Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.1 earthquake hits Sulawesi, Indonesia.

5.1 earthquake hits Vanuatu.

5.0 earthquake hits Hokkaido, Japan.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Atlantic Ocean: Tropical Storm Leslie is located about 720 mi...1155 km ene of Bermuda with maximum sustained winds...50 mph...85 km/h. Present movement...wsw or 240 degrees at 5 mph...7 km/h.

In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Hurricane Rosa is located about 385 mi...625 km sw of Punta Eugenia Mexico and about 585 mi...940 km ssw of San Felipe Mexico with maximum sustained winds...85 mph...140 km/h. Present movement...n or 5 degrees at 12 mph...19 km/h.

Tropical Storm Sergio is located about 485 mi...780 km s of Manzanillo Mexico with maximum sustained winds...50 mph...85 km/h. Present movement...w or 270 degrees at 12 mph...19 km/h.

In the Western Pacific Ocean: Typhoon 28w (Trami), located approximately 131 nm south-southeast of Iwakuni, Japan, is tracking northeastward at 25 knots.

Typhoon 30w (Kong-Rey), located approximately 288 nm north-northwest of Ulithi, is tracking northwestward at 09 knots.

In the Central Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm Walaka is located about 610 mi...980 km se of Johnston island about 725 mi...1165 km ssw of Honolulu Hawaii with maximum sustained winds...40 mph...65 km/h. Present movement...w or 270 degrees at 16 mph...26 km/h.

NewsBytes:

California, USA - The moisture from Hurricane Rosa could pose a risk of flash flooding to Baja California, eastern California, Las Vegas and Arizona as it approaches the coast late Sunday. The remnants of Rosa could bring as much as a year’s worth of rain to desert areas such as California’s Imperial Valley and Arizona’s Yuma County — both significant producers of vegetables for the nation.

Greece - Swirling winds and torrential rain brought flash floods to parts of Greece on Saturday as a rare type of storm known as a “Medicane” which can develop in certain conditions over the Mediterranean Sea hit the country. Ships were held at Greece’s main ports and traffic was disrupted in several areas as roads flooded due to the heavy rain. Gusting winds blew garbage bins off the streets of Athens and led to power cuts and falling trees across the country.

Nigeria - Floods in Edo State have killed at least 6 people with no fewer than 42 communities, 8,000 houses and 35,150 persons affected by the floods.

Global Warming

This Stretch of Water Is Losing Oxygen Faster Than Almost Anywhere Else in The Ocean

A new study links rapid deoxygenation in the Gulf of St. Lawrence to two powerful currents: the Gulf Stream and the Labrador Current.

The broad, biologically rich waterway in Eastern Canada which drains North America's Great Lakes and is popular with fishing boats, whales, and tourists has lost oxygen faster than almost anywhere else in the global oceans.

The paper, which appears in Nature Climate Change, explains how large-scale climate change already is causing oxygen levels to drop in the deeper parts of this waterway.

The findings confirm a recent study showing that, as carbon dioxide levels rose over the past century due to human emissions, the Gulf Stream has shifted northward and the Labrador Current has weakened.

The new paper finds that this causes more of the Gulf Stream's warm, salty, and oxygen-poor water to enter the St. Lawrence Seaway.

Oxygen declines have been seen to affect Atlantic wolffish, and also threaten Atlantic cod, snow crabs, and Greenland halibut that all live in the depths.

Disease

Rabies - South Africa

In 2018 to date, South African health officials have reported 13 human rabies cases–seven cases were from KwaZulu-Natal Province and six from the Eastern Cape Province. In addition, two other cases from Eastern Cape could not be confirmed through laboratory testing, but are considered probable cases.

The rise in the number of human rabies cases is associated with the outbreak of rabies in dogs in the KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape Provinces.

Cholera - Zimbabwe

In a follow-up report on the cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe, in 15 areas across the country a cumulative total of 6,643 suspected cholera cases (98 confirmed) and 48 related deaths (case fatality ratio 0.73 per cent) have been reported three weeks into the outbreak.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

7.5 earthquake hits Minahasa, Sulawesi, Indonesia.

The 7.5 magnitude quake and tsunami, which hit the city of Palu about 1,500 km (940 miles) from Jakarta and further along the coastline, killed at least 384 people. Officials said on Saturday the death toll was likely to rise. Hundreds of people had gathered for a festival on the beach in Palu on Friday when waves as high as six metres (18 feet) smashed onshore at dusk, sweeping many to their death. The tsunami warning gauges apparently did not work properly, giving no warning to residents.

Three 5.8 earthquakes hit Minahasa, Sulawesi, Indonesia.

Two 5.6 earthquakes hit Minahasa, Sulawesi, Indonesia.

5.5 earthquake hits Martinique in the Windward Islands.

5.5 earthquake hits the Indian Ocean triple junction.

Two 5.4 earthquake hit Minahasa, Sulawesi, Indonesia.

5.2 earthquake hits the Bougainville region, Papua New Guinea.

Two 5.2 earthquakes hit Sulawesi, Indonesia.

5.2 earthquake hits Minahasa, Sulawesi, Indonesia.

Three 5.1 earthquakes hit Minahasa, Sulawesi, Indonesia.

5.0 earthquake hits Minahasa, Sulawesi, Indonesia.

Three 5.0 earthquakes hit Sulawesi, Indonesia.

5.0 earthquake hits the Kuril Islands.

5.0 earthquake hits the Indian Ocean triple Junction.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Atlantic Ocean: Subtropical Storm Leslie is located about 820 mi...1320 km ene of Bermuda and about 1345 mi...2165 km w of the Azores with maximum sustained winds...45 mph...75 km/h. Present movement...sw or 225 degrees at 7 mph...11 km/h.

The Remnants of Kirk are located about 190 mi...310 km ssw of St. Croix and about 230 mi...370 km s of San Juan Puerto Rico with maximum sustained winds...40 mph...65 km/h. Present movement...wnw or 300 degrees at 14 mph...22 km/h.

In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Hurricane Rosa is located about 545 mi...875 km ssw of Punta Eugenia Mexico and about 760 mi...1220 km ssw of San Felipe Mexico with maximum sustained winds...105 mph...165 km/h. Present movement...n or 355 degrees at 12 mph...19 km/h.

Tropical Storm Sergio is located about 345 mi...555 km ssw of Acapulco Mexico with maximum sustained winds...40 mph...65 km/h, Present movement...wnw or 285 degrees at 13 mph...20 km/h.

In the Western Pacific Ocean: Typhoon 28w (Trami), located approximately 90 nm north-northeast of Kadena AFB, Japan, is tracking northeastward at 18 knots.

Tropical storm 30w (Kong-Rey), located approximately 186 nm north of Fais, is tracking westward at 15 knots.

NewsBytes:

Vietnam - More breakthrough solutions are needed to help farmers in the Mekong Delta cope with unpredictably rising water levels, according to experts. This year, floodwaters caused by heavy rains and water of the Mekong River have been rising at alarming levels, submerging thousands of hectares of rice and crops and causing losses for farmers in Mekong Delta provinces. The water levels, which are higher than the average over the past decade, are forecast to reach warning Level 2 on the Tiền and Hậu rivers in the next few days.

Global Warming

Arctic ice reaches lowest recorded extent

The extent of Arctic sea ice, with reached its 2018 lowest extent on 23 September and again on 23 September, has tied with 2008 and 2010 for the sixth lowest summertime minimum extent in the satellite record.

This is the conclusion from satellite data by NASA and the NASA-supported National Snow and Ice Data Centre (NSIDC) at the University of Colorado Boulder, which showed that, at 1,77-million square miles (4,59-million square kilometres), 2018 effectively tied with.

Arctic sea ice, the cap of frozen seawater blanketing most of the Arctic Ocean and neighbouring seas in wintertime, follows seasonal patterns of growth and decay. It thickens and spreads during the fall and winter and thins and shrinks during the spring and summer.

But in the past decades, increasing temperatures have led to prominent decreases in the Arctic sea ice extents, with particularly rapid decreases in the minimum summertime extent.

The shrinking of the Arctic sea ice cover can ultimately affect the planet’s weather patterns and the circulation of the oceans.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

6.1 earthquake hits Minahasa, Sulawesi, Indonesia.

5.6 earthquake hits the Indian Ocean Triple Junction.

5.5 earthquake hits the Indian Ocean Triple Junction.

5.5 earthquake hits Fiji.

5.4 earthquake hits Minahasa, Sulawesi, Indonesia.

5.1 earthquake hits western Xizang, China.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Atlantic Ocean: Tropical Storm Kirk is located about 75 mi...120 km wsw of St. Lucia and about 125 mi...200 km ssw of Martinique with maximum sustained winds...50 mph...85 km/h. Present movement...wsw or 240 degrees at 12 mph...19 km/h.

In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Hurricane Rosa is located about 605 mi...975 km sw of the southern tip of Baja California with maximum sustained winds...145 mph...230 km/h. Present movement...w or 265 degrees at 9 mph...15 km/h.

In the Western Pacific Ocean: Typhoon 28w (Trami), located approximately 234 nm south of Kadena AFB, Japan, is tracking northwestward at 06 knot.

Tropical depression (td) 30w (Thirty), located approximately 531 southeast of Anderson AFB, Japan, is tracking westward at 18 knots.

In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone (tc) 02p (Liua), located approximately 514 nm northwest of Port Vila, Vanuatu, is tracking westward at 06 knots.

NewsBytes:

Nigeria - Nearly 200 people have died in flooding caused by heavy seasonal rains across 12 states in Nigeria. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said on Thursday that 199 people were killed after the main Niger and Benue rivers burst their banks.A national disaster was declared in several central and southern states. More than 286 000 people have been left homeless.

Connecticut, USA - South Connecticut was hit by flash floods with some areas seeing more than six inches of rain. Some roads were completely impassable following the downpour and fire departments warned motorists to avoid driving.

Wildlife

Squirrel Scourge

Farmers in New England are vexed by unusually large numbers of squirrels that are gnawing their way through pumpkin patches, corn fields and apple orchards this fall.

Robert Randall, who has a 60-acre orchard in Standish, Maine, told The Associated Press: “They’re raising some hell this year. It’s the worst I’ve ever seen.”

The squirrel population boom appears to have been fueled by a bumper crop of acorns and other food, according to the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.

Growers say one of the more infuriating aspects of the squirrels is that they often take a single bite then move on. But just one bite is all it takes to ruin fruit.

The rodents are now being killed in greater numbers by passing vehicles as they dart to find their next meal.

Environment

Global Temperature Extremes

The week's hottest temperature was 114 degrees Fahrenheit (45.6 degrees Celsius) in Al Qaysumah, Saudi Arabia.

The week's coldest temperature was minus 91.0 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 68.3 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

Ebola, DR Congo

The World Health Organization (WHO) warned that the latest Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo could spread quickly across the northeast of the country and beyond due to attacks by armed rebel groups and local resistance to vaccination in the area where the disease has already spread.

The U.N. agency says this “perfect storm” of conditions could mean the hemorrhagic fever could go on to kill far more than the 100 people who have already died in the outbreak, out of about 150 reported cases.

The WHO has been forced to suspend its operations in one city due to a rebel attack that killed 21 people and caused the community to shut down in mourning.

Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – Ongoing Activity for the week of 19 September - 25 September 2018

Aira | Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that there were eight events and an additional five explosions at Minamidake crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) during 18-25 September, with ash plumes rising as high as 2.1 km above the crater rim and material ejected as far as 1.1 km. Crater incandescence was occasionally visible at night. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a 5-level scale).

Ambae | Vanuatu : On 21 September the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-hazards Department reported that during September activity at Ambae’s Lake Voui was characterized only by steam emissions; the eruption had ceased. The Alert Level was lowered to 2 (on a scale of 0-5).

Dukono | Halmahera (Indonesia) : Based on satellite data, wind model data, and notices from PVMBG, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 19-25 September ash plumes from Dukono rose to an altitude of 1.8 km (6,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted in multiple directions.

Ebeko | Paramushir Island (Russia) : Volcanologists in Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island), about 7 km E of Ebeko, observed explosions during 14-21 September that sent ash plumes to 4.2 km (13,800 ft) a.s.l. A thermal anomaly over the volcano was occasionally visible in satellite data, and an ash plume was identified drifting about 80 km E on 14 September. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).

Fuego | Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that during 20-21 and 24-25 September explosions at Fuego generated ash plumes that rose almost as high as 1 km above the crater and drifted 12 km W and SW. Incandescent material was ejected 150 m above the crater rim, and caused avalanches of material within the crater area. Ashfall was reported in areas downwind including Sangre de Cristo (8 km WSW), Finca Palo Verde, Panimaché (8 km SW), and San Pedro Yepocapa (8 km NW). On 25 September hot, steaming lahars descended the El Jute (SE) and Las Lajas (SE) drainages, carrying blocks up to 2 m in diameter, and branches and tree trunks.

Karymsky | Eastern Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Karymsky was identified in satellite images on 19 September; the volcano was obscured by weather clouds the rest of the days during 14-21 September. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).

Kilauea | Hawaiian Islands (USA) : HVO reported no incandescence from a collapse pit in the central part of Kilauea’s Fissure 8 cone during 19-25 September, though a small amount of fuming was visible during the day. Seismicity and ground deformation remain low at the summit, and small aftershocks from the M 6.9 earthquake in early May were located along faults on the south flank. The combined rate of sulfur dioxide emission from the summit and the LERZ (less than 1,000 tonnes/day) were lower than any time since late 2007. The Volcano Alert Level remained at Watch and the Aviation colour Code remained at Orange.

Krakatau | Indonesia : Based on satellite data, wind model data, and notices from PVMBG, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 18-24 September ash plumes from Anak Krakatau rose to altitudes of 0.9-3.7 km (3,000-12,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted in multiple directions. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4); residents and visitors were warned not to approach the volcano within 2 km of the crater.

Manam | Papua New Guinea : Based on analyses of satellite imagery and model data, the Darwin VAAC reported that at 2050 on 23 September a short-lived eruption at Manam produced an ash plume that rose 8.5 km (28,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW.

Merapi | Central Java (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that during 17-23 September the new lava dome in Merapi’s summit crater continued to slowly grow. By 22 September the volume of the lava dome was an estimated 113,000 cubic meters, and the growth rate was 3,000 cubic meters per day. White emissions of variable density rose 100 m above the summit. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and resident were warned to remain outside of the 3-km exclusion zone.

Pacaya | Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that during 17-18, 20-21, and 24-25 September Strombolian explosions at Pacaya’s Mackenney Crater ejected material as high as 25 m above the crater rim. As many as four lava flows originating from Mackenney Crater traveled 50-250 m NW.

Sabancaya | Peru : Observatorio Vulcanológico del Sur del IGP (OVS-IGP) and Observatorio Vulcanológico del INGEMMET (OVI) reported that explosions at Sabancaya averaged 16 per day during 17-23 September. Hybrid earthquakes were infrequent and of low magnitude. Gas-and-ash plumes rose as high as 3.5 km above the crater rim and drifted 40 km N, NE, and SE. The MIROVA system detected eight thermal anomalies, and on 17 September the sulfur dioxide gas flux was high at 1,600 tons/day. The report noted that the public should not approach the crater within a 12-km radius.

Sangay | Ecuador : Based on satellite images and wind model data, the Washington VAAC reported that during 19-20 September ash emissions from Sangay rose to 5.8-6.1 km (19,000-20,000 ft) a.s.l., drifted WNW and W, and became diffuse after 37 km.

Santa Maria | Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that heavy rain at Santa María on 20 September produced hot lahars in the San Isidro-Tambor River (S), a tributary of Salamá River. The lahars were 25 m wide, 2 m deep, had a sulfur odor, and carried branches, tree trunks, and blocks up to 2 m in diameter. Lahars also descended the Nimá I (S) drainage. On 21 September explosions generated ash plumes that rose 800 m above the crater rim and drifted W and SW; minor amounts of ash fell locally. Lahars descended the Nimá I, Salamá, and San Isidro drainages. During 24-25 September explosions produced ash plumes that rose 500-700 m and drifted SW. Avalanches of material traveled down the SE and NE flanks.

Semeru | Eastern Java (Indonesia) : Based on analysis of satellite images, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 19 September a possible ash-and-steam plume from Semeru rose to an altitude of 4 km (13,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SSW.

Sheveluch | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Sheveluch was identified in satellite data during 14, 16-17, and 19-20 September. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.7 earthquake hits east of the South Sandwich Islands.

5.2 earthquake hits southern Greece.

5.2 earthquake hits the Philippines.

5.1 earthquake hits Kepulauan Tanimbar, Indonesia.

5.0 earthquake hits the Philippines.

5.0 earthquake hits Fiji.

5.0 earthquake hits Northern Sumatra, Indonesia.

Two 5.0 earthquakes hit the southern East Pacific rise.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Atlantic Ocean: Tropical Storm Kirk is located about 60 mi...95 km ene of Barbados and about 170 mi...275 km ese of Martinique with maximum sustained winds...50 mph...85 km/h. Present movement...wnw or 290 degrees at 16 mph...26 km/h.

In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Hurricane Rosa is located about 630 mi...1015 km wsw of Puerto Vallarta Mexico and about 485 mi...780 km sw of the southern tip of Baja California with maximum sustained winds...85 mph...140 km/h. Present movement...w or 270 degrees at 12 mph...19 km/h.

In the Western Pacific Ocean: Typhoon 28w (Trami), located approximately 298 nm south-southeast of Kadena AFB, Japan, is tracking northwestward at 01 knot.

Tropical depression (td) 29w (Twenty-nine), located approximately 536 nm north of Miami Tori Shima, Japan, is tracking northeastward at 13 knots.

In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone (tc) 02p (Liua), located approximately 480 nm northwest of Port Vila, Vanuatu, is tracking southeastward at 09 knots.

NewsBytes:

Alabama, USA - Flash floods trapped people in homes and vehicles in north Alabama on Wednesday, and forecasters said the threat could last another day. Torrents of rain from a cold front moving through the state caused water to quickly cover roads and low-lying areas near Birmingham.

Global Warming

Scientists Link Southern Ocean's Rapid Warming to Human Activity

In the past few decades, the Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica has gotten less salty and has warmed at roughly twice the rate of global oceans overall.

Now, in a new study, scientists found convincing evidence that these trends are the result of two human influences: climate change from greenhouse gas emissions and the depletion of the ozone layer.

The research, published this week in the journal Nature Geoscience, was authored by scientists from Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in California.

Using climate models, data from the Argo global network of floating ocean sensors and past records, the researchers determined that Antarctica's warming and freshening waters are directly linked to ozone depletion and greenhouse gas emissions, as opposed to natural variabilities.

This is the first time such a connection has been found specifically for the Southern Ocean, lead author Neil Swart of Environment and Climate Change Canada told Canada's National Observer.

"While the influence of ozone depletion and greenhouse gas increases on the Southern Ocean have been suggested for some time, our research provides the evidence that links the observed changes to these mechanisms, and defines their relative importance," Swart said.

Wildfires

Wildfires - Croatia, Italy

A wildfire whipped by strong winds has forced dozens of people to evacuate part of a peninsula in southern Croatia as the army joined local efforts to fight the flames. Authorities said the wind prevented firefighting planes from helping ground teams and pushed the fire toward the village of Mokalo on the Peljesac peninsula. Strong winds also disrupted ferry traffic between the Croatian islands, and on bridges and highways along the coastline.

Tinder-dry conditions on the other side of the Adriatic Sea have caused similar problems in Italy. A huge forest fire which broke out in northern Tuscany on Monday night forced the evacuation of around 700 residents from their homes. The fire, which broke out near Pisa was thought to be most critical near the towns of Calci, Montemagno, San Lorenzo, Zambra, Caprona and Noce.

Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – New Activity for the week of 19 September - 25 September 2018

Ketoi | Kuril Islands (Russia) : Based on a report from SVERT the Tokyo VAAC reported that on 21 September an ash plume from Ketoi drifted NE.

Piton de la Fournaise | Reunion Island (France) : OVPF reported that, based on visual observations and satellite data, a lava flow at Piton de la Fournaise had traveled 2.8 km S and then SE, and was 500 m from the S wall of Enclos Fouqué by 18 September. It was 660 m wide at the widest part. Volcanic tremor was at a low level and relatively stable on 19 September, and then decreased on 20 September. During fieldwork on 21 September volcanologists observed three active lava fountains that were continuing to build the cone. The E wall was 30 m high, particularly vertical, and appeared unstable with numerous fractures. The lava flows were well-channeled and had advanced several hundred meters since 19 September, threatening an OVPF seismic station. Volcanic tremor levels fluctuated during 21-22 September. Deposits of Pele’s hair were noted in the Grand Coude area (8-10 km SW) on 22 September. During an overflight that same day volcanologists noted that the three lava fountains in the cone were visible, and lava tubes had formed near the uppermost part of the channel. Volcanic tremor had doubled in intensity on 23 September. Compared to the beginning of the eruption on 15 September the sulfur dioxide emissions had decreased by a factor of six; gas plumes were small and drifted S and W, but were confined to the Enclos Fouqué.

Sarychev Peak | Matua Island (Russia) : KVERT reported a continuing eruption at Sarychev Peak (the NW part of Mantua Island) through 21 September. Island observers reported explosions at 1010 on 18 September that sent ash plumes to 4.5 km (14,800 ft) a.s.l. Ash plumes identified in satellite images during 17-18 September drifted 265 km E. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.

Semisopochnoi | United States : AVO reported that during 19-25 September seismicity at Semisopochnoi remained elevated, alternating between periods of continuous and intermittent bursts of tremor. Tremor bursts at 1319 on 21 September and at 1034 on 22 September produced airwaves detected on a regional infrasound array on Adak Island; no ash emissions were identified above the low cloud deck in satellite data, and the infrasound detections likely reflected an atmospheric change instead of volcanic activity. The Aviation Color Code (ACC) remained at Yellow and Volcano Alert Level (VAL) remained at Advisory.

Ulawun | New Britain (Papua New Guinea) : According to the Darwin VACC, a pilot observed an ash plume from Ulawun rising to an altitude of 3.7 km (12,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifting W. Ash was not confirmed in satellite images, though weather clouds obscured views.

Veniaminof | United States : AVO reported that the eruption at Veniaminof continued during 19-25 September, as evidenced by nighttime incandescence recorded by the FAA web camera in Perryville (35 km S), elevated surface temperatures in thermal satellite data, and elevated seismic activity. A gas plume was occasionally visible during clear daytime conditions. A lava flow had traveled 800 m down the S flank of the summit cone by 14 September, though satellite images from 18 September indicated no further advancement. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Watch.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.7 earthquake hits Fiji.

5.2 earthquake hits near the coast of southern Peru.

5.0 earthquake hits near the north coast of Papua, Indonesia.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Atlantic Ocean: Tropical Storm Kirk is located about 470 mi...755 km e of Barbados and about 595 mi...955 km ese of Martinique with maximum sustained winds...45 mph...75 km/h. Present movement...w or 280 degrees at 18 mph...30 km/h.

In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm Rosa is located about 470 mi...755 km wsw of Manzanillo Mexico with maximum sustained winds...65 mph...100 km/h. Present movement...wnw or 290 degrees at 10 mph...17 km/h.

In the Western Pacific Ocean: Typhoon 28w (Trami), located approximately 339 nm south-southeast of Kadena AFB, Japan, is tracking north-northwestward at 04 knots.

Tropical depression (td) 29w (Twenty-nine), located approximately 579 nm east-northeast of Iwo To, Japan, is tracking north-northwestward at 13 knots.

Global Warming

Climate Change Will Ravage Us National Parks

America’s national parks have warmed twice as fast as the US average and could see some of the worst effects of climate change, according to a new study.

Most of Joshua Tree national park could become uninhabitable for its eponymous trees, glaciers will continue to melt away at Glacier national park, and many other of America’s most treasured beauty spots could be rendered virtually unrecognizable by climate change, Patrick Gonzalez, the lead author of the study, writes in the journal Environmental Research Letters.

Even the tiniest of creatures are at risk in the worst-case predictions: the American pika, a small alpine mammal, may no longer be able to survive on park land.

Alaska parks would see the most extreme heat increases, and the US Virgin Islands parks face 28% less rainfall by the end of the century. In Glacier Bay national park, the Muir Glacier melted 640 meters between 1948 and 2000.

In Yellowstone national park, trees are dying because bark beetles are thriving in warmer winters. Yellowstone will also become far more vulnerable to wildfires. The area burned could be up to three to 10 times higher by 2100. Joshua Tree national park in California could lose up to 90% of the habitat suitable for its namesake trees.

Disease

Chikungunya - Sudan

More than 11,000 people in Sudan’s eastern state of Kassala have been infected over the past month by Chikungunya, a debilitating mosquito-borne viral disease, but no deaths have been reported, a Sudanese official said on Tuesday.

Chikungunya is spread by two mosquito species and can cause severe symptoms, which develop three to seven days after a person is bitten by an infected mosquito, include high fever, headache, muscle pain, back pain and rash. There are no dedicated treatments or vaccines for Chikungunya. In rare cases it is fatal.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.5 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.

5.1 earthquake hits the Philippines.

5.1 earthquake hits the Kuril Islands.

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

5.0 earthquake hits offshore Guerrero, Mexico.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Atlantic Ocean: Sub-Tropical Depression Leslie is located about 1165 mi...1870 km wsw of the Azores with maximum sustained winds...35 mph...55 km/h. Present movement...se or 140 degrees at 8 mph...13 km/h.

In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Tropical Depression Twenty-E is located about 365 mi...590 km ssw of Manzanillo Mexico with maximum sustained winds...35 mph...55 km/h. Present movement...w or 280 degrees at 9 mph...15 km/h

In the Western Pacific Ocean: Super Typhoon 28w (Trami), located approximately 401 nm south of Kadena AFB, Japan, is tracking north-northeastward at 04 knots.

NewsBytes:

India - Himachal Pradesh continued to experience heavy rainfall on Sunday and the rivers were flowing in full spate. Roads, bridges, houses and vehicles were washed away in many places and the Beas waters even flooded the Manali-Chandigarh highway. There was heavy snowfall in Lahaul Spiti, Kullu and Kinnaur districts too, with 1.5 feet snow recorded at Rohtang Pass. Flooding in the Beas wreaked havoc in Kullu district and 19 people, including two girls, were stranded near Dobhi village due to a flash flood in an adjoining nullah.

Global Warming

Climate change kills Antarctica's ancient moss beds

Emerging from the ice for a brief growing season every Antarctic summer, the lush green mosses of East Antarctica are finally succumbing to climate change.

That is according to a study of the small, ancient and hardy plants - carried out over more than a decade which revealed that vegetation in East Antarctica is changing rapidly in response to a drying climate.

"Visiting Antarctica, you expect to see icy, white landscapes," said lead scientist Prof Sharon Robinson from the University of Wollongong, in Australia. "But in some areas there are lush, green moss beds that emerge from under the snow for a growing period of maybe six weeks."

While West Antarctica and the Antarctic Peninsula are some of the fastest warming places of the planet, East Antarctica has not yet experienced much climate warming, so the scientists did not expect to see much change in the vegetation there.

"After a pilot study in 2000, we set up monitoring in 2003. When we returned in 2008, all these green moss beds had turned dark red, indicating they were severely stressed. It was a dramatic change.

The red pigments are the sunscreen and drought stress protective pigments they produce to protect themselves - antioxidant and UV screening compounds.

Grey means they are dying.

By dating the mosses, the researchers could tell they have been growing here for hundreds of years. As they grow, the mosses preserve a record of how dry or wet the environment is along their shoots - preserving a record of Antarctic coastal climate over the centuries.

[They might be only] 4-14 cm tall, but [the moss beds] are home to tiny animals and fungi and lichens and algal cells - think of them as a forest and at least 40% of it is suffering drought.

"The mosses are our sentinel for the whole ecosystem."

Environment

Planet Earth Wobbles As It Spins

Since 1899, the Earth's axis of spin has shifted about 34 feet (10.5 meters). Now, research quantifies the reasons why and finds that a third is due to melting ice and rising sea levels, particularly in Greenland — placing the blame on the doorstep of anthropogenic climate change.

Another third of the wobble is due to land masses expanding upward as the glaciers retreat and lighten their load. The final portion is the fault of the slow churn of the mantle, the viscous middle layer of the planet.

Also, Earth's spin isn't perfectly even, as scientists know thanks to slight wiggles in the movements of the stars across the night sky that have been recorded for thousands of years. Since the 1990s, space-based measurements have also confirmed that the Earth's axis of rotation drifts by a few centimeters a year, generally toward Hudson Bay in northeastern Canada.

Researchers knew that a proportion of this wobble was caused by glacial isostatic adjustment, an ongoing process since the end of the last ice age 16,000 years ago. As the glaciers retreat, they relieve the land underneath of their mass. Gradually, over thousands of years, the land responds to this relief by rising like bread dough. (In some places on the edges of the ancient ice sheets, the land might also collapse because the ice had forced it to bulge upward.)

The remaining proportion of Earth’s wobble is accounted for by the melting of the Greenland ice cap and melting glaciers redistributing mass as well as the convective movement of the Earth’s mantle as hotter material rises and cooler material sinks.

Disease

Cholera - Zimbabwe - Update

In a follow-up on the Zimbabwe cholera outbreak, the Ministry of Health and Child Care of Zimbabwe says the cholera outbreak that was officially declared earlier this month remains persistent. As of 21 September 2018, a total of 5891 suspected cases with 38 deaths (case fatality ratio 0.65%) have been reported from six provinces.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.2 earthquake hits New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.

5.1 earthquake hits south of Tonga.

5.0 earthquake hits Tarapaca, Chile.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Atlantic Ocean: Sub-Tropical Storm Leslie is located about 1270 mi...2045 km w of the Azores with maximum sustained winds...40 mph...65 km/h. Present movement...s or 180 degrees at 6 mph...9 km/h.

Tropical Depression Kirk is located about 950 mi...1530 km wsw of the southernmost Cabo Verde islands and about 1615 mi...2600 km e of the Windward islands with maximum sustained winds...35 mph...55 km/h. Present movement...w or 270 degrees at 24 mph...39 km/h.

In the Western Pacific Ocean: Super Typhoon 28w (Trami), located approximately 478 nm south-southeast of Kedena AFB, Japan, is tracking northwestward at 08 knots.

NewsBytes:

Tunisia - Torrential rains and flooding in northeastern Tunisia have left at least four people dead. Severe thunderstorms have hit the North African country since the middle of last week, flooding roads and damaging property. Some areas on Saturday received as much as 197mm of rainfall, half the country's annual precipitation.

Wildfires

Wildfires - Wyoming, USA

The Roosevelt fire has burned more than 60 square miles and destroyed at least three houses since it started Sept. 15. A 53-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 191 was closed between the communities of Daniel and Hoback Junction. Authorities say more than 250 residences in western Wyoming have been ordered evacuated after a wildfire spread toward a state highway that is one of the only ways out of the area.

Disease

Cholera - Nigeria - Update

The Borno State Ministry of Health reported an additional 125 suspected cases of cholera on Friday, including two new fatalities in Jere and Ngala local government areas (LGA). This brings the total number of suspected cholera cases in the state to 2,283, including 40 associated deaths.

Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in Lombardy region, Italy

In recent weeks, an increase in pneumonia cases were reported in the city of Brescia in Lombardy region. Other towns have also reported cases to include Carpenedolo, Montichiari, Asola and Remedello among others. According to officials with Regione Lombardia last week, more than 400 pneumonia cases have been reported, which 42 tested positive for the bacterium, Legionella.

Ukraine mushroom poisoning

The Ukraine Health Ministry reports that through Sep. 21, 174 people have been sickened and 11 have died. This has prompted warnings and advice to the public on the issue of ingesting mushrooms. The most effective advice that will completely save you from mushroom poisoning – refuse to consume wild mushrooms.

West Nile Virus - Romania

The Romania Ministry of Health reported an additional 19 meningitis / meningo-encephalitis with West Nile virus (WNV) have been confirmed in the past week, bringing the total cases for the year to 215.

Wildfires

Wildfires - Colorado-Wyoming, USA

Warm temperatures and dry conditions allowed a wildfire burning along the Colorado-Wyoming border to continue to spread, officials said Saturday. The Ryan Fire has burned at least 2,986 acres in Jackson County, Colorado and Carbon County, Wyoming. It is burning about 27 miles northwest of Walden. Containment remains at 0 percent.

Wildfires - Australia

An emergency warning has been issued for a bushfire raging in remote WA, with residents told it is now too late to leave. Those living in the suburb of Lakeside in Kununurra, at the eastern extremity of the Kimberley, close to the Northern Territory border, have been told to shelter in their homes.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

6.2 earthquake hits the Mariana Islands.

5.4 earthquake hits Antofagasta, Chile.

5.3 earthquake hit southern Iran.

5.3 earthquake hits offshore Antofagasta, Chile.

5.3 earthquake hits the Ryukyu Islands off Japan.

5.2 earthquake hits the Dominican Republic.

5.1 earthquake hits Tonga.

5.1 earthquake hits the western Indian-Antarctic ridge.

5.0 earthquake hits the Molucca Sea.

5.0 earthquake hits the Banda Sea.

Disease

Plague - Madagascar

In an update on the plague situation in Madagascar, the Ministry of Health is now reporting plague has affected eight districts in the country–Central Highlands, Ambalavao, Ambatofinandrahana, Ambositra, Ankazobe, Fandriana, Miarinarivo and Antisirabe. In these eight districts, 16 suspect cases have been reported in one month, including four fatalities.

West Nile Virus - USA

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH) is reporting 11 human West Nile virus (WNV) cases since August, while the number of human West Nile virus (WNV) cases in Massachusetts has increased to 24 with the addition of ten additional cases reported Friday.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Atlantic Ocean: Tropical Depression Eleven is located about 415 mi...670 km ene of the Windward islands with maximum sustained winds...30 mph...45 km/h. Present movement...nw or 315 degrees at 6 mph...9 km/h.

Tropical Storm Kirk is located about 465 mi...745 km ssw of the southernmost Cabo Verde islands with maximum sustained winds...40 mph...65 km/h. Present movement...w or 280 degrees at 18 mph...30 km/h.

In the Western Pacific Ocean: Typhoon 28w (Trami), located approximately 660 nm southeast of Kedena AFB, Japan, is tracking west-northwestward at 09 knots.

NewsBytes:

Texas, USA - A record-setting rainfall drenched the Dallas-Fort Worth area throughout Friday night, flooding dozens of homes. The heaviest rain was in the southeast and eastern portions of Tarrant County, with a few pockets in the east getting as much as 8 inches of rain, said meteorologist Tom Bradshaw with the National Weather Service in Fort Worth. Throughout the rest of the county, widespread rain dropped 3 to 5 inches of water. Heavy rainfall and flash flooding was also reported foreparts of Oklahoma.

East coast, USA - At least 44 people have died since hurricane Florence slammed the coast last week. While the rain has subsided, some rivers are still rising, and North and South Carolina officials warn the flooding danger is far from over.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.7 earthquake hits the Galapagos Islands.

5.2 earthquake hits the Kuril Islands.

5.0 earthquake hits Ascension Island.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Atlantic Ocean: Tropical Depression Eleven is located about 505 mi...810 km e of the Windward islands with maximum sustained winds...35 mph...55 km/h. Present movement...w or 270 degrees at 5 mph...7 km/h.

In the Western Pacific Ocean: Tropical storm 28w (Trami), located approximately 866 nm southeast of Kedena AFB, Japan, is tracking west-northwestward at 12 knots.

NewsBytes:

South Carolina, USA - A new round of evacuations was ordered in South Carolina as the trillions of gallons of water dumped by Hurricane Florence meanders to the sea, raising river levels and threatening more destruction. With the crisis slowly moving to South Carolina, emergency managers on Friday ordered about 500 people to flee homes along the Lynches River. The National Weather Service said the river could reach record flood levels late Saturday or early Sunday, and shelters are open.

Global Warming

Melting Arctic Permafrost Releases Acid that Dissolves Rocks

As temperatures rise in the Arctic, permafrost — permanently frozen ground — is defrosting at an alarming rate. But the permafrost isn't the only thing in the Arctic that's melting.

Exposed rock that was once covered in ice is dissolving, eaten away by acid. And the effects of this acid bath could have far-reaching impacts on global climate, according to a new study.

Icy permafrost is rich in minerals, which are released when the ice melts. The minerals then become vulnerable to chemical weathering, or the breakdown of rock through chemical reactions, scientists recently reported. They investigated areas once covered by permafrost in the western Canadian Arctic, finding evidence of weathering caused by sulfuric acid, produced by sulfide minerals that were released when the permafrost melted.

Another type of naturally occurring chemical erosion is caused by carbonic acid, and it also dissolves Arctic rock. But although carbonic-acid weathering locks carbon dioxide (CO2) in place, sulfuric-acid erosion releases CO2 into the atmosphere, and it does so in quantities that were not previously accounted for, researchers wrote in the study.

Hundreds of mummified penguins in Antarctica can tell us a lot about climate change

New research has connected hundreds of mummified penguin carcasses to two disastrous weather events thought to be influenced by climate change.

The study, which was published in the Journal of Geophysical Research – Biogeosciences, warns that these events might foreshadow what's to come if the Earth continues to get hotter.

A team of Chinese and Australian researchers found the mummified Adélie penguins under a remarkably thick layer of sediment in Long Peninsula, East Antarctica, which usually has a dry climate.

Then, using radiocarbon dating, the scientists found that most of the mummified carcasses were from two specific incidents that affected breeding colonies from 750 and 200 years ago.

The two instances of unusually thick sediment were evidence to the researchers that a lot of water flowed over the area in a short amount of time.

Since penguin chicks do not develop waterproof feathers until a later stage of development, a particularly wet or snowy season would put them in danger of getting hypothermia and dying — which is why scientists believe they found the large number of dead chicks in the two breeding colonies.

The weather event they suspect to be the cause is called zonal wave 3 (ZW3), which produces near-shore ice and adds a lot of moisture to the atmosphere.

Research showed that this meteorological pattern became more frequent in the late 20th Century due to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions.

Since the world hasn't done enough to curb our collective greenhouse gas emissions, researchers fear that ZW3's will become more frequent than ever before and penguin populations will continue to face unfavorable conditions that will jeopardize the survival of the populations.

This particular breed of Antarctic penguins have seen a slough of catastrophic breeding seasons recently.

In 2017 all but two penguins from a colony of 40,000 died from starvation. Earlier that year, only two chicks from a colony of 18,000 breeding penguins survived. That same colony lost every chick in 2013.

Wildlife

Invading Crabs

An aggressive breed of green crab is invading Maine's waters.

The crabs (Carcinus maenas) threaten blue mussels, soft-shell clams and the eelgrass beds off the state's rocky coast. The crustaceans are also just plain nasty: Researchers who work with the crabs say that instead of hiding from threats, the critters rush forward, pincers waving.

The crabs, which measure about 5 inches (13 centimeters) long, belong to the same species that has long lived in Maine's waters. But in the past few years, a genetically distinct population of this species has traveled south from Nova Scotia, Canada, according to research led by Markus Frederich, a professor of marine sciences at the University of New England. These non-native crabs chow down on marine animals that are important for Maine's economy, including mussels and clams, and the invaders shred native eelgrass habitat as they hunt.

Green crabs probably arrived in North America in the 1800s in the ballast water of ships from Europe. In the past decade, Maine's green crab population has exploded, a cycle probably linked to rising ocean temperatures, according to the marine resources department.

Nature - Images

Interesting Images

Scientists observed the first-ever evidence of praying mantises hunting fish.

A family on New Zealand's North Island were enjoying an early morning walk on Pakiri Beach last week when they came across a monstrous, gooey blob with a gelatinous grape-colored center. The glob was an enormous lion's mane jellyfish (Cyanea capillata).

Disease

Diptheria - India

Two Delhi, India government hospitals have reported a dozen diphtheria deaths in children over the past two weeks, according to a local media report. Eleven children have died in the North Delhi Municipal Corporation-run Maharishi Valmiki Infectious Diseases Hospital and one child died in the Delhi government-run Lok Nayak Hospital.

Hepatitis A - Kentucky - USA

Kentucky state health officials have reported two additional hepatitis A (HAV) fatalities during the past two weeks, bringing the death toll to 14. Since the outbreak was declared last November, Kentucky has seen 1,701 cases in 72 percent of the state’s counties. Of this total, 952 cases required hospitalization.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.9 earthquake hits Fiji.

5.8 earthquake hits Fiji.

5.1 earthquake hits the southern Mid-Atlantic ridge.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Western Pacific Ocean: Tropical storm 28w (Twenty-eight), located approximately 121 nm northwest of Andersen AFB, is tracking northwestward at 10 knots.

In the Indian Ocean: Tropical cyclone (tc) 04b (Four), located approximately 264 nm southwest of Kolkata, India, is tracking northwestward at 14 knots.

NewsBytes:

Mexico - As strong monsoon storms moved into the sister cities, known colloquially as Ambos Nogales, on Tuesday afternoon residents uploaded numerous videos and photos of the flooding in the area. Two people died in the flooding, their bodies washing into Arizona. The floods are not uncommon during the Monsoon season. Nogales, Sonora is a densely built city of 350,000 people perched along deep canyons. When heavy storms hit, large amounts of water collect along ravines and washes. But because the Mexican city sits at a higher elevation, the rainwater ends up draining northbound into Arizona.

Global Warming

World's Largest River Floods Five Times More Often Than It Used to

Extreme floods have become more frequent in the Amazon Basin in just the last two to three decades, according to a new study.

After analyzing 113 years of Amazon River levels in Port of Manaus, Brazil, researchers found that severe floods happened roughly every 20 years in the first part of the 20th century. Now, extreme flooding of the world's largest river occurs every four years on average—or about five times more frequently than it used to.

This increase in flooding could be disastrous for communities in Brazil, Peru and other Amazonian nations, the researchers pointed out. There are catastrophic effects on the lives of the people as the drinking water gets flooded, and the houses get completely destroyed.

This dramatic increase in floods is caused by changes in the surrounding seas, particularly the Pacific and Atlantic oceans and how they interact. Due to a strong warming of the Atlantic Ocean and cooling of the Pacific over the same period, we see changes in the so-called Walker circulation, which affects Amazon precipitation. The effect is more or less the opposite of what happens during an El Niño event. Instead of causing drought, it results in more convection and heavy rainfall in the central and northern parts of the Amazon basin.

With temperatures in the Atlantic expected to continue warming, the scientists expect to see more of these high water levels in the Amazon River.

Environment

El Niño Return?

Weather agencies around the world predict there is a 60 to 70 percent chance the weather-altering phenomenon El Niño will emerge during the next two months.

The last time the ocean-warming stretched across the tropical Pacific was in late 2015 into 2016.

It was among the strongest on record and caused weather-related crop damage, wildfires and disastrous flooding in various parts of the planet. But researchers say they don’t expect the new one to be as intense.

A recent study predicts that climate change is altering the dynamics of both El Niño and its ocean-cooling counterpart, La Niña, making their weather impacts more severe as the planet warms.

Nature - Images

Interesting Images

Squirrel Knot

Five infant squirrels that got their tails caught together in a giant knot were rescued and untied by the Wisconsin Humane Society. They were taken to the group’s vets by someone who came across the bizarre scene of their tails caught in what the rescuers called a “Gordian knot” of squirrel tail and nest material. “You can imagine how wiggly and unruly (and nippy!) this frightened, distressed ball of squirrelly energy was, so our first step was to anesthetize all five of them at the same time,” the Humane Society said. The squirrels were frazzled but unharmed by the experience.

Environment

Global Temperature Extremes

The week's hottest temperature was 117 degrees Fahrenheit (47.2 degrees Celsius) in Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia.

The week's coldest temperature was minus 106.0 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 76.7 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 - Australia

Firefighters have taken control of the blazes that have ravaged rural areas to the north and west of Townsville. Crews have battled the bushfires bravely this past fortnight with thousands of hectares of grassland destroyed, but importantly no lives or structures were lost.

Fire crews and property owners are battling two fast-moving and unpredictable bushfires in Queensland.

A large fire is moving in an easterly direction from Toogoolawah, near the Brisbane Valley Highway and Angledale Lane towards the Somerset Dam region. Mount Bepppo is expected to be the next location hit.

Another fire west of Gympie started on a Woolooga property yesterday and quickly spread, missing homes by just metres. The blaze intensified against just before midday amid rapidly changing conditions. It remains out of control and is moving in a north-easterly direction from west of Woolooga to north of the Wide Bay Highway.

Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – Ongoing Activity for the week of 12 September -18 September 2018

Aira | Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that there were 13 events and also 13 explosions at Minamidake crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) during 10-18 September, with ash plumes rising as high as 1.8 km above the crater rim and material ejected as far as 1.1 km. Crater incandescence was visible at night. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a 5-level scale).

Dukono | Halmahera (Indonesia) : Based on satellite data, wind model data, and notices from PVMBG, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 12-18 September ash plumes from Dukono rose to altitudes of 1.8-2.1 km (6,000-7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted in multiple directions.

Ebeko | Paramushir Island (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Ebeko was identified in satellite images during 7, 9, and 12-13 September. Volcanologists in Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island), about 7 km E, observed explosions that sent ash plumes to 3.4 km (11,200 ft) a.s.l. and occasional incandescence during 10-13 September; ash plumes visible in satellite data drifted 113 km SE and NE. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).

Karymsky | Eastern Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Karymsky was identified in satellite images on 7 September. Dense and continuous ash emissions from the crater were visible on 10 September. Explosions during 10-11 September generated ash plumes identified in satellite images rising 5-6 km (16,400-19,700 ft) a.s.l. and drifting about 860 km NE. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).

Kilauea | Hawaiian Islands (USA) : HVO reported minor incandescence from a collapse pit in the central part of Kilauea’s Fissure 8 cone during 12-15 September, and that small amounts of fuming rose from a small spatter cone located towards the back of the Fissure 8 cone during 12-18 September. Seismicity and ground deformation remain low at the summit, and aftershocks from the M 6.9 earthquake in early May were located along faults on the south flank. The combined rate of sulfur dioxide emission from the summit and the LERZ (less than 1,000 tonnes/day) were lower than any time since late 2007. Small collapses at Pu'u 'O'o Crater during 12-14 September generated visible dust plumes. The Volcano Alert Level remained at Watch and the Aviation colour Code remained at Orange.

Krakatau | Indonesia : Based on satellite data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 11-13 and 17-18 September ash plumes from Anak Krakatau rose to altitudes of 1.5-1.8 km (5,000-6,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW, W, and SW. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4); residents and visitors were warned not to approach the volcano within 2 km of the crater.

Merapi | Central Java (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that during 10-16 September the new lava dome in Merapi’s summit crater continued to slowly grow. By 16 September the volume of the lava dome was an estimated 112,000 cubic meters, and the growth rate was 1,600 cubic meters per day. White emissions of variable density rose 20 m above the summit. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and resident were warned to remain outside of the 3-km exclusion zone.

Nevados de Chillan | Chile : Servicio Nacional de Geología and Minería (SERNAGEOMIN) Observatorio Volcanológico de Los Andes del Sur (OVDAS) and ONEMI reported the continuing, slow growth of the lava dome in Nevados de Chillán’s Nicanor Crater during 11-17 September. Gas emissions persisted, and sometimes contained ash. Periodic explosions sometimes ejected material that was deposited around the crater. Notably, at 0057 on 12 September, an explosion associated with a partial dome-collapse event ejected incandescent material 700 m above the crater rim and onto the flanks. An explosion at 2224 on 13 September generated ash plumes that rose 2.5 km above the crater rim. The event also ejected incandescent material to the SE, and generated a pyroclastic flow that traveled as most 400 m E. The Alert Level remained at Orange, the second highest level on a four-colour scale, and residents were reminded not to approach the crater within 3 km. ONEMI maintained an Alert Level Yellow (the middle level on a three-colour scale) for the communities of Pinto, Coihueco, and San Fabián.

Popocatepetl | Mexico : CENAPRED reported that each day during 12-17 September there were 64-189 steam-and-gas emissions from Popocatépetl, some of which contained minor amounts of ash. Nighttime crater incandescence was sometimes visible. Explosions were detected almost every day: eight on 12 September; one on 14 September; five on 15 September; three on 16 September. A series of emissions and explosions accompanied by tremor began at 0425 on 17 September and lasted for 365 minutes; incandescent tephra was ejected. The Alert Level remained at Yellow, Phase Two.

Sabancaya | Peru : Observatorio Vulcanológico del Sur del IGP (OVS-IGP) and Observatorio Vulcanológico del INGEMMET (OVI) reported that explosions at Sabancaya averaged 13 per day during 10-16 September. Hybrid earthquakes were infrequent and of low magnitude. Gas-and-ash plumes rose as high as 2.5 km above the crater rim and drifted 30 km N, NE, and SE. The MIROVA system detected seven thermal anomalies, and on 12 September the sulfur dioxide gas flux was high at 2,060 tons/day. The report noted that the public should not approach the crater within a 12-km radius.

Sangay | Ecuador : Based on satellite images and wind model data, the Washington VAAC reported that on 11, 13, 15, and 17 September ash emissions from Sangay rose to 5.8-6.4 km (19,000-21,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SW and W. A thermal anomaly was visible each day, and also on 16 September.

Sheveluch | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Sheveluch was identified in satellite data during 7-8 and 12-13 September. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).

Suwanosejima | Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : JMA reported that during 12-13 September eruptive events at Suwanosejima’s Ontake Crater generated plumes that rose 1.1 km above the crater rim. Tremor increased, and nighttime crater incandescence was also visible. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a 5-level scale).

Turrialba | Costa Rica : OVSICORI-UNA reported that passive gas-and-ash emissions from Turrialba were continuous in September through the 13th. Events during 17-18 September produced plumes that rose 300 m above the crater and drifted SW and NW.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.5 earthquake hits the Solomon Islands.

5.4 earthquake hits New Britain, Papua New Guinea.

5.4 earthquake hits off the coast of Chiapas, Mexico.

5.4 earthquake hits the Alamagan region, North Mariana Islands.

5.1 earthquake hits the Solomon Islands.

5.1 earthquake hits Kepulauan Talaud, Indonesia.

5.0 earthquake hits offshore Tarapaca, Chile.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: The remnants of Nineteen-E are located about 55 mi...90 km e of Guaymas Mexico with maximum sustained winds...30 mph...45 km/h. Present movement...nne or 20 degrees at 9 mph...15 km/h.

NewsBytes:

North Carolina, USA - About 3.4 million chickens and turkeys and 5,500 hogs have been killed in flooding from Florence as rising North Carolina rivers swamped dozens of farm buildings where the animals were being raised for market, according to state officials. The N.C. Department of Agriculture issued the livestock mortality totals Tuesday, as major flooding is continuing after the slow-moving storm’s drenching rains. Sixteen North Carolina rivers were at major flood stage Tuesday, with an additional three forecasted to peak by Thursday.

Wildfires

Wildfires - Australia

Bushfires could travel underground across parched parts of Queensland in coming days, the Rural Fire Service has warned. The dire warning comes as most of Queensland faces a very high fire danger over the next two days and a total fire ban across the state's south-east.

Soils throughout much of the state are extremely dry and that can help the spread of what is called "subterranean fires". A subterranean fire burns through a tree stump or a tree and it burns what you can see, but what you're not seeing is that it is burning underground through the root system. These sort of fires can then "pop out" of the ground days or even weeks later. The root systems of these trees can go for many, many metres into unburnt country and pop out three days later, five days later, three weeks later and start another fire.

Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – New Activity for the week of 12 September -18 September 2018

Ioto | Japan : During an overflight of Ioto (Iwo-jima) on 12 September the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force observed seawater jetting 5-10 m above the sea surface on the S coast, suggestive of a submarine eruption.

Piton de la Fournaise | Reunion Island (France) : OVPF reported that after several hours of increased seismicity at Piton de la Fournaise a seismic crisis began at 0145 on 15 September, accompanied by rapid deformation. Tremor began at 0425, contemporaneous with the opening of fissures on the S flank near Rivals Crater. Around 1000 an estimate of the lava flow rate, based on satellite data, was 30 cubic meters per second. During an overflight about an hour later observers noted five fissures. The central fissure was the most active, producing lava fountains 30 m high; two lava flows that merged downstream had already flowed more than 2 km towards the wall of the Enclos Fouqué. By the afternoon of 16 September the estimated flow rate was between 2.5 and 7 cubic meters per second. Only three vents were active and a cone had started to form. Lava flows continued to advance during 16-18 September.

Sarychev Peak | Matua Island (Russia) : SVERT and KVERT reported increased activity and ash emissions at Sarychev Peak in mid-September. A thermal anomaly had been periodically visible since 7 May 2018, though more recently anomalies were detected during 8 and 11-12 September. Explosions sometimes occurred during 11 and 13-15 September, and ash emissions rose 3-4 km (10,000-13,100 ft) a.s.l. On 14 September ash plumes drifted as far as 120 km. On 14 September KVERT stated that the Aviation Color Code was raised to Orange, though on 17 September SVERT noted that the Aviation Color Code was at Yellow. KVERT reported that explosions at 0910 on 17 September generated ash plumes that rose as high as 4.5 km (14,800 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 21 km NE.

Semisopochnoi | United States : On 16 September AVO raised the Aviation Color Code (ACC) for Semisopochnoi to Yellow and Volcano Alert Level (VAL) to Advisory after increased seismicity was detected at 0831. Retrospective analysis of satellite data acquired on 10 September revealed small ash deposits on the N flank of Mount Cerberus, possibly associated with two bursts of tremor recorded on 8 September. This new information coupled with intensifying seismicity and a strong tremor signal recorded at 1249 on 17 September prompted AVO to raise the ACC to Orange and the VAL to Watch. Seismicity remained elevated on 18 September with nearly constant tremor being recorded by local sensors.

Veniaminof | United States : AVO reported that the eruption at Veniaminof continued during 12-18 September. A lava flow had traveled 800 m down the S flank of the summit cone by 14 September, remaining confined to the ice-filled summit caldera. A webcam in Perryville (35 km S) recorded nighttime incandescence, and sporadic gas emissions in the day during clear conditions. Elevated surface temperatures were identified in satellite images, and seismicity remained elevated. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Watch.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.8 earthquake hits the Solomon Islands.

5.2 earthquake hits Kepulauan Barat Daya, Indonesia.

5.1 earthquake hits Fiji.

5.1 earthquake hits near the East Coast of Honshu, Japan.

5.1 earthquake hits the Carlsberg Ridge.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Atlantic Ocean: Post Tropical Cyclone Joyce is located about 525 mi...850 km s of the Azores with maximum sustained winds...30 mph...45 km/h. Present movement...ssw or 200 degrees at 8 mph...13 km/h.

NewsBytes:

North Carolina, USA- Hurricane Florence may have moved on from North Carolina, but the effects from the deadly storm are still threatening the state. Florence unleashed up to 36 inches of rain in some areas, causing massive flooding. And while no more rain from the hurricane is expected, officials say the flooding is going to get worse before it gets better. One consequence is that the flooding breached hog lagoons – man-made pits that store animal waste. Due to excessive flooding, CNN reported that at least seven lagoons were overflowing with water and several more lagoons became flooded. Waste from the lagoons was spilling out into the storm water, exposing people to feces and bacteria like e.coli and salmonella, which can cause vomiting, gastrointestinal issues, kidney problems and skin infections, among other health issues. Flood waters could also be contaminated with coal ash, industrial waste created by coal burning power plants. In addition to animal waste, CBS reported that tens of thousands of gallons of untreated wastewater from a sanitary sewer flowed into a tributary of the Cape Fear river basin on Sunday for four hours.

Disease

Plague - Madagascar

An outbreak of plague in Madagascar has killed two people, a health official said on Tuesday, marking the official start of the season when the disease is considered to be at its deadliest. Last year more than 200 people were killed before epidemics of bubonic and pneumonic plague were brought under control in November.

Foot and Mouth Disease - Sierra Leone

About 500 animals, including small ruminants like goats and ship, have died in an outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease in Sierra Leone, report said Monday.The Ministry of Health says the highly contagious and infectious viral disease which affects animals spilled over from neighboring Guinea. It said three districts – Kono in the east and Kambia and Tonkolili in the north have been affected so far. All three districts share border with Guinea and Liberia.

Chikungunya - Sudan

The Sudan Federal Ministry of Health has reported more than 6,200 chikungunya cases in the current outbreak in Sudan’s northeastern state of Kassala. However, the health sector says the number of people affected is much higher than official numbers. Seven chikungunya related fatalities have been reported.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

6.0 earthquake hits the south-west Indian Ridge.

5.2 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.

5.1 earthquake hits south of Tonga.

5.1 earthquake hit eastern New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.

5.0 earthquake hits the Peru – Ecuador border.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Atlantic Ocean: Post Tropical Cyclone Florence is located about 105 mi...170 km wnw of New York City and about 100 mi...165 km nnw of Philadelphia Pennsylvania with maximum sustained winds...25 mph...35 km/h. Present movement...e or 100 degrees at 13 mph...20 km/h.

Tropical Depression Joyce is located about 355 mi...570 km s of the Azores with maximum sustained winds...35 mph...55 km/h. Present movement...sse or 165 degrees at 6 mph...9 km/h.

NewsBytes:

East Coast, USA - Florence is expected to produce heavy to excessive rainfall through Tuesday. Portions of the northern Mid-Atlantic states and southern New England are expected to receive an additional 2 to 4 inches of rain...with isolated maximum amounts of 6 inches possible. The storm is blamed for at least 32 deaths, say officials quoted by the Associated Press. Twenty-four of those were in North Carolina. Life-threatening floods are expected to continue all this week, according to the National Weather Service. In Virginia, one person was killed as a result of a tornado associated with Florence.

Nigeria - Rainy season flooding across Nigeria has killed more than 100 people, as water poured over the banks of the West African country’s two major rivers, and into numerous cities and towns. Over the weekend, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency reported that the Benue and Niger Rivers were close to reaching levels that in 2012 led to floods that killed more than 350 people and wiped out scores of homes, farms and other property.

Wildfires

Wildfires - Utah, USA - Update

A pair of wildfires in southern Utah County have moved about five miles northward in the Diamond Fork area. The Pole Creek and Bald Mountain fires have burned 86,379 acres combined, according to an update from the U.S. Forest Service. Due to the Pole Creek and Bald Mountain Fires, Diamond Fork and Sheep Creek Canyons were under mandatory evacuations Sunday afternoon as the pair of fires jumped US-6.

Wildfires - Wyoming, USA

A wildfire burning along Wyoming’s southern border that was first reported Saturday consumed more than 1,800 acres in the following 24 hours. The blaze, known as the Ryan Fire, began across the state line in the Mount Zirkel Wilderness in Jackson County, Colorado. Winds had pushed it north by Sunday night into Carbon County, Wyoming, and the Medicine Bow National Forest. Authorities say they evacuated all known occupied camps and hunting areas before the fire spread north.

Another fire reported Saturday afternoon in Bridger-Teton National Forest has burned 3,000 acres.

Disease

Cholera - Zimbabwe - Update

In a follow-up on the cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe, health officials are reporting a total of 3349 suspected cases (71 confirmed) including 32 deaths since the beginning of the outbreak on Sept. 1. This outbreak is evolving rapidly and affecting mainly Harare city (98% of all cases).

Dengue Fever - Thailand

Bangkok Metropolitan Administration health officials issued a dengue fever warning because of heavy and consistent rain in the capital city of more than 8 million. Some 6,000 people have been affected this year to date, including five deaths.

On Monday, Governor Aswin Khwanmuang said dengue hemorrhagic fever is spreading in Nong Chok, Huai Khwang, Bang Kapi and Klong Samwa districts. In addition, he ordered strict disease control measures, including fumigation to kill mosquito larvae.

Since the beginning of the year through Sept 10, Thailand has reported a total of 54,808 cases were reported from all 77 provinces, including 69 deaths.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

6.5 earthquake hits south of Fiji.

5.4 earthquake hits Fiji.

5.4 earthquake hits south of Fiji.

5.3 earthquake hits Vanuatu.

5.2 earthquake hits Vanuatu.

5.1 earthquake hits the Ryukyu Islands off Japan.

5.0 earthquake hits Crete.

5.0 earthquake hits south of Tonga.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Atlantic Ocean: Tropical Depression Florence is located about 125 mi...200 km wsw of Roanoke Virginia and about 145 mi...230 km wnw of Greensboro North Carolina with maximum sustained winds...30 mph...45 km/h. Present movement...nne or 20 degrees at 13 mph...20 km/h.

Tropical Depression Joyce is located about 285 mi...460 km ssw of the Azores with maximum sustained winds...35 mph...55 km/h. Present movement...e or 90 degrees at 17 mph...28 km/h.

In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone 01s (One), located approximately 592 nm northeast of Port Louis, Mauritius, is tracking westward at 11 knots.

NewsBytes:

East Coast, USA - As the death toll from Florence grew to 15 and hundreds of people were pulled from flooded homes, North Carolina braced for catastrophic, widespread river flooding that could be the next stage of a mounting disaster. Weakened to a tropical depression early Sunday after blowing ashore as a hurricane with 90 mph winds on Friday, Florence was still spinning slowly atop the Carolinas as it pulled warm water from the ocean and hurled it onshore. About 740,000 homes and businesses remained without power in the Carolinas, and utilities said some could be out for weeks. Inland rivers swelled toward record levels, forecasters said, and thousands of people were ordered to evacuate for fear that the next few days could bring the most destructive round of flooding in North Carolina history.

Hong Kong, China - Typhoon Mangkhut slammed into mainland China late Sunday after leaving a trail of destruction in Hong Kong and Macau after killing at least 65 people in the northern Philippines. The world's biggest storm this year felled trees and sent skyscrapers swaying in high-rise Hong Kong, injuring more than 200 people there before making landfall on the coast of Jiangmen city, in southern China's Guangdong province. Provincial authorities said they evacuated a total of 2.37 million people and ordered tens of thousands of fishing boats back to port before the arrival of what Chinese media has dubbed the "King of Storms". State-run China Central Television (CCTV) reported the typhoon had killed two people in Guangdong.

Disease

Measles - Brazil - Update

The Brazil Ministry of Health reported last week that as of September 10, there are 1,673 confirmed measles cases nationwide. In Amazonas, there are 1,326, and in Roraima, 301.

Another 7,812 remain under investigation. All are related to importation (the genotype of the virus (D8) that is circulating in the country is the same that circulates in Venezuela).

Cholera - Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia confirmed one cholera infection and three other suspected cases in an area bordering Yemen, where an epidemic has killed more than 2,000 people.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.6 earthquake hits the Ryukyu Islands, Japan.

5.4 earthquake hits Western Australia.

5.4 earthquake hits of the Kuril Islands.

5.3 earthquake hits the Ryukyu Islands, Japan.

5.1 earthquake hits the Pacific – Antarctic Ridge.

5.1 earthquake hits the Ryukyu Islands, Japan.

5.0 earthquake hits Fiji.

5.0 earthquake hits offshore Guerrero, Mexico.

5.0 earthquake hits southern Sumatra, Indonesia.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Atlantic Ocean: Tropical Depression Florence is located about 20 mi...35 km sw of Columbia South Carolina with maximum sustained winds...35 mph...55 km/h. Present movement...w or 280 degrees at 8 mph...13 km/h.

Tropical Storm Helene is located about 270 mi...435 km n of Faial island in the central Azores with maximum sustained winds...50 mph...85 km/h. Present movement...ne or 50 degrees at 25 mph...41 km/h.

Tropical Storm Joyce is located about 580 mi...930 km wsw of the Azores with maximum sustained winds...40 mph...65 km/h. Present movement...ene or 75 degrees at 17 mph...28 km/h.

In the Western Pacific Ocean: Typhoon 26w (Mangkhut), located approximately 54 nm southwest of Hong Kong, is tracking west-northwestward at 17 knots.

In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone 01s (One), located approximately 425 nm southwest of Diego Garcia, is tracking west-southwestward at 12 knots.

NewsBytes:

East Coast, USA - At least 14 deaths from Florence have been confirmed with the worst flooding still expected to come. Swansboro, N.C. has now received more than 30 inches of rain; several other have received more than 20 inches. Florence is causing flash flooding and major river flooding over a "significant portion" of North and South Carolina. Life-threatening, catastrophic flash floods and prolonged significant river flooding are possible in portions of North Carolina, South Carolina and the southern to central Appalachias to western North Carolina to west-central Virginia and far-eastern West Virginia into early next week, the National Weather Service said. Landslides are also possible in the higher terrain of the southern and central Appalachias across western North Carolina into southwestern Virginia as Florence moves inland. Water levels along the North and South Carolina coasts are gradually receding as of Saturday night. Nearly 1 million homes and businesses lost power in North and South Carolina. A couple of tornadoes are still possible through Sunday in North Carolina and northeastern South Carolina, the NHC said.

Philippines - A super typhoon swirled towards Hong Kong and the Chinese coast on Sunday, gaining in strength over the South China Sea after hurtling through the Philippines, where it wreaked havoc that killed at least 25. Tropical cyclone Mangkhut is considered the strongest to hit the region this year, packing gale force winds of more than 200 kph, equivalent to a maximum Category 5 “intense hurricane” in the Atlantic. Philippine authorities said at least 25 people were killed, including a baby and a toddler, most of them in landslides in mountainous areas that left at least 13 missing. Mangkhut, the Thai name for Southeast Asia’s mangosteen fruit, was expected to skirt 100 km south of Hong Kong and veer west towards the coast of China’s southern Guangdong province, and the gaming centre of Macau. Hong Kong raised its highest No. 10 typhoon signal at mid-morning, as fierce waves pounded low-lying areas and strong winds rattled windows in many towering skyscrapers.

Disease

Cholera - Algeria

From 7 August to 6 September, 217 cases with cholera-like symptoms have been hospitalized, two of the patients died (CFR: 0.9%). Cases have been reported from seven provinces (Wilayas). Of these, 83 have been confirmed as Vibrio cholerae serogroup O1 Ogawa at the Institut Pasteur Algiers. More than half of the confirmed cases have been registered in Blida Province, followed by Algiers, Tipaza, Bouira, Médéa and Ain Defla.

A total of 21, including three private, water sources in the affected areas were tested for bacterial contamination, and 10 of these were deemed inappropriate for human consumption. One of the water sources tested positive for V. cholerae and was condemned for human consumption.

West Nile virus

European health officials reported an additional 150 human West Nile virus cases during the past week, bringing the total human cases to 948 this year. According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), the number of cases are up three-fold compared to previous years.

Anthrax - Uganda and Turkey

Uganda - More than 1,000 animals have died following the outbreak of anthrax in Arua District. Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) in Entebbe laboratory analysis has confirmed the outbreak of the disease. 28 people were infected including two deaths.

Turkey - 

Turkey’s Diyarbakir Chamber of Medicine said a 10-year-old boy died from the eastern city of Bitlis reported as the first death due to anthrax. Some 130 people have been hospitalized due to suspicions of anthrax infection.

Anthrax outbreaks have hit Turkey due to 4,000 cattle imported from Brazil since greater Eid in August, with infected animals observed in Istanbul, the capital Ankara, as well as in several other cities.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.9 earthquake hits Papua, Indonesia.

Two 5.6 earthquakes hit the Ryukyu Islands off Japan.

5.5 earthquake hits the Ryukyu Islands off Japan.

5.3 earthquake hits southern Peru.

5.2 earthquake hits the Mariana Islands.

5.1 earthquake hits southeast of the Loyalty Islands.

5.1 earthquake hits the Ryukyu islands off Japan.

5.0 earthquake hits the Ryukyu Islands off Japan.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Atlantic Ocean: Hurricane Florence is located about 35 mi...55 km w of Myrtle Beach South Carolina and about 45 mi...70 km sse of Florence South Carolina with maximum sustained winds...50 mph...80 km/h. Present movement...w or 260 degrees at 2 mph...4 km/h.

Tropical Storm Helene is located about 185 mi...300 km wsw of Flores in the Azores with maximum sustained winds...70 mph...110 km/h. Present movement...nne or 25 degrees at 22 mph...35 km/h.

Remnants of Isaac are located about 260 mi...420 km ssw of Santo Domingo Dominican Republic and about 455 mi...730 km ese of Kingston Jamaica with maximum sustained winds...35 mph...55 km/h. Present movement...w or 270 degrees at 16 mph...26 km/h.

Tropical Storm Joyce is located about 955 mi...1540 km wsw of the Azores with maximum sustained winds...50 mph...85 km/h. Present movement...e or 85 degrees at 8 mph...13 km/h.

In the Western Pacific Ocean: Typhoon 26w (Mangkhut), located approximately 246 nm north-northwest of Manila, Philippines, is tracking northwestward at 15 knots.

Tropical Depression 27w (Barijat), located approximately 84 nm east-northeast of Hanoi, Vietnam, is tracking west-northwestward at 09 knots.

In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone 01s (One), located approximately 217 nm south- southwest of Diego Garcia, is tracking west-southwestward at 08 knots.

NewsBytes:

East Coast, USA - Hurricane Florence crashed into the Carolinas as a giant, slow-moving storm on Friday, threatening catastrophic flooding while leaving scores in need of rescue from rising waters and hundreds of thousands without power. The centre of the hurricane’s eye came ashore at about 0715 EDT near Wrightsville Beach close to Wilmington, North Carolina, with sustained winds of 90 miles per hour (150 kph), the National Hurricane Centre (NHC) said. North Carolina’s governor, Roy Cooper, said Florence was set to cover almost all of the state in several feet of water. Almost 20,000 people had taken refuge in 157 emergency shelters.

Wildfires

Wildfires - Utah, USA

A swift Utah wildfire fanned by high winds has more than doubled its size as it burns through dry terrain and forces evacuations of hundreds of homes, the U.S. Forest Service said Friday. The blaze south of Spanish Fork grew to 84 square miles (217 square kilometers) from 31 square miles (80 square kilometers) Thursday night when authorities ordered evacuations in three communities. Spanish Fork is about 50 minutes south of Salt Lake City.

Wildfires - California, USA

Crews continue to make progress fighting the Delta Fire burning in Shasta County, with the blaze 28 percent contained Friday at 60,018 acres, according to a 7 a.m. Cal Fire incident update.

Fire activity flared up along the freeway Thursday evening, forcing another temporary closure of a stretch of Interstate 5 and multiple ramps. At least 17 structures have been destroyed by the Delta Fire so far, according to the latest Cal Fire update. More than 3,200 personnel are assigned to the fire, including about 1,000 from the U.S. Forest Service.

Disease

Cholera - Zimbabwe - Update

Reports from Zimbabwe say the death toll from cholera has now risen to 28. Meanwhile, the authorities are reporting three cases of the disease in the second city of Bulawayo. Bulawayo will be the seventh province to be affected by this cholera outbreak, which began in Harare early this month.

China - Foot and Mouth Disease

China’s Ministry of Agriculture reported on Friday an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in a herd of cattle that was transported to the Xinjiang region from Gansu province. The local government in Xinjiang then culled 47 cattle following the outbreak.

African swine fever spreads to Belgium

An outbreak of African swine fever terrorising pig farmers in Europe has dramatically escalated with the confirmation that the deadly infectious disease has spread to Belgium.

The discovery of the highly contagious disease in two wild boars found dead near the town of Étalle, in Gaume, has sparked calls for a mass cull of that species to protect western Europe’s pork industry.

The Dutch and French authorities have been put on high alert while Belgium’s farming minister, René Collin, has ordered a ban on hunting until mid-October, along with restrictions on the movement of animals across a territory of 63,000 hectares in the south of the country. Walkers have been asked to stay on footpaths and 67 farms are being tested for signs of an outbreak.

African swine fever was last seen in Belgium in 1985, and led to the culling of 30,000 pigs. It causes haemorrhaging and is incurable in pigs, although it is not dangerous for humans. Discovery of the disease in Europe’s second-largest farm in Romania last month resulted in the culling of 140,000 animals.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.2 earthquake hits the southern east Pacific rise.

5.1 earthquake hits the Nicobar Islands off India.

5.0 earthquake hits Costa Rica.

5.0 earthquake hits north of Halmahera, Indonesia.

5.0 earthquake hits south of the Kermedec Islands.

5.0 earthquake hits northern Peru.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Atlantic Ocean: Hurricane Florence is located about 25 mi...35 km e of Wilmington North Carolina and about 55 mi...85 km sw of Morehead City North Carolina with maximum sustained winds...90 mph...150 km/h. Present movement...wnw or 285 degrees at 6 mph...9 km/h.

Tropical Storm Helene is located about 760 mi...1220 km sw of Lajes air base in the Azores with maximum sustained winds...65 mph...100 km/h. Present movement...n or 10 degrees at 23 mph...37 km/h.

Tropical Depression Isaac is located about 190 mi...310 km ssw of St. Croix and about 380 mi...610 km se of Santo Domingo Dominican Republic with maximum sustained winds...35 mph...55 km/h. Present movement...w or 275 degrees at 15 mph...24 km/h.

Tropical Storm Joyce is located about 1090 mi...1750 km wsw of the Azores with maximum sustained winds...40 mph...65 km/h. Present movement...ssw or 210 degrees at 8 mph...13 km/h.

In the Western Pacific Ocean: Super Typhoon 26w (Mangkhut), located approximately 297 nm east-northeast of Manila, Philippines, is tracking northwestward at 15 knots.

Tropical Depression 27w (Barijat), located approximately 84 nm east-northeast of Hanoi, Vietnam, is tracking west-northwestward at 09 knots.

In the Central Pacific Ocean: Post Tropical Cyclone Olivia is located about 380 mi...610 km ene of Johnston island and about 440 mi...710 km wsw of Honolulu Hawaii with maximum sustained winds...35 mph...55 km/h. Present movement...w or 260 degrees at 15 mph...24 km/h.

NewsBytes:

East Coast, USA - Hurricane Florence's leading edge battered the Carolina coast Thursday, bending trees and shooting frothy sea water over streets on the Outer Banks, as the hulking storm closed in with 100 mph (160 kph) winds for a drenching siege that could last all weekend. Tens of thousands were without power. Winds and rain were arriving later in South Carolina, and a few people were still walking on the sand at Myrtle Beach while North Carolina was getting pounded. Forecasters' European climate model is predicting 2 trillion to 11 trillion gallons of rain will fall on North Carolina over the next week, according to meteorologist Ryan Maue of weathermodels.com. That's enough water to fill the Empire State Building nearly 40,000 times. More than 1.7 million people in the Carolinas and Virginia were warned to evacuate over the past few days, and the homes of about 10 million were under watches or warnings for the hurricane or tropical storm conditions.