Earthquakes

5.4 Earthquake hits southern Taiwan.

5.2 Earthquake hits central Peru.

5.1 Earthquake hits Guatemala.

5.0 Earthquake hits the southern Indian Ocean.

Environment

Jakarta sinking as water supplies dry up

Experts in Indonesia are preparing to build a huge wall to stop the ocean from swamping parts of Jakarta. Some suburbs in the capital already go underwater when there is a big tide but the problem is expected to get even worse.

Jakarta is sinking by up to 10 centimetres a year and Indonesia's national disaster centre says with oceans rising, large parts of the city, including the airport, will be inundated by 2030. Flooding and high tides are already causing problems for some residents in the city of 10 million people.

Storms and Floods

Landslide in Colombia

Bodies of five victims have been discovered. At least 20 people are still expected to be buried under the debris. Seven people were injured and a number of vehicles buried in mud.

Landslide occurred road between the cities of Neiva and San Vicente del Caguán to the south-west of the capital of Colombia.

Tropical Cyclone Freda located approximately 465 nm northwest of Noumea, New Caledonia.

Snowstorm in Boston, United States

Snow emergency declared in parts of Massachusetts, Boston.

A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for most of eastern Massachusetts.

Flooding in central Greece

One person reported to be killed in rainstorm in Vathylakos of Karditsa in central Greece.

Due to overflow of Sperchios river, over 4 million square meters have flooded near Lamia, in central Greece.

Around 200 roma people are living in evacuation center.

A river has also overflown at Kalamos, north of Athens.

A state of calamity has been declared in 11 towns of Capiz, in the Philippines that suffered from flooding due to Typhoon Quinta.

Calamity declared towns are Panay, Pontevedra, Panitan, Maayon, Sigma, Mambusao, Dumarao, Dumalag, Tapaz, Cuartero and Dao.

Earthquakes

5.8 Earthquake hits Hindu Kush, Afghanistan.

5.4 and 5.2 Earthquakes hit near the east coast of Honshu, Japan.

5.2 Earthquake hits offshore Chiapas, Mexico.

5.2 Earthquake hits the Scotia Sea, near Antarctica.

5.1 Earthquake hits the northern Molucca Sea.

5.0 Earthquake hits Java, Indonesia.

4.9 Earthquake hits the Talaud Islands, Indonesia.

Environment

The River Nile at Night

This satellite image of the River Nile in Egypt taken at night shows the extent of human settlement along the life-giving river, with very little settlement away from the water, with further strong areas of brightness around Cairo, along the Suez Canal and Tel Aviv.

Volcanos

Global Volcanic Activity:

Pacaya volcano in Guatemala is waking up. A series of 3 small explosions occurred yesterday morning and generated small ash plumes rising 500 m. The explosions were probably phreatic, but along with the previous explosions 10 days ago they likely indicate that magma has started to rise within the volcano and might reach the surface soon again. Strombolian and/or lava flow effusion activity, Pacaya's typical activity, could thus resume in a relatively short time.

Activity at Fuego volcano has remained essentially unchanged with weak strombolian explosions (11 counted during 28-29 Dec) producing small ash plumes up to about 500 m high, and the continuing lava flow, about 500 m long on the upper southern slope.

The Santiaguito lava dome has been comparably calm with few or no explosive activity reported during the past days.

The number of small explosions and steam-ash emissions from Popocatépetl volcano in Mexico remains at moderate levels (1-2 per hour). Glow from the crater indicates that the slow magma supply to the crater continues.

Activity at at San Cristobal volcano in Nicaragua has calmed down, at least for now. Only few and weak new ash emissions occurred since the afternoon of 28 Dec, and current seismic activity is low.

At nearby Concepcion volcano, an increase in small volcanic quakes can be seen on recent seismograms.

Arenal volcano in Costa Rica showed some elevated internal activity on 29 Dec, but has been calm again today.

Mild ash explosions continues to occur sporadically at Galeras volcano in Colombia, such as recently seen on 29 Dec.

An SO2 plume drifting from Nevado del Ruiz volcano shows ongoing intense degassing. INGEOMINAS reported occasional steam and ash venting. Small earthquakes and occasional low-level volcanic tremor pulses can be seen on the seismic recordings.

Seismic unrest with small deep (12-15 km) quakes continues at Cerro Machin volcano.

In Ecuador, activity at Tungurahua volcano has picked up again. During 29 Dec, 30 explosions over 24 hours of small to moderate size, sometimes accompanied by loud sounds and ejection of incandescent material. Ash plumes were reported reaching 25,000 ft (7.5 km) altitude. Numerous volcanic quakes and tremor pulses accompanied constant gas and ash emissions.

At Reventador volcano, sporadic small explosions and ash emissions continue, but at lower levels than during past months.

Visual and seismic activity have decreased at Copahue volcano in Chile. No more ash emissions or incandescence have been observed since 29 Dec. It is thought that the small eruption that had started on 22 Dec has ended. The small body of lava (a lava dome) that was emplaced inside the crater is now cooling. SERNAGEOMIN has lowered the alert level to yellow.

The lava flows from the southern fissure of Plosky Tolbachik volcano in Kamchatka continue to be alimented and KVERT reports that tremor is still strong (although much less than 1-2 weeks ago). The plume and visible glow from the eruption are smaller as well but still present.

MODIS satellite data continue to show a hot spot at Australia's Heard Island volcano. This indicates that some activity is probably present at this volcano.

Wildfires

Wildfire burns more than 2 000 Ha near Hermanus, Western Cape, South Africa.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Cyclone Freda brought heavy rainfall to the Solomon Islands and is currently churning over the open Coral Sea.

Earthquakes

5.5 and 5.0 Earthquakes hit the Bismarck Sea.

5.5 Earthquake hits Sulawesi, Indonesia.

5.5 Earthquake hits Komandorskiye Ostrove, Russia.

5.1 Earthquake hits eastern Honshu, Japan.

5.1 Earthquake hits offshore Guatemala.

5.0 Earthquake hits the Banda Sea.

Disease

Legionnaires' Disease in Calgary, Canada

As the number of people hospitalized by an outbreak of legionnaires' disease in southwest Calgary has risen to eight, public health officials remain puzzled over the source of the potentially deadly infection.

Transportation

Passenger Aircraft Crash in Moscow

A passenger airliner ran off the runway at Moscow's Vnukovo Airport on Saturday, breaking apart and catching fire. 12 people were aboard the Tu-204 (a twin-engine medium-range jet with a capacity of 210 passengers) and all were rescued but two were in serious condition. Details on the crash were not immediately clear. Initial reports said the plane crashed while attempting to land, but later reports said it had crashed while taking off. Light snow was falling in Moscow at the time. Pictures indicated that the plane's nose, including the cockpit area, appeared sheared off.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Cyclone Mitchell

-TC Mitchell was located 330 nm northwest of Learmonth, Australia.

-Heavy rainfall and coastal flooding is expected in the Pilbara region.

Tropical Cyclone Freda

-TC Freda was located 690 nm northwest of Noumea, New Caledonia.

-Cyclone Freda caused flooding in Solomon Islands. Makira is reported to be hardest hit with rising rivers flooding some areas.

Tropical storm Wukong in Philippines

-The death toll from Tropical Storm Wukong (local name Quinta) in the central Philippines has risen to 11. Three people are still missing.

-Flood displaced more than 28,000 people.

-A state of disaster has been declared in nine towns in Iloilo and Aklan provinces.

Landslide in Marakwet, Kenya

-At least 10 people among them three children are reported to be killed in landslides in Elgeyo Marakwet County of Kenya.

-Heavy rainfall caused mudslides in the area. Rescue efforts are still continuing despite ongoing rain in the affected areas.

Sri Lanka Floods

-Nearly 400,000 Sri lankans are still affected by floods, 40 are confirmed dead and 7 are still missing in Southern, Central, North Central, Uva, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern, Northern and North Western Provinces.

Earthquakes

5.2 Earthquake hits the southern mid-atlantic ridge.

Two 5.1 Earthquakes hit the Kermedec Islands off New Zealand.

4.9 Earthquake hits the Samoa Islands.

Volcanos

Global Volcanic Activity:

Lokon volcano in North Sulawesi has had another explosion yesterday (27th) at 16:50 local time. The ash plume appears to be of considerable height, although Darwin VAAC has not (yet) published a warning.

The eruption of Tungurahua volcano in Ecuador continues at fluctuating, but generally reduced intensity compared to the previous week, but there are still occasional weak to moderate explosions and near constant steam and ash emissions that produce a column rising up to about 2 km above the crater. The current seismic signal shows a moderately strong tremor present.

Ash emissions continue at Nicaragua's San Cristobal volcano. So far, the size of explosions has been small with ash columns of 500-800 m and only light ash fall has occurred in areas mainly to the west and southwest. However, evacuations of people within a 3 km radius around the volcano have started as a precaution. About 1500 farmers living on the slopes of the San Cristobal volcano have refused to leave, despite being ordered to evacuate.

The number of emissions from Popocatépetl volcano in Mexico has dropped again to only about 1-2 per hour, but the type activity, small puffs of steam, gas and sometimes ash, remains essentially unchanged.

Copahue volcano in Chile produced new ash emissions on 27 Dec. Ash clouds at 10,000 ft (3 km) altitude extending about 50 km NE along with strong SO2 emissions were visible on satellite data.

Another small earthquake swarm (smaller than the one end of Oct) has started last night at Mammoth Mountain west in California, west of the Long Valley caldera. Many small quakes have been occurring in an area5 km SW of the mountain at depths around 20 km.

Storms and Floods

Flooding in Baghdad, Iraq

-Four killed in worst flooding in 30 years in Baghdad.

-Several hospitals in the city including Fatima al-Zahra hospital in Sadr City was also flooded.

-Government has declared national holiday today.

-Following Iraqi Meteorological Organization, about 6.75 centimeters (2.56 inches) of rain fell in Baghdad on Wednesday.

Flooding across Malaysia

-Floods triggered by torrential rains in Malaysia killed two people.

-More than 20,000 people are currently living in evacuation centers. -Recent flood in Malaysia is expected to be worst since 1971!

-Floods have affected Terengganu, Kelantan and Pahang area of Malaysia.

-More rain on the Malaysian east coast is forecast over the coming days.

Flooding in Asheville area, United States

-Huge storm caused heavy rainfall and flooding in Asheville area of North Carolina.

-Thousands of residents in Buncombe County and Henderson County are still without power.

-Several roads across the area are also closed because of snow and ice.

Tornadoes across Southern United States

-Death toll from several tornadoes from Texas to Alabama has risen to six.

-More than 243,000 homes and businesses are still without power.

-Another blizzard warning is issued from northeastern Arkansas to Cleveland, Ohio, where almost 14 inches of snow is expected to fall by Thursday.

USA Winter Snowstorm

-A powerful winter storm responsible for wind, snow, tornadoes and a flurry of traffic accidents battered the U.S. Northeast on Thursday, canceling hundreds of airline flights but also reviving what had been a snowless ski season.

-The storm dumped a foot (30 cm) of snow on parts of the United States with the heaviest snow falling across northern New York and into New England, the National Weather Service reported.

-The National Weather Service issued winter storm warnings for parts of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and New England and coastal flood advisories from New York's Long Island to southern Maine.

-Airlines canceled nearly 700 flights on Thursday after 1,500 U.S. flights were canceled on Wednesday, according to FlightAware.com, a website that tracks flights.

Earthquakes

5.3 Earthquake hits Tonga.

5.3 Earthquake hits Bio Bio, Chile.

5.3 Earthquake hits the northern Atlantic Ocean.

5.2 Earthquake hits the Ascension Island region.

5.1 Earthquake hits offshore Maule, Chile.

5.0 Earthquake hits the Nias region, Indonesia.

5.0 Earthquake hits the Pacific-Antarctic ridge.

Wildlife

New Shark Refuge

Sharks now have new refuges totaling 2.5 million square miles in French Polynesia and the Cook Islands where they are safe from fishermen. Up to a third of all shark species face some threat of extinction, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

They are slaughtered around the world for their fins, which are prized in Chinese culture and used to make soup.

Sharks are often caught, their fins sawed off and then discarded still alive only to tumble uncontrollably in the water until they die.

The new refuges established this month are in addition to several others that have recently begun to provide protection for sharks.

Venezuela and the European Union have banned the practice of cutting off shark fins and discarding the body at sea in their territorial waters.

Volcanos

Global Volcanic Activity:

Stromboli volcano has greeted us again with a Christmas present - since the evening of 23 Dec, a lava flow has been issueing, at least intermittently, from the eastern crater area and spreading over the upper part of the Sciara del Fuoco. Activity at the volcano has been elevated since some time.

Etna volcano instead has been rather quiet over the past weeks, but occasional ash emissions from the New SE crater have been observed recently.

Some earthquakes in slightly elevated numbers have reappeared at Santorini volcano. For now, this might mean nothing much unusual, but it is a volcano to be closely watched for obvious reasons.

The number of emissions from Popocatépetl volcano in Mexico has risen again to about 3 per hour, and some of them are moderate in size and produced small ash plumes. Glow from the growing dome inside the crater remains bright at night and a constant emission of steam and gas drifting eastwards is visible, and the latest satellite image shows a significant content of SO2 in the plume.

New ash emissions started at Nicaragua's San Cristobal volcano earlier today, following an impressive increase in seismic activity.

No new explosions have been observed from Pacaya volcano in Guatemala. The only activity at the surface is degassing. Some tremor and volcanic quakes are visible, suggesting new eruptions could occur any time.

Activity at Fuego volcano has remained dominantly effusive. The lava flow on the southern slope has increased its length to 500 m on 24 Dec morning. Mild strombolian activity with infrequent (a few per day) small explosions have continued at the volcano.

Explosive activity has picked up at Santiaguito with a few moderately strong emissions heard and observed during 24-25 Dec. The lava flows from the dome have remained active as well.

Over the past days, Tungurahua volcano in Ecuador has calmed down compared to the previous week. However, the eruption is far from over. Glow at the summit indicates fresh magma continues to rise, and there is still a constant steam and ash column rising about 2 km, along with sporadic weak to moderate explosions.

Ash emissions of low intensity continue as well from time to time at Ecuador's other currently active volcano, Reventador .

The alert level of Copahue volcano in Chile was lowered to orange. Seismicity has remained low and only a few weak emissions were recorded recently. A warning of possible lahars remains in effect for the municipality of Alto Biobío.

The eruption at Plosky Tolbachik volcano in Kamchatka has started to decrease over the past days and it looks as if it might be approaching an end in a near future. However, tremor is still high and some lava flows are still active with reduced output. The thermal anomalies have started to become smaller and also confirm the flash flood of lava to the east reported earlier caused by a spectacular cone collapse on 23 Dec.

After taking a break during 23-25 Dec, Sakurajima volcano in Japan has been quite productive today with at least 3 explosions so far today, including a moderately large one with ash rising to 10,000 ft (3 km) altitude.

In Indonesia, Lokon volcano in North Sulawesi and Paluweh north off Flores remain the most active volcanoes of the country. Lokon continues produce a large steam plume and near-daily ash explosions, sometimes strong ones with ash falls occurring several km away. Paluweh's new lava dome continues to grow, and has likely produced pyroclastic flows to the S and SE, along with ash plumes rising up to 8-9,000 ft (2.4-2.7 km) altitude.

A SO2 plume is visible from Bagana volcano on Bougainville island in Papua New Guinea today, suggesting that the volcano is erupting as well.

Storms and Floods

Five people have died and three are missing after tropical storm Wukong hit the central Philippines.

Heavy monsoon rainfall has caused flooding across Thailand. The floods have displaced tens of thousands of people.

Earthquakes

5.4 Earthquake hits the Izu Islands, off Japan.

5.3 Earthquake hits eastern New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.

5.2 Earthquake hits the Black Sea, offshore Georgia.

5.2 Earthquake hits Fiji.

5.1 Earthquake hits south of Fiji.

5.1 Earthquake hits Pakistan.

4.9 Earthquake hits Taiwan.

Environment

USA at Night

This image of the United States of America at night is a composite assembled from data acquired by the Suomi NPP satellite.

 

Transportation

At least two people have been killed and another 11 injured after a plane was forced to make an emergency landing in Burma.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storm Wukong hits the Philippines

-The eye of the storm Wukong hit on Samar island on Wednesday.

-Flood and landslide warnings are issued across the central and southern Philippines.

-The Philippines is hit by about 20 major storms or typhoons each year.

 

Flood in Malaysia

-More than 10,8000 people displaced due to flood in the east coast of peninsular Malaysia. Recent floods have affected Terengganu, Kelantan and Pahang areas of Malaysia.

-The Kelantan River at the Guillemard Bridge in Tanah Merah, Golok River in Jenob, Tanah Merah and in Rantau Panjang are running above the danger level.

-A total 52 flood relief centres were now open all over Terengganu.

-Flood in Kuantan is expected to be worst since 1971.

 

Winter Storm in USA brings White Christmas - and Tornadoes

-A major winter storm system swept through the southern United States on Tuesday, bringing widespread snowfalls across the Midwest, spawning tornadoes in several states and killing two people in weather-related road accidents.

-A tornado struck Mobile, Alabama, home to about 200,000 people, at about 5 p.m. local time (2300 GMT). There were reports of damage to trees and widespread power outages, along with some structural damage, but no injuries or fatalities.

-Tornadoes also touched down in Mississippi, Texas and Louisiana, flattening houses and causing some injuries, according to the NWS.

Cold wave in Mahottari, Nepal

-Cold wave in Mahottari district of Nepal killed one people.

-People of Dhanusha, Mahottari and other eastern Terai districts of Nepal has been badly affected due to low temperature.

-So far 7 people have died due to bitter cold wave in the district this month.

Heat wave in Buenos Aires, Argentina

-A heat wave was hitting Buenos Aires province on Christmas Eve (34.4 degrees)

-The National Meteorological Service has issued an alert for heavy rain and hail for today.

Earthquakes

5.2 Earthquake hits south-west of Sumatra, Indonesia.

5.2 Earthquake hits the Molucca Sea.

5.1 Earthquake hits the Talaud Islands, Indonesia.

5.1 Earthquake hits west of MacQuarrie Island.

5.0 Earthquake hits the southern mid-atlantic ridge.

Storms and Floods

Cold wave in Uttar Pradesh, India

-At least 26 people died in the last 24 hours because of the extreme cold in Uttar Pradesh region of India.

-Fatalities are from Basti, Jaunpur, Ballia, Mirzapur, Varanasi, Bhadohi and Chandauli.

-All schools and colleges in Lucknow are closed till January 5, 2013.

 -All major trains from the capital Delhi to Lucknow are running slow due to dense fog.

-Several flights to and from Lucknow were cancelled.

Avalanche in Russia

-An avalanche cut off the main road linking Russia to South Ossetia.

-Traffic along the road across the Russian-Georgian border are currently banned due to snowstorm and bad weather.

Monsoon brings heavy rains, flooding and cold weather to Thailand.

 

Strong tornadoes are forecast to hit parts of Alabama on Christmas day. Large hail are also expected along with storm.

Earthquakes

5.6 Earthquake hits the Black Sea, offshore Georgia.

5.2 Earthquake hits Atacama, Chile.

5.2 Earthquake hits near the east coast of Kamchatka, Russia.

5.0 Earthquake hits the Kuril Islands.

Environment

Antarctic Ice Melt

West Antarctica is warming almost twice as fast as previously believed, adding to concerns that this warming can lead to more melting and have direct and indirect effects on global sea levels. The direct impacts are the run-off of melting waters into the sea. But the scientists say this is unlikely to happen for several decades because much of the water is likely to percolate down the ice sheet and refreeze.

Annual average temperatures at the Byrd research station in West Antarctica has risen 2.4 degrees Celsius (4.3F) since the 1958, one of the fastest gains on the planet and three times the global average in a changing climate. The western part of the Antarctic ice sheet is experiencing nearly twice as much warming as previously thought.

The unexpectedly big increase adds to fears the ice sheet is vulnerable to thawing. West Antarctica holds enough ice to raise world sea levels by at least 3.3 metres (11 feet) if it ever all melted, a process that would take centuries.

 

Drought

USA Drought

Cargo Continues moving on the Mississippi River, but perhaps not for long - The Midwestern drought has brought the river, one of the world's largest navigable inland waterways, to water levels so low that they threaten to shut down shipping.

Nebraska - A Nebraska natural resources district may impose limits on irrigation in the wake of drought conditions and declining water levels. Kansas -

Dry conditions are causing significant drops in the water levels in Kansas lakes.

The drought in many respects is more severe than the droughts of the 1930s and 1950s.

Wildfires

Wildfire in Langtang National Park, Nepal

-A massive wildfire has broken out in Langtang National Park.

-Wildfire is burning in huge areas in Yarcha VDC ward 6 and 7.

-Nepali Police, Nepali Army personnel and Langtang national parks workers are currently struggling to control the blaze.

-For two days, there were rumours of a volcanic eruption at Langtang National Park.

Bushfires burning in the Illawarra region, New South Wales, Australia have locals on alert as firefighters work to contain blazes.

Storms and Floods

Flooding and landslides in Swansea and Pontypridd, Wales

-Several homes were evacuated after landslips due to flooding in a Swansea valley village and in Pontypridd.

-Flooding also disrupted train services between Cardiff Central and Bridgend, and Caersws and Machynlleth in Powys. -Lostwithiel in Cornwall and the area around Barnstaple in north Devon, England were also among the worst hit.

-People in Braunton, Umberleigh, Barnstaple and Bishops Tawton all suffered as Rivers Yeo and Caen burst their banks.

-There are currently seven flood warnings by the Environment Agency in Wales

Tropical Cyclone Four is located 420 nm east-southeast of Cape Guardafui, Somalia. This Tropical cyclone is expected to threaten portions of Somalia with heavy rain early this week.

Earthquakes

5.5 Earthquake hits Myanmar.

5.2 Earthquake hits Turkey-Iran border.

5.2 Earthquake hits Vanuatu.

5.1 Earthquake hits the Babuyan Islands in the Philippines.

5.1 Earthquake hits Kepulauan Taluad, Indonesia.

5.0 Earthquake hits northern Peru.
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Volcanos

Global Volcanic Activity:

The Copahue volcano in Argentina's Neuquen province and Chile's Biobio region began spewing ash and gas early on Saturday.

Thousands of people evacuated from Palue Islands in Sikka, East Nusa Tenggara due to volcanic eruption at Mt. Rokatenda, Indonesia. People have evacuated to Maumere, Sikka, Ropa and Ende. Many water sources are reported to be contaminated with volcanic ash.

Wildfires

Wildfire in Manor City, Texas, USA. Wildfire is burning south of U.S. 290 and west of the Texas 45 toll road. The region is under a fire danger because of the extremely dry conditions.

Storms and Floods

Russia’s Coldest Winter Since 1938

Russia is enduring its harshest winter in over 70 years, with temperatures plunging as low as -50 degrees Celsius. Dozens of people have already died, and almost 150 have been hospitalized, with temperatures 10 to 15 degrees lower than the seasonal norm all over Russia. The cold spell, along with snowfalls, has disrupted flights all over the country, and led to huge traffic jams. In the southern city of Rostov-on-Don some highways were closed due to snowfalls over the past two days, triggering a traffic collapse. Over the weekend, meteorologists predict temperatures will plunge even lower in the Moscow region, hitting -25.

Flooding in UK

At least six regions across the UK are still under a flood alert as more heavy rain swells already flooded rivers.

Earthquakes

6.8 Earthquake hits Vanuatu.

5.5 Earthquake hits Taiwan.

5.2 Earthquake hits northern Sumatra, Indonesia.

5.1 Earthquake hits the Kuril Islands.

5.0 Earthquake hits Sulawesi, Indonesia.

5.0 Earthquake hits the Izu Islands, off Japan.

Volcanos

Global Volcanic Activity:

No major changes have been occurring at volcanoes around the world. A few updates include:

The eruption of Plosky Tolbachik volcano in Kamchatka continues at full force. Lava flows continue to be erupted from the southern fissure at Tolbachinsky Dol and very fluid lava is moving to the western side of Tolbachinsky Dol. A 5th cinder cone is growing on the southern fissure above of Krasny cone. Gas and steam plumes are rising to 3-4 km altitude.

Tungurahua volcano in Ecuador has been a bit "calmer" today, but the volcano continues to produce a constant ash column and intermittent explosions of small to moderate size, some of which are accompanied by loud cannon-shot bangs and roars.

Popocatépetl volcano in Mexico remained with about 3 emissions per hour. A stronger one this morning produced a small ash plume rising 2 km.

Mild strombolian activity remains visible at Fuego volcano with with ash plumes rising up to 400 m and incandescent bombs thrown to about 100 m above the crater. The lava flow towards the Taniluya drainage can remains active and was about 300 m long this morning.

Paluweh volcano, Indonesia: The activity at the lava dome continues. An ash plume at approx. 6,000 ft (1.8 km) altitude could be seen on satellite images today. It was produced either by strong ash venting, explosions, new pyroclastic flows, or a combination of all.

MODIS satellite data revealed a hot spot at Australia's Heard Island volcano. This suggests that some sort of activity continues at one of the world's most remote volcanoes.

Lava flowing into the Pacific Ocean from Kilauea volcano, Hawaii

 

Earthquakes

5.6 Earthquake hits the Molucca Sea.

5.3 Earthquake hits the Strait of Gibraltar.

5.2 Earthquake hits Salta, Argentina.

5.1 Earthquake hits near the east coast of Honshu, Japan.

Two 5.0 Earthquakes hit Tonga.

Volcanos

Global Volcanic Activity:

The eruption of Tungurahua volcano in Ecuador is becoming increasingly dangerous. This morning, a phase of strong activity occurred with explosions every 5 minutes and another pyroclastic flow was observed going through the Cusua ravine. During the past days, ash emissions and frequent explosions produced ash columns rising 2-2.5 km. THe explosions ejected incandescent lava up to about 400 m above the crater and produce loud cannon-fire noises and roars that can be heard in all towns near the volcano and sometimes cause buildings vibrate.

The eruption of Plosky Tolbachik volcano in Kamchatka continues with strong tremor and vigorous lava emission.

Lava has been recently also seen at Klyuchevskoi volcano, that still has strombolian activity in its summit crater, and sporadic weak explosions continue to occur from Karymski volcano in Kamchatka. Activity at Kizimen volcano instead has recently decreased a lot; its lava dome seems to have stopped growing (for now).

Popocatépetl volcano in Mexico: After increasing to 5 weak steam and sometimes ash emissions per hour during 17-18 Dec, the rate has dropped to about 3 per hour during 18-19 Dec. Glow remains visible at night.

On the morning of 18 December, Pacaya volcano in Guatemala had 3 small explosions of gas-and-ash that left a new small crater. Since then, the volcano has remained calm, but this is the volcano's first surface activity since late 2010, and could indicate its re-awakening.

In Indonesia, reports that the new lava dome of Paluweh volcano now produces pyroclastic flows that reach the sea on the south side. Vegetation in the surroundings of the lava dome has all been killed.

Ash emissions from Ulawun volcano in Papua New Guinea ceased on 11 December, the Rabaul Volcano Observatory reported to USGS. During the past days, only steaming was observed.

Manam volcano has been having mild strombolian activity and producing a small lava from two vents located on the upper slopes of the SE valley during 8-14 Dec.

Wildfires

Bushfires are ravaging Ruvubu National Park located in Muyinga and Karuzi provinces in south-eastern Burundi. The park is near the border with Tanzania.

Storms and Floods

Major blizzards in United States

-Heavy winter snowstorm has blanketed the US Midwest today. The region's first big storm of the season dumped more than 30 centimetres of snow in parts of Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota.

-Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker has issued a state of emergency.

-Storm has cut power to more than 40,000 households and businesses in Iowa.

-Blizzard warnings were also issued in Nebraska, Missouri and Illinois.

-Airlines cancelled more than 150 flights at Chicago's bustling O'Hare airport. Flights through smaller airports in Iowa, Missouri, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Minnesota were also cancelled Thursday morning.

A tornado peeled the roofs from buildings, toppled trucks, and blew down oak trees and limbs in the Mobile area, Alabama, USA early Thursday, leading to road closures but there were no reports of major injuries.

Earthquakes

5.7 Earthquake hits the northern Pacific Ocean.

Two 5.0 Earthquakes hit Tonga.

4.9 Earthquake hits near the east coast of Honshu, Japan.

Wildfires

Wildfire in Wahring region of Victoria, Australia. Smoke was even visible in Wahring, Murchison East and Murchison.

Disease

Four new outbreaks of Newcastle disease were reported in Israel in the first week of December and resulted in the deaths of 5,700 birds, 4,400 were destroyed and 197,000 were slaughtered.

An outbreak of Bovine Johne's Disease (BJD) on a Queensland [Australia] stud farm has the farmer facing the prospect of slaughtering all of his 2 700 stud cattle. Some fear the outbreak could collectively cost Queensland cattle breeders tens of millions of dollars.

Storms and Floods

Snowstorms in Russia

-Snowstorms in Russia have killed 21 people. Other 147 others were hospitalized with frostbite.

-Daytime temperatures vary from -17 to -20 in Moscow and minus 50 in Siberia.

- Ice from the local river has plugged water pipes. People in town of Balashov, Saratov region were left without water.

 

Flooding in Cork and Waterford, Ireland

-Heavy rainfall caused flooding in Cork and Waterford region of Ireland.

-Rain water also caused flooding on the Killarney Road at the Racecourse in Mallow.

-Ballea Road from Carrigaline to Ballygarvan is impassable. Flood affected Waterford in Dungarvan at Garrenbane School.

Flooding in Scotland, United Kingdom

-The Met Office has issued 24-hour severe weather alert for flooding in the east from midnight. Rainfall up to 50mm is forecast.

Snowstorms in Colorado, USA

-Heavy snowstorm caused delay of flights at Denver International Airport.

-The National Weather Service has forecast 3-8 inches of snow in southern Utah and northern Arizona from Tuesday to Wednesday, and 6-8 inches of snow in some parts of Colorado.

-The Utah Avalanche Center has also issued a warning for dangerous backcountry snowslides in northern Utah's mountains.

Death toll from Sri Lanka flood has risen to 16. Other 14 are still reported to be missing. Following Disaster Management Centre, some 175,558 individuals are reported to be affected by the floods.

The remains of tropical cyclone Evan are forecast to bring heavy rain over Manawatu on New Zealand's North Island on Christmas Day. Tropical Cyclone Evan is increasingly likely to pass close to northern New Zealand. Evan wreaked havoc in Samoa and Fiji, and forecasts are predicting heavy rain for the north of the North Island on Sunday.

Earthquakes

5.1 Earthquake hits near the east coast of Honshu, Japan.

5.0 Earthquake hits the south-west Indian ridge.

4.9 Earthquake hits the Fiji Islands.

4.9 Earthquake hits near the south coast of New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.

Environment - Wildlife

Finland study tracks global warming impacts on bird populations.

Researchers in Finland say they’ve documented bird populations trends that are at least partly linked with global warming. Comparing data from extensive bird counts conducted between 1981 to 1999, and 2000 to 2009, the biologists said that, in general, northern species have decreased and southern species increased.

Mean temperatures in Finland rose between the two periods, with April to June mean temperatures climbing by 0.7 degrees Celsius. According to the study, population densities of common forest habitat generalists remained the same between the two periods, while species preferring old-growth or mature forests increased, but those living on mires and wetlands, and species of Arctic mountains decreased.

The trends suggest that climate change impacts on species in natural boreal and Arctic habitats most probably are habitat-specific with large differences in response times and susceptibility. Open mires and mountain heaths change more rapidly in consequence of climate warming than old-growth forests, for which reason populations on mires and mountain heaths may also be more affected by climate change.

Volcanos

Global Volcanic Activity:

The eruption of Plosky Tolbachik volcano in Kamchatka continues with vigorous lava emission and strong tremor as during the beginning of the eruption. Lava flows have now reached a reported length of 20 km. The seismic activity from the volcano is so strong that the seismic recordings from nearby Klyuchevskoy and Bezymianny are obscured.

Tungurahua volcano in Ecuador remains very active, although the strength of explosions, compared to Saturday-Sunday, has calmed down since yesterday. Constant ash emissions, strong strombolian explosions and pulses of lava fountain up to 1 KM (!) height above the crater were reported seen during the night. In the morning, a small small pyroclastic flow descended through the gorge of La Hacienda. Occasionally, roars of varying intensity were heard. A dark ash column rises about 1.5 km and drifts westward. Tremor remains at high near saturation levels.

Seismicity has recently decreased and become more discontinuous at Reventador volcano, the second currently active volcano in Ecuador.

A stronger phase of activity occurred at the lava dome of Paluweh volcano this morning. VAAC Darwin reported an ash plume rising to 11,000 ft (3.4 km), i.a. 2.5 km above the crater.

The number of emissions of Popocatépetl volcano in Mexico has further increased; there were 121 events, i.e. about 4 per hour counted since yesterday. Most produced only puffs of steam and gas, and in some cases very small amounts of ash. Other monitoring parameters remain unchanged. During the night glow was observed in the crater. In the morning, a steam and gas plume was seen rising about 800 meters above the crater and drifting to the southeast.

A relatively strong SO2 cloud was detected over Turrialba volcano in Costa Rica today, suggesting increased degassing.

Mild strombolian activity was observed at Fuego volcano with with ash plumes rising up to 400 m and incandescent bombs reaching 150 m above the crater. The lava flow remains active and was about 300 m long this morning.

Weak incandescence was seen from the Santiaguito lava dome at night and the lava flows descending its flanks remained active.

Pacaya volcano remains calm at the surface, but small volcanic earthquakes are occurring frequently.

Occasional weak ash explosions continue to occur from time to time at Galeras volcano in Colombia, such as observed during exceptionally clear weather yesterday. Nevado del Ruiz volcano in Colombia continues to have pulses of small quakes and produces a significant steam and gas plume, occasionally accompanied by ash venting. Seismic unrest continues at Cerro Machin volcano. On December 14 and 16, 2 felt earthquakes occurred under the volcano.

Storms and Floods

Tropical cyclone Evan

-A State of natural disaster has been declared in the Northern and Western divisions of Fiji.

-Heavy storm and floods hit western parts of Viti Levu.

Flooding and landslide in Sri Lanka

-Flash floods and landslides have killed at least nine people and left thousands homeless in Sri Lanka.

-Three people died when a tree collapsed on a van and other six were buried in landslides. Eight people had died in Matale and one is Kandy in central Sri Lanka.

-Around 4,000 displaced people are living in 17 relief camps.

-Landslides also blocked roads from Laggala to Wilgamuwa, Raththota to Illukumbura and Matale to Galewela.

-Sluice gates of Kalawewa and Rajangana tanks (reservoirs) have been opened.

-A landslide danger zone has been declared in several districts of the central hill province.

 

Flooding in Merto Vancouver Coastal region, Canada

-High winds and high tide flooded the seawalls in West Vancouver and Stanley Park.

Tornado in Laurel Bay, South Carolina, USA

-Tornado destroyed homes in the Laurel Bay military housing community in northern Beaufort.

Two weeks after Typhoon Bopha hit the southern Philippines, killing more than 1,000 people, almost a million survivors are living outside evacuation centres and need urgent assistance, especially shelter, according to aid agencies. The most intense storm to hit the disaster-prone Philippines this year struck Mindanao island, flooding farming and mining towns and burying many people in mudslides. On the eastern coast of Mindanao, where the typhoon hit first and the hardest, even many evacuation centres were not spared and collapsed during the storm. According to the United Nations' latest report on the disaster, about 26,000 people are in 63 evacuation centres while 960,000 others are living in the ruins of their homes, open areas or with host communities.

Earthquakes

5.1 Earthquake hits offshore El Salvador.

5.1 Earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands off New Zealand.

Two 5.1 Earthquakes hit the central east Pacific rise.

5.0 Earthquake hits near the east coast of Honshu, Japan.

Volcanos

Indonesia/Mount Lokon recent volcanic activity

-Mount Lokon volcano located in Sulawesi, Indonesia spewed fire and ash into the air today.

-Volcanic ashes were spewed about 3,000 metres above the sky.

-However there is no ash fall in the nearby Tomohon.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Cyclone Evan has left a swathe of destruction across Fiji, destroying homes, flooding rivers and stranding thousands of tourists. The storm hammered the Pacific nation for more than 12 hours. Despite the damage, officials reported no fatalities as the storm headed out to sea on Tuesday morning

 

Flash floods and landslides have killed at least nine people and left thousands homeless in Sri Lanka.

Hailstorm in Uganda

-Hailstorm killed seven and destroyed landing sites on Lake Albert in Uganda.

-One hour long storm destroyed over 30 houses at Nsonga landing site.

-The storm also badly hit Kyabasambu, Nsunzu and Senjojo landing sites.

-The storm destroyed several churches and clinics. Following local fishermen, the heavy downpour also destroyed 26 boats.

Cold has killed 37 people in Ukraine so far this month as temperatures reached minus 23 Celsius in parts of the former Soviet Republic. Night temperatures are expected to drop to -28 C in northern, central and eastern Ukraine this week. The cold snap followed heavy snowfall which left some areas covered with as much as 53 cm (21 inches) of snow.

Earthquakes.

6.1 Earthquake hits Sulawesi, Indonesia.

5.6 Earthquake hits the Kuril Islands.

5.3 Earthquake hits the Rota region in the North Mariana Islands.

4.9 Earthquake hits near the coast of northern Chile.

Volcanos

Global Volcanic Activity:

Following the first explosion on Friday, Tungurahua volcano in Ecuador has entered a new violent phase of activity. Numerous explosions have occurred with ash rising up to 8 km above the crater. So far small pyroclastic flows have descended the flanks and partly heavy ash fall has been affecting nearby areas. Combined with rainfall the fresh ash deposits have a dangerous potential to generate lahars in drainages surrounding the volcano. Mild activity, mainly steam emission and probably occasional small ash explosions continue at nearby Reventador volcano.

Activity of Popocatépetl volcano in Mexico continues to be slightly elevated compared to a week ago, with now almost 3 gas and steam, sometimes ash emissions per hour. A steam plume rises about 1 km above the crater and glow can be seen at night.

Activity at Fuego volcano has remained relatively low with only very few weak explosions and the continuing small active lava flow on its upper flank.

Santiaguito produces viscous lava flows descending the lava dome, often producing incandescent rock falls.

The eruption of Plosky Tolbachik volcano in Kamchatka continues with increased intensity: vigorous lava emission and a strong tremor, that has almost doubled in value, were reported by KVERT.

In Indonesia, another strong explosion occurred this morning at Lokon volcano in North Sulawesi. The eruption produced an ash plume about 3 km high and the loud sound of the explosion caused some panic in nearby villages.

To the north, Karangetang volcano on Api Siau island has had some explosive activity yesterday. An ash plume was detected at 10,000 ft (3 km) altitude on satellite images.

To the south in the Flores Sea, ash clouds from the still active new dome of Paluweh volcano continue to be detected on satellite images, but have been smaller than previously. Plumes were observed rising to 5,000 ft (1.5 km) altitude over the past days.

Large SO2 plumes are visible on the latest NOAA satellite images from Ambrym volcano on Vanuatu and Nyiragongo volcano in the DR Congo. No doubt, the lava lakes at both volcanoes remain quite active.

Sakurajima volcano in Japan has been having an average of 2-3 small to moderate explosions with ash reaching 5-8,000 ft (1.5-2.4 km) altitude over the past days.

Storms and Floods

Cyclone Evan has smashed into the island nation of Fiji as a category 4 storm, sending thousands fleeing to emergency centres. Tourists have retreated to their hotel rooms and aren't allowed to leave. Locals are facing the cyclone head on. Cyclone Evan is about 480 kilometres wide, and has winds of up to 230 kilometres per hour. It's the strongest cyclone to hit Fiji in the past decade, and there are concerns that storm surges will flood low-lying areas.

Avalanche in Siachen, India

-Avalanche killed 6 Indian army troopers on Siachen Glacier near line-of control (LoC) in Indian-controlled Kashmir. One Indian army is still missing in snow avalanche.

-Avalanche rescue teams along with rescue dogs were immediately send to the disaster area.

-A medium danger avalanche warning has been issued for higher reaches of snow bound areas of Chowkibal, Tangdhar, Machhil, Keran, Jawahar tunnel, Uri and Gulmarg areas.

-Siachen Glacier is the highest battlefield in the world located at an altitude of 7,000 meters above the sea level in Ladakh division of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

Earthquakes

6.0 Earthquake hits New Britain, Papua New Guinea.

5.3 Earthquake hits the Mariana Islands.

5.2 Earthquake hits offshore Guatemala.

5.0 Earthquake hits southern Xinjiang, China.

4.9 Earthquake hits southwest of Sumatra, Indonesia.

Wildfires

Wildfire in Valparaiso, Chile

-The Chilean National Emergency Office (Onemi) has issued a red alert in the Valparaíso region, due to a number of forest fires in Casablanca, Viña del Mar and Villa Alemana.

-Four fire brigades, two Dromader planes, a helicopter from Conaf, three fire departments, the Chilean police, local emergency staff, and one tanker truck are struggling to control the blaze.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Cyclone Evan

-As of 12:00 UTC, Tropical Cyclone Evan was located 495 nm northeast of Nadi, Fiji.

Flooding in Scotland

-Evacuations due to high tides and flooding in Aberdeenshire and from properties in the Roanheads area.

-Heavy storm also damaged fishing boats in Wick.

-Flood alerts and warnings have been issued in 126 areas across the UK.

Flash floods in Bali, Indonesia

-Heavy rainfall has caused flash floods in at least eight areas in Denpasar.

Flooding in Fiji

-Villagers in Vaturova have been evacuated after heavy rain flooded their village last night.

Typhoon Bopha's death toll has now reached 1,020. With nearly 850 people still missing, the toll is likely to rise further. The storm struck the Philippines on 4 December, with the southern island of Mindanao worst affected. Many of those still unaccounted for are fishermen who went to sea before the storm hit. The storm displaced hundreds of thousands of people and caused severe damage to property and infrastructure. A large relief operation continues. More than 27,000 people remain in evacuation centres, with many more sheltering at the homes of friends and family.

Earthquakes

5.9 Earthquake hits the Near Islands in the Aleutians Islands.

5.8 Earthquake hits Fiji.

5.2 and 5.1 Earthquakes hit the New Ireland region, Papua New Guinea.

5.1 and 5.0 Earthquakes hit near the east coast of Honshu, Japan.

5.0 Earthquake hits offshore El Salvador.

Environment

Human link to climate change stronger than ever

International climate scientists are more certain than ever that humans are responsible for global warming, rising sea levels and extreme weather events, according to a leaked draft report by an influential panel of experts.

The early draft, which is still subject to change before a final version is released in late 2013, showed that a rise in global average temperatures since pre-industrial times was set to exceed 2 degrees Celsius by 2100, and may reach 4.8 Celsius.

"It is extremely likely that human activities have caused more than half of the observed increase in global average surface temperatures since the 1950s," the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) draft report said.

"Extremely likely" in the IPCC's language means a level of certainty of at least 95 percent. The next level is "virtually certain", or 99 percent, the greatest possible certainty for the scientists.

The IPCC's previous report, in 2007, said it was at least 90 percent certain that human activities, led by burning fossil fuels, were the cause of rising temperatures.

Volcanos

Global Volcanic Activity:

A probably larger than normal explosion today at Batu Tara volcano in Indonesia produced an ash plume spotted on satellite images drifting at 8,000 ft altitude (2,4 km).

The new lava dome of Paluweh volcano produced an ash plume rising to 10,000 ft (3 km) altitude today.

Strong volcanic tremor at Plosky Tolbachik volcano in Kamchatka again today. Ash plumes were rising to approx. 10-13,000 ft (about 3-4 km) altitude.

A small swarm of earthquakes has started today about 10 km west of the Askja volcano caldera in Iceland.

Activity of Popocatépetl volcano in Mexico has picked again. During 13-14 Dec, gas and steam emissions have increased to more than 2 per hour again. The larger ones were at 11:13 h, 11:19 h yesterday and today at 09:23 h and 09:31 local time. These produced plumes rising more than 1 km and drifting NE. Crater glow was seen at night.

4 weak explosions were observed at Fuego volcano during the past 24 hours; the lava flow was 200 m long this morning.

Activity of Santiaguito has not changed, the strongly degassing dome continues to produce viscous lava flows descending its flanks.

Numerous small volcanic earthquakes have recently been occurring at Tungurahua volcano in Ecuador.

A strong pulse of volcanic tremor and volcanic earthquakes occurred at Reventador volcano earlier today, suggesting a possible small emission. Visible observations remain difficult due to cloud cover and there are no other reports of activity.

In Japan, Sakurajima volcano has produced more frequent explosions of small to moderate size, 6 during yesterday and 3 so far (GMT time).

Increased numbers of small earthquakes were visible at Tongariro and Ruapehu volcano in New Zealand.

At White Island volcano, continuous volcanic tremor continues to be visible. We have no news about whether the observed new lava dome has changed.

Disease

Plague Ship Docks At Southampton

About 400 people on board the P & O cruise ship Oriana were struck down by the novovirus winter vomiting bug. It is believed that 6 people boarded the ship with active symptoms. Most of the infected people were taken to hospitals immediately when the ship docked.

Fungus responsible for 5 deaths in the wake of massive tornado

A fast growing, flesh-eating fungus killed 5 people following a massive tornado that devastated Joplin, Missouri, USA in 2011, according to new studies by the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The common fungus Apophysomyces, which lives in soil, wood or water — usually has no effect on people. But once it is introduced deep into the body through a blunt trauma puncture wound, it can grow quickly if the proper medical response is not immediate. Five of the 13 people infected through injuries suffered during the Joplin tornado died within two weeks.

Storms and Floods

Flooding in Dublin and Cork City, Ireland

-The Irish Coast Guard and Met Éireann have issued a weather alert for Dublin and Cork City of Ireland. Met Éireann warns of very high tides and 25mm of rainfall.

-Flooding expected in low-lying areas of Cork city, in parts of Kilkenny city and on the Gorey to Wexford Road.

-High tides have already caused flooding in Clontarf. Dublin City Council have a stock of sandbags for use in Sandymount and Clontarf. Coastal towns in the county including in Cobh, Bantry and Youghal are also flooded.

Flooding in Long Beach, California

-High tides caused flooding in Long Beach, California

-King tides occurs several times in a year when the Earth, moon and sun align in a way that increases gravitational pull on the Earth’s oceans, raising water levels several feet above normal high tides.

Tropical Cyclone Evan

-As of 12:00 UTC, TC Evan was located 585 nm east-northeast of Nadi, Fiji.

-Cyclone Evan is expected to hit Fiji on Sunday and is forecast to intensify into a category four or five storm.

Tornado in Cromwell, New Zealand

-Tornado destroyed several houses in Cromwell in Central Otago.

-No injury reported.

Cold wave in Bulgaria

-Severe Cold killed three people in Bulgaria. Bodies were found in Dupnitsa and Kyustendil in southwestern Bulgaria.

-Code orange alert is issued in the western Kyustendil and Pernik region of Bulgaria. A more moderate code yellow has been declared for 15 regions

– Blagoevgrad, Sofia, Sofia City, Vidin, Montana, Vratsa, Pleven, Lovech, Veliko Tarnovo, Gabrovo, Ruse, Targovishte, Razgrad, Shumen and Silistra.

-In western Bulgaria, the temperature is expected to fall to minus 22C.

Earthquakes

6.4 and 5.2 Earthquakes hit off the west coast of Baja California.

5.7 Earthquake hits east of Severnaya Zemlya.

5.3 Earthquake hits offshore El Salvador.

5.3 and 5.1 Earthquakes hit offshore Guatemala.

5.1 Earthquake hits the New Ireland region, Papua New Guinea.

5.0 Earthquake hits Costa Rica.

Volcanos

Global Volcanic Activity:

The eruption from Tolbachik volcano in Kamchatka continues with lava fountains at the lower vent feeding very active lava flows, but tremor levels were fluctuating. This could suggest that the magma supply has become less steady and the eruption might be approaching an end. Ash plumes from the eruption rose to up to 15,000 ft (4.5 km) altitude and are visible on satellite images.

Ash emissions were reported from Bagana volcano on Bougainville island in Papua New Guinea.

Activity of Popocatépetl volcano in Mexico has decreased to only 20 weak emissions with no or little ash content. A moderate steam plume is rising from the volcano.

2 weak explosions and mild strombolian activity was observed at Fuego volcano during the night; the lava flow has decreased to 150 m length.

Moderate activity continues at Reventador volcano in Ecuador. While direct observations are usually impossible due to cloud cover, seismic tremor pulses and explosion signals indicate frequent ash emissions and occasional mild explosions.

In Japan, Sakurajima volcano has been comparably calm as well with only few (about 1 / day average) small to moderate explosions recently.

Earthquakes have been more frequent recently at Nisyros volcano in Greece. 2 more quakes of magnitude 2.1 and 3.1 have occurred today close to the island at depths of about 10 and 20 km, respectively.

Earthquakes

5.5 Earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands region.

5.1 Earthquake hits the D'entrecasteaux Islands region.

Space Events

Dozens of bright objects will streak across the sky each hour between dusk Thursday and dawn Friday as the annual Geminid meteor shower reaches its peak.

Wildlife

Hundreds of squid have intentionally stranded themselves on the shores of California and scientists only have guesses as to why. The Santa Cruz coastline is littered with squid carcasses.

Volcanos

Global Volcanic Activity:

The eruption from Tolbachik volcano in Kamchatka continues. Tolbachik has been erupting a record of 1,200 tonnes or about 400 cubic meters of basaltic lava per second. If this number if correct, the current effusion rate would be significantly larger than the during the Great Tolbachik Fissure Eruption in 1975, when the effusion rate was about 40 m3/s on average.

Marapi volcano in West Sumatra (Indonesia) produced small ash emissions on 11 Dec morning. The volcano has been emitting ash almost every day since Marapi had become active again on 3 Aug 2011.

White Island volcano has been raised to alert level 2 after GNS scientists discovered the existence of a new spiny lava dome in the small crater left by the August phreatic explosions. It is not clear yet when exactly the dome has formed or whether it is still growing, in which case more eruptions could be expected.

Pagan volcano in the Marianas continues to produce a significant steam plume visible on satellite images, and a hot spot above the volcano was detected by MODVOLC yesterday (for the 6tth time in 2012). There are no reports of other eruptive activity.

MODIS satellite data continues to show a hotspot at Australia's Heard Island volcano. Thermal anomalies at Heard Island have been occasionally been detected since September this year, when the often dense cloud cover did not prevent it. It is likely that some minor eruptive activity is going on at the volcano.

Popocatépetl volcano in Mexico has calmed down a bit, with only 34 weak emissions between 10-11 Dec.

Fuego volcano had a rather quiet day and the lava flow towards the Ceniza canyon had decreased to only 200 m length this morning.

Activity of Santiaguito has not changed. The lava dome is strongly degassing and glowing at night. The viscous flows, especially the new one in the southern side, remain quite active and produce constant avalanches causing ash plumes to rise and drift into westerly directions.

Disease

Yellow fever outbreak in the Ewo District in Cuvette-Ouest region, Democratic Repuclib of the Congo. Authorities have undertaken a mass vaccination programme.

Storms and Floods

Tropical cyclone Evan forms in the Pacific approximately 40 nm west-northwest of Pago Pago, American Samoa. Flash floods and power cuts have hit the Samoan capital Apia as tropical cyclone Evan lashed the Pacific island nation with high winds and heavy rain. Tonga and Fiji may be next.

Storms in Mahikeng, South Africa

-Torrential rains and storms killed two people in Mahikeng, South Africa. Their bodies were found in Madibogo South.

-The Motsitlane, Dikgatlhong and Lenganeng sections of Madibogo township have been hit by heavy storms this week.

-14 people were killed when a bridge collapsed on the R65 between Lothair and Ermelo due to heavy rains yesterday.

Earthquakes

5.1 Earthquake hits Vanuatu.

5.0 Earthquake hits Fiji.

Volcanos

Russia's Plosky Tolbachik volcano located far eastern Kamchatka peninsula is spilling a record 1,200 tonnes of lava every second.

Storms and Floods

Flooding in Perth, Australia

-Heavy storm caused flooding in Mandurah and Rockingham area.

-More bad weather is predicted across South West WA, including Perth. -Homes have lost power in Mandurah.

Flooding in Jupiter, Florida, USA

-Strong storm hit Palm Beach County and also caused flooding in Jupiter.

-The main roadways in Jupiter were unsafe to travel due to flood water.

Flooding in Democratic Republic of the Congo

-Thirteen killed in DR Congo floods. Floods destroyed several houses in southern Brazzaville.

Landslide in Sukabumi, Indonesia

-One killed in landslide in Sukabumi, West Java, Indonesia. Twentyone others are reported to be missing.

-Torrential rain triggered a landslide at the mountainous site in Sukabumi.

-They were collecting trace amounts of gold at the illegal mine in Sukabumi.

Tornadoes in Louisiana, Florida and Alabama, USA

-EF1 tornado touched down in Baker. Tornado destroyed several buildings in Ascension Parish.

-A tornado with maximum winds estimated at 90 mph hit Birmingham, Alabama.

-Strong wind damaged 40 houses near Edgewater, Volusia County (Florida) between Edgewater and Oak Hill.

-Tornado damages 40 homes in southeast Volusia, Florida.

Snow emergency has been declared in Ashland, Washburn area of Wisconsin, USA.

Cold wave in Olintepeque, Guatemala

-Two killed due to cold wave in Olintepeque city of Guatemala.

Earthquakes

7.1 Earthquake hits the Banda Sea. The undersea earthquake was harmless and no tsunami warning was issued.

6.0 Earthquake hits the Molucca Sea.

5.3 Earthquake hits the northern Yokon Territory in Alaska.

5.3 Earthquake hits the Banda Sea.

5.2 Earthquake hits Vanuatu.

4.9 Earthquake hits the north western Caucasus.

Volcanos

Global volcanic activity:

Another strong explosion occurred this morning at Lokon volcano in North Sulawesi (Indonesia). The eruption produced an ash plume about 3 km high and has been followed by several smaller explosions. This marks one of the most intense phases of activity during the year.

Popocatépetl volcano in Mexico continues to produce frequent (about 3 per hour) but small emissions, only some of which contain ash.

In Guatemala, Fuego volcano continues to erupt a lava flow towards the Ceniza canyon. On 10 Dec morning, the flow had increased to 700 m length and produced glowing avalanches that reached the vegetation line. Few weak strombolian explosions, sometimes accompanied by rumbling sounds, were occurring as well.

Activity of Santiaguito remains being dominantly effusive. The new block lava flow that had recently formed on the southern flank of the Caliente dome produces glowing avalanches. The other flows on the SE side remain active as well. A constant steam plume rises from the dome to an altitude of approx. 3000 m and incandescence is seen at the dome at night.

Compared to November, the activity of Reventador volcano in Ecuador has decreased, but weak explosions with small ash emissions continue, accompanied by moderate seismic activity.

Nevado del Ruiz volcano in Colombia remains at low activity, with occasional tremor pulses and volcanic quakes, sometimes accompanied by small ash eruptions.

On December 7, 2012 at 05:47 (local time) a magnitude 3.1 volcano-tectonic earthquake occurred at 14.6 km depth southeast of main dome of Cerro Machin volcano. The quake was felt by residents near the volcano, and in the towns of Cajamarca and Ibague.

The seismic swarm in the Tjörnes Fracture Zone north off Iceland still continues at reduced intensity and there seems no end in sight. Most quakes are very small, but there are still occasional quakes at around magnitude 3, and the area remains at risk for a larger quake.

The recent earthquake swarm at Coso Volcanic Field in California seems to be over. The swarm which began in late November included hundreds of events ranging from less than magnitude 0.0 to M3.7, at depths of >10 km at the beginning to shallow 2 km near the end of the swarm. A small magmatic intrusion could have been the cause.

Disease

Hungary has tightened controls on maize designated as feed for dairy cows after discovering that some of the 2012 crop was contaminated by a toxin released by parasitical fungi.

No people have yet been poisoned by the M1 variant of aflatoxin, a potentially carcinogenic product of the Aspergillus fungi species, and samples analysed from milk available to consumers have all been negative.

Storms and Floods

Avalanche in Switzerland

-Eleven killed in Switzerland avalanche at the Titlis ski resort at Engelberg in the canton of Obwald. Two Swedish tourists also injured.

-The avalanche was 300 metres wide and 800 metres long.

 

Heavy storm in Aegean region of Turkey

-One killed and another missing as heavy rain and wind hit the provinces of Aegean region in Turkey.

-Storm affected Provinces of Izmir, Antalya and Mugla.

Tornado in Arkansas, U.S.A

-Tornado injured one and damaged homes and buildings in northern Arkansas.

-Tornado caused damage about four miles west of Viola in Fulton County. Disaster area is along the Arkansas-Missouri state line about 160 miles north of Little Rock.

At least 13 dead after Floods in Congo, According to witnesses, dozens of houses collapsed after a river in the Makelekele district burst its banks.

Ten people were confirmed dead in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa due to heavy rains in the province. Another three had been reported missing. A goods train plunged into the Amanzimtoti River near Durban.

Earthquakes

5.6 and 5.0 Earthquakes hit Mindanao in the Philippines.

5.3 Earthquake hits New Guinea in Papua New Guinea.

5.2 Earthquake hits Tonga.

Three 5.0 Earthquakes hit near the east coast of Honshu, Japan.

Environment

The United Nations climate talks in Doha, Qatar, went a full extra 24 hours and ended without increased cuts in fossil fuel emissions and without financial commitments between 2013 and 2015.

The Doha Gateway creates a second phase of the Kyoto Protocol to cut fossil fuel emissions by industrialised nations from 2013 to 2020 but does not set new targets. There is also no financial support to help poor countries adapt to impacts of climate change - only agreement for more meetings in 2013. Talks will also begin next year to create a "mechanism" to assess damages and costs for countries suffering losses from climate change.

Finally, the Doha Climate Gateway has an agreed outline for two years of negotiations on a new global climate treaty that would go into legal force in 2020.

The general impression gained from environmental groups seems to be one of disappointment that another opportunity to take substantive steps to address and combat the impact of climate change has been squandered.

Drought

The northeast of Brazil is going through the worst drought in nearly 50 years. The cattle industry is particularly hard hit with almost 50 % of herds dying of starvation in some districts.

Wildfires

Several large bushfires tore through half a dozen properties on North Stradbroke Island off Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

Storms and Floods

Typhoon Bopha weakens to tropical storm and brings heavy downpours to the northern Philippines, but there were no reports of floods. In the south, the death toll has risen above 600 with more than 800 still missing. The UN is to make an international appeal for aid for the more the 5 million flood victims.

Heavy Snowfall in Europe

-Heavy Snowfall in South-Eastern and Central Europe has killed nine people. Four people are reported to be killed in Serbia, three in Czech Republic and two in Croatia.

-Snow has been falling for more than 30 hours in most parts of Serbia. Worst situation is in Vojvodina and there is more than 20 centimeters of snow in Belgrade.

-Bulgaria's National Institute of Hydrology and Meteorology has announced code orange for parts of the country.

-All Bulgaria-Serbia crossing points for freight vehicles are closed due to bad weather conditions.

-Snowstorms have also caused travel chaos across the Balkans.

-Blizzards and cold wave hit Slovenia and Bosnia.

Floods that hit North Barito district in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia since Dec 3 have inundated 8,872 homes in between two and four metres of water.

Earthquakes

5.7, 5.1 and 4.9 Earthquakes hit near the south coast of New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.

5.0 Earthquake hits the southern mid-atlantic ridge (Bouvet Islands region).

5.3 and 5.0 Earthquakes hit off the east coast of Honshu, Japan.

Volcanos

Global volcanic activity:

At the moment, the eruption from Tolbachik volcano in Kamchatka continues at decreased intensity. Seismic activity has dropped during the past days, but the lower of the eruptive vents continues to feed a lava flow that has reached more than 10 km length in the relatively flat area at the eastern foot of the volcano and spreads there.

3 other volcanoes in Kamchatka continue to erupt as well: Kizimen volcano still produces lava flows are active from the summit and on the E flank, and hot avalanches descend from the dome on the S flank.

Klyuchevskoi volcano still has strombolian activity in its summit crater.

Sheveluch volcano keeps building up its lava dome, producing a viscous lava flow and strong steaming. Explosions could occur any time.

In Indonesia, small to medium-sized explosive ash eruptions continue to occur frequently (every 1-3 days) at Lokon volcano in North Sulawesi (Indonesia). Eruption plumes were observed on 3, 6, 7, and 9 Dec and reached altitudes of (estimated) 10-17,000 ft (3-5 km) altitude, both observed from ground and via satellite data.

The activity at the new lava dome of Paluweh volcano off Flores in Indonesia continues. Ash plumes reaching 10-12,000 ft (3-3.6 km) altitude are observed almost daily.

Manam volcano in Papua New Guinea is in a phase of elevated activity. During 2 Dec and during 6-8 Dec, ash plumes rising 10-12,000 ft (3-3.6 km) altitude and drifting 20-40 nautical miles were detected via satellite.

Eruptive activity also continues at Langila volcano on New Britain Island in Papua New Guinea. An ash plume was detected at 7000 ft (2.1 km) altitude extending 60 nm to the NW on 6 Dec. Satellite images showed a sulfur dioxide plume as well.

Also in Papua NG, ash emissions occurred from Ulawun volcano during late November, the Rabaul Volcano Observatory reported to USGS.

A thermal hot spot continues to be visible at the summit of Chirpoi volcano in the Kuriles. A dense steam plume rising from the Snow peak of the volcano is sometimes visible on satellite images when the volcano is not obscured by clouds.

Spattering and flows of black carbonatite lava at Lengai volcano in Tanzania have been recently observed by climbers. The activity takes place inside the deep summit crater which formed during explosive activity in 2008. The crater is gradually being filled by spatter cones ("hornitos") and small lava flows, but it might take many years still until the crater floor might become accessible again, in order to be able to witness this unique activity from close range.

At Kilauea volcano on Hawai'i lava flows continue to spread in the coastal flata and have been producing intermittent (and currently active) ocean entries of lava flows near Kupapa`u. The lava lake remains active at Halema'uma'u Crater with fluctuating levels. At Pu'u 'O'o Crater on the rift zone, the perched lava lake in the NE part of the crater and spatter cones on the SE part and on the NW edge remain active as well. Lava overflowed the lava lake on 24 November and 2 December.

Popocatépetl volcano in Mexico has not changed significantly with fluctuating intensity and frequency of small emissions. The volcano produces a strong steam plume and during 7-8 Dec, CENAPRED recorded an increase to about 3 weak emissions per hour. Ash plumes rose to a maximum of 500 m above the crater and lava glow at night confirms that magma continues to rise slowly within the conduit.

In Guatemala, Fuego volcano has remained at relatively low levels of mostly effusive activity. Few and weak explosions, sometimes noisy degassing, and the continuing effusion of a lava flow, 300 m long this morning, characterize the currently low activity of the volcano.

A bit to the north, Santiaguito lava dome continues to feed several lava flows that descend slowly from the dome and produce incandescent avalanches. Compared to late November, when some larger collapses of flow fronts formed pyroclastic flows, the dome has returned to a more average lower level of activity.

In Japan, Sakurajima volcano in Japan had one of its more active days on 6 Dec with 5 moderate explosions and ash up to 10,000 ft (3 km) altitude, but has returned to an average of 1-2 explosions per day again. Ash plume heights were reported as 4-7,000 ft (1.2-2.1 km) altitude.

Weak seismic unrest continued at Ruapehu volcano in New Zealand, but has been lower compared to earlier in November.

Wildlife

Migrating Song Birds Late in Arriving in Europe

- The extensive 2011 drought in the Horn of Africa had significant consequences for European songbirds such as thrush, nightingale and red-backed shrike. These birds visit northern Europe every spring. Year-round tracking revealed that the cause of the delay was a prolongation of stopover time during spring migration at the Horn of Africa, which was affected by extreme drought.

Storms and Floods

Tornado in Sleman, Indonesia

-Around 14 people injured in a tornado in Yogyakarta area of Sleman, Indonesia. Tornado damaged more than 500 houses.

-Tornado hit 10 villages in Sleman, with most damage in Bromonila village in Purwomartani.

-Several flights to and from the Adisucipto International Airport in Yogyakarta were also disrupted by the tornado.

Typhoon Bopha has turned around and is set to strike the Philippines a second time. 5.4 million people affected by typhoon urgently need food, potable water and shelter after Bopha wiped out 90 percent of houses in the worst-hit towns. Typhoon Bopha is located 215 nm northwest of Manila, Philippines.

Zagreb airport in Croatia closed due to heavy snow storms.

Severe snowstorm is also predicted in Jutland, the Zealand area and Greater Copenhagen region of Denmark tomorrow.

Earthquakes

6.3 Earthquake hits North Island, New Zealand. No initial reports of injuries.

5.6, 5.1, 5.0, 4 x 4.9, 2 x 4.8, 5 x 4.7 Aftershocks hit off the east coast of Honshu Japan in the wake of yesterday's strong Earthquake.

5.6 Earthquake hits eastern New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.

5.3 Earthquake hits southern Xinjiang, China.

5.1 and 5.0 Earthquake hits near the south coast of New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.

5.0 Earthquake hits Taiwan.

5.0 Earthquake hits Halmahera, Indonesia.

5.0 Earthquake hits Tajikistan.

Wildfires.txt

The extent of wildfires in Western Australia is highlighted by this satellite picture taken over a period of 13 nights and comprising a composite picture made up of permanent features such as city lights and temporary phenomena such as wildfires.

What is interesting however, is the extent of the wildfire threat affecting the area over a relatively short period.

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Similarly the following picture shows a nationwide look at all of the fires (wild, prescribed & ag) in the USA in 2012. Color denotes intensity, with yellow being the most instense. As of November 30th, more than 9.1 million acres have burned in the U.S. this year. That's the third highest total ever recorded.

Storms and Floods

Snow storms in Xinjiang, China

-One killed and 28,000 affected by snowstorms in Xinjiang, China.

-The snowstorms also damaged more than 500 houses.

Snow storms also affect Europe

-More than 40 flights cancelled at Brussels airport of Belgium due to snow-storms and strong winds.

-Flights from Paris’s Charles De Gaulle and Roissy airports were delayed due to snow storms in Paris, France.

Tropical Cyclone Claudia forms in the Indian Ocean south-west of Diego Garcia.

Tornado hits Dolores, Soriano in Uruguay.

Earthquakes

7.3 Earthquake hits near the east coast of Honshu, Japan. A tsunami warning was issued after the earthquake struck off Japan's eastern coast about 7:18pm (AEDT). Buildings were reported to have swayed violently in Tokyo. At 8:19pm workers at the Fukushima nuclear plant were told to retreat to a fortified building at the plant as a precaution. A one-metre high tsunami hit Japan's north-east coast at 8:10pm. Evacuations have been ordered in some places.

6.2 and 5.5 Aftershocks hit near the east coast of Honshu, Japan.

Two 5.0 Aftershocks hit near the east coast of Honshu, Japan. Three 4.8 and three 4.7 Aftershocks also rattled the region.

5.1 and 4.9 Earthquakes hit the Bouvet Island region near the southern mid-atlantic ridge.

5.1 Earthquake hits south of the Sandwich Islands.

5.0 Earthquake hits Tarapaca, Chile.

5.0 Earthquake hits the New Britain region, Papua New Guinea.

4.9 Earthquake hits southern Greece.

Environment

Wildfires Darken Greenland Snowpack, Increase Ice Melt

Satellite observations have revealed the first direct evidence of smoke from Arctic wildfires drifting over the Greenland ice sheet, tarnishing the ice with soot and making it more likely to melt under the sun. Researchers previously recorded a 6 percent drop in reflectivity in Greenland over the last decade, which will cause enough warming to bring the entire surface of the ice sheet to melting each summer, as it did in 2012. Soot is an extremely powerful light absorber. It settles over the ice and captures the sun’s heat, which leads to stronger and more prolonged melting. That’s why increasing tundra wildfires have the potential to accelerate the melting in Greenland.

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The week's hottest temperature was 110.5 degrees Fahrenheit (43.6 degrees Celsius) at Nyang, Western Australia.

The week's coldest temperature was minus 58.4 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 50.2 degrees Celsius) at Russia's Siberian community of Dzhalinda, which borders China.

Volcanos

Global Volcano Activity:

New Activity/Unrest: Chirpoi, Kuril Islands (Russia) | Kilauea, Hawaii (USA) | Kizimen, Eastern Kamchatka (Russia) | Kliuchevskoi, Central Kamchatka (Russia) | Langila, New Britain | Lokon-Empung, Sulawesi | Paluweh, Lesser Sunda Islands (Indonesia) | Ruapehu, North Island (New Zealand) | Santa María, Guatemala | Soputan, Sulawesi | Tolbachik, Central Kamchatka (Russia) | Ulawun, New Britain

Ongoing Activity: Karymsky, Eastern Kamchatka (Russia) | Manam, Northeast of New Guinea (SW Pacific) | Sakura-jima, Kyushu | Shiveluch, Central Kamchatka (Russia)

Storms and Floods

Typhoon Bopha Heads to China, Vietnam as Philippine Death Toll Rises to above 500 with more than 300 000 people crammed into evacuation centres as almost 16 000 homes were damaged or destroyed.

A heavy storm hit Buenos Aires, Argentina, flooding several neighbourhoods. Núñez and Belgrano are two of the most affected areas, with levels of water rapidly increasing along Libertador avenue where cars floated away with the floodwaters. Several subway lines were closed.

Earthquakes

5.6 Earthquake hits eastern Iran. 8 people were killed with at least 20 injured.

5.5 Earthquake hits the Philippine Islands.

5.2 Earthquake hits Fiji.

5.0 Earthquake hits off the west coast of northern Sumatra, Indonesia.

Environment

Global warming opens new shipping lane through Arctic.

A tanker carrying Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) has crossed the Arctic Ocean route for the first time. It shows how global warming has opened up new routes for commercial shipping. It represents a new lane between Europe and Asia a third shorter than through the Suez Canal. The tanker left Norway in November, sailed over the Arctic Ocean and the Bering straight and arrived in Southwestern Japan.

 

Wildfires

Wildfires in Queensland, Australia -More than 73 fire incidents recorded across Queensland, Australia. -People living in the Halliford and Lake Broadwater areas were evacuated. -Fire is expected to harm communities on the Darling Downs.

Disease

Yellow fever in Sudan - update

As of 4 December, a total of 732 suspected cases of yellow fever, including 165 deaths have been reported in 33 out of 64 localities in Darfur.

Storms and Floods

Typhoon Bopha

-325 dead with at least 379 still missing in Philippines typhoon Bopha.

-A total of 273 people died in and around the towns of New Bataan and Monkayo. 106 people were killed in other parts of the southern island of Mindanao and the central islands.

-About 178,000 people are living in the evacuation centers.

Snow storm in Stockholm, Sweden

-Several flights from the Scandinavian country's main airport in Stockholm grounded because of the blizzard.

-Some 8 inches of snow fell on Stockholm overnight Wednesday.

Severe weather in Kauai, Hawaii

-Several Hawaiian fights in Lihue Airport cancelled due to bad weather.

-Almost three inches of rain has been recorded in Lihue within the last 24 hours.

New Zealand

Three people have been killed and at least seven injured after severe weather - including an apparent tornado - hit Auckland. 150 homes were damaged after the tornado ripped through an Auckland suburb.

Earthquakes

5.0 Earthquake hits the Kuril Islands.

4.9 Earthquake hits southern Greece.

Storms and Floods

Typhoon Bopha kills at least 283 with hundreds still missing in the Philippines. Hardest hit was the southern island of Mindanao, where the typhoon triggered landslides, mudslides and floods along the coast and in farming and mining towns inland. An army truck laden with soldiers and civilians was swept away in a flash flood. At least 42 people were swept away by flash floods in New Bataan town, Compostela Valley and other 29 people were killed in the province of Davao Oriental, due to flash floods and strong winds.

Flash floods in Perak, Malaysia.

Earthquakes

5.8 Earthquake hits southern Alaska near Anchorage.

5.5 Earthquake hits offshore Guatemala.

5.3 Earthquake hits Fiji.

5.0 Earthquake hits the Pacific-Antarctic ridge.

Wildfires

A wildfire is burning about a kilometre from homes in Aramara, Queensland, Australia. Seven fire crews are now on site to control the blaze.

Disease

Yellow fever outbreak kills 164 in Darfur, Sudan.

Volcanos

A seismic swarm of 2000 microearthquakes near the island of Nisyros since 24 November could indicate a start of a or coming of a volcanic eruption near Nisyros, Greece.

Storms and Floods

Super Typhoon Bopha

-Philippines typhoon Bopha killed 40 people. More than 30 people were killed in Compostela Valley.

-Massive flooding killed several people in Andap village in New Bataan town in Compostela Valley.

-Flooding caused by Typhoon Bopha (Pablo) swept away the truck which was carrying 30 soldiers and 20 civilians.

-A total of 145 flights to and from Mindanao and the central islands are grounded due to impact of Philippines Typhoon Bopha.

-More than 41,000 people are living in 1,000 government shelters across Mindanao by early Today (Tuesday).

-At least four provinces in the southeast - Davao, Surigao, Agusan and Compostela Valley - are without power.

-Typhoon Pablo has headed for the Sulu Sea late Tuesday afternoon and predicted to hit the central tourist islands of Bohol, Cebu and Negros.

Snow storm in Liaoning, China

-Several passenger ships departing from the port city of Dalian suspended due to heavy snowstorm in NorthEast China.

-More than 11,000 passenger buses were suspended and also caused temporary shut down of Xiantao International Airport.

Flooding in Western Turkey

-One killed in flooding in western Turkey. Heavy rainfall caused flooding in western provinces of Balıkesir, Canakkale and Bursa.

-Several houses and shops destroyed in Balıkesir's Edremit and Burhaniye districts.

-The Canakkale-Izmir highway and the road between Gomec and Ayvalık closed because of flooding.

 

Flooding in California

-Forecasters had issued flood warnings for the Napa and Russian rivers, as well as the Truckee River, near Lake Tahoe, but by Sunday afternoon the warning for the Russian River was cancelled.

-It is the third powerful storm to hit Northern California within a week. -In Southern California, high surf was predicted in Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties.

-Following National Weather Service, up to 5 more inches of rain could fall across Northern California (north of Redding and across the Sierra Nevada).

Earthquakes

5.5 Earthquake hits offshore Atacama, Chile.

5.1 Earthquake hits off the west coast of northern Sumatra, Indonesia.

5.0 Earthquake hits Taiwan.

5.0 Earthquake hits the Kuril Islands.

5.0 Earthquake hits Tonga.

5.0 Earthquake hits eastern Iran.

Wildlife

Wild turkeys are beginning to overrun some urban areas of Massachusetts after being reintroduced into a region where they were hunted into extinction more than 150 years ago. About 20,000 of the heritage birds now call the state their home.

Communities surrounding Boston are increasingly coping with the aggressive birds causing traffic jams by gathering in the middle of intersections.

Volcanos

Global Volcano Activity:

Thermal anomalies detected at Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka indicated that the lava flows were now 15 km long. The data also indicated that the activity is now concentrated on the southern part of the fissure.

A VolcanoDiscovery tour to Paluweh volcano, Indonesia from 30 November – 2 December revealed that a new lava dome is growing next to the old 1982 dome. At the time of visit the lava dome was 150 m high and is the new high point of the island, its basal diameter is estimated at around 200 – 250 m. The dome was very active, with incandescence taking place in many different places on the lava dome. A vent on the upper eastern part of the dome had periods of intense ash venting lasting several hours accompanied by a jet turbine like noises. No large pyroclastic flows have occurred from the dome. The lava dome was named "Rerombola", meaning "the friendly one" in local dialect.

Lokon-Empung, Indonesia produced an ash plume between 1 km or 2 km high at around 16:11 (local time). Ash emissions were continuing at 17:00 (local time). On 2 December, Lokon-Empung was producing a constant emission of ash, punctuated by explosions.

Langila (Papua New Guinea) emitted an ash plume to a height of 1.5 km. A MSAT-MODIS satellite image taken on 2 December showed a small ash plume drifting to the NW. A low thermal anomaly was also detected.

8 explosions from Fuego volcano, Guatemala ejected light grey material to heights up to 4.1 KM above sea level. A lava flow continues to effuse from the summit crater.

Santa Maria's Santiaguito lava dome complex (Guatemala) remained very active with the constant genaration of avalanches from the SW dome complex.

On 1 December, satellite images showed a minor thermal signal at Cleveland volcano.

The IG reported on 1 December that ash ejections from the new lava dome in Reventador volcano's (Ecuador) intracaldera cone were weak. Ash ejections were a few hundred metres high, no large blocks were emitted during these explosions.

The HVO reported that lava from Kilauea volcano, Hawaii reached the sea again at around 9:30 (local time) on 2 December.

Wildfires

A 2-month-old Colorado wildfire earlier thought to have posed little threat forced hundreds of evacuations Saturday when it burned through three miles of forest in 30 minutes (1 440 acres), fueled by 70-mph winds.

Storms and Floods

Thousands of people have been evacuated in the Philippines ahead of the powerful typhoon Bopha expected to hit the island nation on 4 December.

A powerful cyclone caused disruption in air traffic between Kamchatka peninsula in Russia's Far East and the rest of the country. The air traffic was expected to be interrupted until Monday. This is the seventh cyclone that hit the peninsula in the last four weeks. Heavy snowfall also caused disruption in road traffic and short-time breaks in electricity supply. The risk of avalanches in mountainous regions has been raised also.

Cyclone from the Balkans moves to Ukraine, weather to worsen.