during 4-5 and 7-8 August. A thermal anomaly over the volcano was identified in satellite images during those same days.
Great Sitkin – Andreanof Islands (USA) : AVO reported that slow lava effusion at Great Sitkin continued during 9-16 August; no changes to the flow margins were visible but the lava had deepened around the vent. Weather clouds often obscured satellite and webcam views during most of the week. Seismicity was low and occasional local earthquakes were recorded. Elevated surface temperatures were identified in satellite images on most days.
Ibu – Halmahera : PVMBG reported that the eruption at Ibu continued during 9-16 August. Gray-and-white ash plumes of variable densities generally rose as high as 1.5 km above the summit and drifted in multiple directions.
Kadovar – Northeast of New Guinea : Based on satellite and wind model data, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 14 August an ash plume from Kadovar rose to an altitude of 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW.
Karymsky – Eastern Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that the eruption at Karymsky continued during 4-11 August. A daily thermal anomaly over the volcano was identified in satellite images. Explosions during 5-9 August produced ash plumes that rose as high as 5 km (16,400 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 550 km in multiple directions.
Kilauea – Hawaiian Islands (USA) : HVO reported that lava continued to effuse from a vent in the lower W wall of Kilauea’s Halema`uma`u Crater during 9-16 August, entering the lava lake and flowing onto the crater floor. Part of the lake was continuously active. The lake level mostly remained within the bounding levees, though daily breakouts were visible along the margins.
Krakatau – Sunda Strait : PVMBG reported that cloudy weather often prevented visual confirmation of the ongoing eruption at Anak Krakatau during 9-16 August. Incandescence at or near the vent was seen in nighttime photos on most days.
Merapi – Central Java : BPPTKG reported that the eruption at Merapi continued during 5-11 August and seismicity remained at high levels. As many as 43 lava avalanches traveled down the Bebeng drainage on the SW flank, reaching a maximum distance of 1.5 km.
Pavlof – Alaska Peninsula, Alaska : AVO reported that a minor eruption at a vent on Pavlof’s upper E flank was ongoing during 9-16 August, though cloud cover often prevented visual confirmation. Seismic tremor persisted and multiple small daily explosions were detected in local and regional seismic and infrasound data. The explosions may have produced minor ash emissions that rose no higher than 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and dissipated quickly, though on a few of the clear views none were seen. Elevated surface temperatures were identified in satellite images on most of the days.
Popocatepetl – Mexico : CENAPRED reported that there were 19-204 steam-and-gas emissions, sometimes containing minor amounts of ash, rising from Popocatépetl each day during 9-16 August. A minor explosion was recorded at 0839 on 10 August and a moderate explosion was detected at 1528 on 11 August. Minor ashfall was reported in the municipality of Ecatzingo, State of Mexico. An explosion at 1952 on 13 August was followed at 2125 by minor amounts of ashfall in Tetela del Volcán.
Sangay – Ecuador : IG reported that a notable increase in seismicity at Sangay began at around 1000 on 12 August and was followed by the effusion of a lava flow that descended more than 1 km on the SE flank. Strombolian activity was visible at the summit. Ash plumes rose as high as 3.5 km above the summit and drifted 500 km W and SW, past the coastline, and caused daily ashfall in the provinces of Chimborazo and Guayas during 12-16 August.
Semeru – Eastern Java : The eruption at Semeru continued during 10-16 August. The Darwin VAAC reported that during 13-16 August ash plumes rose to altitudes of 4.3-4.6 km (14,000-15,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SW and W based on satellite images and wind models. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4).
Sheveluch – Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that the ongoing eruption at Sheveluch was characterized by explosions, hot avalanches, and lava-dome extrusion during 4-11 August. A daily thermal anomaly was identified in satellite images, and gas-and-steam plumes containing some ash were visible drifting 70 km E and SE during 8-9 August.
Suwanosejima – Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : JMA reported that the number of daily explosions at Suwanosejima’s Ontake Crater began increasing on 2 August and remained elevated through 7 August; their frequency began decreasing on 8 August. About 11 explosions were recorded during 8-15 August. Eruption plumes rose as high as 2 km above the crater rim and large ballistics were ejected as far as 800 m from the crater. Incandescence from the crater was often visible at night.
Taal – Luzon (Philippines) : PHIVOLCS reported that sulfur dioxide emissions at Taal averaged 3,802-6,844 tonnes per day during 9-10 and 12-15 August; a high of 13,572 tonnes per day was recorded on 11 August causing significant vog around the caldera and a sulfur odor reported by residents of Banyaga, (Agoncillo), Poblacion 5, Boso-boso, and Gulod (Laurel), and Poblacion (Talisay). Upwelling volcanic gasses and fluids in the lake were visible, along with voluminous steam-rich plumes that rose as high as 3 km above the lake and drifted mainly NE, SE, and SW.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.9 earthquake hits Kepulauan Barat Daya, Indonesia.
5.6 earthquake hits Libertador O’Higgins, Chile.
5.4 earthquake hits Minahasa, Sulawesi, Indonesia.
5.3 earthquake hits near the east coast of Honshu, Japan.
5.0 earthquake hits Mindanao in the Philippines.
5.0 earthquake hits the Kuril Islands.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are currently no tropical storms.
Newsbytes:
France – Heavy downpours caused flash flooding Tuesday afternoon in the French capital city of Paris, closing metro stations and bringing commuters and tourists to a standstill.
New Zealand – A state of emergency has been declared in Nelson as residents have been told to evacuate their homes immediately after the Maitai River breached its banks. Some 223 homes in Nelson have already been evacuated.
England – Thunderstorms and flash floods have struck parts of southern England, causing flash flooding in large areas of central London. Intense downpours began in London and swept the South East on Wednesday. High Beech, in Essex, saw the highest rainfall with 64mm falling in a 24-hour period, while Frittenden in Kent had 46mm of rain falling in one hour.
‘Staggering’ rate of global tree losses from fires
Around 16 football pitches of trees per minute were lost to forest fires in 2021, a new report says. Data from Global Forest Watch suggests that across the globe, the amount of tree cover being burned has nearly doubled in the past 20 years.
Climate change is a key factor in the increase as it leads to higher temperatures and drier conditions. Of the 9 million hectares of trees consumed by fire in 2021, over five million were in Russia.
Chikungunya – Philippines
The Philippines Department of Health is reporting a significant increase in chikungunya cases in the first seven months of 2022. According to officials data released today, 372 cases of the mosquito-borne viral infection were reported from January 1 to July 30, 2022. This compared to 65 cases reported during the same period in 2021.
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – New Activity for the week 10 August – 16 August 2022
Krysuvik-Trolladyngja – Reykjanes Peninsula : The fissure eruption in the Krýsuvík-Trölladyngja volcanic system that began on 3 August continued in the Meradalir valley during 10-16 August. Lava erupted mainly from a central cone and flowed ESE. According to the Institute of Earth Sciences the effusion rate had notably decreased, from an average of 11 cubic meters per second during 4-13 August to 3-4 cubic meters per second during 13-15 August. A news article stated that the effusion rate significantly decreased during 0530-0630 on 13 August based on information from IMO staff who were investigating the eruption site for new changes. The Institute of Earth Sciences estimated that 10.6 million cubic meters of lava had covered an area of 1.25 square kilometers by 15 August. Data collected during an overflight on 16 August indicated that the effusion rate had further reduced to 2 cubic meters per second during the previous day, though the uncertainty in that estimate was high. On 16 August residents reported seeing a purple-tinged sulfur dioxide gas cloud over the eruption area slowly drifting SW during sunrise.
Ta’u – American Samoa (SW Pacific) : HVO reported that earthquakes were felt by residents of the Manu?a group of islands in American Samoa beginning on 26 July. Residents of Ofu and Olosega islands began reporting earthquakes on 10 August. Experts from HVO, Pago Pago National Weather Service Office (NWS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, NOAA-IOC (NOAA-Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission), International Tsunami Information Center, and USGS National Earthquake Information Center have been working together to respond to the unrest. USGS scientists arrived on the islands and installed two microseismometers, one in Fiti?uta village on Ta?u island on 13 August and the other in Olosega village on 14 August. The instruments began recording about 20 earthquakes per hour. The largest earthquakes, including the felt events, were estimated to be between magnitudes 2 and 3; most of the events were too small to be felt. The exact location and depth of these earthquakes was unknown, due to limited earthquake monitoring equipment, though the data suggested that the events were beneath the Manu?a Islands, likely closer to Ta?u island rather than Ofu-Olosega, and were probably not related to the recently active Vailulu?u seamount. HVO noted that American Samoa’s volcanoes were monitored remotely by satellites and a distant seismic station in Apia, Samoa; the lack of ground-based monitoring stations does not allow for advanced warning of new activity. Both the Volcano Alert Level and Aviation Color Code were categorized as Unassigned due to the lack of a volcano-monitoring network.HVO reported that earthquakes were felt by residents of the Manu?a group of islands in American Samoa beginning on 26 July. Residents of Ofu and Olosega islands began reporting earthquakes on 10 August. Experts from HVO, Pago Pago National Weather Service Office (NWS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, NOAA-IOC (NOAA-Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission), International Tsunami Information Center, and USGS National Earthquake Information Center have been working together to respond to the unrest. USGS scientists arrived on the islands and installed two microseismometers, one in Fiti?uta village on Ta?u island on 13 August and the other in Olosega village on 14 August. The instruments began recording about 20 earthquakes per hour. The largest earthquakes, including the felt events, were estimated to be between magnitudes 2 and 3; most of the events were too small to be felt. The exact location and depth of these earthquakes was unknown, due to limited earthquake monitoring equipment, though the data suggested that the events were beneath the Manu?a Islands, likely closer to Ta?u island rather than Ofu-Olosega, and were probably not related to the recently active Vailulu?u seamount. HVO noted that American Samoa’s volcanoes were monitored remotely by satellites and a distant seismic station in Apia, Samoa; the lack of ground-based monitoring stations does not allow for advanced warning of new activity.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.4 earthquake hits the Kuril Islands.
5.4 earthquake hits off the east coast of Honshu, Japan.
5.3 earthquake hits Alaska.
5.2 earthquake hits south of the Kermedec Islands.
5.1 earthquake hits eastern New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.
5.0 earthquake hits the Kuril Islands.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are currently no tropical storms.
Newsbytes:
West Virginia, USA – The Governor of West Virginia, USA, declared a state of emergency for two southern counties after floods from heavy rainfall on 15 August 2022. The city of Charleston recorded 112.8 mm (4.44 inches) of rain in 24 hours on 15 August, with over 42 mm (1.7 inches) of that falling in 1 hour. Flooding caused damaged to dozens of homes in Fayette and Kanawha counties. Some residents had to be rescued and evacuated from flooded premises. Roads and bridges were also damaged.
Dengue Fever
Laos – Since our last report on the dengue fever outbreak in Laos on August 1, the country has reported more than 4,200 cases. As of August 15, Laos health officials report 17,892 total dengue cases with more than half the cases reported from the capital city of Vientiane (9,114).
Philippines – In the Philippines, 102,619 dengue cases were reported from January 1 to July 30 this year.
Measles – Nigeria
From January 2022 to June 1, Nigeria tops the list for the country with the most measles cases with 18,628 cases.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.7 earthquake hits the Macquarie Islands.
5.2 earthquake hits the Nias region, Indonesia.
5.0 earthquake hits Ascension Island.
5.0 earthquake hits southeast of the Loyalty Islands.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Tropical Depression 010e (Ivette), located approximately 942 nm south of San Diego, is tracking west-southwestward at 02 knots.
Newsbytes:
South East Asia – Heavy rain brought by the passing of Tropical Storm Mulan has caused flooding and landslides in areas of Vietnam, northern Thailand and bordering areas of Myanmar, and northern Laos. Tropical Storm Mulan made landfall in coastal areas of Xuwen County in Zhanjiang City, Guangdong Province, China on 10 August 2022. Some flights and shipping were disrupted. Storm Mulan then weakened into a tropical depression as it moved towards northeast Vietnam. In Vietnam Storm Mulan brought heavy rain from around 09 August. In a 3 day period to late 12 August, Muong Khen in Hoa Binh recorded 328 mm of rain. In Thailand, Tropical Storm Mulan affected 11 provinces from around 11 August 2022. DDPM said 5,965 households were affected in total. Thousands of people in Laos are suffering after rivers flooded following several days of heavy rain in northern areas.
Myanmar – A dam breach in Myanmar caused chest-high floods in the border areas of northern Thailand on Saturday, according to local media. The dam on the Thailand-Myanmar border overflowed due to heavy rainfall generated by passing tropical storm Mulan, officials said. Water levels started to recede by nightfall but residents were cautious with some opting to stay outdoors to make sure water levels wouldn’t rise again. There were no reports of casualties.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever – Iraq
The Iraq Ministry of Health is now reporting 289 confirmed Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) cases and 52 deaths as of August 11. This is an increase of 16 cases and 3 deaths since our last report on August 3.
Brazil – Dengue Fever
The Secretary of State for Health confirmed recently 12 more deaths caused by dengue. In the last seven days, Paraná reported 2,682 more cases of dengue, the disease transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. With the data included in the weekly bulletin on the disease, Paraná has accumulated 132,328 confirmed cases and 88 deaths caused by dengue.
Measles – Zimbabwe
A measles outbreak has killed 80 children in Zimbabwe since April, the ministry of health has said, blaming church sect gatherings for the surge. In a statement seen by Reuters on Sunday, the ministry said the outbreak had now spread nationwide, with a case fatality rate of 6.9%. 1,036 suspected cases and 125 confirmed cases had been reported since the outbreak.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.6 earthquake hits south of the Kermedec Islands.
6.2 earthquake hits southeast of the Loyalty Islands.
5.6 earthquake hits Mindanao in the Philippines.
5.4 earthquake hits northern Qinghai, China.
5.2 earthquake hits the Rat Islands in the Aleutian Islands.
5.2 earthquake hits Luzon in the Philippines.
5.0 earthquake hits offshore Valparaiso, Chile.
5.0 earthquake hits eastern New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.
5.0 earthquake hits south of the Kermedec Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits northern Qinghai, China.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Tropical Depression 010e (Ten), located approximately 904 nm south-southeast of San Diego, is tracking west-northwestward at 01 knot.
Newsbytes:
Afghanistan – Over 30 people have died and many are missing after heavy rain caused flash flooding in parts of Afghanistan. Flash flooding struck in the norther Parwan Province on 13 August 2022 following heavy rainfall. Affected districts include Ghorband (also known as Syagird) and Shinwari. Flooding has also impacted areas of Logar Province in the last few days. Afghan Red Crescent reported at least 1 fatality, 3 injured and over 80 houses damaged or destroyed, along with wide areas of agricultural land.
Sudan – The number of fatalities caused by ongoing floods in Sudan has climbed steeply according to an update by Sudan Civil Defence and the United Nations. As of 13 August that 52 people have now died and another 25 have been injured since the beginning of the rainy season. As of 14 August 2022, the estimated number of people affected by heavy rains and floods since May is about 136,000 people. Torrential rains and floods destroyed about 8,900 houses and damaged another 20,600 in 12 states.
Nigeria – Officials in the state of Jigawa, northern Nigeria, report as many as 50 people have lost their lives in floods triggered by torrential rains. Severe flooding struck in several Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Jigawa after heavy rain from 01 August 2022. At least 7 people lost their lives as a result. Heavy rain and flooding has continued to affect areas of the state since then. On 14 August 2022, officials report that 50 people have now lost their lives and thousands of homes have been damaged leaving many displaced.
Mexico – At least 3 people have died after further flooding in the state of Sonora, Mexico, authorities report. Flash flooding struck in the city of Nogales, close to the border with Arizona, USA, following a storm on 13 August 2022. A total of 12 vehicles were swept away by flooding in different parts of the city, while around 7 homes suffered flood damage. Landslides were also reported in the area.
Chad – Weeks of heavy rain have caused significant damage and over 20 fatalities in different regions of Chad, including the capital N’Djamena. Since June, storms, heavy rain and flooding have affected 3,477 households (over 17,000 people) and destroyed 1,312 houses. Further more at least 22 people have lost their lives and 229 have been injured. As much as 160 mm of rain fell in 24 hours in N’Djamena on 02 August 2022. As many as 480 houses were destroyed and 789 damaged. In total 3,641 households were affected.
Wildfires – Spain
A large wildfire in northeast Spain grew rapidly overnight and was burning out of control Sunday, forcing the evacuation of eight villages and 1,500 people in Zaragoza province, firefighters said. The wildfire, which began Saturday, developed a 50-kilometer (31-mile) perimeter in less than 24 hours, the local forest chief said. It’s estimated burned surface could be up to 8,000 hectares (20,000 acres).
Wildfires – California
The Six Rivers fire, burning more than 16,900 acres in Trinity and Humboldt counties, is just 15% contained Sunday, according to fire officials.
The McKinney fire, which claimed the lives of four people, remains 95% contained after burning 60,000 acres. Some evacuation orders had been lifted, but many others remained in effect particularly around Highway 96.
Wildfires – Australia
Western Australia’s emergency services issued a bushfire warning on Sunday for an out of control blaze around Mokine in the Shire of Northam, 71 km east of the state capital Perth that was threatening homes and lives. Residents were advised to leave their homes and seek safer areas.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.8 earthquake hits the Molucca Sea.
5.7 earthquake hits eastern New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.
5.4 earthquake hits eastern Qinghai, China.
5.4 earthquake hits the Sea of Okhotsk.
5.4 earthquake hits Vanuatu.
5.3 earthquake hits Vanuatu.
5.2 earthquake hits south of Africa.
5.1 earthquake hits Vanuatu.
5.0 earthquake hits Vanuatu.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Northwest Pacific Ocean: Tropical Depression 09w (Meari), located approximately 203 nm south-southeast of Misawa, Japan, is tracking northeastward at 25 knots.
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Tropical Depression 010e (Ten), located approximately 900 nm south-southeast of San Diego, is tracking west-northwestward at 05 knots.
Newsbytes:
Nevada, USA – Two people are dead after heavy rain poured into Las Vegas casinos and flooded streets Thursday night in the wettest monsoon season in a decade, according to Clark County officials.
Antarctic Ice in Retreat
Sea ice surrounding Antarctica reached its lowest extent on record for July, according to data from Europe’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S).
A record low coverage was also reached in June, following several months of below-average extent. C3S says Antarctic sea ice covered just 15.3 million square km in July, or 7% below the 1991-2020 average for the month. The floating ice had steadily increased from 1979 until a general decline began after a record high coverage was reached in 2014.
Wildfires – UK
As parts of England officially enter drought, wildfires are smouldering across the country. Images howed smoke billowing over Hollow ponds, near Leytonstone in east London. Videos also showed a fire burning on the side of the A30 in Cornwall, and smoke drifting above Poole harbour from a fire on Studland heath.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.1 earthquake hits Mindanao in the Philippines.
5.3 earthquake hits the central Mediterranean Sea.
5.2 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.
5.1 earthquake hits Panay in the Philippines.
5.0 earthquake hits the Fox Islands in the Aleutian Islands.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Northwest Pacific Ocean: Tropical Depression 09w (Meari), located approximately 78 nm west-southwest of Yokosuka, Japan, is tracking northeastward at 13 knots.
In the North Indian Ocean: Tropical Cyclone 03a (Three), located approximately 252 nm southwest of Karachi, Pakistan, is tracking west-southwestward at 10 knots.
Newsbytes:
Niger – Flooding brought by seasonal heavy rains has continued to cause widespread damage in Niger, where 27 people have now died and almost 60,000 affected. Over 6,000 homes have been destroyed. Maradi, the second largest city in Niger, recorded 94 mm of rain in 24 hours to 21 July. The city of Dosso in the south-west corner of Niger saw 95 mm of rain in 24 hours to 04 August. In a report of 08 August 2022 by the United Nations, a total of 27 people have died as a result of flooding and heavy rain in Niger since the start of the rainy season.
Sudan – The rainy season continues to its toll on communities in Sudan, where over 80,000 people have now been affected and 25 have lost their lives. Around 30,000 people were affected after flooding struck in Azum and Gharb Jabal Marrah localities in Central Darfur during the first week of August 2022. As many as 5,892 houses have been destroyed.
Venezuela – Flooding has affected hundreds of people across the states of Barinas, Táchira and Miranda in Venezuela over the last few days. Dozens of families have been displaced after homes were damaged or destroyed. In Barinas state, the Socopó River broke its banks flooding wide areas of Socopó municipality from 09 August 2022. Nine homes were destroyed or severely damaged. At least 53 families have been forced to evacuate. In total around 2,300 residents have been affected. Around 140 families were affected and 28 houses damaged or destroyed after severe flooding in Capacho Viejo municipality in Táchira state, close to the border with North Santander Department of Colombia. Meanwhile around 120 homes were damaged in the municipality of Sucre, in the state of Miranda, close to Caracas, Venezuela’s capital.
Wildfires – Hawaii
The Leilani Fire started in the US Army’s Pohakuloa Training Area on the Big Island and was mapped July 22 at 2,362 acres. Recent strong winds and extremely dry conditions have helped it spring back to life and was reported Thursday evening to be 25,000 acres.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Northwest Pacific Ocean: Tropical Depression 09w (Nine, located approximately 314 nm south-southwest of Yokosuka, Japan, is tracking northeastward at 05 knots.
In the North Indian Ocean: Tropical Cyclone 03a (Three), located approximately 199 nm south-southwest of Karachi, Pakistan, is tracking westward at 07 knots.
Unhealthy Rainwater
It is no longer safe to drink rainwater anywhere on the planet, even in the most remote areas around the poles and high on the Tibetan Plateau, according to a new Stockholm University and ETH Zurich study.
Researchers found rainwater is adulterated with fluorine-based PFAS, which accumulate in the body and are very slow to degrade. They are used in nonstick pans, firefighting foam, water-repellent clothing and scores of other products. The contamination of rainwater “greatly exceeds” safety levels virtually everywhere on Earth. “I’m not saying that we’re all going to die of these effects. But we’re in a place now where you can’t live anywhere on the planet and be sure that the environment is safe,” said Ian Cousins of Stockholm University.
Rate of Arctic Warming Underestimated
The Arctic has warmed nearly four times faster than the rest of the planet during the last 40 years, according to research published on Thursday that suggests climate models are underestimating the rate of polar heating.
An Arctic Council working group based in Troms, Norway, had reported in May 2021 that the increase in average Arctic surface temperature between 1971 and 2019 was 3.1 degrees Celsius (5.58 degree Fahrenheit), about three times higher than the global average.
Meanwhile the Eurasian sector of the Arctic Ocean, near the Svalbard and Novaya Zemlya archipelagos, has warmed as much as 1.25C (2.25F) per decade – seven times faster than the rest of the world.
Global Temperature Extremes
The week’s hottest temperature was 49.0 degrees Celsius (120.2 degrees F) at Hofuf, Saudi Aranbia.
The week’s coldest temperature was minus 72.0 degrees Celsius (-97.6degrees F) at the 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:
Climate Diseases
More than half of diseases that infect humans from pathogens such as viruses and bacteria have been made worse by the deepening climate emergency, according to a new report. Researchers at the University of Hawaii reviewed more than 70,000 studies of all known infections and pathogenic diseases that have ever affected humanity, and looked at how global heating has affected them.
Writing in Nature Climate Change, they say diseases such as Zika, malaria, dengue and even COVID-19 have been made more severe to humans by climate-related events such as extreme rainfall, floods, drought, heat waves and wildfires. They add that altered rainfall patterns have expanded the ranges of disease-carrying pests such as ticks, fleas and mosquitoes, which carry malaria, Lyme disease, West Nile virus and other illnesses.
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever – Spain
The Ministry of Health has confirmed two new cases of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) in two men – one of them deceased – residing in the Bierzo region (León).
Monkeypox – Peru
To date, Peru has registered 583 cases of the monkeypox in 14 regions and there have already been 221 epidemiological discharges.
Malaria – Peru
CDC Peru reported that during epidemiological week 30, 15,381 cases of malaria have been reported since the beginning of 2022. These notifications include 4 deaths from autochthonous transmission; of which, 3 deaths were in young children.
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – Ongoing Activity for the week 3 August – 9 August 2022
Ebeko – Paramushir Island (Russia) : KVERT reported that moderate activity at Ebeko was ongoing during 28 July-4 August. According to volcanologists in Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island, about 7 km E) explosions generated ash plumes that rose up to 4.5 km (14,800 ft) a.s.l. and drifted in multiple directions. A thermal anomaly over the volcano was identified in satellite images during 1 and 3-4 August.
Fuego – South-Central Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that 3-10 explosions per hour were recorded at Fuego during 2-9 August, generating ash plumes that rose as high as 1.1 km above the crater rim. The ash plumes drifted as far as 30 km W and SW, causing daily ashfall in areas downwind including Morelia (9 km SW), Panimaché I and II (8 km SW), Santa Sofía (12 km SW), El Porvenir (8 km ENE), Los Yucales (12 km SW), Sangre de Cristo (8 km WSW), El Porvenir (8 km ENE), San Pedro Yepocapa (8 km NW), Ojo de Agua, and Finca Palo Verde. Daily shock waves rattled structures in communities around the volcano and rumbling was occasionally heard. Daily block avalanches descended the Ceniza (SSW), Seca (W), Trinidad (S), Taniluyá (SW), Honda, and Las Lajas (SE) drainages. Explosions ejected incandescent material 100-300 m above the summit each day.
Great Sitkin – Andreanof Islands (USA) : AVO reported that slow lava effusion at Great Sitkin likely continued during 2-9 August; no changes to the flow lengths were visible but the lava had deepened around the vent. Weather clouds often obscured satellite and webcam views during most of the week, though no activity was visible when views were clear. Seismicity was low and occasional local earthquakes were recorded. Elevated surface temperatures were identified in satellite images during 5-9 August.
Karymsky – Eastern Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that the eruption at Karymsky continued during 29 July-4 August. Explosions during 29-31 July, 1-2 August, and 4 August produced ash plumes that rose 4-8 km (13,100-26,200 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 230 km S, SE, and E. A thermal anomaly over the volcano was identified in satellite images during 31 July-4 August.
Kilauea – Hawaiian Islands (USA) : HVO reported that lava continued to effuse from a vent in the lower W wall of Kilauea’s Halema`uma`u Crater during 2-9 August, entering the lava lake and flowing onto the crater floor. The lake level remained within the bounding levees. Daily minor ooze-outs were visible along the margins of the crater floor. Intense incandescence from the W vent was visible during 5-9 August.
Krakatau – Sunda Strait : PVMBG reported that the eruption at Anak Krakatau continued during 3-9 August. Several eruptive events occurred on 3 August (at 0034, 0115, and 1540), sometimes producing dense black ash plumes that rose as high as 1.5 km above the summit and drifted SW. At 0926 on 4 August a dense gray-to-black ash plume rose 1.5 km and drifted N. Incandescence at or near the vent was seen in nighttime photos on most days. Diffuse white plumes were visible rising from the volcano during 7-8 August.
Lewotolok – Lembata Island : PVMBG reported that the Strombolian eruption at Lewotolok continued during 2-9 August. Daily white or white-and-gray emissions rose as high as 400 m above the summit and drifted in multiple directions. Photos in some posted reports showed Strombolian activity.
Merapi – Central Java : BPPTKG reported that the eruption at Merapi continued during 29 July-4 August. Seismicity remained at high levels. As many as 34 lava avalanches traveled down the Bebeng drainage on the SW flank, reaching a maximum distance of 1.8 km. The volumes of both the SW and central lava domes were unchanged based on photo analyses.
Nevado del Ruiz – Colombia : On 2 August Servicio Geológico Colombiano’s (SGC) reported that during the previous week the number and size of seismic signals indicating fluid movement had increased at Nevado del Ruiz compared to the week before, though they remained at moderate levels. Although seismic signals indicating rock fracturing increased in number, magnitudes were similar to the previous week. Several episodes of drumbeat seismicity were recorded, indicating continuing growth of the lava dome. Gas-and-steam emissions rose from the crater, reaching just over 2.4 km above the summit on 30 July. Several thermal anomalies in Arenas Crater were identified in satellite images during 0500-0600 on 4 August, and seismic signals indicating emissions were recorded during 4-5 August. Ashfall was reported in the municipalities of Santa Rosa de Cabal, Pereira, Villamaría, Manizales, and Dosquebradas. Tephra deposits were visible near the crater and in areas up to 3 km away.
Pavlof – Alaska Peninsula, Alaska : AVO reported that a minor eruption at a vent on Pavlof’s upper E flank was ongoing during 3-9 August. Seismic tremor persisted and multiple daily explosions were detected in local and regional seismic and infrasound data. The explosions likely produced minor ash emissions that rose no higher than 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l., though cloud cover prevented confirmation on most days. Strongly elevated surface temperatures were identified in satellite images during 7-8 August.
Sabancaya – Peru : Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP) reported moderate levels of activity at Sabancaya during 1-7 August with a daily average of 19 explosions. Gas-and-ash plumes rose as high as 2.7 km above the summit and drifted E, SE, SW, and W. As many as seven thermal anomalies originating from the lava dome in the summit crater were identified in satellite data. Minor inflation continued to be detected near Hualca Hualca (4 km N).
Santa Maria – Southwestern Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that the eruption at Santa María’s Santiaguito lava-dome complex continued during 2-9 August. Lava flows continued to advance in the San Isidro and El Tambor drainages on the W and SW flanks and were as long as 3.7 km by 5 August. Block avalanches from the W part of Caliente cone, and from both the ends and sides of the flows descended the S, SW, and W flanks. The avalanches generated ash plumes that rose about 1 km and drifted SW, S, and E, causing ashfall in areas downwind including La Florida, Monte Claro, San Marcos Palajunoj, Loma Linda, and Las Marías. Incandescence from Caliente cone and the lava-flow fronts was sometimes visible at night.
Semeru – Eastern Java : PVMBG reported that the eruption at Semeru continued during 3-9 August. Eruptive events recorded at 0810 on 3 August, 0628 on 4 August, 1245 on 5 August, and 0720 on 6 August produced ash plumes that rose 500-700 m above the summit and drifted SW and N.
Sheveluch – Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that the ongoing eruption at Sheveluch was characterized by explosions, hot avalanches, and lava-dome extrusion during 29 July-4 August. A daily thermal anomaly was identified in satellite images, and ash plumes were visible drifting 24 km SW on 31 July.
Stromboli – Aeolian Islands (Italy) : INGV reported that during 1-7 August activity at Stromboli was characterized by ongoing explosions from two vents in Area N (North Crater area) and two vents in Area C-S (South-Central Crater area). Low-intensity explosions from the N1 vent (Area N) ejected mostly ash, with some course material, 80-150 m high at a rate of 2-6 explosions per hour. The N2 vent (Area N) emitted gases. No explosions occurred at the S1 and C vents in Area C-S; low-intensity explosions at two S2 vents ejected coarse material 80-150 m high at a rate of 3-4 explosions per hour.
Suwanosejima – Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : JMA reported that the number of explosions at Suwanosejima’s Ontake Crater increased during 2-8 August, when around 30 were recorded; nine of those were detected on 7 August. During 7-8 August eruption plumes rose as high as 2 km above the crater rim and mingled with weather clouds. Large ballistics were ejected 600 m from the crater’s center. Incandescence from the crater was visible at night.
Taal – Luzon (Philippines) : PHIVOLCS reported increases in both sulfur dioxide emissions at Taal and activity in Main Crater Lake. Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 1,289 tonnes per day from May to mid-June, and increased to an average of 4,952 tonnes per day during 15 July-3 August. Sulfur dioxide emissions further increased to 12,125 and 17,141 tonnes per day on 3 and 7 August, respectively, prompting PHIVOLCS to issue advisories. Vog was present over the W part of Taal Caldera during 2-3 August; dense vog in Laurel and Banyaga (Agoncillo, Batangas Province) also damaged vegetation. A sulfur odor was reported by residents of Tagaytay City and Bugaan East. Upwelling gasses and hot fluids in the lake, and voluminous steam-rich plumes rising as high as 2.8 km above the lake, were visible during 1-9 August. Recent low-frequency seismic events and tremor were characterized as above background.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.1 earthquake hits Hokkaido, Japan.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Tropical Depression 09e (Howard), located approximately 580 nm south-southwest of San Diego, is tracking west-northwestward at 09 knots.
In the Northwest Pacific Ocean: Tropical Depression 09w (Nine, located approximately 437 nm south-southwest of Yokosuka, Japan, is tracking westward at 05 knots.
Wildfires – France
Wildfires raged in southwestern France on Tuesday, destroying sixteen houses, burning 6,000 hectares and forcing the evacuation of almost 10,000 people in an area already hit last month by huge blazes. Another fire is in the Maine et Loire department in western France, where 650 hectares have been scorched and 500 are threatened, according to local authorities.
Covid-19
As more countries report Covid-19 cases less frequently, we will give an update weekly or bi-weekly as circumstances dictate.
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – New Activity for the week 3 August – 9 August 2022
Aira – Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that nighttime incandescence at Minamidake Crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) was visible during 1-8 August. The seismic network recorded 25 eruptive events and seven explosions. Volcanic plumes rose as high as 2.8 km above the crater rim and material was ejected material as high as 1.3 km above the summit.
Grimsvotn – Iceland ” The Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) reported that seismicity at Grímsvötn had declined to normal levels during the past few days, and no significant variations from background levels were observed in geochemical or deformation data.
Ioto – Volcano Islands : JMA reported that minor eruptive activity off the coast at Ioto (Iwo-jima) had been visible daily during 11-31 July. On 14 July pumice pieces from the eruption washed up onto the shore at Onohama and were photographed during a field survey conducted by the National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Prevention. JMA scientist visited the site on 31 July and confirmed the pumice deposits on the beach. They saw eruptive activity every few minutes, and gray, tephra-laden columns of water being ejected 20-30 m above the ocean’s surface. A satellite image on 4 August showed a small rounded gray zone at the water surface and a plume of discolored water drifting NE.
Krysuvik-Trolladyngja – Reykjanes Peninsula : The fissure eruption of the Krýsuvík-Trölladyngja volcanic system that began at around 1318 on 3 August continued at least through 9 August. Numerous small lava fountains rose along the fissure, located near the border of the previous flow field N of Fagradalsfjall, and lava flows traveled downslope to the NW. Scientists from the Institute of Earth Sciences stated that the initial flow rate was 5-10 times greater than the flow rate at the start of the 2021 eruption, based on model estimates, field data, and satellite measurements. The flow rate was about 32 cubic meters per second during the initial hours of the eruption, then decreased to an average of 18 cubic meters per second from 1700 on 3 August until 1100 on 4 August, by which time about 1.6 million cubic meters of lava had covered an area of 0.14 square kilometers. The average flow thickness was around 11 m. According to a news article the length of the active fissure had decreased and the middle part of the fissure was the most active. On 5 August Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) reported that the number of daily earthquakes declined after the eruption began and deformation stabilized. Thousands of people were walking on the trails to view the eruption; authorities warned the public to heed inclement weather warnings, and closed access to the site during 7-9 August due to weather conditions and trail maintenance.
