Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity - Ongoing Activity for the week of 10 May - 16 May 2023

Aira - Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported ongoing activity at both Minamidake Crater and Showa Crater (Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) during 8-15 May. Crater incandescence was observed nightly at Minamidake Crater. On 8 May sulfur dioxide emissions were extremely high at 3,900 tons per day. At 1315 on 9 May an explosion at Minamidake generated an ash plume that rose 1.2 km above the crater rim and drifted SW, and ejected blocks 1.1 km from the vent. Eruptive events at 1527, 1724, and 1817 on 11 May produced ash plumes that rose as high as 1.3 km and drifted NW and W. At Showa Crater eruptive events recorded at 1009, 1303, and 1401 on 8 May, at 0550, 0726, 2204, and 2321 on 11 May, at 1831 on 12 May, and at 0859 on 14 May produced ash plumes that rose as high as 1.7 km above the crater rim and drifted in multiple directions. Sulfur dioxide emissions were somewhat high on 12 May, averaging 1,800 tons per day.

Bezymianny - Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that activity at Bezymianny was generally characterized by gas-and-steam emissions, incandescence at the lava dome, and hot avalanches from the lava dome during 4-11 May. A daily thermal anomaly was identified daily in satellite images.

Cotopaxi - Ecuador : IG reported that moderate eruptive activity continued at Cotopaxi during 9-16 May. Daily seismic activity was characterized by long-period earthquakes and tremors indicating emissions; a few volcano-tectonic earthquakes were recorded during the week. Emissions of steam, gas, and variable amounts of ash were observed on most days. During 9-10 May plumes with moderate amounts of ash rose 2-3 km above the crater rim and drifted SW, N, and NE. Ashfall was reported in areas to the SW, including San Joaquín and San Agustín de Callo. On 11 May gas-and-steam plumes rose 700 m above the summit and drifted to the E and SE. Emissions with moderate ash content on 12 May rose 1-2 km above the crater rim and drifted to the SE; later that day ash plumes rose 700 m. On 13 May steam-and-gas emissions with low or no ash content rose 900 m above the summit and drifted S, and gas-and-ash plumes rose 800 m and drifted SE. On 15 May steam-and-ash plumes rose 400 m and drifted W and SW. Weather clouds often prevented views during 14-16 May.

Dukono - Halmahera : PVMBG reported that the eruption at Dukono was ongoing during 10-15 May. Daily dense white-and-gray ash plumes rose as high as 700 m above the summit and drifted E and N.

Ebeko - Paramushir Island (Russia) : KVERT reported that moderate activity at Ebeko was ongoing during 4-11 May. According to volcanologists in Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island, about 7 km E) explosions during 4, 6-7, and 9-10 May generated ash plumes that rose as high as 4 km (13,100 ft) a.s.l. and drifted E. A thermal anomaly was identified in satellite images on 9 May.

Etna - Sicily (Italy) : INGV reported that an explosion at Etna’s SE Crater occurred at 0839 on 14 May and produced an ash emission that rapidly dispersed around the summit area. No significant variations in the seismic data were associated with the explosion.

Great Sitkin - Andreanof Islands (USA) : AVO reported that lava likely continued to erupt at the summit of Great Sitkin during 9-16 May. Satellite data acquired on 11 May showed that the thick lava continued to expand towards the E but remained confined to the summit crater. Seismicity was low. Nothing significant was seen in satellite and webcam images during most of the week due to persistent weather clouds obscuring views.

Krakatau - Sunda Strait : During 10-13 May PVMBG reported that white-and-gray and white-and-brown ash plumes generally rose as high as 200 m above Anak Krakatau’s summit and drifted SW and NW, though a few Volcano Observatory Notices for Aviation (VONAs) described higher plumes. At 1241 on 11 May a gray ash plume rose 1 km above summit and drifted SW. At 0920 on 12 May a dense gray ash plume rose 2.5 km and drifted SW. At 2320 a dense gray ash plume rose 1.5 km and drifted SW. An accompanying webcam image showed incandescent material being ejected above the vent. At 0710 on 13 May a dense gray ash plume rose 2 km and drifted SW.

Lewotolok - Lembata Island : PVMBG reported that the eruption at Lewotolok was ongoing during 9-16 May. Almost daily white-and-gray ash plumes generally rose as high as 500 m above the summit and drifted in variable directions. At 0632 on 11 May a white-to-gray ash plume rose 500 m and drifted SW. At 0645 and 0957 on 11 May white-to-gray ash plumes rose 400-600 m and drifted E and SE, respectively. Nighttime webcam images of incandescent material being ejected above the summit were posted in daily reports during 10-13 May.

Merapi - Central Java : BPPTKG reported that the eruption at Merapi (on Java) continued during 5-11 May and seismicity remained at elevated levels. The SW lava dome produced 106 lava avalanches that traveled as far as 1.8 km down the SW flank (upstream in the Bebeng drainages). Morphological changes to the SW lava dome due to continuing collapses of material were evident in webcam images.

Nyamulagira - DR Congo : The Observatoire Volcanologique de Goma (OVG) reported that the lava lake in Nyamulagira’s summit crater continued to be active during 30 April-6 May. A Sentinel satellite image from 7 May showed active lava flows traveling towards the NW part of the crater. Another image on 12 May showed active flows along the NE margin of the dark and cooler 7 May flows. Weather clouds and possible volcanic emissions obscured parts of the crater.

Popocatepetl - Mexico : CENAPRED reported that there were 127-281 daily steam, gas, and ash emissions and minor-to-moderate explosions recorded at Popocatépetl during 9-16 May. Plumes mostly drifted SE, ESE, and ENE. On 9 May minor explosions were recorded at 1141, 2009, and 2310, and on 10 May moderate explosions were recorded at 0152 and 0316. Ashfall was reported in Tlalmanalco (30 km NW) and Tetela del Volcán (20 km SW) in Morelos during 9-10 May. On 11 May minor explosions were recorded at 0135, 0215, and 1621, while moderate explosions were recorded at 0526, 0811, 0838, 1601, and 1646. Minor explosions occurred at 1318 and 1452 on 12 May. On 13 May minor explosions occurred at 0012, 0805, and 2146, and a moderate explosion occurred at 1012. Ashfall was reported in the municipalities of Nealtican (20 km E), Huejotzingo (21 km E), and Domingo Arenas (20 km NE). On 14 May minor explosions were recorded at 0605, 0711, 0831, 1413, 1439, and 2312; moderate explosions were recorded at 1253, 1444, 1608, and 1941. On 15 May the network detected minor explosions at 0033 and 0051, and moderate explosions at 0352, 0512, 0617, 0852, 1051, 1232, and 1613. Minor amounts of ash fell in the municipalities of Puebla (43 km E) and Atlixco (24 km SE) and moderate amounts fell in municipalities near the volcano to the S. Weather clouds prevented views on 16 May. According to the Washington VAAC daily ash plumes were identified in satellite images rising 6.1-7.3 km (20,000-24,000 ft) a.s.l. (0.7-1.9 km above the crater rim) and drifting E and SE.

Reventador - Ecuador : IG reported that the eruption at Reventador was ongoing during 10-16 May. Seismicity was characterized by explosions, long-period earthquakes, harmonic tremors, and emission-related tremors. Steam, gas, and ash plumes were observed in some webcam images, though weather conditions occasionally obscured views. Ash emissions on 12 May rose 500 m above the crater rim and drifted N. On 14 May a steam-and-ash plume rose 250 m and drifted NE. On 16 May an ash plume rose as high as 1 km above the crater and drifted W and SW. Incandescence at the crater was visible at night during 10-12 and 16 May, and incandescent blocks rolled 200-700 m down the flanks.

Rincon de la Vieja - Costa Rica : OVSICORI-UNA reported that periodic phreatic eruptions occurred at Rincón de la Vieja during 9-16 May. Phreatic events recorded at 1945 on 9 May, at 1419 on 10 May, and at 1100 on 11 May produced plumes that rose less than 1.5 km above the crater rim. Additional phreatic activity were recorded at 2232 on 11 May, and at both 2332 and 2338 on 12 May, though it was not known if emissions were generated. A short-lived explosive event at 0258 on 14 May ejected material onto the N flank and caused lahars to descend the Penjamo, Azul, and Azufrado rivers. Phreatic events at 1155 and 1748 that same day produced emissions that rose 500 m and 1.5 km above the crater rim, respectively. Gas emissions were occasionally visible during 15-16 May.

Sangay - Ecuador : IG reported a high level of activity at Sangay during 9-16 May, though weather clouds prevented visual observations during most of the week. Ash plumes rose 500 m and drifted SW on 9 May. A webcam image from 1833 on 14 May showed lava flowing 500 m down the SE flank.

Santa Maria - Southwestern Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that the eruption at Santa María’s Santiaguito lava-dome complex continued during 10-16 May. Effusion from the Caliente dome complex fed lava flows that descended the San Isidro and Zanjón Seco drainages on the W and SW flanks; the main lava flow was 4.3 km long and remained active. Daily weak-to-moderate explosions generated gas, steam, and ash plumes that generally rose up to 800 m above the crater and drifted SE, S, SW, and W. Explosions were sometimes accompanied by block-and-ash flows that descended multiple flanks of the dome. Incandescence from the dome and lava flows was visible during the nights and early mornings. An average of 40 explosions per day were recorded during 9-10 and 13-14 May, generating ash plumes that rose up to 1 km above the dome and drifted S and SW. Ashfall was reported in Fincas El Patrocinio, El Faro (7 km S), Las Marías (10 km S), and others nearby on 10 May.

Semeru - Eastern Java : PVMBG reported that the eruption at Semeru continued during 10-16 May and a few Volcano Observatory Notices for Aviation (VONAs) describing ash emissions were issued during the week. White-to-gray ash plumes that were sometimes dense rose 500-700 m above the summit and drifted S, SW, W, and N at 1115 on 10 May, at 0725 and 0830 on 12 May, at 0858, 1010, and 1241 on 13 May, at 0523 and 1656 on 14 May, and at 0757 on 16 May.

Semisopochnoi - Aleutian Islands (USA) : AVO reported that low-level unrest continued at Semisopochnoi during 9-16 May. Weather clouds mostly obscured satellite and webcam views. Volcanic tremor was detected during 9-10 May; there was no evidence of explosive or earthquake activity in the geophysics data during the rest of the week.

Sheveluch - Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that the ongoing eruption at Sheveluch was generally characterized by occasional explosions, continuing lava-dome growth, incandescence, and strong fumarolic activity during 4-11 May. A thermal anomaly over the active crater and Karan lava dome area was identified in satellite images all week. Intense fumarolic activity was likely associated with dome growth. During 8-9 May ash from pyroclastic flow deposits on the SE flank were resuspended by winds and blown 60 km W based on satellite images.

St. Helens - Washington : USGS reported that at 2045 on 14 May a debris flow in Mount St. Helens' South Coldwater Creek destroyed a Highway SR 504 bridge, cutting off access and power to Johnston Ridge Observatory. While the loss of power interrupted a major telemetry hub, other stations remined operational and continued to provide data; the debris flow was recorded in seismic data from nearby stations. The source material in the flow originated from the climactic 1980 debris avalanche and eruption of Mount St. Helens. According to a news article at least 11 people had to spend the night at the Johnston Ridge Observatory and were airlifted out the next day. Officials noted that the highway will be closed for an indefinite amount of time.

Stromboli - Aeolian Islands (Italy) : INGV reported ongoing Strombolian activity at Stromboli during 8-14 May. Activity was centered at two vents (one each at craters N1 and N2) in Area N, within the upper part of the Sciara del Fuoco, and from three vents in the Area C-S (South-Central Crater area) in the crater terrace area. Explosions at the N1 and N2 craters in Area N were low intensity and ejected coarse material (bombs and lapilli), sometimes mixed with ash at N1, as high as 80 m at a rate of 4-9 explosions per hour. Medium- to high-intensity explosions at the two vents in sector S2 (Area C-S) ejected ash sometimes mixed with coarse material at an average rate of 5-8 explosions per hour. Low-intensity gas explosions occurred at S1 in Area C-S. No significant activity was identified in Sector C in Area C-S.

Suwanosejima - Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : JMA reported that the eruption at Suwanosejima's Ontake Crater continued during 8-15 May and crater incandescence was reported nightly. Explosions recorded at 0701, 1200, and 2330 on 8 May produced ash plumes that rose as high as 1 km above the crater rim and mainly drifted SE. Explosions were also recorded at 1358 and 1648, though characteristics of associated emissions were unknown. Eruptive events at 2001 on 8 May, 1753 on 9 May, 0405, 0647, and 1236 on 11 May, and 1919 on 13 May generated ash plumes that rose as high as 1.3 km and generally drifted S, SW, and N.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

6.2 earthquake hits Guatemala.

5.0 earthquake hits Svalbard.

5.0 earthquake hits eastern New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone 19s (Fabian), located approximately 125 nm south-southwest of Diego Garcia, is tracking west-southwestward at 06 knots.

NewsBytes:

El Niño - NASA has identified early signs of El Niño from space, after one of its satellites spotted warm water in the Pacific Ocean moving eastward toward the west coast of South America in March and April.

Disease

Rabies - Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee said that statistics over the past 5 years across the country show that rabies has killed 410 people, over 2.7 million people have to receive preventive treatment, affecting public health, cause great economic loss. Currently, the risk of rabies continues to occur and cause very high mortality in humans.

Swine Fever - Philippines

Officials in Negros Occidental province reports that more than 2,000 heads of swine have died of hog cholera, or classical swine fever in the province since last month.

Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity - New Activity for the week of 10 May - 16 May 2023

Fuego - South-Central Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that a range of 1-7 weak explosions per hour were recorded at Fuego during 10-16 May. The explosions generated ash plumes that rose to a maximum height of 850 m above the crater and drifted up to 12 km E, SE, S, and SW. Occasional weak avalanches of material were visible near the crater. During 9-10 May wind entrained loose ash that was deposited along the Ceniza, Las Lajas, and Seca drainages. On 12 May a minor lahar descended the Ceniza drainage, carrying branches, tree trunks, and volcanic blocks up to 1.5 m in diameter. Minor incandescent over the crater was visible overnight during 12-13 and 15-16 May. Wind entrained ash deposits during 15-16 May causing localized “curtains” of ash.

Kita-Ioto - Volcano Islands : Japan Coast Guard reported that a small area of bluish-white discolored water above Funka Asane, a submarine vent 4-5 km NW of Kita-Ioto, was visible on 11 May. This was the first time discolored water was seen over the vent in about two years.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.0 earthquake hits New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.

5.0 earthquake hits San Luis Potosí, Mexico.

5.0 earthquake hits the Kazakhstan-Xinjiang border.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone 19s (Fabian), located approximately 118 nm south-southeast of Diego Garcia, is tracking westward at 05 knots.

NewsBytes:

Italy - In an update statement of 17 May, the regional government of Emilia-Romagna reported 8 people have now died as a result of floods and landlsides in the region since 16 may. Six fatalities occurred in the province of Forlì-Cesena, one in the province of Ravenna and another in the Bologna area. Several people are still thought to be missing and thousands have evacuated their homes. Over twenty rivers and streams have broken their banks, causing flooding in 37 municipalities. Authorities reported 250 landslides, including 120 severe landslides, in 48 municipalities.

Further heavy rain fell in the region from 15 May 2023, increasing river levels and triggering landslides. Italy’s fire and rescue service, Vigili del Fuoco, said 500 firefighters were working in the affected areas of Ravenna, Forlì-Cesena, Rimini and Bologna Provinces. The Savio River in Cesena broke its banks, flooding wide areas of the city. Vigili del Fuoco said people were stranded on the roofs of buildings due to the high water levels. Rescue operations were carried out using boats and helicopters.

Environment

Deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon Falls

Deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon fell by 68 per cent last month compared to April 2022. This is the first significant drop since President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva took office at the start of this year.

Lula, as the left-leaning President is known, campaigned on transforming Brazil into a ‘green superpower’. One of his promises was to combat illegal deforestation, which rose to a 15-year high under former right wing President Jair Bolsonaro. Deforestation typically shoots up between July and September, meaning it is too early to determine if this downwards trend will continue.

President Lula has committed to ending all illegal logging by 2030. A Bolsonaro measure that encouraged illegal mining on protected Indigenous lands has been revoked, and a military campaign has been launched to eject illegal miners. Some Indigenous territories have been demarcated.

Yet several major infrastructure projects in the Amazon threaten to derail this progress. These include the major Ferrograo railway project to transport grains, and the restoration of an abandoned highway that runs through protected parts of the rainforest. The renewal of a licence for the huge Belo Monte hydroelectric dam and a potential licence for an oil drilling project near the mouth of the Amazon River are also being considered by Ibama.

Wildlife

Bird Flu - Brazil

The detection of the first cases of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza virus – H5N1 in three wild birds on the coast of Espírito Santo, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock however, maintains that Brazil retains its status as a country free of HPAI.

Chlamydia is killing Australia's koalas

Conservationists in Australia have begun vaccinating wild koalas against a highly contagious and deadly form of chlamydia. In recent decades, the marsupials have been plagued with a destructive strain of chlamydia, which belongs to a closely related species of the sexually-transmitted disease in humans.

In koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus), chlamydia causes gastrointestinal problems, urinary tract infections and conjunctivitis that eventually leads to blindness, according to Wildlife Health Australia(opens in new tab). Blind and sick koalas are unable to climb trees to eat or escape predators and can die as a result. The disease can also cause infertility in females due to large cysts growing in their ovaries, which has massively decreased koala birth rates.

In an ongoing trial, researchers are catching and vaccinating wild koalas in New South Wales, AP News reported. The percentage of infected koalas in the state has jumped from an estimated 10% in 2008 to a likely 80% today. As a result, the species was listed as endangered in New South Wales(opens in new tab) in early 2022.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.2 earthquake hits the Jan Mayan Island region.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone 19s (Fabian), located approximately 180 nm east of Diego Garcia, is tracking southwestward at 08 knots.

NewsBytes:

Ethiopia - The United Nations reports that continued flooding in Ethiopia has caused widespread destruction and displacement in the regions of Somali, Oromia, SNNP (Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples’), South West and Afar. Over 90 fatalities have lost their lives. Flooding has worsened since April, causing significant damage and displacements. According to the latest UN report, around 190,000 households have been affected by flooding across the country, with over 200,000 people forced to leave their homes. The flooding has deepened the vulnerability of populations whose resilience is already highly affected by the impact of a prolonged drought since 2020 as the areas most affected by flooding and drought overlap.

Myanmar, Bangladesh and India - Since 13 May, the affected areas, including Rakhine, Chin, Magway, and Mandalay in Myanmar, Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh, and the states of Mizoram, Tripura, and Manipur in India, have experienced heavy rainfall and strong winds. Additionally, coastal areas have been hit by storm surges. Before Mocha made landfall, storm surge with a height of 3 to 3.5 metres was predicted to inundate low-lying areas of north Myanmar and adjoining Southeast Bangladesh coasts, areas highly prone to flooding and home to thousands of refugees living in precarious conditions.

Croatia - Rescue teams and hundreds of soldiers were deployed Monday to help people in parts of Croatia hit by floods. Heavy rain in recent days caused some rivers to overflow their banks, flooding homes, roads and public buildings in some towns. Classes in the town of Obrovac were canceled after water got into in the schools there. Parts of the town were left without electricity, and water covered the center of Obrovac. In nearby Gracac, about a dozen people had to move to upper floors or evacuate their homes to avoid surging water.

South Africa - More than 1,000 residents of Nelson Mandela Bay in the Eastern Cape Province were evacuated to places of safety across the metro yesterday due to heavy rains that resulted in flooding in certain areas. Disaster management officials have been dispatched to affected areas to rescue the situation. Affected areas include KwaZakhele, New Brighton and Walmer. Residents are blaming the municipality for a poor drainage system and not being fully prepared to handle such events.

Disease

Dengue Fever - Argentina

From July 31, 2022 to May 6, 2023, the Argentina Ministry of Health reported 93,694 total cases of dengue, of which 87,405 are autochthonous, or locally acquired.

Monkeypox - Japan

Japan health officials reported eight additional monkeypox, or mpox cases from May 1, 2023 to May 7, 2023, bringing the country total to 135. The latest cases include seven from Tokyo and one from Kanagawa Prefecture.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.2 earthquake hits the Izu Islands off Japan.

5.1 earthquake hits the Izu Islands off Japan.

5.1 earthquake hits the Molucca Sea.

5.1 earthquake hits the Kuril Islands.

5.1 earthquake hits Jujuy, Argentina.

5.0 earthquake hits the Izu Islands off Japan.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone 19s (Fabian), located approximately 370 nm east-northeast of Diego Garcia, is tracking west-southwestward at 10 knots.

NewsBytes:

Somalia - Flash flooding in central Somalia has killed 22 people and affected over 450,000, the UN's humanitarian agency OCHA said Sunday, after the Shabelle River burst its banks, forcing tens of thousands out of their homes. Heavy rainfall earlier in the week sent water gushing into homes in Beledweyne town in Hiran region, submerging roads and buildings as residents grabbed their belongings and waded through flooded streets in search of refuge.

Myanmar - Storm surges whipped up by a powerful cyclone moving inland from the Bay of Bengal inundated the Myanmar port city of Sittwe on Saturday, but largely spared a densely-populated cluster of refugee camps in low-lying neighbouring Bangladesh. Some 400,000 people were evacuated in Myanmar and Bangladesh ahead of Cyclone Mocha making landfall, as authorities and aid agencies scrambled to avert heavy casualties from one of the strongest storms to hit the region in recent years.

Disease

Cholera - Zimbabwe

Government officials in Zimbabwe report cholera cases are on the rise, Since the first cholera case was recorded in February in the town of Chegutu in northwest Zimbabwe, 834 cases had been recorded from the country’s 10 provinces. The capital Harare is one of the cholera hotspots. Government has attributed the outbreak to poor sanitation and contaminated water.

Dengue Fever

Brazil - The Ministry of Health in Brazil reports more than 201,000 dengue diagnoses in São Paulo from January through April this year, a 13 percent increase compared to the same period in 2022. Nationally in 2023, until the end of April, there was a 30% increase in the number of probable cases of dengue compared to 2022.

Sri Lanka - The National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) in Sri Lanka reports a total of 33,656 dengue cases, including 20 deaths since the beginning of the year. This includes about 4,000 cases reported during the first two week of this month, raising grave concerns of a potential epidemic.

Colombia - The Colombia Instituto Nacional de Salud reports 32,206 total dengue cases through April 29 this year. The national incidence for dengue is 90.9 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.6 earthquake hits the Izu Islands off Japan.

5.5 earthquake hits the Fox Islands in the Aleutian Islands.

Two 5.4 earthquakes hit the Izu Islands off Japan.

5.2 earthquake hits the Philippine Islands.

5.1 earthquake hits the Banda Sea.

5.1 earthquake hits the Izu Islands off Japan.

5.1 earthquake hits. The State of Yap, Micronesia.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In. The North Indian Ocean: Tropical cyclone 01b (Mocha), located approximately 155 nm south-southeast of Chittagong, Bangladesh, is tracking northeastward at 14 knots.

In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone 19s (Fabian), located approximately 598 nm east-northeast of Diego Garcia, is tracking west-southwestward at 11 knots.

Wildfires

Wildfires - Alberta, Canada (Update)

As of today, May 14, 2023, there are 83 active wildfires burning in Alberta. 21 of these fires are out of control. The wildfires have forced the evacuation of over 16,500 people and have destroyed or damaged hundreds of homes and businesses. The fires are also having a significant impact on the environment, with smoke from the fires blanketing much of Alberta and parts of the United States.

The wildfires are being fueled by hot, dry weather and strong winds. The weather is expected to remain hot and dry in the coming days, which could lead to further growth of the wildfires.

Disease

Respiratory syncytial virus - Paraguay

Currently, the number of people affected by respiratory symptoms, mainly by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), is increasing, according to the Paraguay Ministry of Health. Through Epi Week 17, 154 RSV cases have been reported within Sentinel Surveillance.

Rat Hepatitis to Human Transmission - Hong Kong

Hong Kong health officials report investigating a case of human infection of rat Hepatitis E virus (HEV). The case involves a 32-year-old man with underlying illnesses. He was found to have a abnormal liver function during his follow-up in Queen Elizabeth Hospital. The patient is now in stable condition.

Zika virus - Singapore

The Singapore Ministry of Health (MOH) and National Environment Agency (NEA) have confirmed three local cases of Zika virus infection. All three cases either reside or work in the Kovan area. Two are currently recovering at home while one is hospitalized and is stable. None of the three cases is pregnant.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.3 earthquake hits south of Fiji.

5.2 earthquake hits northern California.

5.1 earthquake hits Guam.

5.1 earthquake hits the Ryukyu Islands, Japan.

5.0 earthquake hits Leyte, Philippines.

5.0 earthquake hits offshore Bio-Bio, Chile.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In. The North Indian Ocean: Tropical cyclone 01b (Mocha), located approximately 392 nm south-southwest of Chittagong, Bangladesh, is tracking northeastward at 10 knots.

Disease

Monkeypox

The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) reports closely monitoring a recent resurgence of Mpox cases in the city. It is noted that it’s nowhere near the number of cases seen at the height of the outbreak last summer, there have been 13 cases (12 confirmed, one probable) reported to CDPH over the past three weeks. Some of those new cases are among people who had been fully vaccinated.

This report comes on the same day the World Health Organization declared the Mpox outbreak is no longer a global health emergency.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.9 earthquake hits the southwestern Ryukyu Islands off Japan.

5.7 earthquake hits Northern California.

5.3 earthquake hits Guam.

5.0 earthquake hits western Sichuan, China.

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

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In The North Indian Ocean: Tropical cyclone 01b (Mocha), located approximately 582 nm south-southwest of Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, is tracking northward at 06 knots.

Environment

Heat in Spain

Spain may make working outside in the heat illegal. There is a growing movement amongst Labour to do so, as the country experiences more and more extreme heat waves. In 2022, a group of unions and other organizations called on the Spanish government to ban working outside in temperatures above 39 degrees Celsius (102 degrees Fahrenheit). The group argued that working in extreme heat is dangerous and can lead to heat stroke, which can be fatal.

The Spanish government has not yet responded to the call to ban working in extreme heat. However, the government has taken some steps to protect workers from the heat, such as requiring employers to provide shade and water to workers and to allow them to take breaks in cool areas.

Wildlife

Loss of Smell

Carbon emissions and climate change are behind a significant thinning of the Pacific’s Dungeness crab population in recent years, and new research finds the trend is mostly due to the crustaceans losing their sense of smell. Marine scientists from the University of Toronto Scarborough say ocean acidification brought on by the absorption of rising levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere seems to be impacting the crabs’ ability to detect food odors.

Like most crabs, the Dungeness depend on their sense of smell by “flicking” their antennae to find food. They also use it to find mates and to avoid predators. The researchers say the crabs are flicking less and their sensors have become 50% less able to detect odors.

Environment

Global Temperature Extremes

The week's hottest temperature was 118.0 degrees Fahrenheit (48 degrees Celsius) in Matam, Senegal.

The week's coldest temperature was minus 101.0 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 74 degrees Celsius) at Vostok, Antarctica.

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

Disease

Chikungunya - Argentina

In the period between epidemiological week (EW) 31 of 2022 and EW 16 of 2023, 1,642 cases of chikungunya fever were registered in Argentina, of which 1,001 are autochthonous, 347 are in investigation and 294 are travel related (imported).

Syphilis - Indonesia

Indonesian health officials report a 75 percent increase in syphilis cases since 2016. According to a health ministry spokesperson, there were 12,000 cases of syphilis in 2016. The number skyrocketed to around 21,000 cases in 2022. The surge in cases is attributed to risky sexual behavior, the spokesperson stated.

Tuberculosis - Ukraine

Tuberculosis, the infectious disease with the highest death toll worldwide, is surging in the conflict zones of Ukraine and Sudan due to a breakdown of health services. Lucica Ditiu, executive director of the Stop TB Partnership, says the conflicts are having “a huge impact” on efforts to diagnose and treat the disease.

Ukraine now has the highest number of people infected with TB in the European region, as well as the highest number of patients with drug-resistant TB. U.N. officials and health care specialists say the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are also contributing to the more than 4,400 daily tuberculosis deaths.

Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity - Ongoing Activity for the week of 3 May - 9 May 2023

Aira - Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that Minamidake Crater and Showa Crater (Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) remained active during 1-8 May. Crater incandescence was observed nightly at Minamidake Crater. Three explosions at Minamidake during 2-3 May produced small shock waves and ash plumes. The explosion at 0422 on 2 May generated an ash plume that rose 1.8 km above the crater rim and drifted SW, and ejected blocks 500-700 m from the vent. The explosion at 0241 on 3 May produced an ash plume that rose 800 m and ejected blocks to 500-700 m from the vent. Later that morning, at 1025, an explosion produced an ash plume that rose 500 m and drifted W. An ash plume from an eruptive event at 2337 on 7 May rose 1 km. At Showa Crater very small eruptive events were recorded during 1-5 May, and three eruptive events on 8 May produced ash plumes that rose as high as 1.2 km above the crater rim and drifted S and SW.

Cotopaxi - Ecuador : IG reported that moderate eruptive activity continued at Cotopaxi during 2-9 May. Seismic activity was largely dominated by long-period earthquakes, tremors indicating emissions, and a few volcano-tectonic earthquakes. Emissions of steam, gas, and variable amounts of ash were observed daily. During 2-3 May minor ash plumes rose less than 200 m above the crater rim and drifted W. On 4 May ash plumes rose as high as 1.5 km above the crater rim and drifted SW and NW, drifting as far as the province of Manabí. On 5 May several emissions with low ash content rose as high as 300 m and drifted SW. On 7 May ash plumes rose as high as 1.1 km above the crater rim and drifted W and SW, causing minor ashfall in areas downwind including Mulaló. On 8 May a seismic station recorded a small secondary lahar. Several steam-and-gas emissions were visible during 8-9 May.

Ebeko - Paramushir Island (Russia) : KVERT reported that moderate activity at Ebeko was ongoing during 27 April-4 May. A thermal anomaly was identified in satellite images on 3 May. According to volcanologists in Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island, about 7 km E) explosions during 3-4 May generated ash plumes that rose as high as 4 km (13,100 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SW and E.

Etna - Sicily (Italy) : INGV reported that a sudden explosion at Etna’s SE Crater occurred at 2325 on 6 May and produced a diffuse ash emission that rapidly dispersed around the crater area. The Aviation Color Code was raised to Yellow at 2358 and then lowered back to Green at 1148 on 7 May. Neither seismic nor infrasound data recorded changes associated with the explosion.

Great Sitkin - Andreanof Islands (USA) : AVO reported that lava continued to erupt at the summit of Great Sitkin during 2-9 May. Satellite data acquired on 5 May showed that the thick lava continued to expand towards the E but remained confined to the summit crater. Seismicity was low, and during 7-8 May only a few small events were detected. Nothing significant was seen in satellite and webcam images during most of the week, though sometimes weather clouds obscured views.

Ibu - Halmahera : PVMBG reported that the eruption at Ibu continued during 3-9 May. White-and-gray plumes of variable densities rose as high as 800 m above the summit and drifted in several directions.

Lewotolok - Lembata Island : PVMBG reported that the eruption at Lewotolok was ongoing during 3-9 May. Daily white-and-gray or dark gray ash plumes rose as high as 800 m above the summit and drifted NW, W, and SW. Webcam images of incandescent material being ejected above the summit were posted in daily reports during 7-8 May.

Merapi - Central Java : BPPTKG reported that the eruption at Merapi (on Java) continued during 28 April-4 May and seismicity remained at elevated levels. The SW lava dome produced 190 lava avalanches that traveled as far as 2.5 km down the SW flank (upstream in the Bebeng and Boyong drainages). One pyroclastic flow traveled 2.5 km down the Bebeng drainage. Morphological changes to the SW lava dome due to continuing collapses of material were evident in webcam images.

Raung - Eastern Java : PVMBG reported that during 1-30 April white steam-and-gas plumes of moderate intensity rose as high as 200 m above Raung’s summit. Monitoring data along with visual observations did not suggest elevated levels of activity.

Rincon de la Vieja - Costa Rica : OVSICORI-UNA reported that phreatic eruptions occurred a few times at Rincón de la Vieja during 3-9 May. Phreatic events were recorded at 0100 and 2254 on 3 May, and at 1434 on 8 May, though darkness or weather clouds prevented visual confirmation. A small phreatic event occurred at 1847 on 6 May.

Sabancaya - Peru : Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP) reported moderate levels of activity at Sabancaya during 1-7 May with a daily average of 23 explosions. Gas-and-ash plumes rose as high as 2 km above the summit and drifted N, E, and SE. Three thermal anomalies originating from the lava dome in the summit crater were identified in satellite data.

Santa Maria - Southwestern Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that the eruption at Santa María’s Santiaguito lava-dome complex continued during 2-9 May. Effusion from the Caliente dome complex fed lava flows that descended the San Isidro and Zanjón Seco drainages on the W and SW flanks; the main lava flow was 4.3 km long and remained active. Daily weak-to-moderate explosions generated ash-and-steam plumes that generally rose as high as 800 m and drifted SW. The explosions were also accompanied by block-and-ash flows that descended multiple flanks of the dome. Incandescence from the dome and the lava flows was visible each morning and night. Avalanches of material from the lava-flow front and margins caused ash plumes around the flanks. Activity during 5-6 May was characterized by high levels of extrusive and explosive activity; 40 explosions were recorded, producing ash plumes that rose 3.5 km above the dome and drifted SW. Ashfall was reported in San Marcos Palajunoj (8 km SW), Loma Linda (7 km W), and other nearby communities. During 6-7 May quiet rumbling sounds were heard on nearby farms. Residents were warned to stay 6 km away from the lava-dome complex.

Semeru - Eastern Java : PVMBG reported that the eruption at Semeru continued during 3-9 May and a few Volcano Observatory Notices for Aviation (VONAs) describing ash emissions were issued during the week. At 0546 on 4 May a dense white-to-gray ash plume rose 1 km above the summit and drifted S. At 0521 on 5 May and at both 0839 and 2315 on 7 May medium-to-dense white-to-gray ash plumes rose 600 m and drifted S, SW, and W. At 0809 and 0922 white-to-gray ash plumes rose 300-600 m and drifted S and W.

Semisopochnoi - Aleutian Islands (USA) : AVO reported that low-level unrest continued at Semisopochnoi during 2-9 May, though it was seismically quiet for the most part, with only occasional small earthquakes. Cloudy weather often obscured satellite views. Steam emissions from the N crater of Mount Young were visible in partially clear webcam images during 3-6 May. A new NW-flank ash deposit was present on fresh snow; no signs of explosive activity were seen in geophysical data.

Sheveluch - Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that the ongoing eruption at Sheveluch was generally characterized by occasional explosions, continuing lava-dome growth, incandescence, and strong fumarolic activity during 27 April-4 May. A thermal anomaly was identified in satellite images all week. Satellite data showed a gas-and-steam plume with some ash drifting 60 km SE at 2350 on 29 April. The Kamchatka Volcanological Station posted pictures and video taken during a 4 May overflight that showed three active fumaroles on the dome. Low weather clouds obscured parts of the dome area. Photos showed tephra-fall on surrounding lakes, rivers, and forests, and it was noted that lahar deposits blocked a road W of the volcano.

Suwanosejima - Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : JMA reported that the eruption at Suwanosejima's Ontake Crater continued during 1-8 May, and crater incandescence was reported nightly. No explosions were recorded during 1-5 May, but eruptive activity produced periodic ash plumes that rose as high as 1.6 km above the crater rim and ejected blocks 300 m from the crater. Explosions at 0701, 1200, 2001, and 2330 on 8 May generated ash plumes that rose as high as 1 km and drifted SE and SW. Explosions also occurred at 1358 and 1648, though no associated emissions were reported.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

7.3 earthquake hits Tonga.

5.3 earthquake hits south of Fiji.

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

5.2 earthquake hits Hokkaido, Japan.

5.1 earthquake hits Tonga.

5.0 earthquake hits near the west coast of Honshu, Japan.

5.0 earthquake hits the Solomon Islands.

5.0 earthquake hits Vanuatu.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In. The North Indian Ocean: Tropical cyclone 01b (Mocha), located approximately 688 nm south-southwest of Chittagong, Bangladesh, is tracking north-northwestward at 03 knots.

NewsBytes:

Sierra Leone - At least 7 people have lost their lives after storms and heavy rain caused flooding and mudslides in parts of Freetown, capital of Sierra Leone in West Africa. Stormy weather hit the city from 09 to 10 May 2023. Flash flooding swept through city streets, washing away cars and damaging buildings. Six people died and 2 were injured when a wall collapsed due to flooding in Cline Town. Another fatality was reported after a mudslide in the Moyeiba area of the city. The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) also reported flood damage to the Leone Oil Facility in Kissy.

Wildlife

Ecuador Makes 'Debt for Nature' swap to Protect the Galapagos

Ecuador has converted $1.6 billion (€1.5 billion) of debt into a loan which will free up millions for conservation in the Galápagos Islands.

Nearly 1,000km off the coast of Ecuador, many of the species seen on the Galápagos Islands - like giant tortoises and marine iguanas - can be found nowhere else on Earth. After visiting the archipelago in 1835, British naturalist Charles Darwin developed his theory of evolution.

The deal, announced on Tuesday 9 May, is the largest of its kind ever made. It is known as a ‘debt for nature’ swap. Typically, debt for nature swaps are arranged to help governments fund conservation. They involve reducing debt alongside commitments to put money towards the protection of nature. Ecuador plans to start handing out conservation funding starting in September this year. The money will be used to combat climate change and overfishing which put pressure on the Galápagos ecosystem.

Piranhas Attack Tourists - Brazil

A school of piranhas attacked holiday makers playing in a stream in a Brazilian resort on May 1, leaving at least eight people injured. The fish tore at the bathers' legs and feet with their razor-sharp teeth, driving them out of the water and onto a tourist beach in Tarumã-Açu, a region northeast of Manaus, the capital city of the state of Amazonas.

Experts think the biting frenzy was a case of "mistaken identity" and that the piranhas were actually after the food that visitors at local restaurants sometimes throw into the river. Most piranhas are harmless and don't generally attack humans - the meat-eating species tend to scavenge rather than hunt living animals.

Wildfires

Australian Bushfires May Have Caused Triple La Niña

Smoke from Australia’s 2019-20 black summer fires may have resulted in the rare “triple dip” La Niña that lasted from 2020 to 2022, research suggests.

Modelling from scientists at the US National Center for Atmospheric Research has found that smoke aerosols from the bushfires interacted with clouds to cool surface waters over the south-eastern subtropical Pacific Ocean. This created favourable conditions for a La Niña to form, the researchers believe.

Smoke particles resulted in smaller cloud droplets over the southern hemisphere. That makes them brighter, and it also makes them live longer [because they are less likely to rain out of the atmosphere]. The net effect of that is more sunlight gets reflected back to space.

The result was a phenomenon akin to what’s known as June gloom in the US, where you have very cold ocean conditions but very warm atmospheric conditions above this cloud layer – that’s referred to as an inversion.

Winds carried these anomalous conditions into the deep tropics, and that instigated the feedbacks that are commonly associated with La Niña. The winds became stronger as a consequence of the surface cooling off, and then the flow going into the tropics was also drier, because a cold surface means you have less humidity in the atmosphere.

Because of that, the whole band of precipitation that usually exists in the tropics move northwards, and that’s a critical component for getting a La Niña.

Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity - New Activity for the week of 3 May - 9 May 2023

Bulusan - Luzon (Philippines) : PHIVOLCS reported that during 7-9 May the seismic network at Bulusan recorded a total of 17 volcanic earthquakes at depths of 0-5.2 km beneath the E flank. Six of the earthquakes were tornillo-type events associated with gas movement and the other 11 events were volcano-tectonic earthquakes associated with rock fracturing. Diffuse white steam plumes rose from the active vents in the summit crater.

Fuego - South-Central Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that activity at Fuego during 2-9 May included intense explosions, dense ash emissions, lava effusion, pyroclastic flows, and lahars. During 1-3 May there were 5-8 weak explosions per hour generating dense ash plumes that rose more than 1 km above the summit and drifted to 10-15 km W, SW, and S. Explosions were accompanied by rumbling sounds and shockwaves that vibrated nearby houses. During the morning and night incandescent material was visible 100-200 m above the crater. Avalanches descended the Ceniza (SSW) and Las Lajas (SE) drainages, sometimes reaching vegetated areas. Ashfall was reported in areas downwind including Panimache I and II (8 km SW), Morelia (9 km SW), Santa Sofía (12 km SW), El Porvenir (8 km ENE), Finca Palo Verde, Sangre de Cristo (8 km WSW), and Yepocapa (8 km N). In the early afternoon (around 1500) on 2 May lahars descended the Las Lajas and El Jute (ESE) drainages, carrying branches, tree trunks, and blocks 30 cm to 1.5 m in diameter; about 30 minutes later similar lahars descended the Ceniza drainage. At 1618 a weak-to-moderate pyroclastic flow traveled down the Ceniza and an associated ash plume drifted W and SW. Within 30 minutes after the pyroclastic flow a lahar descended the Seca (W), carrying tree trunks and branches, and blocks up to 1.5 m in diameter. Activity intensified at around 0200 on 4 May with a new effusive phase; by 0510 a lava flow was traveling down the Ceniza drainage, incandescent material rose above the summit, avalanches were continuous, and ash-and-gas plumes drifted SW. At around 0700 weak-to-moderate pyroclastic flows descended the Ceniza and within 1.5 hours pyroclastic flows also descended the Las Lajas. Ashfall was reported on W-flank farms and communities including Finca La Asunción, La Rochela, Panimaché I and II, Morelia, Santa Sofía, as well as others at a greater distance such as San Rafael Sumatán (19 km WSW) and San Pedro Yepocapa. By 1000 moderate-to-strong pyroclastic flows were descending the W-flank Seca and Santa Teresa ravines. Loud rumbling sounds and shock waves were reported by local residents. Ashfall continued in communities near the Ceniza and Las Lajas ravines. Ash plumes rose 2.2 km above summit and drifted more than 50 km W and SW. Activity continued at a high level and as of a special report posted at 1235 ash plumes were still rising more than 2.2 m above the summit. Pyroclastic flows were continuing and had traveled 5-7 km down the Ceniza, Las Lajas, Seca and Santa Teresa (W) drainages; the most intense pyroclastic flow had descended the Ceniza drainage minutes earlier. The ash plumes were identified in satellite images drifting more than 100 km W and SW. Significant ashfall continued in communities downwind and minor ashfall was reported in several municipalities of the department of Suchitepéquez. The last pyroclastic flow descended the Ceniza at 1530. Avalanches continued to be seen and heard descending multiple flanks. Ash deposits up to 2 mm thick were noted on crops, houses, and streets. Activity began to wane at about 1800, though explosions continued to produce ash plumes that rose 1.2 km above the summit. The leading edge of the ash plume was 200 km W and SW of the volcano. According to CONRED, about 1,200 residents were preemptively evacuated from their homes in San Pedro Yepocapa, Chimaltenango (21 km NNE), Panimaché I and II, El Porvenir, and Morelia. According to news articles, a section of the RN-14 highway was closed from kilometer 84 of San Juan Alotenango, Sacatepequez (9 km ENE) to kilometer 95 in Escuintla due to the pyroclastic flows. An estimated 130,000 people lived within areas exposed to ashfall. Activity during the morning of 5 May was characterized by some weak-to-moderate explosions, ash plumes that rose 850 m above the summit, crater incandescence, and ash in the air in communities around the Ceniza, Seca, and Las Lajas drainages. Ashfall continued to impact agriculture and infrastructure in Panimaché I, Morelia, Santa Sofía, La Rochela, Los Yucales, El Porvenir, Ceylon, Finca Asunción (12 km SW), Yepocapa, Santa Lucía Cotzumalguapa (22 km SW), Siquinalá (21 km SSW), and other nearby communities. By 1230 data from seismic and infrasound monitoring networks, webcam images, satellite data, and reports from observers in the field all indicated that activity had returned to normal levels. Weak explosions at a rate of 5-6 per hour produced minor ash plumes that rose as high as 850 m and drifted 30 km W. On 6 May weak explosion generated ash plumes that rose 750 m and drifted 10 km W and SW. The lava flow was no longer incandescent. According to a news report, residents returned to their communities that same day. During 7-9 May weak explosions continued to produce ash plumes that rose as high as 750 m above the summit and drifted W and SW. Minor avalanches descended the Ceniza and crater incandescence was occasionally observed.

Gamalama - Halmahera : PVMBG reported that the number of deep volcanic earthquakes at Gamalama increased during 1-3 May. The seismic network recorded 11 deep volcanic earthquakes on 1 May and 14 on 2 May. During 0000-0900 on 3 May the network recorded five deep volcanic earthquakes, one shallow volcanic earthquake, five events indicating emissions, and one low-frequency earthquake. Diffuse white gas-and-steam plumes rose as high as 100 m; typically, these emissions rose as high as 300 m. PVMBG noted that the most likely hazard would be a phreatic event that could ejected material within the 1.5-km radius, though ash may be carried farther.

Kadovar - Northeast of New Guinea : Based on satellite and wind model data, the Darwin VAAC reported that at 2040 on 6 May a discrete ash plume from Kadovar rose to an altitude of 4.6 km (15,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted W. The plume had dissipated by 2300.

Kanlaon - Philippines : PHIVOLCS issued a special notice for Kanlaon at 2030 on 4 May, noting increased seismicity and ground deformation, and ongoing elevated sulfur dioxide emissions. Ground deformation data from continuous GPS and electronic tilt data indicated short-term inflation of the lower and mid-flanks of the volcano since March, though during the second week of April inflation was pronounced at the SE mid-flank. Real-time, continuous gas monitoring of thermal springs on the N flank detected sulfur dioxide for the first time beginning in April. Sulfur dioxide emissions at the summit crater averaged 632 tonnes per day on 1 May, lower than the average of 1,099 tonnes per day measured the day before, but higher than the average of 124 tonnes per day emitted since March. The seismic network detected 20 shallow volcanic earthquakes (M 1.2-2.4) beneath the summit crater between 2225 on 3 May until 1600 on 4 May.

Katla - Iceland : Iceland Met Office (IMO) reported that an intense seismic swarm began at Katla at 0941 on 4 May with three earthquakes larger than M 4 occurring beneath the caldera within about 10 minutes. The Aviation Color Code was raised to Yellow, the second lowest level on a four-color scale. According to a news article the three largest events were magnitudes 4.8, 4.7, and 4.5, adjusted from previous estimates of 4.5, 4.3, and 4.2. The larger earthquakes were felt in Thórsmörk and by residents in areas S of Mýrdalsjökull glacier (the glacier that covers Katla). The intensity of the events decreased after noon, though smaller earthquakes continued. Seismicity had decreased significantly by the next day with only five events recorded during 0000-0915 on 5 May. In an update posted at 1140 the activity was described as normal. More than 40 earthquakes had been recorded during the previous day and no other data indicated significant changes or anomalies. It was noted that the magnitudes were unusually large and similar to events that last occurred in 2016.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.3 earthquake hits the Sunda Strait, Indonesia.

5.1 earthquake hits the Andaman Islands off India.

5.0 earthquake hits the Sunda Strait, Indonesia.

5.0 earthquake hits the Fox Islands in the Aleutian Islands.

5.0 earthquake hits near the west coast of Honshu, Japan.

5.0 earthquake hits Guam.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

There are no current tropical storm systems.

NewsBytes:

UK - Storms and heavy rain brought flash flooding to parts of England and Wales, United Kingdom, on 09 May 2023. Homes and roads were flooded in Somerset and Devon in the South West. Flooding was also reported in North Wales and parts of South East England. In North Cadbury, Somerset, residents were forced to evacuate after 18 homes in the area were flooded. Seven flood warnings were in place as of 10 May 2023, including for the River Cam, which flows through the village of North Cadbury. Areas of Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Essex and Cambridgeshire in England saw heavy rain as the storms moved east. Some rail services from Cambridge were suspended due to severe weather.

Wildfires

Wildfires - Alberta, Canada

Nearly 30,000 people have been asked to evacuate their homes under siege of dozens of wildfires across the western Canadian province; officials declared a state of emergency on Saturday with more than 110 active wildfires. More than 50 schools were closed on Monday morning, affecting over 50 000 pupils. About 964,000 acres have burnt since wildfires began over a week ago. In northern Alberta, more than 80 homes were destroyed in rural areas including Fox Lake, John D’Or Prairie, and Garden River, and more than 3,700 residents in that area were evacuated.

Wildfires - Russia

The death toll rose to 21 on Tuesday (9 May) in a series of fires raging in Russia’s Urals region some resulting from suspected arson, and medical officials warned the tally was likely to increase, state news agency TASS said.

The emergencies ministry in Kurgan region near the border with Kazakhstan said 46 suspects had been identified and seven criminal cases had been initiated against alleged arsonists. Some of the suspects were minors, it said. The motives of the suspected arsonists were not clear.

Wildfires have long plagued Russia’s forests and steppes during hotter months, but have grown in intensity in recent years. The 2021 fire season was Russia's largest ever, with 18.8 million hectares of forest destroyed, according to Greenpeace Russia. Last year, wildfire smoke blew hundreds of miles to Moscow, choking city residents.

Fires began in late April in the Kurgan and neighboring Tyumen regions. Evacuations of residents are underway and hundreds of homes have been razed, officials said.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.1 earthquake hits Tonga.

5.1 earthquake hits the Batan Islands, Philippines.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

There are no current tropical storm systems.

NewsBytes:

New Zealand - Authorities in Auckland, New Zealand, declared a state of emergency in response to the threat of flooding and landslides caused by very heavy rainfall on 09 May 2023. MetService New Zealand reported rain rates of 40-50mm per hour in areas of Aukland.

Global Warming

Arctic - Frontline of Climate Change

The Arctic is warming nearly four times as fast as global averages, with some locations, such as Svalbard, warming up to seven times faster.

The Arctic Ocean is mostly covered with a layer of sea ice. But as the planet warms, this is declining with about half of the sea-ice area lost since 1981 and predictions of a mostly ice-free Arctic summer by 2050. With less sea ice in summer, more of the ocean’s surface is exposed, turning a reflective, white surface dark and trapping the sun’s heat.

The Arctic is covered with snow for much of the year, but each summer the snowy landscapes turn green for a few short weeks. This is when plants and animals kick into gear to carry out their life cycles. As temperatures increase, tundra ecosystems are in sharp transition. Plants are ‘greening up’ earlier and there has been a marked increase in certain species such as shrubs, the trees of the tundra.

With accelerating warming, the permafrost is starting to thaw and carbon is being released as CO2 or methane, a more potent greenhouse gas. If all of it were released, it would more than double the carbon in the atmosphere.

Disease

Marburg Virus

Equatorial Guinea - Since the declaration of the outbreak on 13 February 2023, a total of 17 laboratory-confirmed cases of MVD and 23 probable cases have been reported as of 1 May. Among laboratory-confirmed cases, 12 deaths were recorded (CFR 75%). For one confirmed case, the outcome of the illness is unknown. All probable cases are dead.

Tanzania - Since the declaration of the MVD outbreak on 21 March 2023, a total of nine cases (eight laboratory-confirmed and one probable case) have been reported as of 30 April 2023. Among the total cases, six deaths were recorded (CFR 66.7%). Among the confirmed cases, three have recovered, and two have been reported among healthcare workers, one of whom died.

Monkeypox - South Korea

The Central Defense Countermeasure Headquarters reported 6 additional confirmed cases (#55~60) after the announcement of a Mpox outbreak on May 3. To date, the cumulative number of confirmed cases in Korea has reached 60.

Dengue Fever - Philippines

The Provincial Health Office (PHO) in Negros Oriental reports a spike in dengue fever cases in 2023 to date. The PHO reports 398 cases, including one death, which is 91 percent increase compared to the 208 cases reported last year during this time. Nationally, the Philippines has reported 32,799 total cases through April 8, a 61 percent increase compared to 2022.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.2 earthquake hits Ecuador

5.2 earthquake hits Luzon in the Philippines.

5.0 earthquake hits south of Fiji.

5.0 earthquake hits the southern east Pacific rise.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

There are no current tropical storm systems.

NewsBytes:

DR Congo - Almost 400 people have now lost their lives after floods and landslides in Kalehe territory of South Kivu Province, DR Congo, on 04 May 2023. Flooding caused widespread destroction in the villages of Bushushu and Nyamukubi in the Kalehe Territory. The villages of Luzira and Chabondo were also affected. As of 06 May, around 1,200 houses were completely destroyed and a further 1,800 damaged, leaving 3,000 households homeless. According to a statament by local officials on 07 May, the death toll had increased to 394.

Environment

Heat Record - South-East Asia

Vietnam has recorded its highest ever temperature, just over 44C (111F) - with experts predicting it would soon be surpassed because of climate change. The record was set in the northern province of Thanh Hoa, where officials warned people to stay indoors during the hottest times of the day.

Other countries in the region have also been experiencing extremely hot weather. Thailand reported a record-equalling 44.6C in its western Mak province. Meanwhile Myanmar's media reported that a town in the east had recorded 43.8C, the highest temperature for a decade. Both countries experience a hot period before the monsoon season but the intensity of the heat has broken previous records.

Disease

Anthrax - India

Health officials in the municipality of Koraput report an anthrax outbreak in the villages of Dasmantpur block in which 12 cases have been reported, according to a New Indian Express report. One person died, while the other 11 are either being treated or already in stabile condition. The patients started showing symptoms of anthrax after consuming cow meat in a feast.

Cholera - DR Congo

A total of 329 new cases of the cholera epidemic including 11 deaths were recorded in two weeks in two health zones including Katuba and Kisanga, towns located west of the city of Lubumbashi in Haut-Katanga.

Dengue Fever - Brazil

The Brazil Ministry of Health reported 82,254 probable cases of dengue through April 2023 in Espírito Santo. This compares 2,844 probable cases reported during the same period in 2022, a nearly 2800 percent increase. In addition to dengue, other arboviruses have seen an increase in the state–There were also 4,492 possible cases of chikungunya, compared to 586 records in the same period last year. As for Zika cases, 3,267 cases were registered in 2023, against 53 in the same period of 2022.

Wildfires

Wildfires - Alberta, Canada

Alberta has declared a state of emergency after wildfires spread across the western Canadian province, driving nearly 25,000 people from their homes. Faced with more than 100 wildfires, Alberta's Premier Danielle Smith called the situation "unprecedented".

Residents of Edson, a town of more than 8,000, were told to leave immediately. A hot, dry spring had created "so much kindling" and some 122,000 hectares (301,000 acres) had burned so far.

Many of the fires are burning out of control, fanned by strong winds. The worst-hit areas include Drayton Valley, about 140km (87 miles) west of the provincial capital Edmonton, and Fox Lake, some 550km north of the city, where 20 homes were consumed by fire.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

There are no current tropical storm systems.

NewsBytes:

DR Congo - The death toll from flash floods and landslides in eastern Congo has risen beyond 200, with many more people still missing, according to local authorities in the province of South Kivu. Several main roads to the affected area have been been made impassable by the rains, hampering the relief efforts.

Disease

Epidemics Decrease in South America

Paraguay - The report from the General Directorate of Health Surveillance indicates that, in the last three weeks of 2023, a total of 5,235 cases of chikungunya, 663 of dengue and none of Zika were registered. According to statements by the health authorities, the chikungunya epidemic is decreasing significantly, while the decrease in dengue is slower, but it continues to decrease.

Argentina - In a follow-up on the dengue outbreak in Argentina, 84,433 cases of dengue were reported in the country, of which 78,725 acquired the infection in Argentina through the end of April, the Ministry of Health reports. Dengue cases have decreased for third consecutive week.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

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

5.4 earthquake hits Antofagasta, Chile.

5.1 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.7 earthquake hits Hokkaido, Japan.

5.6 earthquake hits near the west coast of Honshu, Japan.

5.1 earthquake hits the Flores Sea.

5.0 earthquake hits Chiapas, Mexico.

5.0 earthquake hits the Volcano Islands, Japan.

Storms and Floods

 Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

There are no current tropical storm systems.

NewsBytes:

DR Congo - The government of the province of South Kivu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) reports catastrophic flooding has caused widespread damage and loss of life in the province over the last few days. Media reports suggest between 60 and 70 bodies have been recovered, with many more feared dead. In a statement, the provincial government said heavy rains on 04 May 2023 caused several rivers including the Cibira/Cabondo and Nyamukubi to overflow, flooding villages including Bushushu and Nyamukubi in the Kalehe Territory. The town of Kalehe sits on the shore of Lake Kivu, around 50 km (30 miles) across the lake from the Western Province of Rwanda where over 100 people have died in floods and landslides over the last few days.

Wildlife

 Freshwater Turtle Doomed to Extinction

The largest freshwater turtle species is doomed to extinction after the last female washes up dead. The known population of the Yangtze giant softshell turtle is now just two males. Experts said that if the female had survived, she could have “laid a hundred eggs or more a year.”

Twilight Zone Fish Washes Up on Oregon Coast

Oregon State Parks said several lancetfish have washed up on beaches in recent weeks in a highly unusual spate of strandings. Bizarre, rarely seen cannibalistic fish with giant eyes and dagger-like fangs have been washing up along the Oregon coast, leaving experts stumped. Longnose lancetfish (Alepisaurus ferox) normally live in tropical and subtropical waters. While they can be found in shallow waters, their preferred habitat is the twilight zone — around 650 to 3,300 feet (200 to 1,000 meters) beneath the ocean surface. One of the lancetfish recently found in Oregon was still alive when it washed up and was helped back into the ocean and it was able to swim off, Oregon State Parks wrote.

Lancetfish are extremely strange creatures(opens in new tab). They are one of the largest deep-sea fish, growing up to 7 feet (2 m) long, and they have a sail-like fin that extends across almost the entire body. They are hermaphrodites (having both male and female sex organs), they have gelatinous muscles and their bodies are covered in pores. They are also notorious cannibals(opens in new tab), as evidenced by small lancetfish often cropping up in the stomachs of larger ones.

Disease

Covid-19

The World Health Organization no longer considers COVID-19 a public health emergency of international concern and has brought an end to an emergency declaration that has been in place since January 2020.

Lassa fever - Ghana

Health Service announced this week the end of the Lassa fever outbreak which began in February. On Friday, 24 February 2023, the Greater Accra Regional Health Directorate was notified of two confirmed cases of Lassa fever at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra. No new case has been recorded since the 1st of March, 2023. A total of 27 confirmed cases of Lassa fever and one death (CFR: 3 %) were reported.

Leptospirosis - Philippines

Health officials in the Philippines reports a 135 percent increase in leptospirosis cases year to date, according to the latest data from the Epidemiology Bureau. From January 1 to April 8, 1,152 leptospirosis cases have been reported nationally, up from 490 cases during the same period last year. 15 of the country’s 17 regions. More than 100 deaths have been recorded.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

6.3 earthquake hits near the west coast of Honshu, Japan.

5.2 earthquake hits Tonga.

5.2 earthquake hits off the east coast of North Island, New Zealand.

5.1 earthquake hits the Solomon Islands.

5.0 earthquake hits Tonga.

5.0 earthquake hits Guam.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

There are no current tropical storm systems.

NewsBytes:

Canada - A "rapid transition'' into spring with a week of record-setting temperatures has accelerated mountain snowmelt, a provincial forecaster said, leading to flooding and mudslides throughout British Columbia's central and southern Interior. Flood warnings, lower-level flood watches or high streamflow advisories cover much of the province's southern and central Interior. The B.C. government has said conditions in areas that are currently flooding, including Cache Creek and the Okanagan Indian Band territory, were expected to deteriorate, while "moderate flooding'' was likely in Grand Forks starting Friday.

Wildlife

Whales in Difficulty

Just 100 years ago the southern right whale was on the path to extinction. It was the favoured species for whalers who gave it its name by referring to the docile animal as the right whale to hunt. By 1920 there were believed to be just 200 individuals left. With the banning of whaling the species has been able to make a comeback. For several decades the southern right’s birth rate has been riding at about 7%, but over the past decade it has dropped to 6.5%.

The females were on a three-year cycle, so every three years they would have a baby, but then in the last decade we have been seeing that females are taking longer to give birth. They are giving birth every four to five years. It has also been observed how right whales have lost body mass.

It is believed that krill, which forms a major proportion of their diet, have changed distribution due to climate change resulting in less available food for the whales. This is forcing the whales to also change their traditional feeding patterns with a nett decrease in the available food supply causing stress in the magnificent mammals.

Wolf Summit

A German “wolf summit” convened in the state of Bavaria to allow farmers, conservationists and politicians to discuss the future of the animal amid worries that the canine’s population is becoming too large. Wolves are strictly protected in the European Union, but farmers want permission to shoot them following a series of recent deadly attacks on livestock.

After being nearly extinct at the end of the 19th century, German wolf numbers have grown to at least 160 packs of eight to 12 animals each, thanks to the EU protections since 1990. After the summit, Bavaria’s Minister-President Markus Söder said wolves can now be “removed” if they attack even once.

Space Events

Eta Aquarid Meteor Shower

The Eta Aquarid meteor shower will peak this weekend, and it could be a great show for skywatchers who are in the right place at the right time. The annual display of "shooting stars" (which are actually tiny meteors burning up in Earth's atmosphere) will peak overnight on May 5 and 6, which coincides with the night of May's full Flower Moon. Sadly, that will make it more difficult to see anything other than the brightest meteors.

However, NASA is predicting a "significant outburst," which could produce double the usual number of shooting stars' each hour.

Environment

Light Pollution

The expansion of light pollution across the world’s landscapes could be disrupting the winter dormancy period for mosquitoes and extending the insects’ “biting season.”

Researchers from Ohio State University say exposure to artificial light may delay the insects’ dormancy period, causing them to bite humans and animals later into the fall. “This could be bad for mammals in the short term because mosquitoes are potentially biting us later in the season,” said lead researcher Matthew Wolkoff. But he adds it could also keep the insects from preparing for winter dormancy, reducing their survival rate.

Environment

Global Temperature Extremes

The week's hottest temperature was 115.0 degrees Fahrenheit (46 degrees Celsius) in Podor, Senegal.

The week's coldest temperature was minus 103.0 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 75 degrees Celsius) at Vostok, Antarctica.

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

Wildfires

Wildfires - Canada

A First Nation in northern Alberta was evacuated starting Wednesday night as it was threatened by a wildfire burning out of control nearly 800 kilometers north of Edmonton. The fire, located near Fox Lake, was nearly 4,400 hectares in size as of Thursday, according to Alberta Wildfire. About 3,700 people living in Fox Lake are now under a mandatory evacuation order.

Disease

Rabies - South Africa

In a follow-up on the human rabies situation in South Africa in 2023, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) reports three cases of human rabies were confirmed from KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and Eastern Cape (EC) provinces collectively from March 25 to April 24, 2023. This brings the total cases in 2023 to date to five confirmed.

Measles - Ethiopia

The World Health Organization reports the annual number of confirmed measles cases in Ethiopia has increased significantly since 2021. Between 12 August 2021 and 1 May 2023, 16,814 laboratory-confirmed measles cases and 182 deaths – with a Case Fatality Ratio (CFR) of 1.1% – have been reported nationally.

Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity - Ongoing Activity for the week of 26 April - 2 May 2023

Aira - Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported ongoing eruptive activity at Minamidake Crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) during 24 April-2 May, with crater incandescence visible nightly. Very small eruptive events occasionally occurred during the week. On 28 April sulfur dioxide emissions were somewhat high at 1,800 tons per day. An explosion at 0422 on 2 May ejected large blocks 500-700 m from the crater and generated an ash plume that rose 1.8 km above the crater rim and drifted SW.

Cotopaxi - Ecuador : IG reported ongoing moderate eruptive activity at Cotopaxi during 26 April-2 May. Cloudy weather sometimes prevented webcam and satellite views, but emissions of steam-and-ash were visible on most days. On 26 April a gas plume with minor amounts of ash rose 500 m above the crater rim and drifted E. On 28 April an ash plume rose 800 m and drifted SE and W; ashfall was reported in the S part of Parque Nacional Cotopaxi. Gas-and-ash plumes rose 800 m and drifted W on 29 April, and two ash emissions rose 200-800 m and drifted SW and W on 30 April. At 0130 on 1 May the seismic network began recording a high-frequency signal that corresponded to the descent of a very small secondary lahar that remained within the bounds of Parque Nacional Cotopaxi. Gas-and-ash emissions rose 300 m and drifted W during 1-2 May.

Ebeko - Paramushir Island (Russia) : KVERT reported that moderate activity at Ebeko was ongoing during 20-27 April and a thermal anomaly was identified in satellite images on 20 and 26 April. According to volcanologists in Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island, about 7 km E) and satellite data explosions during 22 and 25-26 April generated ash plumes that rose as high as 3.5 km (11,500 ft) a.s.l. and drifted E.

Fuego - South-Central Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that a range of 5-14 weak and moderate explosions per hour were recorded at Fuego during 26 April-2 May. The explosions generated ash plumes, weak to moderate rumbling sounds, and shockwaves that vibrated the roofs and windows of nearby houses. Ash plumes rose 1.1 km above the crater and sometimes dispersed as far as 15 km S, SW, SE, and W. Ash fall was reported in Panimaché I and II (8 km SW), Morelia (9 km SW), Santa Sofía (12 km SW), El Porvenir (11 km SW), Finca La Asunción, La Rochela (8 km SSW), Finca Ceilán (9 km S), and San Andres Osuna. Incandescent material was ejected as high as 350 m above the crater almost daily. Weak and moderate avalanches descended multiple drainages including the Seca (W), Ceniza (SSW), Taniluyá (SW), Trinidad (S), Las Lajas (SE), Santa Teresa (ESE), and Honda (SE); sometimes reaching the edges of vegetation. In the evening on 27 April a weak-to-moderate lahar descended the Ceniza, a tributary of the Achiguate River, and consisted of fine-grain, hot material, branches, tree trunks, and blocks that ranged from 30 cm to 1.5 m in diameter.

Great Sitkin - Andreanof Islands (USA) : AVO reported that lava continued to slowly erupt at the summit of Great Sitkin during 26 April-2 May. Weather clouds obscured satellite and webcam views during most of the week. Seismicity was low, and during 27-28 April only a few small events were detected. Satellite data last acquired up to 24 April showed that the thick lava continued to expand toward the E and remained confined to the summit crater.

Lewotolok - Lembata Island : PVMBG reported that the eruption at Lewotolok was ongoing during 26 April-2 May. Almost daily white-and-gray plumes rose as high as 500 m above the summit and drifted NW, W, and SW. White gas-and-steam plumes rose 300 m and drifted SW on 28 April. Crater incandescence was visible in webcam images posted with the 27 April report.

Merapi - Central Java : BPPTKG reported that the eruption at Merapi (on Java) continued during 21-27 April and seismicity remained at elevated levels. The SW lava dome produced 148 lava avalanches that traveled as far as 2 km down the SW flank (upstream in the Bebeng and Boyong drainages). Morphological changes to the SW lava dome were evident in webcam images due to continuing collapses of material.

Popocatepetl - Mexico : CENAPRED reported that there were 65-288 daily steam-and-gas emissions, sometimes containing ash, and daily explosions at Popocatépetl during 26 April-2 May. Ash-and-gas plumes drifted ENE. On most days webcam images showed nighttime incandescence in the crater and from material that had been deposited on the upper flanks. A moderate explosion at 0109 on 26 April ejected material that landed on the N flank as far as 1 km from the crater rim. A minor explosion was recorded later that day at 1817. A moderate explosion at 0116 on 27 April ejected incandescent material onto the upper flanks. Another moderate explosion was recorded at 1147 and minor explosions were recorded at 0348, 0606, 0857, and 1059. Minor explosions continued to be detected during the rest of the week: at 0857 and 1750 on 28 April, 0150 and 2350 on 29 April, at 2205, 2220, 2256, and 2345 on 30 April, and at 0000, 0130, 0356, 0454, and 0506 on 1 May. A moderate explosion occurred at 1249 on 30 April. On 2 May minor explosions occurred at 0335 and 0942. According to the Washington VAAC ash plumes were identified in satellite images daily rising 5.8-7.3 km (19,000-24,000 ft) a.s.l. (0.4-1.9 km above the crater rim) and drifting NE, E, and SE.

Ruapehu - North Island (New Zealand) : On 3 May GeoNet reported that temperatures in Ruapehu’s cater lake had declined from 32 to 21 degrees Celsius since January, and other monitoring parameters indicated that volcanic unrest remained low. Weak volcanic tremor persisted and very few earthquakes were located beneath the volcano. Gas emissions were at low-to-moderate levels during the previous three months, and only minor changes to the lake water chemistry were identified over the past several months and most recently on 6 April.

Sangay - Ecuador : IG reported a high level of activity at Sangay during 25 April-2 May. Gas, steam, and ash plumes were occasionally observed in IG webcam images or described in Washington VAAC volcanic activity notifications, though weather clouds prevented observations on most days. On 25 April an ash-and-gas plume rose as high as 6 km above the crater rim and drifted SW. That same day notifications issued by the Washington VAAC indicated that ash plumes rose to 4.7 km (22,000 ft) a.s.l. (1.4 km above the crater rim) and drifted E, SE, SW, and W. IG noted that minor amounts of ash fell in the Province of Chimborazo in the Matriz and Juan de Velasco parishes, and in the Guamote canton. The VAAC reported that ash plumes rose as high as 1.4 km above the crater rim and drifted in multiple directions during 26-27 and 29 April. IG noted that a minor ash plume was visible in satellite images drifting W on 28 April. On 1 May an ash plume rose 1 km above the crater rim and drifted W.

Santa Maria - Southwestern Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that the eruption at Santa María’s Santiaguito lava-dome complex continued during 26 April-2 May. Effusion from the Caliente dome complex fed lava flows that descended the San Isidro and Zanjón Seco drainages on the W and SW flanks; the main lava flow was 4.3 km long and remained active. Daily weak-to-moderate explosions generated ash-and-steam plumes that rose as high as 1 km above the dome and drifted W and SW. The explosions were also accompanied by block-and-ash flows that descended multiple flanks of the dome. Avalanches of material were also generated from the lava-flow front and margins. During 28-29 April quiet rumbling sounds were barely heard on nearby farms. Incandescence from the dome and the lava flows was visible nightly. On 28 April a lahar descended the Cabello de Angel River, a tributary of the Nimá I and Samalá rivers, on the E flank and was registered by the nearby seismic stations. The lahar consisted of volcanic material, water, volcanic blocks up to 1 m in diameter, and tree trunks and branches. On 30 April at 0920 a moderate explosion generated a pyroclastic flow that traveled 5 km SW and produced an ash cloud that rose 100 m along the flow. Seismic data confirmed that the event lasted 40 minutes.

Semeru - Eastern Java : PVMBG reported that the eruption at Semeru continued during 26 April-2 May and frequent Volcano Observatory Notices for Aviation (VONAs) describing ash emissions were issued through the week. On 28 April at 0739, 0822, and 2035 dense white-and-gray or gray-to-brown ash plumes rose 500-1,000 m above the summit and drifted S and SW. On 29 April at 0551 and 0734 dense white-and-gray ash plumes rose 800-1,000 m and drifted S. At 0624 and 0738 on 30 April white-and-gray ash plumes of variable densities rose 500-800 m and drifted NE. At 0611 on 1 May a dense white-and-gray ash plume rose 700 m and drifted S and SW, and at 0705 on 2 May a dense white-and-gray ash plume rose 500 m and drifted N.

Semisopochnoi - Aleutian Islands (USA) : AVO reported that low-level unrest continued at Semisopochnoi during 26 April-2 May. Seismicity was at low levels, and a few small local earthquakes were recorded during 28-29 April. Daily minor steam emissions were seen rising from Mount Young, though cloudy weather sometimes prevented webcam and satellite views. Ash deposits near the crater rim were visible during 27-28 April, though it was unclear if they were recent.

Stromboli - Aeolian Islands (Italy) : INGV reported ongoing Strombolian activity at Stromboli during 24-30 April. Activity was centered at two vents (one each at craters N1 and N2) in Area N, within the upper part of the Sciara del Fuoco, and from three vents in the Area C-S (South-Central Crater area) in the crater terrace area. Explosions at two vents in the N1 crater and one vent in the N2 crater in Area N were low to medium intensity and ejected coarse material (bombs and lapilli), sometimes mixed with ash, 80-150 m high at a rate of 3-8 explosions per hour. Explosions at the three vents in sector S2 (Area C-S) ejected ash sometimes mixed with coarse material at an average rate of 4-7 explosions per hour. Sectors C and S1 in Area C-S did not show significant activity. Although thermal activity was generally low and the summit was often clouded by weather, a thermal anomaly was detected at 0150 on 29 April.

Suwanosejima - Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : JMA reported that the eruption at Suwanosejima's Ontake Crater continued during 24 April-1 May. No explosions were recorded, but eruptive activity produced periodic ash plumes, and during 28 April-1 May blocks were ejected as far as 200 m from the vent. On 28 April at 0643 an ash-and-gas plume rose 1.5 km above the crater rim and drifted NW.

Yasur - Vanuatu : On 27 April the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department (VMGD) reported that activity at Yasur continued at a high level of “major unrest,” as defined by the Alert Level 2 status (the middle level on a scale of 0-4). Recent observations confirmed that low-to-moderate explosions continued, ejecting bombs that landed back into the crater and producing gas-and-ash emissions. The larger explosions occasionally ejected material outside of the crater.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.6 earthquake hits Luzon in the Philippines.

5.2 earthquake hits the southern east Pacific rise.

5.0 earthquake hits south of the Kermedec Islands.

5.0 earthquake hits the Sichuan-Guizhou border, China.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

There are no current tropical storm systems.

NewsBytes:

Italy - At least 2 fatalities have been reported as a result of the continuing severe flooding and landslides in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. Levels of the Lamone River jumped by over 10 metres in less than 24 hours. Areas of Bologna Province recorded more than 190 mm of rain in 24 hours.

Rwanda - The death toll continues to rise after catastrophic flooding and landslides that occurred in Rwanda from 02 to 03 May 2023. Hundreds of families have been displaced from their homes. Search and rescue operations are continuing in affected areas. The president confirmed that landslides and floods caused by heavy rains affected different parts of the Western, Northern, and Southern Provinces of the country. He also confirmed that, as of 03 May, 127 people had lost their lives.

Global Warming

Heat Equivalent

Global warming has added the energy equivalent to 25 billion nuclear bombs to the Earth system in 50 years, scientists have found. Almost all of this heat – 89% – is stored in the ocean, compared to around 6% on land and 1% in the atmosphere, their research shows.

Much of the 'excess heat' stored in the North Atlantic is in the deep ocean, at depths of below 2,300 feet, research showed last year. The study found that in the sub-tropical North Atlantic, 62% of the warming from 1850 to 2018 is held in the deep ocean.

But reversing ocean warming may be difficult and time-consuming, the study warns. Reversing global warming entirely may not be feasible. Just to stop temperatures going any higher means correcting the imbalance and bringing CO2 levels down towards the pre-industrial level of 280 parts per million.

The energy dense fuels which made industrial civilisation possible come with an enormous sting in the tail. Burn now, pay later. Now the bill has become apparent.

Disease

Fentanyl Overdoses - USA

The rate of drug overdose deaths involving the synthetic opioid fentanyl increased by 279% in the U.S. between 2016 and 2021, according to newly released data.

Overall, the rate increased from 5.7 deaths per 100,000 people in 2016 to 21.6 deaths per 100,000 people in 2021, according to the report, which was released Wednesday (May 3) by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics. In 2021, the fentanyl overdose death rates were highest among those 35 to 44 years old (43.5 per 100,000), followed by those 25 to 34 years old (40.8 per 100,000).

Fentanyl is commonly mixed with other drugs, such as heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine, the CDC notes(opens in new tab), so the opioid is also often implicated in overdoses attributed to other substances.

Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity - New Activity for the week of 26 April - 2 May 2023

Ambae - Vanuatu : On 27 April the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department (VMGD) reported that the cone in Ambae’s Lake Voui continued to produce emissions consisting of steam, volcanic gases, and ash. Volcanic earthquakes were recorded by the seismic network. Activity intensified during 5-7 April and was characterized by higher steam, gas, and ash plumes and nighttime incandescence from the growing cone. Lava flows from the vent traveled N into a small water lake, filling it in.

Barren Island - Andaman Islands (India) : The Darwin VAAC reported that continuous ash plumes from Barren Island were identified in satellite images during 0620-1250 on 1 May rising to 4.6 km (15,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifting NW.

Bezymianny - Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that the ongoing eruption at Bezymianny was characterized by gas-and-steam emissions, occasional collapses at the lava dome, and hot avalanches during 20-27 April. A daily thermal anomaly was identified in satellite images.

Kanlaon - Philippines : PHIVOLCS issued a special notice for Kanlaon at 0700 on 1 May, noting increased sulfur dioxide emissions. Real-time, continuous volcanic gas monitoring of thermal springs on the N flank detected sulfur dioxide for the first time beginning in April. On 30 April a Flyspec instrument measured an average of 1,099 tonnes per day of sulfur dioxide emissions at the summit crater, a value which was significantly higher than the average of 124 tonnes per day measured since March. During the month of April, the seismic network recorded 141 volcanic earthquakes, an average of five per day, at shallow depths less than 10 km in the N and W parts of the volcano. Ground deformation data from continuous GPS and electronic tilt data indicated short-term inflation of the lower and mid-flanks of the volcano since March.

Rincon de la Vieja - Costa Rica : OVSICORI-UNA reported that phreatic eruptions continued to periodically occur at Rincón de la Vieja during 26 April-1 May. Near-continuous and intense tremor continued along with a few low-frequency, tornillo-type earthquakes and volcanic-tectonic earthquakes. Phreatic events at 0453, 0523, and 0545 on 26 April generated gas-and-steam plumes, and an event at 0528 on 27 April produced a gas-and-steam plume that rose 800 m above the crater rim. Several phreatic events occurred during 27-28 April and generated gas-and-steam emissions that generally rose no higher than 200 m above the crater rim. A small event at 1030 on 30 April produced a gas-and-steam plume that rose 500 m. A gas-and-steam plume from a moderate phreatic eruption at 1306 on 1 May rose 1 km above the crater rim and was seen by residents N of the volcano and in images from webcams located in Sensoria and Gavilan. A small event was recorded later that day at 2032. Field observations found that the larger eruption on 21 April ejected tephra up to 3 km around the crater, mainly to the N and S. An analysis of ash deposits under a microscope revealed gray and dark metallic, sulfur-rich spheres characteristic of the hydrothermal system as well as juvenile volcanic glass. Ballistics up to 15 cm in diameter were found around the crater.

Sheveluch - Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that the ongoing eruption at Sheveluch was generally characterized by occasional explosions, continuing lava-dome growth, incandescence, and strong fumarolic activity during 20-27 April. Gas-and-steam emissions obscured the volcano during 20-23 April. A thermal anomaly was identified in satellite images during 24-27 April. A photograph taken on 29 April by the Kamchatka Volcanological Station showed a lava dome which was higher than the crater rim.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.6 earthquake hits New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.

5.4 earthquake hits Samoa.

5.4 earthquake hits Panama.

5.3 earthquake hits the Hindu just, Afghanistan.

5.2 earthquake hits Yunnan, China.

5.2 earthquake hits Vanuatu.

5.2 earthquake hits Kepulauan Talaud, Indonesia.

5.0 earthquake hits Seram, Indonesia.

5.0 earthquake hits near the coast of Southern Peru.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

There are no current tropical storm systems.

NewsBytes:

Italy - Firefighters in Italy have carried out dozens of rescues and evacuations after flooding and landslides in areas of the Emilia Romagna region. On 03 May 2023, Vigili del Fuoco, the fire and rescue department in Italy, reported 400 interventions due to flooding and landslides in the Emilia Romagna region in the north of the country. News agency ANSA reported over 250 people have evacuated their homes in affected areas, including in Faenza in the province of Ravenna after an embankment along the Lamone River failed. Homes were also evacuated after flooding in the Monzuno and Castel San Pietro communes in the Metropolitan City of Bologna. Twelve residents of homes in the Dovadola comune in the Province of Forlì-Cesena were evacuated as a precaution due to a landslide.

Rwanda - Dozens of people have lost their lives after heavy rain, floods and landslides in the Western and Northern provinces of Rwanda over the last few days. As of 03 May 2023, 95 people have died in Western Province and 14 in Northern Province. Heavy rain triggered flash flooding and landslides from 02 to 03 May 2023. François Habitegeko, governor of the Western Province, told Reuters that the hardest-hit districts were Ngororero, Rubavu, Nyabihu, Rutsiro and Karongi. According to the governor, 14 people have died in Karongi, 26 in Rutsiro, 18 in Rubavu, 19 in Nyabihu and 18 in Ngororero. The governor reported several people have been injured and more are feared missing after houses collapsed.

Tahiti - A low pressure system off the south-west of Tahiti brought the worst rains in almost twenty years causing flash floods which washed cars into the Teahupoo surf. French Polynesia is also being battered by 8-9 metre swells which exacerbated the flooding. All marine and water related activities are forbidden for most of the territory including going to the beach.

Wildfires

Wildfires - Laos

Forest fires in northern Laos have burned up to half of forested land in some areas as wildfires spread in parched, hard-to-reach hilly areas due to a lack of modern firefighting equipment, authorities said. Fires fanned by drier-than-usual weather in Luang Prabang, Xayabury and Oudomxay provinces have been burning for weeks, causing respiratory problems and some of the region’s worst smog in years. Many of the fires began as controlled burns started by farmers using slash-and-burn agriculture techniques to clear land for the beginning of planting season in May.

Two resorts and a privately owned nature reserve in Luang Prabang in northern Laos suffered substantial damage from bushfires last week, illustrating the threat to life and property during the annual slash and burn season that decimates forests in the Mekong Region.

Disease

Dengue Fever - Brazil

The new epidemiological bulletin from the Paraná State Department of Health (Sesa) released today confirms 6,889 new cases and six deaths from dengue compared to the previous week’s report. To date, Paraná has registered a total of 35,433 confirmed cases and 21 deaths.

Diphtheria - Philippines

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a travel notice for the Philippines yesterday due to increased number of diphtheria cases reported in several regions of the country. During the first three months of 2023, Philippines health officials reported 32 diphtheria cases, a 700 percent increase compared to the four cases reported during the same period in 2022

Measles - Kyrgyzstan

Health officials now reports 265 cases through the end of April. The bulk of the cases come out of Osh and the Osh region with more than 200 cases. Dozens of measles cases are also reported in the Batken region, the Chui region and the Jalal-Abad region.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.2 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.

5.1 earthquake hits south of Fiji.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

There are no current tropical storm systems.

Although the Atlantic hurricane season doesn't formally begin until June 1, recent history has shown the tropics can begin to awaken in May. Meanwhile, the Eastern Pacific hurricane season is just two weeks away with an official start date of May 15. The Eastern Pacific has an earlier start to hurricane season because sea-surface temperatures in that ocean basin tend to be warmer than the Atlantic's waters this early in the year, providing just enough heat to fuel any tropical storms and hurricanes that are able to develop.

NewsBytes:

Canada - Two firefighters are missing and around 1,000 people are stranded after floods in the Charlevoix region of Quebec Province, Canada. Intense rainfall caused the Rivière du Gouffre to break its banks, flooding roads and damaging bridges. Around 1,000 residents in areas of the Baie Saint-Paul community have been left isolated as a result. Some have been forced to evacuate their homes. Videos on social media showed motorhomes from a nearby campsite being dragged away by the raging river and crashing into a bridge near the town.

Uganda - Heavy rain had triggered flooding and landslides in 3 districts of Uganda since 24 April 2023. Homes have been destroyed and at least 6 people have died, with 3 others reported missing. Uganda Red Cross and local media reported heavy rain caused flooding and landslides in Kasese, Mbale and Rukungiri districts. On 24 April one person died and 3 were reported missing after flooding from the overflowing Muhokya River in Muhokya Sub-county in Kasese District. The Kyanzutsu and Nyamwamba rivers also broke their banks around this time, damaging homes in Mahango and Kyanjuki. Uganda Red Cross reported 1 person died and 2 were injured after a landslide in Bughendero in Buhurira Sub-county in Kasese District on 01 May 2023. A home was severely damaged or destroyed and 7 family members were displaced. In Mbale District, one person died and several homes were damaged after floods in Bushikori parish on 26 April 2023. In Rukungiri District, 3 people died after flooding from the Rushaya River in Bwambara Sub-county on 29 April, according to local media reports. Around 7 others were also swept away by the floods but managed to survive.

Kenya - Floods continue to cause hardship for communities in Kenya, where authorities report flooding has impacted around 5,000 families in the west and northeast of the country over the last week. In recent days flooding has impacted areas of Mandera County in the northeast of the country, close to the border with Somalia. Kenya Red Cross reported over 2,000 families were impacted after flooding began around 21 April. At the beginning of April, flooding cut roads in areas around Kutulo. Heavy rain since 23 April has caused several rivers to overflow in Kisumu County in the west of Kenya. On 24 April heavy rain caused the Maenya River to break its banks, flooding areas of Kolwa Central and displacing over 600 families. Local government and media later reported other areas were affected in Kisumu West and Kisumu East, with a total of 725 families displaced.

Wildlife

Rare Orca Attack

A pod of about 30 orcas attacked and "badly wounded" two adult gray whales off the coast of California, according to drone footage. The video shows a pod of orcas attacking two adult gray whales in California's Monterey Bay, in a rare case of predation. The attacked whales split up and eventually made it to safety in shallower waters after a 6-hour melee.

Orcas (Orcinus orca), also known as killer whales, are the only major predators(opens in new tab) of gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus). But killer whales usually hunt calves rather than adults, opting to "take advantage" of calves that migrate up the coast with their mothers in the first year of their lives. And even going after a young whale is no easy feat as the pod must still contend with its protective mother.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.5 earthquake hits the Ryukyu Islands, Japan.

5.2 earthquake hits northern Peru.

5.2 earthquake hits the Ryukyu Islands, Japan.

Two 5.1 earthquakes hit the Ryukyu Islands, Japan.

5.1 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.

Two 5.0 earthquakes hit the Ryukyu Islands, Japan.

Two 5.0 earthquakes hit eastern New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.

5.0 earthquake hits the Molucca Sea.

5.0 earthquake hits southern Italy.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

There are no current tropical storm systems.

NewsBytes:

Pakistan/Iran Border - Five people died on Sunday due to rains and floods in different areas of Balochistan. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) officials said that several slum houses were damaged in Chagai and Panjgur, while Bolan Panjra Bridge and Sonari Bridge were partially vanished by Kohlu floodwaters due to recent heavy rains. Two people were killed in Khuzdar, and one each in Machh, Lasbela and Ketch in rain-related incidents. Traffic was suspended in Bolan area when alternate route of Panjara bridge was washed away. The Quetta-Karachi Highway near Lasbela was also washed away in the flood torrents. The alternative route of traffic to Karachi was affected while the Quetta-Sabi Highway was closed for all types of traffic. According to officials, after heavy rains and hailstorm in Pakistan-Afghan and Pakistan-Iran border areas of Balochistan, damages were reported in many areas including Kech, Turbat, Mand and Balu.

Florida, USA - EF-2 tornado flips cars, leaves damage trail in South Florida as storms race across Sunshine State on Saturday. The first round of storms triggered severe weather warnings and produced an EF-2 tornado packing 130-mph winds in northern Palm Beach County on Saturday. The second round prompted a Tornado Watch for more than 16 million people across the Florida Peninsula and the Keys on Sunday morning. The storms brought heavy rain and hail to many areas.

Wildfires

Wildfires - BC, Canada

Two B.C. wildfires have officials concerned leading to three evacuation alerts.

The Thompson-Nicola Regional District has issued an evacuation alert due to the Lost Valley Wildfire, which is burning roughly southeast of 100 Mile House.

In the Cariboo region, two evacuation alerts have been issued for the Dripping Water Wildfire, which is also burning out of control. As of 12:20 p.m. Sunday, the fire is an estimated 209 hectares. The Cariboo Regional District issued an evacuation alert for more than 12,500 hectares for 46 parcels in the Dripping Water Area.