Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity - New Activity for the week 12 October -18 October 2022

Alaid - Kuril Islands (Russia) : KVERT reported that the eruption at Alaid was ongoing during 7-14 October and a daily thermal anomaly was identified in satellite images. Explosive activity on 16 October generated ash plumes that rose to 3.7 km (12,100 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 293 km ESE.

Bulusan - Luzon (Philippines) : On 12 October PHIVOLCS raised the Alert Level for Bulusan to 1 (on a scale of 0-5) due to increased seismicity, inflation, and gas emissions. From 0500 on 11 October to 1500 on 12 October the seismic network detected 126 weak earthquakes located at depths of 0-5 km. Most of the events were concentrated beneath the NW flank and summit area and were indicative of rock-fracturing processes. Other data suggested increased hydrothermal activity and unrest including increased temperatures and carbon dioxide emissions at area hotsprings beginning earlier in the year, pronounced inflation of the SW and S flanks that began in September, and a sulfur odor reported by residents of Sitio Talistison in Barangay Mapaso (Irosin) and Barangay San Roque (Bulusan) during 10-11 October. Daily earthquakes totaled 164 during 13-14 October and 79 during 14-15 October; daily counts were 26-32 during 15-18 October. Sulfur dioxide emissions were 302-386 tonnes per day during 15-16 October. P

Chikurachki - Paramushir Island (Russia): KVERT reported that an explosive eruption at Chikurachki began at around 0310 on 16 October. A dense ash plume identified in satellite images rose to 4.5 km (14,800 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 240 km ESE. At 1011 and 1620 that same day ash plumes were visible in satellite images rising as high as 3.5 km (11,500 ft) a.s.l. and drifting ESE; by 1620 ash plumes from the eruption had extended as far as 523 km. KVERT noted that ash emissions were last seen at 0130 on 17 October and a thermal anomaly was visible at 0432.

Grimsvotn - Iceland : Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) reported that the small jökulhlaup at Grímsvötn that began on 10 October had peaked on 16 October and then began to subside. The onset of the jökulhlaup was slower than forecasted, flowing in the Gigjukvisl River at about 300 cubic meters per second by 12 October. The ice sheet had subsided a total of 7 m. A M 2 earthquake was recorded on 13 October just NE of Grímsvötn but did not signal increased seismicity. By 14 October the outflow from the lakes was an estimated 500 cubic meters per second and subsidence has totaled 15 m. Four earthquakes, all under M 2.5, were recorded during 15-16 October.

Kerinci - Central Sumatra : PVMBG reported that white-and-black plumes from Kerinci rose as high as 350 m above the summit and drifted NE during 15-16 October. Two VONAs were posted on 19 October; at 0620 on 19 October an ash plume rose 500 m above the summit and drifted NW, and at 0815 an ash plume rose 700 m and drifted NW.

Nishinoshima - Izu Islands : JMA reported that on 12 October ash plumes from Nishinoshima rose 2.2-3.5 km (7,200-11,500 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW and W.

Stromboli - Aeolian Islands (Italy) : INGV reported that activity had decreased at Stromboli by 16 October following a week that included lava overflows at vent N2 (in Area N, North Crater), a partial collapse of the vent rim, and both pyroclastic and lava flows descending the Sciara del Fuoco. Lava flows continued to effuse from N2 during 10-15 October, though they gradually traveled to shorter distances through the week. Material from the eroded channel of the Sciara del Fuoco and collapses from the lava flows descended the channel, contacted the water and produced steam and ash plumes, and formed a delta of debris. By 15 October lava flows had rebuilt the N2 rim which prevented lava from flowing down the Sciara del Fuoco. Explosive activity at N2 was variable from low levels to intense spattering that culminated into lava fountaining during 10-13 October. The activity abruptly decreased on 14 October, though minor spattering continued. Occasional low-intensity ash emissions were visible during the morning of 16 October and spattering had ceased. Activity at N1 during 10-16 October was characterized by low-intensity explosions ejecting bombs and lapilli less than 80 m high.

Taal - Luzon (Philippines) : PHIVOLCS reported continuing unrest at Taal during 11-18 October. Upwelling gasses and hot fluids in the lake continued to be visible almost daily, and white steam emissions that generally rose as high as 1.5 km above the lake drifted in variable directions. Low-level background tremor and 1-9 daily volcanic earthquakes were recorded during 11-14 October. Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 3,882 tonnes per day on 13 October. Activity increased during 14-15 October with six small phreatomagmatic bursts, each lasting 1-2 minutes long, and 26 volcanic earthquakes. Steam-and-gas plumes rose as high as 2.4 km and drifted NE and SE. Based on SIGMETS (Significant Meteorological statements) issued by the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the Tokyo VAAC reported that during 14-15 October three ash plumes rose as high as 600 m (2,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW. During 15-16 October one phreatomagmatic burst was recorded along with 12 volcanic earthquakes and nine periods of volcanic tremor, each 2-70 minutes long. Six periods of volcanic tremor, totaling almost 4.5 hours, were detected during 16-17 October, and sulfur dioxide emissions were 4,422 tonnes per day on 17 October. Ground deformation measurements continued to show slight inflation in the western half of the caldera and deflation in the eastern half.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.4 earthquake hits Mindanao in the Philippines.

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

5.1 earthquake hits Halmahera, Indonesia.

5.1 earthquake hits northern Qinghai, China.

5.0 earthquake hits south of Fiji.

5.0 earthquake hits the Banda Sea.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Northwest Pacific Ocean: Typhoon 23w (Nesat), located approximately 125 nm east-northeast of Da Nang, Vietnam, is tracking westward at 07 knots.

Tropical Depression 24w (Haitang), located approximately 632 nm northeast of Minami Tori Shima, is tracking northeastward at 25 knots.

Newsbytes:

Venezuela - Roads turn to rivers as flash floods hit Maracay, Venezuela on October 17th 2022. Heavy rain caused the El Castaño river to overflow, flooding low lying areas. The floods come after the state of Aragua in north-central Venezuela reported that at least 22 people have died and 52 were missing after flash floods in the town of Tejerias following floods that started on 10 October.

Global Warming

Ozone Hole Grows for 3rd Year in a Row

The ozone hole that forms yearly over Antarctica has grown for the third year in a row. At nearly 10 million square miles (26.4 million square kilometers), the ozone hole is the largest it's been since 2015.

But despite that growth, scientists say that the hole's size is still on a downward trend overall. "All the data says that ozone is on the mend," Paul Newman, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center's chief Earth scientist, told the Associated Press(opens in new tab).

Disease

Cholera - Lebanon

In a follow-up on the cholera outbreak in Lebanon, the Ministry of Public Health reported 46 new confirmed cases and one additional death, bringing the totals to 89 confirmed cholera cases and three deaths.

Syphilis - Brazil

The Brazil Ministry of Health reports recording 79,587 cases of syphilis, 31,090 cases of syphilis in pregnant women and 12,014 cases of congenital syphilis in the country through June 2022.

Dengue Fever - Vietnam

In a follow-up on the dengue fever situation in 2022 in Vietnam, the Ministry of Health recorded more than 11,000 new cases in the past week nationally, bringing the cumulative total to 258,480.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.6 earthquake hits Coquimbo, Chile.

5.0 earthquake hits Taiwan.

5.0 earthquake hits Tarapaca, Chile.

5.0 earthquake hits the Pagan region, North Mariana Islands.

5.0 earthquake hits Minahasa, Sulawesi, Indonesia.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Northwest Pacific Ocean: Typhoon 23w (Nesat), located approximately 259 nm south-southwest of Hong Kong, is tracking westward at 06 knots.

Tropical Depression 24w (Twenty-four), located approximately 413 nm northeast of Minami Tori Shima, is tracking north-northeastward at 08 knots.

Newsbytes:

Nigeria - The flood situation continues to worsen in Nigeria, in particular for southern areas. As many as 700,000 people have been displaced by flooding in Bayelsa State, according to the state government. Areas along the Niger, Nun and Forcados rivers in the state have all seen severe flooding since early October. Homes, communities and villages have been sacked, and the people are now living as internally displaced persons. A total of 1,302,589 people have been displaced, 2,504.095 people have been affected, 2,407 people have been injured, a total of 82,053 houses have been completely damaged and 121,318 partially damaged. Furthermore 108,392 hectares of farmland have been damaged and 332,327 hectares destroyed, along with many roads and other critical infrastructure.

Sri Lanka - Disaster authorities in Sri Lanka report that severe weather including heavy rain, strong winds and lightning strikes since 12 October 2022 has prompted evacuations and caused 3 fatalities. Sri Lanka’s Department of Meteorology reported more than 125 mm of rain in 8 hours. As of 16 October there were 5,383 people from 1,660 households who had moved to 36 safe locations set up by the government with more than 60 000 people affected.

Wildlife

Thousands of cannonball jellyfish wash ashore

Thousands of globular cannonball jellyfish (Stomolophus meleagris) have washed ashore along a stretch of North Carolina coastline in what is being dubbed a "jellyfish jamboree."

The "large swarm" washed up along the northern edge of Ocracoke Island, one in a chain of islands that makes up the Outer Banks. The sudden influx of these squishy, stinger-less blobs coincides with the presence of red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus), a species of saltwater fish that's currently in the midst of spawning season — the fish’s larvae also happen to be the preferred snack for the jellyfish, according to the post.

Disease

Covid-19

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

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

6.5 earthquake hits off the coast of Central America.

5.1 earthquake hits Seram, Indonesia.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Northwest Typhoon 23w (Nesat), located approximately 223 nm southeast of Hong Kong, is tracking west-southwestward at 08 knots.

Newsbytes:

Vietnam - Further flooding has affected central provinces of Vietnam after heavy rainfall brought by Tropical Storm Sonca. Around 25,000 homes have been flooded and over 14,000 people displaced. Tropical Storm Sonca made landfall in Quang Ngai Province, Vietnam, early 15 October and then tracked westward across the country as the storm dumped heavy rainfall. According to figures from Vietnam’s National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF), in a 24 hour period to 15 October Khe Tre in Thua Thien Hue Province recorded 549 mm. Flood waters in the province of Thua Thien Hue damaged around 19,918 houses, while about 3,575 houses were flooded in Da Nang.

Chad - More flooding has struck in the city of N’Djamena, capital of Chad, following the recent overflow of the Chari river. Flooding has forced hundreds of those living close to the river to leave their homes. The municipality has opened a park to house those displaced by the flood. However many have simply set up temporary camp on roadsides.

Mexico - At least one person has died in Mexico after heavy rainfall brought by the remnants of Tropical Storm Karl. Tropical Storm Karl weakened into a tropical depression late 14 October 2022 as it moved towards Tabasco state in the Gulf of Mexico and into the neighbouring state of Chiapas. The heaviest of the rain fell in Tabasco and Chiapas states. Río de Janeiro in the municipality of Pichucalco in Chiapas recorded 342.4 mm of rain in 24 hours to 15 October. Camoapa in Tabasco recorded 387.9 mm of rain during the same period. Heavy rain triggered several landslides, including one in Tapalapa where roads were closed. Rough seas also caused problems.

Wildfires

Wildfires - British Columbia, Canada

The Heather Creek wildfire, burning in the southeast side of E.C. Manning Park adjacent to Highway 3, is around 14,970 hectares and is considered to be burning out of control by officials.

Wildfires - Washington State, USA

A wildfire fed by gusty winds and low humidity east of Vancouver, Washington, grew rapidly on Sunday, prompting authorities to order evacuations as the blaze sent up a plume of white smoke visible throughout the metropolitan area that Vancouver shares with Portland, Oregon. Dubbed the Nakia Creek Fire, the blaze in eastern Clark County was burning in rugged terrain of brush and timber and had charred an estimated 2,000 acres (780 hectares) by Sunday afternoon.

Disease

Cholera - Haiti

Haiti health authorities have reported 72 total confirmed cholera cases through October 13, including 12 cases linked to the Prison Civile de Port-au-Prince outbreak. The death toll remains unchanged at 36. A total of 696 suspect cases have been reported (including 271 with the prison outbreak).

Ebola - Uganda

On Saturday, Uganda President Museveni imposed a 21-day lockdown on the central Uganda districts of Mubende and Kassanda to contain the Ebola outbreak, which to date has infected 58 and killed 19.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.2 earthquake hits Valparsiao, Chile.

5.2 earthquake hits Kepulauan Barat Daya, Indonesia.

5.0 earthquake hits Guam.

5.0 earthquake hits Mindanao, Philippines.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Northwest Tropical Storm 23w (Nesat), located approximately 301 nm north-northwest of Manila, Philippines, is tracking west-northwestward at 10 knots.

Newsbytes:

Crete - A man died and a woman was missing after their car was carried away in flash floods which hit the north coast of the Greek island of Crete on Saturday, Greek authorities said. The Greek fire brigade said they recovered the man from a vehicle that had been washed into the sea after torrential rain at the village of Agia Pelagia in the region of Heraklion.

Global Warming

Global Warming Impacts Wheat Production

A recent study published in Nature Food has shown that global warming in the Indian Ocean has given rise to a drier climate in Australia. A dry climate is not suitable for wheat production. As a result, wheat production has fallen in Australia. If global warming continues to take place at a similar rate, wheat producers are likely to experience more challenges in wheat cultivation.

The study has found that the change in the climatic pattern due to global warming is known as the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD). If IOD is in a positive phase, there won’t be enough rainfall to produce wheat. A normal weather condition suitable for wheat cultivation can produce up to 2.5 tonnes of wheat per hectare in a year. However, a dry climate driven by positive IOD events could bring down wheat cultivation to 1.5 tonnes per hectare.

Disease

Dengue Fever - Nepal

In a follow-up on the record dengue fever season in Nepal, the country reports a total of 38,918 dengue cases through October 13.

Yellow Fever - DR Congo

Seven suspected cases of yellow fever are reported in the health zone of Kamonia more precisely in the cities of Kamako and Kandjaji, located on the border between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola, in the territory of Tshikapa ( Kasai).

Cholera - Bahamas

The Bahamas Ministry of Health and Wellness reported Thursday a confirmed case of cholera in New Providence, the first case in the country in 5 years.

Cholera - Nigeria

A total of 2187 confirmed cases of cholera have been reported from 31 states and 233 deaths recorded from the 1st of January to the 25th of September 2022.

Dengue Fever - Brazil

The State Department of Health of Mato Grosso do Sul reported an additional 296 confirmed dengue fever cases in the past week. With the update, the State now reaches 16,453 confirmed cases in 2022, including 19 fatalities.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.5 earthquake hits Fiji.

5.2 earthquake hits Tonga.

5.2 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.

5.2 earthquake hits east of the South Sandwich Islands.

5.1 earthquake hits the southwest Indian ridge.

5.1 earthquake hits New Ireland, Papua New Guinea.

5.0 earthquake hits Hawaii.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Atlantic Ocean: Post-Tropical Cyclone Karl is located about 80 mi...125 km w of Ciudad del Carmen Mexico and about 95 mi...155 km ene of Coatzacoalcos Mexico with maximum sustained winds...30 mph...45 km/h. Present movement...sw or 215 degrees at 5 mph...7 km/h.

In the Northwest Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm 21w (Twenty-one), located approximately 642 nm northwest of Wake Island, is tracking northward at 31 knots.

Tropical Storm 22w (Sonca), located approximately 54 nm southeast of Da Nang, Vietnam, is tracking west-northwestward at 17 knots.

Tropical Storm 23w (Nesat), located approximately 291 nm northeast of Manila, Philippines, is tracking westward at 22 knots.

Disease

Cholera - Lebanon

Since our last report on the cholera outbreak in Lebanon, the total cumulative confirmed cases has risen to 34, as of October 14. The death toll remains at one.

Dengue Fever - Philippines

Philippines health officials reported an additional 12,000 + dengue fever cases since our last report–bringing the cumulative total to 172,985 through September 24. The death toll has risen to 528 year to date. Central Luzon reports the most cases.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

6.2 earthquake hits New Ireland, Papua New Guinea.

5.5 earthquake hits the Cook Strait, New Zealand.

5.1 earthquake hits the Chhattisgarh region, India.

5.0 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.

Environment

Methane Surge

A flurry of blasts in late September on undersea gas pipelines connecting Russia to Germany are believed to have caused history’s single largest release of methane into the atmosphere. An expedition rushed to the Nord Stream leaks by Sweden found that methane levels in the Baltic Sea there were about 1,000 times higher than normal.

Methane is a much more powerful, but more short-lived, contributor to global heating than carbon dioxide. It can dissolve in water, but when it reaches the surface, methane transforms back into a gas and is absorbed by the atmosphere. The Kremlin has dismissed accusations that it wrecked the pipelines.

Global Warming

Unbearable Heat

The deepening climate crisis is likely to make many regions of the world so hot within decades that they will become uninhabitable, according to a new report from the United Nations and the Red Cross. This year’s deadly heat in South Asia and Somalia are only previews of what the joint report warns are likely to become regular occurrences due to the failure to curb carbon emissions.

“There are also likely to be levels of extreme heat beyond which societies may find it practically impossible to deliver effective adaptation for all,” the report says. The regions most threatened by the heat are sub-Saharan Africa and the Horn of Africa, as well as southern and southwestern Asia.

Environment

Global Temperature Extremes

The week’s hottest temperature was 43.0 degrees Celsius (109 degrees F) at Skukuza, South Africa.

The week’s coldest temperature was minus 69.0 degrees Celsius (-92 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.

Disease

Covid-19

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

Diphtheria in Migrants - Europe

European health authorities are reporting an increase in diphtheria cases through September this year. As of 26 September 2022, 92 cases of diphtheria among migrants, including a fatal one, have been reported this year by seven European countries – Austria, Germany, United Kingdom, Norway, Belgium, France and Switzerland.

Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity - Ongoing Activity for the week 5 October -11 October 2022

Aira - Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that nine eruptive events and one explosion at Minamidake Crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) were recorded during 3-10 October. Volcanic plumes rose as high as 1.5 km above the crater rim and large blocks were ejected 600-900 m from the vent. Incandescence at the crater was visible nightly.

Bulusan - Luzon (Philippines) : PHIVOLCS issued a special advisory for Bulusan on 7 October, noting that 29 volcanic earthquakes were recorded from 0500 on 6 October until the time the report was issued at 1500 on 7 October. Minor white steam emissions rose from vents in the crater and from NW vents. Data from continuous GPS and radial tilt measurements indicated short-term inflation on the S flanks since April 2022. The inflation and increased seismicity were likely caused by shallow hydrothermal processes.

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 to 3.5 km (11,500 ft) a.s.l. and drifted E and NE during 29 September-6 October. Ashfall was reported in Severo-Kurilsk on 29 September and 6 October.

Fuego - South-Central Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that 5-10 explosions per hour were recorded at Fuego during 4-10 October, generating ash plumes that rose as high as 1.2 km above the crater rim. The ash plumes drifted as far as 20 km NW, W, SW, and SSW causing almost 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), Finca Palo Verde, La Rochela, and Ceilán. Daily shock waves rattled structures in communities around the volcano. Daily block avalanches descended the Ceniza (SSW), Seca (W), Trinidad (S), Taniluyá (SW), Honda, Las Lajas (SE), and El Jute (ESE) drainages, often reaching vegetated areas. Explosions ejected incandescent material as high as 350 m above the summit on some of the days. Lahars resulting from substantial rainfall descended the Las Lajas and El Jute drainages on the ESE flank on 11 October, carrying tree branches, trunks, and blocks as large as 1.5 m in diameter.

Great Sitkin - Andreanof Islands (USA) : AVO reported that continuing slow lava effusion at Great Sitkin was confirmed by a 5 October satellite image and likely continued during 6-11 October. Seismicity remained at low levels, though it slightly increased during 5-6 October. Elevated surface temperatures were identified during 4-8 October; weather clouds prevented webcam and satellite views during 8-11 October.

Home Reef - Tonga Ridge : The Tonga Geological Services reported that daily steam plumes from Home Reef were identified in satellite images during 4-11 October. The Aviation Color Code was raised to Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale) on 5 October. At 0040 on 6 October an ash plume rose as high as 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 5 km SE. Satellite-based measurements showed that the island had not changed in size between 28 September and 10 October, remaining at 268 m N-S and 283 m E-W. The island reached 15-18 m above the water surface, and was steeper on the E half but more gently sloped on the W. The daily emission count variable with about 8-19 events per day during 4-9 October and about 1-3 per day during 10-11 October.

Ibu - Halmahera : PVMBG reported that the eruption at Ibu continued during 4-11 October. Daily gray-and-white ash plumes of variable densities rose as high as 1 km above the summit and drifted in multiple directions.

Karymsky - Eastern Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Karymsky was identified in satellite images on 30 September and during 1-2 and 5-6 October.

Katmai - Alaska : AVO reported that on 9 October strong winds in the vicinity of Katmai and the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes blew unconsolidated ash SE across Shelikof Strait to Kodiak Island at an altitude up to 1.5 km (5,000 ft) a.s.l. The ash was originally deposited during the Novarupta eruption in 1912.

Kilauea - Hawaiian Islands (USA) : HVO reported that by 5 October about 111 million cubic meters of lava had been erupted from the vent in the lower W wall of Kilauea’s Halema`uma`u Crater since the current eruption began on 29 September 2021, raising the crater floor by 143 m. Lava continued to enter the lake during 5-11 October. The active part of the lake stayed at a relatively steady level through the week, varying only slightly.

Lewotolok - Lembata Island : PVMBG reported that the Strombolian eruption at Lewotolok continued during 5-11 October. Daily white emissions rose as high as 500 m above the summit and drifted W, NW, and NE. White-and-gray plumes rose as high 200 m and drifted NW and W during 9-10 October. Webcam images posted with the daily observatory reports often showed incandescence above the crater rim.

Merapi - Central Java : BPPTKG reported that the eruption at Merapi continued during 30 September-6 October and seismicity remained at high levels. The SW lava dome produced as many as five lava avalanches that traveled as far as 1.8 km down the Bebeng drainage on the SW flank, and one that traveled 800 m down the W flank upstream of upstream of Kali Putih. No significant morphological changes to the central and SW lava domes were evident in drone photographs, though both domes continued to grow.

Nevados de Chillan - Central Chile : SERNAGEOMIN reported continuing activity at Nevados de Chillán during 16 September-11 October. Dome 4 in Nicanor Crater grew until mid-September, coincident with thermal anomalies seen in satellite images, which decreased and were not present during the second half of the month. Explosions during 16-30 September and into early October produced ash plumes that generally rose no higher than 1 km above the crater rim. Notably, an explosion on 19 September produced an ash plume that rose 1.1 km and drifted SE, and ejected blocks 500 m from the crater rim. An incandescent ash plume from a second explosion rose 1.7 km and drifted SE, causing ashfall on that flank. The explosions that day partially destroyed the dome. At 1906 on 8 October a long-period earthquake signal was followed by an ash plume that rose 1.7 km and drifted NNE. An explosion at 1926 on October generated a dense ash plume that rose 2.5 km and drifted NNW. Pyroclastic flows traveled short distances down the NNW flank.

Pavlof - Alaska Peninsula, Alaska : AVO reported that a minor eruption at a vent on Pavlof’s upper E flank was ongoing during 4-11 October. Seismic tremor continued. Strongly elevated surface temperatures were identified in satellite images during 5-6 October and incandescence was visible in nighttime webcam images. Discolored snow near the vent was visible in webcam views during the morning of 7 October suggesting low-level explosive activity; a small explosion was recorded at 1503 that same day though cloudy conditions prevented visual confirmation. Two small explosions were detected during 8-11 October. Very small ash emissions and lava near the vent were visible in occasional clear webcam images during 10-11 October.

Rincon de la Vieja - Costa Rica : OVSICORI-UNA reported continuing eruptive activity at Rincón de la Vieja characterized by occasional small phreatic explosions. A small explosion at 1923 on 4 October lasted two minutes but was not visually observed due to darkness and weather conditions. Small gas-and-steam emissions were recorded at 1647 on 8 October and 0940 on 9 October; at least the first emission was seen rising above the crater rim.

Santa Maria - Southwestern Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that the eruption at Santa María’s Santiaguito lava-dome complex continued during 4-11 October. Effusion from Caliente cone fed lava flows that descended the San Isidro and El Tambor drainages on the W and SW flanks. Block avalanches from the dome, and from both the ends and sides of the flows, descended the S, SW, and W flanks. The avalanches sometimes generated minor ash plumes. Incandescence from the dome and the lava flows was often visible at night or during early mornings. Explosions during 6-7 October ejected incandescent material onto all flanks. A sulfur odor was reported in Mirador de Samriaguito. Small explosions were recorded during 9-10 October.

Sheveluch - Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that the ongoing eruption at Sheveluch was characterized by explosions, hot avalanches, and lava-dome extrusion during 29 September-6 October. 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 3-10 October. A total of 55 explosions produced eruption plumes that rose as high as 2.4 km above the crater rim and occasionally merged into weather clouds. The explosions ejected large blocks as far as 700 m from the vent. Crater incandescence was visible nightly.

Villarrica - Central Chile : POVI reported increased activity at Villarrica on 10 October. A thermal anomaly was identified in satellite images and was the most intense anomaly recorded since January 2021. Incandescence above the crater rim was visible in a webcam image.

Whakaari/White Island - North Island (New Zealand) : On 10 October GeoNet reported continuing unrest at Whakaari/White Island during the previous week based on webcam views, overflights, and satellite images. Very vigorous steam-and-gas plumes were seen rising from the active vent in webcam images though the week. Sometimes minor amounts of ash were included in the plumes from collapses of the vent walls. On 5 October the temperature of the emissions was 165 degrees Celsius and sulfur dioxide gas flux was low at 200-234 tonnes per day, measured during an overflight. Sulfur dioxide emissions had not been detected in satellite images since 18 September.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.1 earthquake hits New Britain, Papua New Guinea.

5.0 earthquake hits east of the Kuril Islands.

5.0 earthquake hits Kepulauan Barat Daya, Indonesia.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Atlantic Ocean: Tropical Storm Karl is located about 250 mi...400 km nne of Veracruz Mexico and about 290 mi...465 km n of Coatzacoalcos Mexico with maximum sustained winds...50 mph...85 km/h. Present movement...stationary.

In the Northwest Pacific Ocean: Tropical depression 21w (Twenty-one), located approximately 399 nm east of Saipan, is tracking east- northeastward at 14 knots.

Newsbytes:

Nigeria - Flooding continues to take its toll on the population of Nigeria, where 500 people have now lost their lives and almost 800,000 have been displaced, according to the latest government figures. Fflooding in the country has now impacted the lives of 1.4 million people and displaced 790,254. Around 500 people have died and 1,546 have been injured. This increase from late September when the national government reported over 300 people had died and 100,000 were displaced by floods across Nigeria.

Vietnam - Heavy rain over the last few days has caused flooding and landslides in parts of Central Vietnam where at least 1 person has died and 2 were reported missing. Some parts of Thua Thien Hue Province recorded more than 850 mm of rain in a 24 hour period. One person died in flood waters in Nui Thanh District, Quang Nam Province, on 10 October 2022. Meanwhile one person was reported missing in floods in Tam Kỳ, the capital city of Quảng Nam Province, where around 1,500 homes were flooded.

Nepal - At least 33 people have died in floods and landslides across western Nepal in the past week. The worst of the monsoon rains hit Karnali province in the north-west, where thousands of residents were evacuated, officials said. Hundreds of homes have been damaged in the avalanches and flooding. At least 22 people are still missing across the province and scores more have injuries. Rescuers have described difficulties in getting to the mountainous region amid continuing rain.

Disease

Typhoid - Philippines

The Philippines Department of Health reports eclipsing 10,000 typhoid fever cases this year, a large increase over the same period in 2021. From the beginning of the year through September 17, health officials report 10,452 cumulative cases, a 135 percent increase over the same period last year (4,455).

Dengue Fever - Vietnam

The Vietnam Ministry of Health reported today, since the beginning of the year, 247,202 cases and 100 deaths from dengue fever have been reported. This number increased by more than 10,000 new cases and 2 deaths compared to the first week of October 2022.

Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity - New Activity for the week 5 October -11 October 2022

Chirinkotan - Kuril Islands (Russia) : SVERT reported that an ash plume from Chirinkotan was identified in satellite images at 1030 on 7 October rising 3.5-4 km (11,500-13,100 ft) a.s.l. and drifting 80 km ESE.

Grimsvotn - Iceland : Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) reported that recent GPS measurements indicated that the ice sheet had subsided about 3 m and the lake beneath the glacier at Grímsvötn had begun to drain, though the water had not reached the glacier’s margins. Neither seismicity nor gas emissions were elevated, though activity at the volcano had been increasing over time. Notably, a pulse of seismic tremor was recorded for about an hour during the previous week, and magmatic gases were measured in fumarolic plumes in 2020. By 12 October the outflow of water was about 300 cubic meters per second, with the onset of the jökulhlaup occurring slower than initially calculated, and the ice sheet had subsided a total of 7 m. The flooding was likely going to be equal to that seen during the summer and would likely not impact bridges or structures.

Mauna Loa - Hawaiian Islands (USA) : On 5 October HVO noted recent increases in seismicity and deformation at Mauna Loa. The number of earthquakes increased from 5-10 per day in June to 10-20 per day during July-August. The number of daily earthquakes again intensified, to 40-50 per day, starting at about 0200 on 23 September, and peaks as high as 100 per day were recorded on 23 and 29 September. The small-magnitude (less than M3) earthquakes occurred beneath Moku‘aweoweo, the summit caldera, at depths of 2-3 km. Inflation accompanied the swarm and had also increased during the past two weeks. Daily earthquake counts were relatively unchanged during 6-12 October. Data from Global Positioning System (GPS) instruments at the summit and flanks showed continuing inflation, though data from tiltmeters at the summit did not show significant surface deformation over the past week. Earthquakes were clustered beneath the summit caldera at depths of 3-5 km and below the NW flank at depths of 6-8 km.

Mayon - Luzon (Philippines) : PHIVOLCS reported that since the Alert Level for Mayon was raised to 1 (on a 0-5 scale) on 21 August monitoring data had showed nothing notable. Changes in morphology of the dome and minor aseismic extrusion estimated at about 40,000 cubic meters was detected during 6 June-20 August based on daily visual and camera monitoring data. Based on these observations, the lava dome grew an additional 48,000 cubic meters by 4 October; re-mobilized light-colored ash had been deposited in Miisi Gully (S flank) beginning 2 October, likely derived from lava fragmentation during the extrusion process. Freshly extruded lava at the base of the summit lava dome was seen during an aerial survey conducted on 7 October. Daily white steam plumes were visible drifting down-flank and then to the W, WSW, and SSW during 8-10 October. Electronic Distance Measuring (EDM), precise leveling, continuous GPS, and electronic tilt monitoring data showed that the volcano had been slightly inflated, especially on the NW and SE flanks, since 2020. Short-term inflation on the W to SW flanks and short-term deflation on the E and SE flanks had been detected since August.

Nishinoshima - Izu Islands : JMA reported that the eruption at Nishinoshima continued during 5-11 October. Ash plumes rose 2.2-3.5 km (7,200-11,500 ft) a.s.l. and drifted in multiple directions.

Stromboli - Aeolian Islands (Italy) : INGV reported that activity at Stromboli had been more intense in the past two weeks with a large explosion on 29 September, short-lived lava overflows of the craters during 3-4 October, and collapses with pyroclastic flows and lava flows on 9 October. At 1524 on 29 September an explosion at vent N2 in Area N (North Crater area) generated an ash plume that rose 300 m above the summit and ejected abundant lava fragments, lapilli, and bombs along the Sciara del Fuoco. Activity during 3-9 October generally consisted of ongoing explosions from three vents in Area N and at least two vents in Area C-S (South-Central Crater area). Low-intensity explosions from the N1 vent (Area N) ejected bombs and lapilli 80-150 m high every 10-20 minutes. Explosions ejecting coarse material, along with sometimes intense spattering, occurred at two N2 vents. Explosions from at least two vents in Area C-S, which were not visible due to the camera views, ejected ash and coarse material less than 150 m above the vent at a rate of 1-6 events per hour. At 1108 on 3 October a fissure opened on the outer flank of N2, within the Sciara del Fuoco, and produced a lava flow that traveled to the coast; the flow was cooling by 1800. At 1107 the next morning, 4 October, lava overflowed the N crater (likely N2) and unconsolidated lava rolled down the upper part of the Sciara del Fuoco. Activity again intensified on 9 October beginning at 0921 when lava overflowed from an area in the N part of N2 and lava effused from the fissure that had opened on 3 October. At 0922 the rim of N2 collapsed and generated a pyroclastic flow that traveled down the Sciara del Fuoco, reached the sea within 30 seconds, and advanced over the water for a few hundred meters. Immediately afterwards a large amount of lava flowed down the Sciara del Fuoco in two main branches and reached the coast within a few minutes. Lava continued to flow to the coast during the rest of the day. The Dipartimento della Protezione Civile raised the Alert Level to Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale). Collapses of material in the Sciara del Fuoco continued overnight, possibly due to erosion of the channels from lava flows. By 0919 on 10 October lava flows were only reaching part way down the Sciara del Fuoco, stopping about 400 m from the coast. Lava flows continued to stop part way down the flank during 10-12 October. Frequent collapses of material in the channel eroded by the lava flow and material from the lava flow itself descended to the coast. Spattering from Area N was visible.

Taal - Luzon (Philippines) : PHIVOLCS reported continuing unrest at Taal during 5-11 October. Upwelling gasses and hot fluids in the lake continued to be visible. A small, three-minute-long phreatomagmatic burst occurred on 5 October; according to the Washington VAAC an ash plume rose to 600 m (2,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SW. White steam emissions rose 900 m above the lake, though during 10-11 October plumes rose as high as 2.4 km.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.4 earthquake hits the Solomon Islands.

5.3 earthquake hits Vanuatu.

5.1 earthquake hits east of the Kuril Islands.

5.0 earthquake hits north of Ascension Island.

5.0 earthquake hits central Turkey.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Atlantic Ocean: Tropical Storm Karl is located about 155 mi...250 km nne of Veracruz Mexico and about 160 mi...260 km e of Tuxpan Mexico with maximum sustained winds...40 mph...65 km/h. Present movement...nnw or 340 degrees at 6 mph...9 km/h.

Wildlife

Climate change is driving monkeys and lemurs from trees to the ground

The stresses of warming temperatures and forest losses are driving dozens of species of monkeys and lemurs that normally shelter and feed high in the tree canopy to spend more time foraging on the forest floor, according to a study published Monday.

More than 100 scientists who spent some 151,000 hours observing animals across Madagascar and Central and South America found that the primates are risking exposure to new predators to escape the heat and find food, though they still spend the vast majority of their time in trees.

Those species most inclined to adapt to spending time on the ground — whether because they have more diverse diets, live in the relative safety of large groups or are physiologically more capable of ambling on the forest floor — are most likely to descend from the trees, and thus may be more likely to survive into the future.

The findings demonstrate how human-caused climate change is forcing animals to adapt and disrupting the ecological web they inhabit. As global warming accelerates and deforestation and wildfires spread, those primates less advantaged for such a transition will be increasingly imperiled.

Disease

Rift Valley Fever - Mauritania

The Ministère de la Santé Mauritanienne provided an update on the Rift Valley fever (RVF) human infection situation in the country on October 7. Seven additional human RVF cases were reported since the previous update on October 2, bringing the total for 2022 to 39. In addition, five additional RVF caused deaths were recorded.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.7 earthquake hits Taiwan.

5.5 earthquake hits Fiji.

5.1 earthquake hits central Afghanistan.

5.1 earthquake hits San Juan, Argentina.

5.0 earthquake hits Tajikistan.

5.0 earthquake hits New Ireland, Papua New Guinea.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

There are no current tropical storm systems.

Newsbytes:

Nigeria - Seventy-six people have died as their boat capsized while they tried to flee dangerously high floodwaters that have inundated swathes of southern Nigeria. The boat, carrying more than 80 people, capsized in the southeastern state of Anambra on Friday, as people desperately tried to escape floods that had risen as high as rooftops. Recent flooding in the area had displaced up to 600,000 people, according to the country’s National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

Central America - Torrential rains from Julia were scattered across a broad swath of Central America on Monday, as the former hurricane entered what’s expected to be its last day as a tropical cyclone before fading on Tuesday. Localized flooding will continue as a threat, as rich moisture flows across mountainous terrain in the wake of Julia. At least six deaths associated with Julia across Central America and Mexico. Were reported. In Honduras, well north of Julia’s track, three confirmed deaths in Honduras, with one woman missing were reported, as well as seven people missing from a capsized boat.

Bali - Five people were killed after the last few days’ rainfall inundated parts of Bali with floods, while dozens of others situated in tourist hotspots had to be evacuated out of their villas. Three people were killed after floods collapsed Erlangga Road, which connected Bangli and Karangasem, on Saturday. Two of the victims were in a car while another was on his motorbike when a landslide hit. A landslide also killed a construction worker in Gianyar on Saturday. The 22-year-old man was buried by while working at a construction site for a villa.

Disease

Covid-19

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

Ebola - Uganda

The Uganda Ministry of Health reported today an additional four confirmed Sudan Virus Disease (SVD) cases and seven new fatalities, bringing the total cases and deaths from the outbreak declared on September 20 to 48 and 17, respectively.

Cholera - Lebanon

In a follow-up on the first cholera case reported in Lebanon since 1993, the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health reported on Monday 14 cholera cases in Akkar Governorate, which shares a border with Syria, with another 41 cases under investigation.

Dengue Fever - Pakistan

The number of dengue fever cases in Pakistan have risen by more than 10,000 since the beginning of October, according to the most recent data from the health ministry. It was reported on October 1 that Pakistan saw a total tally of 30,267 cases in the country this year. Today, officials put the dengue tally at 41,746.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.8 earthquake hits the central mid-Atlantic ridge.

5.5 earthquake hits Java, Indonesia.

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

5.0 earthquake hits Taiwan.

5.0 earthquake hits Fiji.

5.0 earthquake hits offshore Coquimbo, Chile.

5.0 earthquake hits the Nias region, Indonesia.

5.0 earthquake hits Kepulauan Obi, Indonesia.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm Julia is located about 1941 east-southeast of San Diego, is tracking west-northwestward at 13 knots.

Newsbytes:

Venezuela - Officials in the state of Aragua in north-central Venezuela reported that at least 22 people have died and 52 were missing after flash floods in the town of Tejerias. Torrential rain fell on steep slopes surrounding Tejerias in Santos Michelena municipality, late on 08 October 2022, causing raging flood waters and debris to flow through streets. The force of the floods caused catastrophic damage, destroying homes and filling streets with mud, boulders, trees and other debris. Power and water infrastructure has been severely impacted, and many of the town’s 80,000 residents were left without power or water. As many as 52 people are thought to be missing and a team of over 1,000 military, fire, police and rescue personnel including special units using drones and sniffer dogs are searching for survivors.

Environment

Severe Drought - British Columbia

Thousands of dead fish, a prolonged wildfire season and intense water shortages leading to ice rink closures are all symptoms of record-setting drought in parts of British Columbia.

The Lower Mainland, Sunshine Coast and West Vancouver Island areas are experiencing Level 5 drought conditions — the most severe in the province’s classification scale.

Thousands of dead wild salmon were found last week in the Neekas Creek, which runs through Heiltsuk Territory in the central coast region of the province. High tides and plentiful rain earlier in the season allowed the salmon to enter the river, Housty explained, but the following weeks of drought conditions dried out waterways and prevented the fish from spawning.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Atlantic Ocean: Hurricane Julia is located about 30 mi...50 km nnw of Bluefields Nicaragua and about 155 mi...250 km e of Managua Nicaragua with maximum sustained winds...85 mph...140 km/h. Present movement...w or 265 degrees at 16 mph...26 km/h.

In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical Cyclone 03s (Balita), located approximately 961 nm east-southeast of Diego Garcia, is tracking south-southeastward at 10 knots.

 

Newsbytes:

Australia - Emergency warnings and evacuations orders are in place for areas stretching from Sydney's north-west to the Riverina and central west after wild weather lashed New South Wales. Dozens of people have been rescued from floodwaters and the SES has fielded hundreds of calls for help. A caravan park was evacuated and a shopping centre inundated by floodwaters.

Isle of Man - A torrential downpour on the Isle of Man saw homes flooded and fire crews called to deal with waterlogged roads across Douglas and Onchan. The Department of Infrastructure said the heavy rain "exceeded the capacity" of drains in the area for a short period.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.4 earthquake hits Greece.

5.1 earthquake hits the Chagos Archipelago.

5.0 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.

5.0 earthquake hits the Pacific-Antarctic ridge.

Wildfires

Wildfires - Easter Island

A devastating wildfire earlier this week caused “immeasurable” damage to a number of Famous Stone Head Statues on Easter Island because what fire does is heat up the rock and it cracks. A preliminary report said the fire started on Tuesday and consumed more than 148 acres, including the Rano Raraku volcanic crater where many of the statues are.

Disease

Dengue Fever - Bangladesh

The Bangladesh Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) reported an additional 712 dengue fever cases yesterday, bringing the country total to 20,235. Since 2000, this is the third time Bangladesh recorded more than 20,000 dengue cases in a year.

Wildfires

Wildfires - Tunisia

Tunisia recorded 255 forest fires across the country’s governorates, destroying more than 5,317 hectares, an increase of 11% from a year ago. Agricultural crop fires amounted to 352 fires that destroyed about 620 hectares, an increase of 9% from last year, in the period from the beginning of January 2022 to mid-September.

Wildfires - Arctic

Smoke from hundreds of wildfires has darkened skies over the Alaskan interior this summer with the state experiencing its fastest start to the fire season on record amid hot and dry conditions.

Tens of thousands of lightning strikes ignited the majority of active fires, according to the Bureau of Land Management Alaska Fire Service. By late August, more than 1.2 million hectares had burned across the state – roughly triple what is seen in an average year but no longer unusual in a warming world.

With climate change raising Arctic temperatures faster than the global average, wildfires are shifting poleward where the flames blaze through boreal forest and tundra and release vast amounts of greenhouse gases from the carbon-rich organic soil.

Last year, Siberian wildfires scorched some 168 000 square kilometres of Siberian forest, or an area nearly the size of Cambodia. While cloaking the region for months in acrid smoke, some of which reached the North Pole for the first time, those wildfires set a sobering new record for the share of carbon emissions from the world's highest latitudes.

The Republic of Sakha was the Arctic region hardest hit by fires, which consumed vast swaths of larch forest. By summer's end, nearly 50% more carbon had been released in this region than in any year in the past two decades.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

There have been no magnitude 5+ earthquakes reported so far today.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:+

In the Atlantic Ocean: Tropical Storm Julia is located about 235 mi...375 km ese of Isla de Providencia Colombia with maximum sustained winds...60 mph...95 km/h. Present movement...w or 270 degrees at 18 mph...30 km/h.

In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical Cyclone 03s (Balita), located approximately 787 nm east-southeast of Diego Garcia, is tracking south-southeastward at 04 knots.

Newsbytes:

Chad - Long-term flooding in the central African country of Chad has now affected almost 1 million people, according to the United Nations. Damage to crops has left many requiring food assistance. However severe conditions and access constraints has left about 150,000 households without assistance. As of early October, OCCA reported over 977,000 people were affected by floods in 18 of the 23 regions of the country. By comparison, 256,000 people were affected by the floods in 2021 and 388,000 in 2020. The UN said that floods have destroyed over 465,000 hectares of agricultural land, which risks aggravating the food insecurity situation that is already critical in the country.

Indonesia - Heavy rain caused severe flooding in parts of Jakarta, capital of Indonesia, on 06 October 2022, where authorities report 3 people have died. Meanwhile over 18,000 people were forced from their homes after severe flooding in North Aceh Regency in Aceh Province. 3 students died and 2 others were injured when flooding caused part of a school building to collapse in Cilandak, South Jakarta, on 06 October 2022. Other areas of South Jakarta also experienced flooding. At least 17 roads were submerged or closed and several houses damaged. Heavy rain had earlier fallen in parts of Sumatra Island, causing severe flooding in North Aceh Regency of Aceh Province on 04 October 2022. According to local disaster officials, two rivers in the area broke their banks following heavy rainfall and high flows from the upstream areas of Takengon and Bener Meriah. As many as 18,160 residents from 5,104 families evacuated their homes and moved to safer locations. In total 22,535 people have been affected across 95 villages in 12 sub-districts. Initial assessment showed that 6,775 housing units were flooded or damaged.

Disease

Cholera - Haiti

In a follow-up on the resurgent cholera situation in Haiti, Public Health reports that as of October 5, there has been 11 confirmed cases (culture positive), including two institutional deaths (Any suspected, probable or confirmed case who dies in a caring institution). In addition, the suspected cholera cases stands at 111, with 107 being hospitalized.

Measles - Ethiopia

According to the World Health Organization, from January to 30 September 2022, a total of 9,850 suspected measles cases, including 5,806 confirmed and 56 deaths (CFR 0.6%) have been reported in Ethiopia.

Human Bird Flu - Spain

On September 27, the detection of influenza A(H5N1) was confirmed in a respiratory sample, which constitutes the first detection in the human being in Spain. The sample belonged to a male 19 years old, a worker at a poultry farm in the province of Guadalajara, where he had detected a focus of infection by this virus in birds on September 17, 2022.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.5 earthquake hits Tonga.

5.2 earthquake hits northwest of the Ryukyu Islands, Japan.

5.1 earthquake hits the southern mid-Atlantic ridge.

5.0 earthquake hits Tonga.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Atlantic Ocean: Tropical Depression Thirteen is located about 35 mi...55 km se of nthrn tip of Guajira pnsula Colombia and about 700 mi...1125 km e of Isla de Providencia Colombia with maximum sustained winds...35 mph...55 km/h. Present movement...w or 280 degrees at 15 mph...24 km/h.

In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical Cyclone 03s (Three), located approximately 782 nm east-southeast of Diego Garcia, is tracking southwestward at 07 knots.

Newsbytes:

Trinidad and Tobago - Flash flooding struck in the dual-island Caribbean nation of Trinidad and Tobago following heavy rain brought by a tropical disturbance. The heavy rain caused widespread flooding along the nation’s major roadways. At least one bridge has been closed, as have many schools.

India - At least 8 people have lost their lives and many more are feared missing after sudden flash floods on the Mal River in the Jalpaiguri District of West Bengal, India. Hundreds of people were gathered in the river and along its banks during as part of the religious festival Durga Visarjan where the idol of the Goddess Durga is immersed in the waters of the river. However, the river rose swiftly and unexpectedly at around 20:00 hours 05 October 2022, sweeping away dozens of the gathered onlookers.

Australia - Sydney recorded its wettest year in 164 years as authorities braced for major floods in Australia's east on Thursday, with more heavy downpours expected to fall over the next three days. With almost three months of 2022 still to go, Australia's largest city has recorded 2,200 mm of rain in a year for the first time since records began in 1858. By Thursday afternoon, Sydney had received about 2,213 mm (87 inches) of rainfall for the year, surpassing the previous record of 2,194 mm set in 1950, official data showed.

Wildlife

Rewilding Europe

With wildlife suffering dramatic declines due to climate change and habitat loss, conservation efforts across Europe have seen several mammal species make strong comebacks.

A new report by the Zoological Society of London, BirdLife International and the European Bird Census Council for Rewilding Europe documents “exciting” recoveries.

Brown bears began to decline during the Roman Empire, but the report says their numbers have increased by 44% to more than 50,000 since 1960. Europe’s beavers started to decline in the 17th century due to hunting, with only about 1,200 still living by the 20th century. But between 1960 and 2016, their numbers increased by 16,000% as their range expanded.

Crabs vs Mussels

Warming waters of the English Channel due to climate change have allowed the normally migratory and ravenous spider crabs to infest the French coast most of the year and ravage its mussel population.

Mussel farmers in Normandy and Brittany are demanding they be allowed to use dredging nets to drag the crabs farther out to sea to protect their shellfish and livelihoods. “They are like a carpet moving slowly across the seabed, ravaging anything on the ground and leaving nothing in their wake,” said Vincent Godefroy, the president of the National Mytiliculteurs (mussel farmers) Group. He said his members first noticed the invasion about five years ago,

Global Warming

Arctic Rain

While more snow than rain currently falls in the Arctic each year, a new study warns that the trend is likely to be reversed by the end of this century. Lead researcher Tingfeng Dou of the Chinese Academy of Sciences says that the frequency of rainy days in the Arctic could roughly double by 2100 as Earth’s climate heats even further.

“In the past, rainfall was primarily limited to the edges of the Greenland ice sheet,” Dou said. More rain will increase the melting of the tundra and Greenland’s glaciers, releasing more greenhouse gases.

Environment

Global Temperature Extremes

The week’s hottest temperature was 44.0 degrees Celsius (111 degrees F) at Kharga, Egypt.

The week’s coldest temperature was minus 98.0 degrees Celsius (-144 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.

Disease

Covid-19

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

Cholera - Lebanon

The Lebanese Ministry of Health announced the registration of the first cholera case in the country in nearly 30 years.

Cholera - Malawi

A total of 22 districts have reported Cholera cases since the confirmation of the first case in March 2022 in Machinga district. As of October 5, the cumulative confirmed cases and deaths reported since the onset of the outbreak is 3,960 and 111 respectively, with Case Fatality Rate at 2.8%.

Rift Valley Fever - Mauritania

In a follow-up on the human Rift Valley fever (RVF) situation in the African country of Mauritania, the country’s health ministry reported four additional human cases and one more fatality. This brings the number of cases reported to 32 and 17 deaths caused by RVF.

Dengue Fever - Vietnam

In a follow-up on the dengue fever situation in Vietnam, the Ministry of Health now reports 236,730 cases of dengue fever, including 98 deaths. This is an increase of about 12,000 cases and six deaths in the past week.

Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity - Ongoing Activity for the week 28 September - 4 October 2022

Aira - Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that 11 eruptive events and five explosions at Minamidake Crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) were recorded during 26 September-3 October. Volcanic plumes rose as high as 2.8 km above the crater rim and large blocks were ejected as far as 1.7 km from the vent. Incandescence at the crater was visible nightly.

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 to 3.5 km (11,500 ft) a.s.l. and drifted E during 22-24 and 27-28 September. On 22 and 28 September the ash plumes that drifted E and N produced ashfall in Severo-Kurilsk. A thermal anomaly over the volcano was identified in satellite images on 23 and 28 September.

Great Sitkin - Andreanof Islands (USA) : AVO reported that continuing slow lava effusion at Great Sitkin was confirmed by a 27 September satellite image and likely continued during 28 September-4 October. Elevated surface temperatures were identified during 28-29 September; weather clouds often prevented webcam and satellite views during the rest of the week. Seismicity remained at low levels.

Karthala - Grand Comore Island : According to the Direction Générale de la Sécurité Civile (DGSC) – Comores on 4 October, the Observatoire Volcanologique du Karthala (OVK) reported that activity at Karthala had significantly declined during the previous few days.

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 27 September-4 October, entering the lava lake. The active part of the lake stayed at a relatively steady level through the week, varying only slightly. Sulfur dioxide emissions were approximately 970 and 1,800 tonnes per day on 28 and 30 September, respectively.

Lewotolok - Lembata Island : PVMBG reported that the eruption at Lewotolok continued during 27 September-4 October. White emissions rose as high as 350 m above the summit and drifted E, SE, W, and NW on most days. White-and-gray plumes rose as high 500 m and drifted NW, W, and E during 29-30 September and 1-2 October.

Merapi - Central Java : BPPTKG reported that the eruption at Merapi continued during 23-29 September and seismicity remained at high levels. As many as seven lava avalanches from the SW lava dome traveled down the Bebeng drainage on the SW flank, reaching a maximum distance of 1.8 km. No morphological changes to the central lava domes were evident in photographs, while the SW dome grew about 1 m taller.

Nevados de Chillan - Central Chile : SERNAGEOMIN reported that two long-period earthquake signals were recorded at Nevados de Chillán at 0813 on 3 October and 1630 on 4 October, and both were followed by a dense ash emission. The ash plume from the first event rose 760 m above the summit and drifted SSW, while the ash plume from the second event rose as high as 1.9 km and also drifted SSW.

Sabancaya - Peru : Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP) reported moderate levels of activity at Sabancaya during 5-11 September with a daily average of 46 explosions. Gas-and-ash plumes rose as high as 3 km above the summit and drifted NE, E, and SE. As many as nine 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).

Semeru - Eastern Java : PVMBG reported that the eruption at Semeru continued during 27 September-4 October. Eruptive events at 0459 and 0726 on 2 October produced ash plumes that rose 500-700 m above the summit and drifted S and SW. T

Semisopochnoi - Aleutian Islands (USA) : No ash emissions or explosive activity have been detected since 14 September. Seismicity had decreased, though remained at elevated levels. Steam emissions from the active vent in the N crater of Mount Cerberus persisted. Seismic tremor and a small explosion were detected in seismic and infrasound data during 3-4 October.

Sheveluch - Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that the ongoing eruption at Sheveluch was characterized by explosions, hot avalanches, and lava-dome extrusion during 15-22 September. A daily thermal anomaly was identified in satellite images. Plumes of re-suspended ash drifted 113 km E on 23 September.

Stromboli - Aeolian Islands (Italy) : INGV reported that during 26 September-2 October activity at Stromboli was characterized by ongoing explosions from three vents in Area N (North Crater area) and at least two vents in Area C-S (South-Central Crater area). Low-intensity explosions from the N1 vent (Area N) ejected course material (bombs and lapilli) 80-150 m high at a rate of 3-5 explosions per hour. Spattering was visible at the N2 vent (Area N). Explosions from at least two vents in Area C-S, which were not visible due to the camera views, ejected ash and course material less than 150 m above the vent at a rate of 1-5 events per hour. At 1524 on 29 September an explosion at N2 generated an ash plume that rose 300 m above the summit and ejected abundant amounts of lava fragments, lapilli, and bombs along the Sciara del Fuoco. Four subsequent, low-intensity explosions ejected tephra 100 m high. Spattering activity at the vent intensified afterwards and through the next day. Beginning at 1115 on 3 October a lava flow emerged from Area N and traveled down the Sciara del Fuoco, reaching the ocean.

Suwanosejima - Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : JMA reported that the eruption at Suwanosejima's Ontake Crater continued during 30 September-3 October. A total of 38 explosions produced eruption plumes that rose as high as 1.6 km above the crater rim and occasionally ejected large bombs from the vent. Crater incandescence was visible nightly and ash sometimes fell in Toshima village (3.5 km SSW).

Taal - Luzon (Philippines) : In a special advisory, PHIVOLCS reported that sulfur dioxide emissions at Taal were as high as 10,718 tonnes per day on 29 September, creating a significant amount of vog over the caldera. Voggy conditions were reported by residents of Laurel, Agoncillo, and Santa Teresita, Batangas. The report noted that sulfur dioxide emissions had been increasing since 15 July and averaged 6,612 tonnes per day in September. In early August degassing at the volcano increased characterized by the upwelling of hot fluids in the lake and steam-rich plumes rising as high as 2.5 km above the lake’s surface.

Ta'u - American Samoa (SW Pacific) : Seismic activity has dramatically decreased and maintained low levels over the past few weeks. Analysis of data from one seismometer that had recorded earthquakes during 2005-2009 suggested that a rate of five detected earthquakes per day was characteristic of long-term background seismicity; the current earthquakes rates were at background levels.

Villarrica - Central Chile : On 3 October SERNAGEOMIN reported that recent passive emissions from Villarrica contained tephra that was deposited on the upper SW flank. Evidence suggested that there were recent fluctuations in the intensity of activity at the lava lake in the main crater.

Whakaari/White Island - North Island (New Zealand) : GeoNet reported that the minor ash and sulfur dioxide emissions from the active vent area in Whakaari/White Island’s crater only occurred on 18 September based on subsequent webcam and satellite images. The most likely cause for the emission was a gas release from small amount of magma moving into the shallow part of the volcano, though there was no evidence of increasing activity at the volcano.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

Two 5.3 earthquakes hit the South Sandwich Islands.

5.1 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.

5.0 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Atlantic Ocean: Tropical Depression Twelve is located about 635 mi...1025 km wnw of the Cabo Verde islands with maximum sustained winds...35 mph...55 km/h. Present movement...wnw or 300 degrees at 13 mph...20 km/h.

In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical Cyclone 03s (Three), located approximately 851 nm east-southeast of Diego Garcia, is tracking west-southwestward at 11 knots.

Wildfires

Wildfires - Fiji

here have been 408 bush and grass fire incidents recorded so far this year in Fiji, data from the Pacific island country's National Fire Authority (NFA) showed. The bushfires had caused damage to a lot of power lines, resulting in continuous power outages around the western area of Viti Levu, Fiji's main island. The area has recorded 100 sugar cane fires and 53 rubbish fires from January to date.

Disease

Rabies - Philippines

The Philippines Department of Health, Epidemiology Bureau reports that the number of human rabies cases reported in the country from the beginning of the year through September 10 is now 262 with 6 cases being reported this week.

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever - South Africa

South African health officials report a second Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) in the country this year in a 32-year-old man from Burgersdorp, Eastern Cape Province. The first was a fatal case of CCHF reported from the Western Cape Province.

Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity - New Activity for the week 28 September - 4 October 2022

Alaid - Kuril Islands (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Alaid was identified in satellite images during 22-30 September. Ash plumes were visible drifting 140 km NE and SE during 26-27 September.

Home Reef - Tonga Ridge : The Tonga Geological Services reported that the new island at Home Reef that emerged from the ocean on 10 September continued to grow through 4 October. Daily counts of eruptive events producing gas-and-steam plumes were variable, though during the middle of the week they had decreased to less than 10 events per day. By 1040 on 28 September the dimensions of the new island were estimated to be 268 m N-S and 283 m E-W, and the highest point on the island was about 15 m a.s.l. The island was surrounded by plumes of discolored water within about 200 m from the shore. The plumes were elongated to the S, and were denser with suspended material within 1 km and more diffuse at distances greater or equal to 2 km. Mariners were advised to stay 4 km away from the volcano.

Nishinoshima - Izu Islands : According to JMA and the Tokyo VAAC an eruption at Nishinoshima produced ash plumes that rose to 1.8-2.6 km (6,000-8,500 ft) a.s.l. and drifted E and W during 1-4 October.

Piton de la Fournaise - Reunion Island (France) : OVPF reported that the eruption at Piton de la Fournaise that began on 19 September was ongoing at a cone adjacent to the SW flank of Piton Kala Pélé during 28 September-4 October. The cone ejected lava to low heights above the rim. Lava flowed from the base of the cone in two main branches, to the SE and E, mainly through lava tubes, as far as 3 km. By 28 September the cone had grown to just over 8 m tall and around 27 m wide at its base. Average daily lava flow discharge rate estimates had a mean value of 8 meters per second at the beginning of the eruption but then stabilized at 2-4 meters per second; the flow rate increased during 28-29 September to more than 6 meters per second. Lava discharge rates were likely underestimated due to measurements hindered by weather conditions or flows obscured by tubes. Tremor levels and gas emissions also began increasing on 29 September and remained at high levels during the rest of the week. The vent at the top of the cone widened and a new, smaller cone formed on the S flank and produced lava flows. The volume of erupted lava was 2.6-5.4 million cubic meters by 30 September; peak discharge rates reached 20 meters per second at times. Sulfur dioxide emission estimates derived from satellite data had increased from about 610 tons per day on 28 September to 1,525 tons per day on 1 October. A well-defined gas plume, denser than those seen during previous days, was identified in a 30 September satellite image drifting 300 km NW at an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. A more significant sulfur dioxide plume was identified in satellite data the next day, drifting as far as 400 km. Gas plumes drifted SW during 2-3 October. Sulfur dioxide emissions continued to increase and were about 2,500 tons per day on 3 October. The cone had grown to around 12 m tall and 43 m wide at the base. During 3-4 October the ejection of lava above the cone became less intense, and the new smaller cone was only weakly active. The southernmost lava flow had reached 1,800 m elevation in an area 1.5 km NW of Nez coupé du Tremblet. During 4-5 October tremor levels fluctuated. Lava effusion increased, averaging 10 meters per second with peaks at 25 meters per second. Lava was ejected above the main vent, which was 23 m wide; the smaller vent was not active. The eruption stopped or paused at 0748 on 5 October based on visual observations and a sudden halt in tremor signals.

Trident - Alaska : A swarm began on 24 August and within about four days the seismic network began detecting episodes of weak seismic tremor and low frequency earthquakes. The events were initially located at depths around 25 km, but then they progressively shallowed to around 5 km by 28 August. Earthquakes were located 3-6 km deep since then, though some deeper events were recorded. AVO attributed the swarm to moving magma or magmatic fluids and noted that seismic swarms had previously been recorded with no subsequent eruptions.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.7 earthquake hits the Turkey-Iran border.

5.6 earthquake hits the Peru-Ecuador border.

5.3 earthquake hits Antofagasta, Chile.

5.1 earthquake hits Catamarca, Argentina.

5.0 earthquake hits Kepulauan Tanimbar, Indonesia.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Atlantic Ocean: Tropical Depression Twelve is located about 480 mi...770 km w of the Cabo Verde islands with maximum sustained winds...35 mph...55 km/h. Present movement...nw or 320 degrees at 8 mph...13 km/h.

In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Tropical storm 17e (Paine), located approximately 884 nm south of San Diego, is tracking northwestward at 05 knots.

Newsbytes:

Ghana - The release of excess water from a dam has caused flooding in parts of in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana flooding hundreds of homes. The Weija Dam, situated on the Densu River. Prolonged heavy rainfall in the region caused levels of the dam to increase. Normal level is 46.5 feet (14.17 metres) , while maximum operating level is 48 feet (14.63 metres) . Over recent days the level jumped to 49.5 feet (15.09 metres). Four spill gates were opened to safeguard the integrity of the dam, save the dam from collapse and save lives and properties.

Nigeria - Wide areas of the state of Kogi in the North Central region of Nigeria are underwater after the Niger and Benue rivers broke their banks. Ibaji is almost 100% under water while the other affected areas are around 30% flooded and upwards.

Wildfires

Wildfires - Washington, USA

There are a number of large fires burning in Washington.

• Goat Rocks: Located 7 miles east of Packwood, started on Aug. 9, 0% contained, 4,193 acres burned.

• Bolt Creek: Located 37 miles east of Seattle, Started on Sept. 10, 39% contained, 12,142 acres burned.

• Minnow Ridge: Located 25 miles north of Wenatchee, started on Sept. 10, 0% contained, 2,212 acres burned.

• White River: Located 14 miles northwest of Plains, started on Aug. 11, 10% contained, 4,206 acres burned.

Disease

Ebola - Uganda

Uganda health officials reported two additional confirmed Ebola (Sudan Virus Disease) cases in the current outbreak, bringing the cumulative confirmed cases to 43 through October 2.

Dengue Fever - Vietnam

According to the latest information from the Center for Disease Control of Ho Chi Minh City (HCDC), from the beginning of the year to September 25, the city recorded 61,618 cases of dengue fever , an increase of 589.9% over the same period in 2021 (8,641 cases). Ho Chi Minh City has had 25 deaths from the disease.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.2 earthquake hits Reykjanes ridge.

5.0 earthquake hits Colombia.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Tropical storm 17e (Paine), located approximately 992 nm south-southeast of San Diego, is tracking northwestward at 06 knots.

Newsbytes:

Central African Republic - At least 11 people have died and thousands have lost their homes after weeks of flooding in Central African Republic (CAR). Flooding struck in areas of the capital Bangui in July 2022, where dozens of homes were damaged or destroyed. Local media reported in late September that high levels of the Oubangui river had resulted in flooding and damages in several districts of the city. By late September the UN reported flooding had affected 85,300 people, destroyed more than 2,600 houses and 18,500 hectares of crops, damaged numerous other infrastructures and displaced more than 6,000 people in 176 towns and villages across 12 of the country’s 17 prefectures.

Thailand - Heavy rain in northern, northeastern and central Thailand has worsened severe flooding in many parts of the country, as authorities ordered the release of water into already overflowing rivers from dams that were filled to capacity. Among the areas hit by flooding were Chiang Mai, a large city and tourist center in the north, and Sukhothai, an ancient capital and archaeological site that draws many visitors. The Department of The floods had impacted at least 45,000 households in 35 provinces.

Environment

Australia to set aside at least 30% of its land mass to protect endangered species

Australia will set aside at least 30% of its land mass for conservation in a bid to protect plants and animals in the island continent famed for species found nowhere else in the world. Australia has lost more mammal species than any other continent and has one of the worst rates of species decline among the world's richest countries, a five-yearly environmental report card released in July by the government showed.

That report showed the number of species added to the list of threatened species or in a higher category of risk grew on average by 8% from the previous report in 2016.

Wildfires

Wildfires - Nebraska, USA

Showers and high humidity have slowed the spread of the Bovee Fire west of Halsey, Nebraska. More than 100 firefighters are on scene, including two Interagency Hotshot Crews, 10 engines, and a dozer. A mapping flight at 7:30 p.m. Sunday found that the fire had burned 7,780 acres. Officially, the Nebraska National Forest is still going with 15,000 acres, an estimate developed Sunday afternoon before it was mapped from an aircraft. The Bovee Fire has prompted an evacuation of the community of Halsey in central Nebraska.

Disease

Covid-19

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

Polio - Pakistan

A 10-month child from union council Ghulam Khan in North Waziristan has died after being confirmed with wild polio. This is the 20th case of will poliovirus recorded in Pakistan this year.

Ebola - Uganda

Uganda health authorities reported three additional confirmed Ebola (Sudan Virus Disease) cases on Saturday, bringing the total confirmed cases to 41. One additional confirmed death was also reported, bring this total to nine. In an effort to keep the disease from crossing the border into neighboring Kenya, motorists travelling to Kenya via Malaba border are required to undergo mandatory screening at the border.

Bird Flu

Netherlands - The Netherlands is to cull around 102,000 chickens on a farm in the northern city of Kiel-Windeweer after the detection of a highly infectious strain of bird flu, the government said on Tuesday.

Colorado, USA - On Thursday, Colorado Governor Jared Polis issued an Executive Order declaring a state of disaster emergency due to the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Colorado. HPAI was first detected in wild birds in Colorado on March 24, 2022. The disease was detected in domestic poultry on April 8, 2022. As of September 21, 2022, HPAI has been confirmed in 17 Colorado counties, with cases occurring in wild, domestic, and commercial flocks.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.7 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.

5.3 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.

5.1 earthquake hits Easter Island.

5.1 earthquake hits the Mariana Islands.

5.0 earthquake hits Mindanao in the Philippines.

5.0 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.

5.0 earthquake hits the Gulf of California.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Hurricane 16e (Orlene), located approximately 863 nm southeast of San Diego, is tracking northward at 08 knots.

Disease

Ebola - Uganda

In a follow-up on the Sudan Virus Disease (SVD) outbreak (Ebola) in Uganda, the Ministry of Health reported three new confirmed cases on September 30, bringing the total confirmed cases to 38. One additional death from a confirmed case was also reported putting the cumulative confirmed deaths in the current outbreak to eight.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.6 earthquake hits Kyushum Japan.

5.5 earthquake hits the Dominican Republic.

5.4 earthquake hits the mid-Indian ridge.

5.3 earthquake hits the Mariana Islands.

5.2 earthquake hits offshore Chiapas, Mexico.

5.2 earthquake hits Crete.

5.0 earthquake hits Halmahera, Indonesia.

5.0 earthquake hits the Bonin Islands, Japan.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Hurricane 16e (Orlene), located approximately 1012 nm southeast of San Diego, is tracking northward at 06 knots.

Newsbytes:

Florida, USA - Hundreds of people have been rescued from flooded homes following the passage of Hurricane Ian in Florida, USA. As many as 27 fatalities have been reported as search and rescue teams continue to look for those unaccounted for. Some ports, airports and rail services are still closed and roads have been closed in at least 70 locations. Around 1.6 million people are still without power and Boil Water Notices have been issued for 47 areas. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s tide monitoring gauge at Fort Myers showed tide levels surged to 7.22 feet (2.20 metres) MHHW (Mean Higher High Water) on 28 September. This is more than twice the previous record high of 3.36 feet (1.02 metres) set on 14 September 2001 during Tropical Hurricane Gabrielle.

Disease

Mauritania - Rift Valley fever and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever

In a follow-up on the human hemorrhagic fever situation (Rift Valley fever and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever) in Mauritania, the Ministère de la Santé Mauritanienne reported on September 29 a total of 30 positive cases of hemorrhagic fever broken down as follows: 28 human Rift Valley fever (RVF) cases and two Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) cases, out of 131 tests.

Ebola - Uganda

The Uganda Minister of Health announced today the first death in a doctor from Ebola. Ebola survivors have to wait for at least three months before having sex again unless they use condoms as one the preventive ways to curb spread of the disease, the Ministry of Health has advised.

Cholera - Global

Cholera is surging around the globe, the World Health Organization warns. Flareups of the deadly disease have been reported in 26 countries in the first nine months of this year. In comparison, fewer than 20 countries reported cholera outbreaks per year between 2017 and 2021. In addition to greater frequency, the WHO reports the outbreaks themselves are larger and more deadly. While poverty and conflict are major triggers of cholera, climate change is a growing threat.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.8 earthquake hits Reykjanes ridge.

5.7 earthquake hits northern Sumatra, Indonesia.

5.2 earthquake hits off the coast of El Salvador.

5.0 earthquake hits south of Tonga.

Two 5.0 earthquakes hit northern Sumatra, Indonesia.

5.0 earthquake hits the Mariana Islands.

5.0 earthquake hits Reykjanes ridge.

5.0 earthquake hits north of Ascension Island.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Atlantic Ocean: Post Tropical Cyclone Ian is located about 30 mi...45 km s of Greensboro North Carolina with maximum sustained winds...35 mph...55 km/h. Present movement...nnw or 345 degrees at 12 mph...19 km/h.

In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm 16e (Orlene), located approximately 1089 nm south-southeast of San Diego, is tracking northward at 04 knots.

In the Northwest Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm 20w (Roke), located approximately 362 nm east-southeast of Yokosuka, Japan, is tracking northeastward at 19 knots.

Newsbytes:

Vietnam and Thailand - Disaster authorities in South East Asia report that heavy rain from Tropical Cyclone Noru has caused severe flooding and landslides across parts of Vietnam and Thailand after previously causing widespread damage and flooding in the Philippines. Before the storm struck in Vietnam as many as 327,937 people had been pre-emptively evacuated. Heavy rain of 300 mm to over 400 mm fell in a 35 hour period late 26 to early 28 September in areas of Thua Thien Hue, Da Nang, Quang Nam and Quang Ngai Provinces. Disaster authorities in Thailand said Storm Noru made landfall in Khong Chiam District of Ubon Ratchathani Province during the evening of 28 September 2022 with heavy rain and strong winds. The city of Ubon Ratchathani recorded 200.3 mm of rain in 24 hours to 28 September. 1 person died and 2 were injured due to wind damage in Phetchabun. More than five thousand households were affected by flooding.

Indonesia - At least 6 people died after heavy rain triggered a landslide in South Kalimantan Province in Indonesia on 26 September 2022. Heavy rain falling on unstable ground near the site of a gold mine led to a massive landslide in Buluh Kuning village, Sei Durian District of Kotabaru Regency, South Kalimantan Province, late on 26 September 2022.

Wildfires

Wildfires - Idaho, USA

Firefighters have stopped the active spread of several lightning caused wildfires spotted earlier this week between Sweet and Ola in Gem County. The fires are burning in grass and brush in areas ranging from 15 miles north of Emmett to 29 miles north of Emmett. The largest is the Border Fire, mapped at approximately 10 000 acres.

Disease

Dengue Fever - France

In a follow-up on the locally-acquired dengue fever cases in metropolitan France, Public Health France now reports 57 indigenous cases of dengue as of September 26, 2022.

Dengue Fever - Malaysia

The Malaysia Ministry of Health reports the number of dengue fever cases reported in 2022 to date have more than doubled the numbers seen during the same period in 2021. Through September 24, Malaysia has seen a cumulative 42,084 cases compared to 19,423 cases for the same period in 2021.

Ebola - Uganda

The Uganda Ministry of Health reported today an update on the Sudan Virus Disease (SVD) outbreak. They reported four new confirmed cases and one death, bringing the cumulative confirmed totals to 35 cases and seven deaths.

Malaria spike linked to amphibian die-off in Central America

Dozens of species of frogs, salamanders and other amphibians quietly disappeared from parts of Latin America in the 1980s and 2000s, with little notice from humans, outside of a small group of ecologists. Yet the amphibian decline had direct health consequences for people.

The study links an amphibian die-off in Costa Rica and Panama with a spike in malaria cases in the region. At the spike’s peak, up to 1 person per 1,000 annually contracted malaria that normally would not have had the amphibian die-off not occurred.

Stable ecosystems underpin all sorts of aspects of human well-being, including regulating processes important for disease prevention and health. If we allow massive ecosystem disruptions to happen, it can substantially impact human health in ways that are difficult to predict ahead of time and hard to control once they’re underway.

From the early 1980s to the mid-1990s, a deadly fungal pathogen called Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, or “Bd,” traveled across Costa Rica, devastating amphibian populations. This amphibian chytrid fungus continued its path eastward across Panama through the 2000s. Globally, the pathogen led to the extinction of at least 90 amphibian species, and to the decline of at least 500 additional species.

Shortly after the mass die-off of amphibians in Costa Rica and Panama, both countries experienced a spike in malaria cases.