Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

6.1 earthquake hits Mindanao in the Philippines.

6.0 earthquake hits Fiji.

5.2 earthquake hits the Bali Sea.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

There are no current tropical storms.

NewsBytes:

Flooded Farms, USA - Across the Midwest, torrential rains have soaked the fields, leaving the sodden soil unsuitable for planting millions of acres with corn, soybeans, and other crops, presaging a terrible harvest. Seeds are usually in the ground this time of year. But thanks to floods, unrelenting rains, hail, and scores of tornadoes—nearly 200 more than average by this point in the year—the season is off to one of the worst starts in history. Every day tractors don’t enter the fields means a higher chance of crop failure. On May 28, the USDA announced that US farmers have just 58% of their corn crop in the ground (versus a five-year average of 90% by this time) and 29% of the soybean crop (compared to 66%). Those are among the lowest rates in history. Other farmers may end up planting nothing and have declared a total crop loss.

Environment

Nuclear Testing Legacy

Cracks in a dome built over a crater left by a 1958 nuclear blast in the Marshall Islands may now be leaking radioactive contamination around Enewetak Atoll.

The Runit dome was built by the United States in 1977, designed to also contain radioactive debris from other nuclear tests in the Pacific between 1946 and 1958. But the new cracks and rising sea levels threaten to inundate the atomic dump, further contaminating the Pacific atoll.

Some of the Enewetak residents evacuated before the blast were finally allowed to return in 1980 after the dome was completed and the Marshall Islands government accepted the U.S. cleanup efforts as final.

Global Warming

Global warming and more storms

The type of stalled jet stream pattern that brought almost daily rounds of severe storms to North America and parts of the Mediterranean during the latter half of May is linked to the record warming of the Arctic.

Researchers from Germany’s Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI) combined two models that use machine learning to realistically reproduce the observed changes in the jet stream. They say it’s the first time artificial intelligence has been used in climate modeling.

“Our study shows that the changes in the jet stream are at least partly due to the loss of Arctic sea ice,” said Markus Rex of AWI. “If the ice cover continues to dwindle, we believe that both the frequency and intensity of the extreme weather events - in the middle latitudes will increase.”

Environment

Global Temperature Extremes

The week’s hottest temperature was 119 degrees Fahrenheit (48.3 degrees Celsius) in Jacobabad, Pakistan.

The week’s coldest temperature was minus 110.0 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 78.9 degrees Celsius) at Russia’s Vostok base, 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

A decline in the number of confirmed Ebola virus disease (EVD) cases has been reported this week (22 to 28 May). Over the past seven days, a total of 73 new confirmed cases were reported compared to the previous where 127 new confirmed cases were reported. This should be interpreted with caution given the complex operating environment and fragility of the security situation.

African Swine Fever - North Korea

North Korean health authorities have reported an outbreak of African Swine Fever. The outbreak occurred at Buksang cooperative farm, Ri, Usi, Chagang-Do where 77 cases were reported on a farm of 99 pigs. The remaining 22 pigs were culled.

Bee Disease - Scotland

A case of European Foulbrood (EFB) was confirmed in West Lothian following laboratory diagnosis by Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (Sasa). It is a disease that spreads between hives, mainly by beekeepers, their tools and contaminated equipment.

Volcanos

Global Volcanic Activity - Ongoing Activity for the week of 22 May - 28 May 2019

Agung | Bali (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that at 1923 on 24 May an explosion at Agung ejected incandescent material radially onto the flanks as far as 3 km from the crater rim, setting fire to some vegetation. A dense gray-white ash plume rose 2 km and, based on satellite data, drifted SW, causing thick ashfall in several villages to the S. Roaring was audible from the Agung Volcano Observatory in Rendang (about 8 km SW). According to a news article several flights to and from Australia were cancelled or diverted, though the International Gusti Ngurah Rai (IGNR) airport (60 km SW) in Denpasar was not closed. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4) with the exclusion zone set at a 4-km radius.

Aira | Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that during 22-23 May two explosions at Minamidake crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) produced plumes that rose 1.6 km above the crater rim and ejected material as far as 900 m. Crater incandescence was periodically visible. Very small eruptive events were recorded during 24-27 May. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a 5-level scale).

Dukono | Halmahera (Indonesia) : Based on satellite and wind model data, and notices from PVMBG, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 22-28 May ash plumes from Dukono rose to altitudes of 2.1-3 km (7,000-10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted in multiple directions. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was warned to remain outside of the 2-km exclusion zone.

Ebeko | Paramushir Island (Russia) : A thermal anomaly over Ebeko was identified in satellite images during 16-17 May. Volcanologists in Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island), about 7 km E of Ebeko, observed explosions during 16-20 May that sent ash plumes up to 2.5 km (8,200 ft) a.s.l. Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).

Etna | Sicily (Italy) : INGV reported that gas emissions of variable intensity were observed rising from Etna’s summit craters during 20-26 May; weather conditions often prevented views. Weak and diffuse ash emissions occasionally rose from the New Southeast Crater (NSEC). An ash plume rose from Bocca Nuova Crater on 23 May.

Ibu | Halmahera (Indonesia) : The Darwin VAAC reported that during 23-24 May ash plumes from Ibu rose to altitudes of 2.4-2.7 km (8,000-9,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SE based on satellite data. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was warned to stay at least 2 km away from the active crater, and 3.5 km away on the N side.

Karymsky | Eastern Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Karymsky was visible in satellite images during 17-21 May. An ash plume drifted 9 km SW on 21 May. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).

Klyuchevskoy | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a weak thermal anomaly over Klyuchevskoy was identified in satellite images on 17, 19, and 21 May. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).

Krakatau | Indonesia : PVMBG reported that Anak Krakatau’s seismic network detected 26 eruptive events during 20-26 May. None of the events were followed by visible ash emissions, though observations were hindered by fog. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was warned to remain outside of the 2-km radius hazard zone from the crater.

Merapi | Central Java (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that on 11 May the lava dome at Merapi had an estimated volume of 458,000 cubic meters, based on analyses of drone footage, and remained unchanged at least through 26 May. The dome morphology remained relatively unchanged, as most of the extruded lava fell into the upper parts of the SE-flank Gendol River drainage. One block-and-ash flow traveled 1.1 km down the Gendol drainage. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and residents were warned to remain outside of the 3-km exclusion zone.

Sheveluch | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Sheveluch’s lava dome was identified daily in satellite images during 17-24 May. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).

Soputan | Sulawesi (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that during 22-28 May white plumes rose as high as 100 m above Soputan’s summit. On 27 May white-to-gray plumes rose 150 m high. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4). The public was advised not to approach the craters within a radius of 4 km, or 6.5 km on the WSW flank.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

6,6 earthquake hits offshore El Salvador.

5.3 earthquake hits the Northern Territory, Australia.

5.2 earthquake hits the northern mid-Atlantic ridge.

5.1 earthquake hits Halmahera, Indonesia.

5.0 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.

5.0 earthquake hits Antofagasta, Chile.

5.0 earthquake hits the northern mid-Atlantic ridge.

Wildlife

Mass Die-Off of Puffins

Hundreds of “severely emaciated” puffin carcasses have washed ashore on an Alaskan island, and researchers believe thousands more have died at sea as warming waters continue to shrink their food supply.

Between October 2016 and January 2017, inhabitants of St Paul Island in the Bering sea found the starved bodies of more than 350 seabirds, primarily tufted puffins.

Analysing the location of bird carcasses and wind data, Timothy Jones at the University of Washington in Seattle and his colleagues estimated that between 3000 and 9000 birds died in total.

When they examined some of the bodies, they found no signs of infection or unsafe levels of toxins. “Collected specimens were severely emaciated, suggesting starvation as the ultimate cause of mortality,” Jones wrote.

Tufted puffins, which accounted for 79 per cent of the bird carcasses found, eat fish and marine invertebrates, which in turn eat phytoplankton. But changes to atmospheric conditions, including the ongoing heatwave, have massively disrupted the marine ecosystems, he wrote. There is less winter sea-ice, and warmer temperatures have been linked to fewer forage fish, crustaceans and other prey animals as they either die off or move north to cooler waters.

Almost all the puffins they found were adults in the process of moulting, which makes them flightless for up to 40 days and requires more nutritional energy than normal.

Environment

Heatwave in India

Almost half of India has been put on heatwave alert, with at least 500 people being reported to have died in the heatwave sweeping India, with temperatures reaching 48C (118F) in some areas. Most deaths have taken place in the southern states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, where more than 140 people have died since Saturday.

Wildfires

Wildfires - South Carolina, USA

So far, at least two wildfires have broken out in South Carolina amid a record-breaking heat wave. Fire managers at the Francis Marion National Forest say they a wildfire that started on Monday named the "Memorial Fire" are continuing to suppress a fire that has covered 1,300 acres so far. In Aiken County, officials evacuated residents near I-20 and Old Granite Hwy. on Tuesday due to a rapidly spreading fire named the "Gateway Fire" which has burned about 300 acres.

Disease

Ebola - DR Congo

A mob in eastern Congo killed an Ebola health worker and looted a clinic, the Health Ministry said on Tuesday, underscoring a breakdown in public trust that is hampering efforts to contain the deadly virus.

Attacks on treatment centers by armed groups and mistrust among residents who view the disease as a conspiracy have become major impediments to containing Democratic Republic of Congo’s worst-ever Ebola outbreak.

The hemorrhagic fever has so far killed 1,281 people, according to the latest ministry figures, and shows no signs of slowing its spread, with dozens of new cases a week.

Hepatitis A - Florida, USA

The Florida Department of Health reported an additional 92 hepatitis A cases the week ending May 25, bringing the outbreak total for 2019 to 1312 cases.

Volcanos

Global Volcanic Activity - New Activity for the week of 22 May - 28 May 2019

Colima | Mexico : Centro Universitario de Estudios e Investigaciones de Vulcanologia - Universidad de Colima reported that 51 low-magnitude explosions mainly from the NE part of Colima’s crater were recorded by the seismic and infrasound network during 11-24 May. Emissions from the explosions consisted mainly of water vapor and gas, and were the first surficial manifestations of activity since seismicity increased in the past few weeks. Footage from five drone overflights conducted on 22 May showed fumarolic activity on the inner wall of the NE part of the crater and a new small explosion crater near the center of the main crater.

Hakoneyama | Honshu (Japan) : JMA reported that the number of earthquakes at Hakoneyama increased on 18 May and remained elevated through 27 May. The epicenters were centered around the W bank of Lake Ashinoko and around Komagatake. Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) data continued to indicate a trend of inflation. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a 5-level scale).

Sarychev Peak | Matua Island (Russia) : SVERT lowered the Alert Level for Sarychev Peak to Green on 22 May, noting that the last activity recorded was an ash plume on 16 May and a thermal anomaly on 17 May.

Sinabung | Indonesia : PVMBG reported that an eruption at Sinabung was recorded at 0253 on 25 May. An ash plume from the event drifted W and NW according to the Darwin VAAC; fog prevented ground-based visual observations. Ashfall was reported in several areas downwind according to a news article. At 0629 on 27 May a dense gray ash plume rose 2.5 km above the crater rim and drifted S. The VAAC reported that at 0700 an ash plume was visible in satellite images at an altitude of 6.1 km (20,000 ft) a.s.l., or 3.7 km above the crater rim. Eruptive events were recorded at 2323 on 27 May and 0118 on 28 May, though ash plumes were not visible. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4), with a general exclusion zone of 3 km and extensions to 5 km on the SE sector and 4 km in the NE sector.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.1 earthquake hits the Kuril Islands.

5.1 earthquake hits southeast of the Loyalty Islands.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

There are no current tropical storms.

NewsBytes:

Tornadoes, USA - A large tornado touched down Tuesday in Kansas, striking the southeast portion of Lawrence, according to the National Weather Service. Dozens of homes just outside the city limits are “all gone,” according to the Mayor of Lawrence. The weather service received more than 55 tornado reports in eight states Monday and Tuesday.

Wildlife

Extinction Looms for Sumatran Rhino

Malaysia's last male Sumatran rhino has died, leaving just one of the rhinos, a captive female, in the entire country, a region that was once replete with the two-horned beasts.

Global Warming

Global warming could enlarge world’s largest ocean dead zone

Climate modelling experts ran computer experiments to predict how the world’s largest oxygen minimum zone (OMZ), situated in the Arabian Sea, will react to future warming scenarios.1 First documented in the 1960s, the dimensions of the Arabian Sea’s dead zone, an area the size of Scotland, were only formally established a year ago by marine biologists who dispatched underwater robots.

The most recent simulation, led by Zouhair Lachkar from New York University Abu Dhabi’s Center for Prototype Climate Modelling, showed that an additional warming of 2°C to 4°C is bound to intensify the OMZ. This will further reduce marine habitats for fish species intolerant to hypoxic conditions, strain commercially important fisheries, and accelerate the release of toxic heat-trapping gas into the atmosphere.

Naturally occurring oxygen minimum zones exist in three other locations worldwide. They result from an imbalance between oxygen supply and loss. In any water body, atmospheric oxygen is injected and mixed by waves and eddies, and consumed by bacteria feeding on sinking and decomposing organic matter. Because the Arabian Sea is one of the most productive marine ecosystems, it generates large amounts of organic matter that is decomposed by bacteria, tipping the fragile oxygen balance towards anoxia.

The intensification of the oxygen minimum zone, especially nearer the surface, has huge impacts for local communities. When the low oxygen boundary gets shallower, fish communities are squeezed into a thinner layer. This puts a lot of stress on fisheries.

Nature - Images

Interesting Images

Albino Panda Spotted in the Wild for the First Time

Pandas are known for their furry black-and-white markings, so wildlife experts were stunned to see an all-white panda with red eyes tramping through a bamboo forest in China last month.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.1 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

There are no current tropical storms.

NewsBytes:

Tanzania - Heavy rains were reported in Dar es Salaam, starting on 8 May 2019 to-date. The floods caused a significant impact to the people in Dar es salaam leading to damage of properties and livelihoods and putting the affected population at risk of diseases. The initial rapid assessment conducted by TRCS from May 20 to May 23rd, indicated that the heavy rains have caused serious flooding in Kinondoni, Temeke and Ilala municipalities of Dar es Salaam.

Georgia - On 12 May 2019, heavy rain and hail affected Kakheti Region of Georgia, mainly Lagodekhi, Akhmeta, Telavi and Dedoplistskaro municipalities. As a result of the heavy rain (125 mm), yards, entrances, basements and first floors of many houses and buildings were flooded. Furthermore, infrastructure, such as roads and bridges connecting the villages, riverbank protections, as well as agricultural lands and fruit trees have been destroyed. The overall population of the affected municipalities is approximately 147,800.

Arkansas, Oklahoma, USA - Residents in parts of Arkansas are preparing for what meteorologists predict will be the worst flooding in recorded history along parts of the Arkansas River over the coming week. Soaked areas of Oklahoma and Arkansas are forecast to receive more rain this week, increasing flooding concerns along the already swollen river. Tulsa County officials say some residents west of Tulsa already have evacuated their homes because of flooding. Downstream in Fort Smith, Ark., officials say flooding has closed roads and flooded buildings.

Wildfires

Wildfires - Russia

As the world watches wildfires tear through the Canadian countryside, a blaze more than twice the size rages on the other side of the world.

According to an exclusive analysis of satellite data, the seasonal forest fires in eastern Russia currently cover more than a million hectares of land — making it twice as big as the roughly 500,000-hectare blaze burning in the heart of Alberta oil country.

Reports from the Russian government have dramatically underplayed the scale of the abnormally severe Siberian wildfire, with officials claiming it is less than one tenth of its true size.

A report undertaken by Greenpeace suggests that at least 2 million hectares of forests were destroyed in Siberia last year due to “prescribed” burns getting out of control. Russian authorities have denied this.

Disease

Yellow Fever - Uganda

The Ugandan Ministry of Health declared a yellow fever outbreak earlier this month after laboratory confirmed cases were reported from Koboko and Masaka districts.

Anthrax - Guinea

Health officials in Guinea are reporting an anthrax outbreak in Koubia prefecture in the northwestern part of the country. A total of five human cases of anthrax ( four cutaneous anthrax and one gastrointestinal anthrax) including one death (case fatality ratio 20%) have been reported. The patients became ill after consuming infected goat meat.

Ukraine - Measles - Update

Ukraine health officials reported some 54,000 measles cases and before the end of May 2019, the number has nearly been reached. According to the Center for Public Health of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine during the past week, an additional 1483 cases were reported.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.7 earthquake hits the Kodiak Island region, Alaska.

5.5 earthquake hits the Solomon Islands.

5.3 earthquake hits New Britain, Papua New Guinea.

5.2 earthquake hits Fiji.

5.1 earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

There are no current tropical storms.

NewsBytes:

Missouri, USA - Cropland in southern Boone County is filled with floodwater after a levee was breached Sunday morning. The levee, located south of Easley and north of Wilton, has a nearly 300-foot-wide break. Thousands of acres of cropland are a total loss due to the flooding. There are about eight homes impacted by the flooding. Some residents will use all-terrain vehicles or boats to leave their houses.

Hong Kong - Heavy rain brought floods to the north of Hong Kong and sparked an amber warning, as forecasters projected three days of thunderstorms for the city from Monday.

The Observatory issued the amber rainstorm warning at 5am, after which police received five reports of floods in rural areas.

China - Heavy downpours recorded in southern China in several areas of Guangdong province with more than 480mm falling in some places. Several coastal cities in southern Guangdong province including Shenzhen, Zhongshan and Zhuhai – as well as Hong Kong and Macau – experienced more than 12 hours of heavy rainfall. his resulted in severe flash flooding in the port city of Zhuhai, which recorded maximum overnight rainfall of 482.8 millimetres (19 inches) in one area.

Space Events

A 'hypersonic' fireball hits Australia

A large meteor lit up the night skies as it passed over the south coast of Australia on Tuesday, May 21. According to NASA’s Centre for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS), the meteor entered the atmosphere at 11.5km per second or 25,724mph. The meteor then partially broke up and crash landed in the waters of the Great Australian Bight bay some 186 miles (300km) west-southwest of Mount Gambier. Before this happened, however, the fireball released enough energy in the sky to equal a “small nuclear bomb”.

Asteroid with its own moon flies by Earth

An asteroid zipping by the Earth this weekend is so big, it has its own moon. Asteroid (66391) 1999 KW4 is a binary system - two asteroids orbiting each other. The larger is 1.5km across and resembles a spinning top or a muffin, and the smaller measures 500m.

Because of its size, 1999 KW4 is classified as potentially hazardous by the Minor Planet Center. But it poses no threat to Earth this time around, and will fly by just over 5 million kilometres away - close on an interplanetary scale, but far enough away we don't need to worry.

Disease

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever - South Africa

South Africa’s National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has reported an additional confirmed Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) case in a 54-year-old man from the Ventersdorp surrounds, North West province in the first week of May 2019. This is the third case of CCHF reported in South Africa for 2019 to date.

Leptospirosis - Fiji

In a follow-up on the leptospirosis outbreak in Fiji in 2019, the Ministry of Health says eight deaths have been attributed to it in the Central Division since the beginning of the year.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

8.0 earthquake hits northern Peru.

A large earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 8.0 struck the Amazon jungle in north-central Peru early Sunday. The quake, at a moderate depth of 110 kilometers (68 miles) struck at 2:41 a.m., 80 kilometers (50 miles) southeast of the village of Lagunas and 158 kilometers (98 miles) east-northeast of the larger town of Yurimaguas. There were no immediate reports of casualties, although some buildings collapsed and power cuts were reported in a number of cities. Earthquakes that are close to the surface generally cause more destruction. In Yurimaguas, a number of old houses collapsed, and the electricity was cut, according to the National Emergency Operations Center, which gave the magnitude of the quake as 7.2. In the capital, Lima, people ran out of their homes in fear.

5.7 earthquake hits Vanuatu.

5.1 earthquake hits the Banda Sea.

5.0 earthquake hits Papua, Indonesia.

5.0 earthquake hits the Molucca Sea.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

There are no current tropical storms.

NewsBytes:

Afghanistan - The most recent rain storms started on Thursday and have hit large areas of Afghanistan, including the capital, Kabul. Floods have swamped communities where people had already been displaced by winter flooding. At least 24 people have died and 11 have been injured as a result of the most recent floods. Heavy snowfall during the winter has added to the recent flooding. More than 100 people have died in the last few months.

Oklahoma, USA - Officials on Saturday warned some Tulsa residents to prepare to head to higher ground because old levees holding back the swollen Arkansas River are stressed and more rain is expected for the flood-weary region. The river was four feet above flood stage on Friday and was already causing flooding in parts of Oklahoma's second-largest city, including in south Tulsa where the murky brown water had inundated low-lying neighborhoods. Levees were built in the 1940s and haven't had to hold back this much water since 1986. Officials also said they don't expect the river to recede in Tulsa until Wednesday at the earliest.

Global Warming

Students Strike for Climate Change

Hundreds of thousands of students around the world walked out of their schools and colleges Friday in the latest in a series of strikes urging action to address the climate crisis. According to event organizers Fridays for Future, over 1664 cities across 125 countries registered strike actions, with more expected to report turnouts in the coming days.

Disease

Syphilis - Auckland, New Zealand

The Auckland District Health Board is warning people of the increased danger of the transmission of syphilis amid an outbreak of the disease. So far this year, there have been 124 cases of the sexually-transmitted disease reported. Regional Public Health Service figures show 78 percent of cases reported in the last year were men. People who had contracted the disease were predominantly between the ages of 20 and 49.

Syphilis is a serious disease that, if left untreated over time, can affect the brain, spinal cord and other organs. The infection can also have a serious impact on unborn babies, leading to stillbirth or congenital syphilis, as well as potentially causing abnormalities such as blindness, deafness and meningitis.

Legionnaires Disease - Belgium

The Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in the Evergem area, Flanders, Belgium has reached 29 cases, according to Zorg en Gezondheid. Of the 29 patients infected, 10 of these people are at home, 17 patients are still in the hospital, 4 of whom are in intensive care (though not in danger). 2 people died.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.5 earthquake hits Catamarca, Argentina.

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

5.1 earthquake hits the Kuril Islands.

5.0 earthquake hits Vanuatu.

5.0 earthquake hits the Andaman Islands off India.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

There are no current tropical storms.

NewsBytes:

USA - After bands of extreme weather made a push this week across Missouri, major rivers are expected to bring near-historic flood levels to the St. Louis area over the weekend and into next week. The Mississippi River may climb to its fourth- or fifth-highest level since records began in the 1700s. Based on observations from the U.S. Geological Survey, government forecasts late Friday projected a crest of about 41.9 feet — nearly 12 feet above flood stage. That would fall less than a couple inches shy of the crest seen in April 1785 that currently stands as the fourth-highest in the record books. Rising floodwater already prompted a number of warnings in the region this week.

Disease

Polio - Global

Pakistan saw two additional wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) cases during the past week. This brings the total cases in Pakistan to 17 and globally the tally is now 24.

Legionnaires Disease - New Jersey, USA

Five people have died in an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease, a bacteria-triggered form of pneumonia, that is connected to a single New Jersey county, health officials said Friday.

As of Thursday, the New Jersey Department of Health said it had confirmed 22 total cases of Legionnaires' in people who live in Union County or have visited it. The people got sick between March 8 and May 13; five of the 22 died.

Mysterious disease outbreak claims 20 buffalo - India

An unknown disease has reportedly resurfaced in Manipur’s Tamenglong district, killing many buffalo in the region. According to sources, the epidemic has killed more than 20 buffalo in the last two days in Nurathel village under the Tamei sub-division of the district. In April, similar epidemic had killed over 70 buffaloes in neighbouring Nagaland.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.5 earthquake hits southeast of the Loyalty Islands.

5.2 earthquake hits Fiji.

5.2 earthquake hits New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.

5.1 earthquake hits north of Ascension Island.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

There are no current tropical storms.

NewsBytes:

Guinea - Five children died in Conakry, Guinea, in the early morning of May 18 after heavy rains caused flooding in the capital. Garbage had blocked the drainage canals, further contributing to the floods.

USA - Life, as most people know it, has come to a slow halt in the Mississippi Delta. More than 500,000 acres of land, according to the Mississippi Levee Board, has been covered by backwater floods that can’t seem to escape.

Environment

Somalia Famine

The U.N. issued a special alert as the specter of famine rose in Somalia due to the failure of last fall’s rainy season as well as the one this spring.

More than 2 million people are threatened with severe hunger later this year, along with the many head of livestock the population depends upon for food and livelihood.

“Herders in the worst drought-affected areas, such as central Galgaduud and in northern Bari and Sanaag regions, have been forced to slaughter the offspring of their goats and sheep,” said U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization Somalia representative Serge Tissot.

Plastic Houses

A Mexican engineer says he has an easy and useful way to recycle the untold tons of plastic pollution that now litter virtually every corner of the planet.

Ramón Espinosa says his company, Ecoplástico Ambiental, can convert the ubiquitous debris into strong sheets of “plastic wood,” which can be used to build homes, furniture and a variety of other objects.

He says the formed plastic not only insulates, it also doesn’t crack or degrade, meaning that homes made of it could last for 150 years.

Environment

Global Temperature Extremes

The week’s hottest temperature was 117 degrees Fahrenheit (47.2 degrees Celsius) in Bahariya, Egypt.

The week’s coldest temperature was minus 103.0 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 75.0 degrees Celsius) at Russia’s Vostok base, 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 - Israel

Firefighters on Thursday battled wildfires that scorched swathes of forests in central Israel, forcing some small towns to be evacuated, during a heatwave that brought record temperatures to parts of the country.

Rescue efforts focused on a wooded area between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, where ground teams and airplane tankers fought back the flames for hours. By nightfall, the fires were mostly under control, according to police.

Some 3,500 residents of small towns were evacuated, officials said. More than a dozen houses burned down, local media reported.

Volcanos

Geologists Discover Large Underwater Volcano

A strange seismic event off the coast of Africa has led scientists to a mighty finding: the discovery of the largest underwater volcanic eruption ever recorded.

The eruption also may explain a weird seismic event recorded in November 2018 just off the island of Mayotte, located between Madagascar and Mozambique in the Indian Ocean. Researchers described that event as a seismic hum that circled the world, but no one could figure out what sparked it.

And, incredibly, investigations revealed that the island of Mayotte moved a few inches south and east after the mysterious event.

The underwater volcano is enormous, rising nearly a half mile (0.8 kilometers) from the ocean floor. It's the length of a 3.1-mile (5 km) race and lies about 31 miles (50 km) off Mayotte's eastern coast. And it came into being in just six months.

Researchers used multibeam sonar to find the underwater volcano. The reflected sonar waves revealed the outline of the underwater volcano (red) and the gassy plume rising from it.

Global Volcanic Activity - Ongoing Activity for the week of 15 May - 21 May 2019

Agung | Bali (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that at 1409 on 18 May an explosion at Agung ejected incandescent material radially onto the flanks as far as 2.5 km from the crater rim. A dense gray-white ash plume rose 2 km and drifted NE, E, and SE, causing ashfall in hamlets downwind including Cutcut, Tongtongan, Bonyoh, and Temakung. A weak roar was audible from the Agung Volcano Observatory in Rendang (about 8 km SW). The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4) with the exclusion zone set at a 4-km radius.

Aira | Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that on 13 May two explosions at Minamidake crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) produced plumes that rose 1.8 km above the crater rim and ejected material as far as 1.3 km. Crater incandescence from the crater was visible. Very small non-explosive events were recorded by the seismic network during 17-20 May. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a 5-level scale).

Asosan | Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that during 15-20 May sulfur dioxide emission levels were somewhat high at Asosan’s Nakadake Crater. At 1028 on 15 May an eruption produced a plume that rose 700 m above the crater rim. White plumes rose 200 m during 17-20 May. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-5).

Dukono | Halmahera (Indonesia) : Based on satellite and wind model data, and notices from PVMBG, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 15-21 May ash plumes from Dukono rose to altitudes of 2.1-3 km (7,000-10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted in multiple directions. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was warned to remain outside of the 2-km exclusion zone.

Ebeko | Paramushir Island (Russia) : A thermal anomaly over Ebeko was identified in satellite images during 12-13 May. Volcanologists in Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island), about 7 km E of Ebeko, observed explosions during 13-15 May that sent ash plumes up to 2.5 km (8,200 ft) a.s.l. Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).

Etna | Sicily (Italy) : INGV reported that gas emissions of variable intensity were observed rising from Etna’s summit craters during 14 and 17-19 May; weather conditions prevented views on the other days during 13-19 May. Ash emissions periodically rose from vents in the S and E parts of New Southeast Crater (NSEC). Several Strombolian explosions at NSEC ejected incandescent pyroclastic material a few dozen meters above the crater rim during 17-18 May.

Fuego | Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that there were 15-20 explosions per hour recorded at Fuego during 16-17 and 19-20 May, generating ash plumes that rose as high as 1.1 km above the crater rim and drifted 10-25 km S, SW, and W. Explosions sometimes produced shock waves that rattled houses in nearby communities. Incandescent material was ejected 300-400 m high and caused avalanches of material that occasionally traveled long distances (reaching vegetated areas) down Seca (W), Taniluyá (SW), Ceniza (SSW), Trinidad (S), and Las Lajas (SE) ravines. Ashfall was reported in areas downwind including Santa Sofía (12 km SW), Morelia (9 km SW), Panimaché I and II (8 km SW), and El Porvenir (8 km ENE). A lava flow on the W flank was 300 m long. On 16 May lahars carrying variously-sized blocks and tree branches and trunks descended the Las Lajas ravine. On 20 May hot lahars with a sulfur odor descended the Ceniza, El Jute, and Las Lajas drainages, carrying blocks 1-3 m in diameter.

Ibu | Halmahera (Indonesia) : The Darwin VAAC reported that during 14-16 and 18-19 May ash plumes from Ibu rose to 2.1-3 km (7,000-10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW, N, ENE, and SE based on satellite data. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was warned to stay at least 2 km away from the active crater, and 3.5 km away on the N side.

Karymsky | Eastern Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Karymsky was visible in satellite images during 10-14 May. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).

Klyuchevskoy | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a weak thermal anomaly over Klyuchevskoy was identified in satellite images on 10 and 15 May. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).

Krakatau | Indonesia : PVMBG reported that Anak Krakatau’s seismic network detected 22 eruptive events during 13-19 May, though none of the events were followed by ash emissions. Dense white plumes were visible rising as high as 200 m above the summit during periods of clear weather. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was warned to remain outside of the 2-km radius hazard zone around the crater.

Merapi | Central Java (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that on 11 May the lava dome at Merapi had an estimated volume of 458,000 cubic meters, based on analyses of drone footage. The dome morphology remained relatively unchanged during 12-19 May, as most of the extruded lava fell into the upper parts of the SE-flank Gendol River drainage. Two block-and-ash flows traveled as far as 1.2 km down the Gendol drainage. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and residents were warned to remain outside of the 3-km exclusion zone.

Popocatepetl | Mexico : CENAPRED reported that each day during 15-21 May there were 22-72 steam-and-gas emissions from Popocatépetl, some of which contained ash (19-21 May). Two explosions, at 0817 and 0831 on 16 May, generated ash plumes that rose 1.6 and 1 km above the crater rim, respectively. During 20-21 May crater incandescence was visible during some emissions. The Alert Level had returned to Yellow, Phase Two (middle level on a three-colour scale) on 7 May and remained there through 21 May.

Reventador | Ecuador : IG reported that during 14-21 May seismic data from Reventador’s network indicated a high level of seismic activity, including explosions, long-period earthquakes, harmonic tremor, and signals indicating emissions. Weather conditions often prevented views of the summit area, although when clear (during 17-18 and 20-21 May) several ash plumes were visible rising as high as 1 km above the crater rim and drifting W and NW. Crater incandescence was visible on some mornings and evenings. On 19 May a 500-m-long pyroclastic flow deposit on the N flank was visible. Blocks were observed rolling 800 m down the flanks on 21 May.

Rincon de la Vieja | Costa Rica : OVSICORI-UNA reported that phreatic eruptions at Rincón de la Vieja were recorded at 1703 on 14 May and 0357 on 17 May, though dense fog prevented visual confirmation of both events with webcams. On 15 May a local observer noted a diffuse plume of steam, gas, and particulates rising from the crater and photographed milky-gray deposits on the N part of the crater rim, ejected from the event the day before.

Sabancaya | Peru : Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP) and Instituto Geológico Minero y Metalúrgico (INGEMMET) reported that an average of 33 low-to-medium intensity explosions per day occurred at Sabancaya during 13-19 May. Gas-and-ash plumes rose as high as 2.5 km above the crater rim and drifted NW, N, and NE. There were 10 thermal anomalies identified in satellite data. The report noted that the public should not approach the crater within a 12-km radius.

Santa Maria | Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that during 16-17 May there were two explosions per hour detected at Santa María's Santiaguito lava-dome complex. Ash plumes rose 700 m above the complex and drifted SW. Eight weak explosions were recorded during 19-20 May, generating ash plumes that rose 700 m and drifted SW. Avalanches of material descended the E and SE flanks of the lava dome.

Sheveluch | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Sheveluch’s lava dome was identified daily in satellite images during 10-17 May. Plumes of re-suspended ash were visible drifting 16 km SE on 13 May. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).

Turrialba | Costa Rica : On 19 May OVSICORI-UNA reported that passive, short-duration emissions with small amounts of ash had been sporadically occurring at Turrialba over the previous week. Prolonged and intermittent periods of emissions with minor amounts of ash were visible during 19-20 May.

Villarrica | Chile : POVI reported continuing activity at Villarrica during 5-6 May when Strombolian explosions ejected lava 50 m above the crater rim. On 14 May the webcam recorded 24-m-wide lava fountains rising as high as 70 m. An explosion later that day at 2220 ejected a mushroom-shaped fountain 70 m high. POVI noted it was one of the largest lava explosions since 2015.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

6.1 earthquake hits the Andreanof Islands in the Aleutian Islands.

5.3 earthquake hits off the coast of Ecuador.

5.1 earthquake hits Tonga,

5.1 earthquake hits southeast of Easter Island.

5.0 earthquake hits south of the Kermedec Islands.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

There are no current tropical storms.

NewsBytes:

USA - The violent storm system blasting through parts of the central U.S. was linked to four deaths while fueling almost 60 tornado reports Monday and Tuesday – with more damage expected Wednesday. Severe storms, possibly with large hail, were forecast for Wednesday from Texas to the Great Lakes. Flooding was a concern to the south: Residents of some small towns in Oklahoma and Kansas were being urged to leave their homes as rivers and streams rose. The Arkansas River is approaching historic highs, while the already high Missouri and Mississippi rivers were again rising Wednesday.

Wildlife

Botswana Lifts Ban on Hunting Elephants

Botswana, which has the world’s biggest population of elephants, lifted its suspension on hunting, a move that is likely to spark further debate on a politically charged issue in the southern African nation.

The government would ensure that “reinstatement of hunting is done in an orderly and ethical manner” and in accordance with the law and regulations, the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism said in emailed statement Wednesday.

The number of elephants in Botswana has almost tripled to 160,000 since 1991, increasing conflict between farmers and the animals, which at times destroy crops and kill villagers.

Critics, including former President Ian Khama, say the drive is politically motivated, being geared to win rural votes in an October election and could damage tourism, which accounts for a fifth of the economy.

Wildfires

Wildfires - Alberta, Canada

Nearly 5,000 people have been evacuated from their homes in northern Alberta, Canada, to escape a monstrous blaze that has reached nearly 230,000 acres, officials in the province said. The Chuckegg Creek Wildfire, burning in Mackenzie County just two miles south of the town of High Level, has been torching ground for more than two days. It is just one of a "number of out-of-control wildfires" burning in the province.

The town of Slave Lake, where four new wildfires began Tuesday, also is on high alert. Three of the fires had been extinguished and one was "being held," officials said. The city's hotels are packed with evacuees fleeing the fire in High Level.

Wildfires - Trinidad and Tobago

Three natural oil seepage pits in Guapo, used for disposal of bio-hazardous water material, ignited on Tuesday. And fire officers battled for almost ten hours to prevent the blaze from spreading to nearby communities. The blaze was triggered by a bush fire.

Disease

Malaria-free - Argentina and Algeria

The World Health Organization (WHO) announced Monday that two additional countries have been certified as malaria-free–Algeria and Argentina.

Algeria is the second country in the WHO African Region to be officially recognized as malaria-free, after Mauritius, which was certified in 1973. Argentina is the second country in the WHO Region of the Americas to be certified in 45 years, after Paraguay in June 2018. They reported their last local transmission of malaria in 2013 and 2010, respectively.

Acute Gastro-enteritis - Philippines

Officials with the Pangasinan Provincial Health Office in the western area of the island of Luzon are reporting an increase in acute gastroenteritis cases during the first five months of 2019. 4,282 cases have been reported through May 20.

Volcanos

Global Volcanic Activity - New Activity for the week of 15 May - 21 May 2019

Azumayama | Honshu (Japan) : The number of volcanic earthquakes at Azumayama increased on 5 May and data from a tiltmeter about 1 km SE of Ohana Crater showed inflation on 9 May, prompting JMA to raise the Alert Level to 2 (on a 5-level scale). Field observations on 7 and 10 May indicated no changes in the fumarolic and thermal areas around Ohana. Seismicity began to decrease on 10 May, though continued to fluctuate through 20 May. Deformation continued but at a slower rate.

Hakoneyama | Honshu (Japan) : JMA reported that the number of earthquakes at Hakoneyama increased during 18-19 May, with epicenters centered around the W bank of Lake Ashinoko and around Komagatake. Fumaroles in the Owakudani hot springs area continued to be active. Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) data showed changes in deformation beginning in mid-March. On 19 May JMA raised the Alert Level to 2 (on a 5-level scale). Elevated seismicity continued to be recorded through 21 May.

Pavlof | United States : AVO reported that low-frequency tremor was detected at Pavlof during 14-15 May and a vigorous steam plume rising from the summit was visible in webcam images on 15 May. The Aviation colour Code was raised to Yellow and the Volcano Alert Level was raised to Advisory primarily because of increased seismicity. Steam plumes recorded by the webcam, low levels of seismic tremor, and warm surface temperatures identified in satellite data continued during 16-19 May; AVO noted that steam emissions and warm surface temperatures are common at Pavlof.

Sangay | Ecuador : IG reported that a new eruption at Sangay began on 7 May and was continuing as of 21 May. Activity was concentrated at two eruptive centers; the Central Crater and the Ñuñurcu dome (located 190 m SSE of Central Crater). Explosive activity at Central Crater produced ash plumes that rose an average of 1 km above the crater rim and drifted W and NW. Ejected blocks rolled as far as 2.5 km down the SE flank. The Ñuñurcu dome produced a lava flow that had a maximum width of 175 m and traveled about 470 m down the SE flank. Collapses of the lava-flow front generated small pyroclastic flows and numerous block flows; one of the pyroclastic flows traveled 340 m.

Sarychev Peak | Matua Island (Russia) : SVERT reported that a weak thermal anomaly over Sarychev Peak was visible in satellite images on 10, 12, and 17 May. At 0830 on 16 May satellite images showed an ash plume drifting 50 km SE at an altitude as high as 2.5 km (8,200 ft) a.s.l. The Aviation colour Code was raised to Yellow on 16 May.

Sinabung | Indonesia : PVMBG reported that white plumes rose as high as 700 m above Sinabung’s crater rim during 13-21 May. On 20 May the Alert Level was lowered to 3 (on a scale of 1-4), with a general exclusion zone of 3 km and extensions to 5 km on the SE sector and 4 km in the NE sector. PVMBG noted that the seismic activity surrounding the recent ash emissions during 7 and 11-12 May were not indicative of renewed activity.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.6 earthquake hits the Andaman Islands off India.

5.1 earthquake hits Minahasa, Sulawesi, Indonesia.

5.1 earthquake hits southern Peru.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Atlantic Ocean - Post-Tropical Storm Andrea is located about 230 mi...370 km wsw of Bermuda with maximum sustained winds...35 mph...55 km/h. Present movement...ene or 70 degrees at 8 mph...13 km/h.

NewsBytes:

USA - Dozens of people were rescued from rising floodwaters and felled trees that smashed homes and blocked roadways in Oklahoma, as severe storms unleashing tornadoes and heavy rain roared through the central United States on Tuesday. Parts of the state have received six to eight inches (15-20 cm) of rain since Monday, and some 4 million people remained under a flash flood warning or watch in the region, the National Weather Service said. A tornado that touched down early on Tuesday near Tulsa International Airport was among more than two dozen that have ripped through the region since Monday, according to the weather service. Two deaths, both in Missouri, were blamed on the severe weather that started in the Southern Plains Monday night and moved to the northeast. Missouri and parts of Illinois and Arkansas were in the crosshairs Tuesday with Missouri declaring a state of emergency due to floods, tornadoes and high straight-line winds.

Global Warming

Global sea levels could rise faster than previously predicted

Global sea levels could rise by two metres (6.5 feet) and displace tens of millions of people by the end of the century, according to new projections that double the UN’s benchmark estimates.

The vast ice sheets of Greenland and Antarctica contain enough frozen water to lift the world’s oceans dozens of metres. The expansion of water as oceans warm also contributes to sea level rise. But predicting the rates at which they will melt as the planet heats is notoriously tricky.

The United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) said its 2013 Fifth Assessment Report that under current emissions trajectories — a “business-as-usual” scenario known as RCP8.5 — would likely rise by up to one metre by 2100.

That prediction has since been viewed as conservative, as the levels of planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise year on year, and satellites showing accelerated rates of melt-off from massive ice sheets atop Antarctica and Greenland.

A group of the world’s leading ice scientists this week released a expert judgement on the situation, drawing on their own experience and observations. While there was still a significant margin of error, they found it “plausible” that under the business-as-usual emissions scenario, sea-level rises could exceed two metres by 2100.

The authors said the area of land lost to the ocean could be equivalent to that of France, Germany, Spain and Britain combined and would displace more than 180 million people.

Nature - Images

Interesting Images

The symmetry between the reflection and the majestic bald eagle defiantly gazing into the camera make this image exceptional.

Disease

Measles and Mumps - Ireland - Update

In an update from the Ireland Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) on May 20, they report 59 measles and 1224 mumps cases since the beginning of the year. The Health Service Executive (HSE) has confirmed an outbreak of measles in north Dublin and is advising people who think they have measles to stay at home. This is a community outbreak of measles affecting adults and children. There has already been an outbreak of measles reported in Donegal in 2019.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.2 earthquake hits San Juan, Argentina.

5.0 earthquake hits Jujuy, Argentina.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Atlantic Ocean - Sub-Tropical Storm Andrea is located about 295 mi...475 km wsw of Bermuda with maximum sustained winds...40 mph...65 km/h. Present movement...n or 360 degrees at 6 mph...9 km/h.

NewsBytes:

USA - Fears of flash flooding followed a series of potentially life-threatening tornadoes that swept through parts of Texas and Oklahoma Monday night. A total of 14 tornadoes were confirmed in central Oklahoma and western Texas, carrying warnings of "considerable" damage to homes, businesses and vehicles. In the past three days, 52 tornadoes were reported across seven states.

USA - The Army Corps of Engineers is looking into strengthening flood control along the Missouri River in response to the record deluge this spring and criticism that the agency is not doing enough to protect communities. The Army Corps is considering realigning its levees along the Missouri and expanding or building new systems such as floodways, easements and retention basins to capture more floodwater.

Wildlife

India’s soaring wildlife crime

In February this year, customs officials at Chennai International Airport in southern India heard unusual squeaks coming from the luggage of a man who had arrived from Bangkok. Inside his bag was a tiny leopard cub in a basket.

The customs department in Chennai has been seizing star tortoises, sea cucumbers and pangolin scales being smuggled out of the country for years. Officials now say exotic species being smuggled in are on the rise. But where the exotic wildlife being smuggled into India is going is anybody’s guess.

The illegal trade in wildlife is driving species all over the globe to the brink of extinction. In India, the trade is expanding rapidly, driven by demand for rare species—headed for the pet market—as well as for species believed to have medicinal properties. The main consumer markets are China and South East Asia, but wildlife—alive or as body parts—is also smuggled to the Gulf, Europe and Northern America. Beyond India, the main transit countries are Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Myanmar.

Indian wildlife species and products commonly smuggled out of the country are tiger and leopard skins, their bones and other body parts, rhino horns, ivory, turtles and tortoises, sea horses, snake venom, mongoose hair, snake skins, tokay gecko, sea cucumber, chiru fleece, musk pods, bear bile, medicinal plants, red sanders timber and caged birds such as parakeets, mynas, munias. Most people probably don’t even realize that this wealth of species even exists in India. But they are perishing fast, with a population of only about 25 of the chiru remaining.

The most trafficked species are pangolins, seahorses and tortoises:

- In 2018, TRAFFIC India released a study which revealed that at least 5,772 pangolins were captured in India from 2009 to 2017 for illegal trade.

- The Patagonian seahorse (hippocampus patagonicus) is one of the three sea horse species which is trafficked for its use in medicine.

- The Indian star tortoise is now the most trafficked tortoise worldwide as it is in high demand as a pet.

The tokay gecko has come into the picture recently after a number of seizures, mainly in northeast India. The trade is believed to be fueled by unfounded claims it can be used as a cure for AIDS. A crackdown by agencies in several Indian states has led to the arrest of more than 300 gecko traffickers in the past year. More than 1,000 geckos have been confiscated in India during this period and released back into the wild.

Rat poison affects peri-urban wildlife in Cape Town, South Africa

Urban rat poisons are spilling over into Cape Town's natural environment, threatening species such as caracal, mongoose, otter and owl, a team of University of Cape Town (UCT) researchers in the Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa (iCWild) has discovered.

In their recent paper, published in the journal Science of the Total Environment, the researchers found that anticoagulant rat poisons are infiltrating Cape Town's peri-urban wildlife food chains. They identified six predator species at risk: caracal, Cape clawless otter, Cape eagle owl, large spotted genet, honey badger and water mongoose. Others are likely affected as well.

They detected at least one of the four most toxic rat poison compounds, all available in over-the-counter products, in six of the seven species tested. Caracals living in or near vineyards had the highest exposure to rat poisons but the route to exposure is unclear.

One of the most significant findings of the study is that exposure occurs at all ages. Several lactating female caracals were sampled in the study and found to be exposed to rat poisons, suggesting that kittens may be exposed through their mother's milk.

As consumers, we need more eco-friendly alternatives to rat poison and the simplest solution is well within everyone's reach – improve the management of waste which attracts rats in the first place.

Environment

Scientists Went to One of the World's Most Remote Island Atolls. They Found 414 Million Pieces of Plastic

The amount of plastic pollution previously thought to exist around the world may be a dramatic underestimate — because the vast majority of plastic pollution may actually be below the surface.

That's the takeaway from a survey of plastic pollution on the beaches of Australia's Cocos Islands, made up of two coral atolls.

An estimated 414 million pieces of debris are now littering the remote islands, and the vast majority of that waste is buried below the surface, according to a new study. But even that is likely an underestimate, a group of researchers reported May 16 in the journal Scientific Reports.

What's more, because most of this plastic is buried below the surface, and most global surveys don't look below the surface, the amount of plastic pollution worldwide may be way more than we previously thought, they reported.

The scientists surveyed seven of the 27 islands, which made up 88 percent of the total landmass of the islands, and estimated that they were littered with 262 tons (238 metric tons) of plastic. A quarter of those pieces of debris were single-use or disposable items such as straws, bags and toothbrushes (about 373,000 of them), The researchers also identified some 977,000 shoes.

Roughly 93% of the debris found, most of it tiny micro-debris, was actually buried below the surface. But because they only dug 3.94 inches (10 centimeters) into the sand, and couldn't access some beaches that are known to have a lot of debris, these numbers are likely conservative.

The amount of debris buried up to about 4 inches (10 cm) below the surface of the beach is 26 times higher than the amount visible on its surface, the researchers wrote.

Wildfires

Wildfires - North West Territories, Canada

Three new person-caused wildfires have appeared in the NWT's South Slave in the past two days, officials said on Monday. One fire erupted at the abandoned former mining community of Pine Point, while two more began outside Fort Smith.

Disease

Anthrax - Zimbabwe

Anthrax is suspected in the deaths of several wildlife animals in Zambezi Valley. Several animals have died including at least eight elephants, several buffaloes, impala, hyenas. This follows an outbreak last year that killed more than a dozen hippos in the Binga District of Zimbabwe.

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) - Namibia

The Ministry of Health and Social Services of Namibia officially declared an outbreak of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) on May 6 after reporting a number of cases from different regions of the country.As of 15 May 2019, seven suspected cases of CCHF were reported from five regions, including one laboratory confirmed case, and one death (case fatality ratio 14%).

Measles - Ukraine - Update

Ukrainian health authorities report that the number of measles cases recorded in 2019 to date is very close to 50,000. During the week ending May 18, the Center for Public Health of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine reported an additional 1,935 cases, putting the total at 49,288. In addition, the number of measles-related fatalities has risen to 17 this year.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

6.3 earthquake hits southeast of the Loyalty Islands.

5.9 earthquake hits southeast of the Loyalty Islands.

5.1 earthquake hits Luzon in the Philippines.

5.1 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.

5.1 earthquake hits the Bougainville region, Papua New Guinea.

5.0 earthquake hits south of Tonga.

5.0 earthquake hits the Bougainville region, Papua New Guinea.

5.0 earthquake hits the Komandorskiye Ostrova region, Russia.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

There are no current tropical storms.

NewsBytes:

USA - Floods Disrupt Mississippi Barge Traffic - Normally this time of year, huge barges can be seen chugging up the Mississippi River, carrying millions of tons of grain to market and toting agriculture-related products to farmers in the Midwest for the new growing season. But there's not much barge traffic this year. That's because historic spring flooding that swamped and tainted farmland also left parts of the Mississippi closed for business. The river, which runs nearly 2,350 miles from Minnesota's Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico, is a main conduit of shipping everything from agriculture products and construction material to petroleum and coal. The troubles on the Mississippi also have affected shipping on the waterways that feed into it, including the Missouri River. The interruption is hitting an agriculture industry that's already suffering from a plethora of ills, including trade disputes that have helped drive down commodity prices.

Wildfires

Wildfires - Alberta, Canada

An out-of-control wildfire continues to burn in the Notikewin area, approximately 10 kilometres northwest of the town of Manning, Alberta. The fire is estimated to be more than 23,000 hectares in size, and wildfire danger in the Peace River Forest Area has been labelled “extreme.” Over 200 firefighters, five air tankers and 18 helicopters are helping in the firefight.

Disease

Measles - New Zealand

Officials with the Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) report the number of measles confirmed has now reached 60 to date in 2019. There have now been measles cases in every part of the city.

Typhoid - Pakistan

Pakistan health officials are reporting 2,982 typhoid cases in Karachi through May 14, according to a Pakistan Today report. Of this total, 1765 are typhoid/paratyphoid fever and 1217 are Ceftriaxone-Resistant Salmonella typhi.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

6.2 earthquake hits southeast of the Loyalty Islands.

5.1 earthquake hits New Britain, Papua New Guinea.

5.0 earthquake hits the Sumba region, Indonesia.

5.0 earthquake hits serum, Indonesia.

5.0 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

There are no current tropical storms.

NewsBytes:

USA - Texans are scrambling for cover Saturday as reports of tornadoes roll in and much of the central US readies for heavy rain, strong winds and large hail. More than 70 million Americans are under the threat of severe weather from Texas to southern Minnesota. That total on Sunday jumps to 80 million under threat as storms are predicted to move into the Great Lakes area. A tornado destroyed two homes Saturday morning in Comanche County, Oklahoma, southwest of Oklahoma City. Areas of Texas and Oklahoma remain under a tornado watch.

India - Serious damage to railway services due to floods in the past two years has prompted the Northeast Frontier Railways (NFR) to deploy over 1,600 personnel full time with gadgets to maintain safety of its 6,400-km tracks in Northeast, West Bengal and Bihar during the monsoon. Patrol-men equipped with GPS trackers, fog detonators, walky-talky and other gears would carry out patrol to avert any damage to railway tracks due to the Monsoon rain and floods.

Nature - Images

Interesting Images

A still from a remote video camera shows two bald eagle chicks with a parent on a nest in the Angeles National Forest near Big Bear in southern California, USA.

On a more mischievous note, an octopus has snatched a dishwashing brush during spring cleaning at the Sea Life aquarium in Timmendorfer Strand, northern Germany.

Disease

Botulism - Argentina

Two people from Villa Urquiza have contracted botulism and health officials have linked it to consumption of hummus. The packaged hummus was from a a firm that marketed -without any type of authorization- vegan products in its Buenos Aires neighborhood of Palermo.

Chikungunya - Thailand - Update

The Bureau of Epidemiology with the Thailand Health Ministry are reporting (computer translated) 3379 chikungunya cases in 23 provinces through May 13. Phuket, Songkla and Ranong have been the most affected by the mosquito borne viral disease. Health officials report the numbers are declining.

Naegleria fowleri - Pakistan

Pakistani news media are reporting an additional case of Naegleria fowleri infection in Karachi. A 34-year old man was infected with the lethal parasite and is struggling for life at a private hospital in the city. Health officials say this is the 3rd case in Karachi this year and the other two cases were fatal.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.7 earthquake hits New Ireland, Papua New Guinea.

5.6 earthquake hits south of Java, Indonesia.

5.1 earthquake hits the Nicobar Islands off India.

5.0 earthquake hits Papua, Indonesia.

5.0 earthquake hits offshore Tarapaca, Chile.

5.0 earthquake hits the Jilin-Heilongjiang border, China.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

There are no current tropical storms.

NewsBytes:

Mali - The Malian capital of Bamako was on Thursday struck by heavy floods which claimed at least 15 lives and inflicted serious property damage, authorities said. Flooding is common in Mali, located in the semi-desert Sahel region.

West Virginia, USA - Overnight rainfall in excess of five inches in some areas closed roads and schools, flooded homes and stranded motorists, displacing residents and washing away bridges.

Environment

Heavy metals and harmful chemicals 'poison Europe's seas'

Heavy metals and a cocktail of dangerous chemicals continue to poison Europe’s seas, with more than three-quarters of areas assessed showing contamination, according to a report.

The sea worst affected was the Baltic, where 96% of the assessed areas showed problematic levels of some harmful substances, according to the European Environment Agency. Similar problems were found in 91% of the Black Sea and 87% of the Mediterranean. In the north-east Atlantic, unsafe levels of chemicals or metals were found in 75% of assessed areas.

However, in most areas the situation was improving, as many of the toxic substances that have washed into the seas – such as the pesticide DDT and heavy metals such as cadmium and mercury – are now subject to bans or severe restrictions. The improvement in the breeding success of the white-tailed sea eagle in the Baltic, for instance, is attributed to the decline in DDT. A continuing problem is with flame-retardant chemicals, which are still used and still found in waterways, and DDT from Africa is still leaching into the Mediterranean.

Disease

Measles - Japan

In a follow-up on the measles outbreak in Japan, the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID) in Tokyo reports 467 cases through May 9. This is the highest number of measles cases recorded during the same time period in a decade.

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) – Saudi Arabia

From 9 through 30 April 2019, the National International Health Regulations (IHR) Focal Point of Saudi Arabia reported nine additional cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection, including three deaths.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.8 earthquake hits near the coast of Nicaragua.

5.8 earthquake hits the central east Pacific rise.

5.3 earthquake hits off the coast of Maule, Chile.

Global Warming

Polar Sea Ice Levels

The sea ice in the Chukchi Sea to the north of Alaska and far eastern Siberia was at the lowest extent on record for early May, covering an area more typical of early June, according to data from the U.S. National Snow and Ice Data Center.

Sea ice over the Arctic region as a whole on May 14 was at the second-lowest extent since satellite records began in 1979, and slightly above the 2016 record low.

The extent of the sea ice around Antarctica remained at the lowest on record.

Wildlife

Swine Invasion - Canada

The population of hybrid wild pigs has exploded across several Canadian provinces during the past 30 years, posing threats to native species, agriculture, livestock and even traffic.

A new study by the University of Saskatchewan tracks the spread of the porcine pests, which are a cross between domestic pigs and wild boar that were imported from Europe in the late 1980s to diversify Canadian livestock. Others were imported for sport hunting.

The hybrids that escaped into the wild have rapidly multiplied as the most prolific invasive mammal species in Canada.

They are currently concentrated in the Canadian prairies, but other clusters have become established in British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec.

Environment

Global Temperature Extremes

The week’s hottest temperature was 118 degrees Fahrenheit (47.8 degrees Celsius) in Matam, Senegal.

The week’s coldest temperature was minus 98.0 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 72.2 degrees Celsius) at Russia’s Vostok base, 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

Measles - Ukraine - Update

2,285 measles cases – 1,121 adults and 1,164 children, were reported the week ending May 11, according to the Center for Public Health of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine. This brings the number of cases to 47,383 since the beginning of the year, including 16 deaths.

Ebola - DR Congo

Although the security situation has subsided mildly into an unpredictable calm, the transmission of Ebola virus disease (EVD) continues to intensify in North Kivu and Ituri provinces with more than 100 confirmed cases reported this week.

Volcanos

Global Volcanic Activity - Ongoing Activity for the week of 8 May - 14 May 2019

Agung | Bali (Indonesia) : PVMBG and BNPB reported that an eruptive event at Agung was recorded by the seismic network at 2229 on 12 May, accompanied by a loud bang audible at the Agung Volcano Observatory in Rendang (about 8 km SW). Dense fog prevented height estimates of the ash plume. A photo posted along with the report showed that incandescent material was deposited on the flanks. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4) with the exclusion zone set at a 4-km radius.

Aira | Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that incandescence from Minamidake crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) was occasionally visible at night during 7-13 May. Explosions on 7 and 13 May generated plumes that rose 1.6 and 2.9 km above the crater rim, respectively. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a 5-level scale).

Dukono | Halmahera (Indonesia) : Based on satellite and wind model data, and notices from PVMBG, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 8-14 May ash plumes from Dukono rose to an altitude of 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted mainly NE, E, and SE. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and visitors were warned to remain outside of the 2-km exclusion zone.

Fuego | Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that there were 13-24 explosions per hour recorded at Fuego during 9-10 and 12-14 May, generating ash plumes that rose as high as 1.1 km above the crater rim and drifted 10-15 km S and SW. Explosions sometimes produced shock waves that rattled houses in areas to the S and SW. Incandescent material was ejected 200-300 m high and caused avalanches of material that occasionally traveled long distances (and reached vegetated areas) down the Seca (W), Taniluyá (SW), Ceniza (SSW), Trinidad (S), and Las Lajas (SE) ravines. Ashfall was reported in areas downwind including Santa Sofía (12 km SW), Morelia (9 km SW), Panimaché (8 km SW), El Porvenir (8 km ENE), and Sangre de Cristo (8 km WSW). Lava flows were 500-600 m long on the W flank. On 11 May steaming lahars descended the Las Lajas, Seca, Ceniza, and Mineral drainages, carrying variously-sized blocks and tree parts. Lahars on 14 May carried blocks and tree trunks down the Ceniza drainage.

Ibu | Halmahera (Indonesia) : The Darwin VAAC reported that on 8 May an ash plume from Ibu rose to 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted ESE based on satellite data. PVMBG noted that at 1821 on 9 May an ash plume rose 600 m above the crater rim and drifted S. Seismic activity was characterized by explosions, tremor, and signals indicating rock avalanches. According to the VAAC an ash plume drifted ESE at an altitude of 1.8 (6,000 ft) a.s.l. on 10 May. A 14 May VONA stated that at 1846 an ash plume rose 800 m and drifted N. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was warned to stay at least 2 km away from the active crater, and 3.5 km away on the N side.

Karymsky | Eastern Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Karymsky was visible in satellite images during 6-8 May. A gas-and-steam plume containing ash was also visible drifting 105 km SE and SW during 6-7 May. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).

Kerinci | Indonesia : PVMBG reported that at 1804 on 10 May a brown ash emission from Kerinci rose 700 m and drifted ESE. Seismic activity was characterized by continuous volcanic tremor and gas emissions. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4) with a 3-km exclusion zone.

Klyuchevskoy | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a weak thermal anomaly over Klyuchevskoy was identified in satellite images during 6 and 8-9 May. The Aviation colour Code was raised to Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).

Krakatau | Indonesia : PVMBG reported that Anak Krakatau’s seismic network detected eruptive events at 1254 and 1446 on 10 May, 0555 on 11 May, 1003 and 1220 on 12 May, and 0021 on 14 May. An observer estimated that an ash plume rose 150 m above the summit and drifted NE at 1446 on 10 May, but noted that visibility was difficult. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and residents were warned to remain outside of the 2-km radius hazard zone from the crater.

Manam | Papua New Guinea : The Darwin VAAC reported that on 10 May an ash plume from Manam rose to an altitude of 5.5 km (18,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE, based on satellite data and weather models. A sulfur dioxide plume and a thermal anomaly were also identified. The next day diffuse plumes drifted NE and E at an altitude of 2.4 (8,000 ft) a.s.l.

Nevados de Chillan | Chile : ONEMI and SERNAGEOMIN reported that an explosive event at Nevados de Chillán’s Nicanor Crater was recorded at 2003 on 12 May associated with a long-period earthquake signal. The explosion partially destroyed the lava dome, ejecting incandescent material onto the N flank. 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.

Rincon de la Vieja | Costa Rica : OVSICORI-UNA reported that an eruption at Rincón de la Vieja recorded at 0720 on 11 May produced a white gas-and-steam plume that rose 600 m above the crater rim.

Sheveluch | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Sheveluch’s lava dome was identified daily in satellite images during 3-10 May. Gas-and-steam plumes containing some ash was visible drifting 50 km SE and SW. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).

Suwanosejima | Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : JMA reported that crater incandescence at Suwanosejima’s Ontake Crater was visible at night during 3-10 May. A very small eruption on 5 May generated a plume that rose 500 m above the crater rim. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a 5-level scale).

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.4 earthquake hits New Britain, Papua New Guinea.

5.3 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.

5.2 earthquake hits southern Peru.

5.1 earthquake hits the Gulf of Aden.

5.1 earthquake hits San Juan, Argentina.

5.0 earthquake hits New Britain, Papua New Guinea.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

There are no current tropical storms.

NewsBytes:

USA - The Mississippi River, which gushed into downtown Davenport at record levels two weeks ago, has finally retreated toward its banks. Left behind: A truck-size hole in the temporary flood barrier, dead fish on mud-caked Pershing Avenue, and an urgent conversation about how to shield the city from the next flood. Across the Midwest this spring, floods have submerged farms and stores, split open levees and, in some places, left people stranded for days or weeks. The disasters have renewed national attention on how climate change can exacerbate flooding and how cities can prepare for a future with more extreme weather.

Wildfires

Wildfires - Australia

A bushfire emergency has been declared in the Perth Hills, that's damaged buildings and threatened Acacia Prison. The bushfire has since been brought under control and residents have been told they are no longer in immediate danger.

An emergency warning was issued for parts of The Lakes, Beechina, Copley, Woottating and Wooroloo in the Shires of Mundaring and Northam on Wednesday afternoon as the fast-moving blaze threatened homes.

Disease

Singapore - Monkeypox

On 9 May 2019, the Ministry of Health (MOH) in Singapore notified WHO of one laboratory-confirmed case of monkeypox. The case patient is a 38 year old Nigerian man who arrived in Singapore on 28 April 2019.

Hepatitis A - New Mexico, USA

In a follow-up on the hepatitis A outbreak in New Mexico, state health officials report 103 confirmed acute hepatitis A virus (HAV) infections with 2 associated deaths in adults ranging in age from 19-64 years in Bernalillo County since the end of October 2018.

HIV - Pakistan

Parents flock to screening rooms set up at a makeshift clinic to test their children for HIV in a village in southern Pakistan, where hundreds of people have been allegedly infected by a doctor using a contaminated syringe.

Health officials say more than 400 people, many of them children, have tested HIV-positive in recent weeks as experts warn of a surge in infection rates across Pakistan, due to the use of unsanitary equipment and rampant malpractice - often at the hands of quack doctors.

Volcanos

Global Volcanic Activity - New Activity for the week of 8 May - 14 May 2019

Asosan | Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that incandescence from Asosan’s Nakadake Crater was visible during 9-10 May. A small eruption on 9 May produced a plume that rose 900 m above the crater rim. Four small eruptions on 12 May generated plumes that rose to a maximum height of 1.4 km. A plume from an eruption on 13 May rose 200 m. Sulfur dioxide emissions were 3,600 tons per day on 10 May, and 1,700 tons per day on 13 May. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-5).

Sangay | Ecuador : IG reported that two M2 seismic events, recorded at 0028 and 0116 on 10 May and located 3.5-9 km below Sangay’s S and W flanks, possibly corresponded to explosive activity. Four thermally elevated pixels were identified in satellite data at 0124. A small emission was visible drifting W.

Sinabung | Indonesia : PVMBG reported that an eruption at Sinabung was recorded at 2039 on 11 May. An ash plume was not visible due to weather conditions, although crater incandescence was noted. An eruption at 1233 on 12 May was recorded by the seismic network; foggy weather prevented visual confirmation. The Alert Level remained at 4 (on a scale of 1-4), with a general exclusion zone of 3 km and extensions to 7 km on the SSE sector, 6 km in the ESE sector, and 4 km in the NNE sector.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

7.5 earthquake hits New Britain, Papua New Guinea.

A tsunami alert that warned of "hazardous" waves was issued for Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands after a powerful earthquake rattled the region late Tuesday. The U.S. Geological Survey said the magnitude 7.5 quake was located about 28 miles northeast of Kokopo. The temblor was centered at about 6 miles, a shallow depth. After about 90 minutes the agency said the tsunami threat had largely passed and no waves had been observed, but that there were no sea level gauges in the area for measurement.

5.7 earthquake hits the Kuril Islands.

5.4 earthquake hits the Ryukyu Islands off Japan.

5.0 earthquake hits the Admiralty Islands, Papua New Guinea.

5.0 earthquake hits southeast of Easter Island.

5.0 earthquake hits New Britain, Papua New Guinea.

5.0 earthquake hits New Ireland, Papua New Guinea.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone (tc) 27p (Ann), located approximately 182 nm north of Cairns, Australia, is tracking west-northwestward at 14 knots. This is the final warning for this system.

NewsBytes:

Bosnia - Torrential rains that started on Sunday caused rivers in northwestern and central Bosnia to break their banks, flooding homes and roads. Local authorities in several areas urged residents living close to rivers to evacuate their homes and launched emergency measures to respond to the rising flood waters. A number of schools canceled classes, while electricity and water supplies were disrupted. Landslides closed local roads. In neighboring Croatia, authorities raised flood defenses in the central towns of Hrvatska Kostajnica, Korana and Karlovac.

Disease

Malaria - Madagascar

The Ministry of Public Health in Betroka district, Madagascar are reporting thousands of malaria cases in recent weeks, according to an L’Express report. More than 600 cases of malaria are being reported weekly in the district and more than 2000 cases have been reported in less than a month.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.3 earthquake hits New Britain, Papua New Guinea.

5.1 earthquake hits Tonga.

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

5.0 earthquake hits central Peru.

5.0 earthquake hits the Mayotte region.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone (tc) 27p (Ann), located approximately 178 nm northeast of Cairns, Australia, is tracking westward at 15 knots.

Global Warming

Australian islanders file landmark climate change complaint

A group of indigenous people from low-lying islands off the coast of Australia on Monday lodged an unprecedented complaint against the country's government, accusing it of insufficient action on climate change.

The eight Torres Strait Islanders filed the complaint with the United Nations Human Rights Committee, claiming that rising sea levels were having a devastating effect on their communities.

Around 4,500 people live on the Torres Strait Islands, a group of more than 270 islands lying between the north coast of Australia and Papua New Guinea. The complainants say their homes, burial grounds and cultural sites could disappear underwater in their lifetimes.

Global Warming Is Fueling Growth Spurts in Some of China’s Oldest Trees

Climate change is causing old trees in northern China’s permafrost forests to grow faster, likely thanks to warmer soil temperatures, according to recent research. Older larch trees grew more from 2005 to 2014 than in the preceding 40 years. And the oldest trees, often 400-plus years, grew more rapidly than at any time in the past three centuries.

But scientists warn that these growth spurts are a temporary boon: As the region’s permafrost continues to melt, the soil will become wetter and soggier, almost wetland-like. Larch trees are not able to survive in that type of landscape, which will cause the entire ecosystem to shift.

Wildfires

Wildfires - Mexico

Massive wildfires in southern Mexico have sent smoke streaming over Mexico City, turning the sunsets blood red and sending pollution levels skyrocketing. The city’s environment commission has warned residents to stay indoors, and pollution levels could spike further in the coming days. The U.S. National Weather Service has already detected smoke aloft in U.S. skies

NASA satellite imagery from this weekend reveals dozens of hot spots across the region with swirls of smoke blanketing the southern half of Mexico and spilling into Central America. Spot fires also ignited around Mexico City.

Disease

African Swine Fever - South Africa

An new outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) has been reported in the Heilbron area of the Free State Province in May 2019, according to the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry Monday. This follows outbreaks in April 2019 in the North West, Mpumalanga and Gauteng provinces.

African Swine Fever - Vietnam

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), ASF has spread to 2,296 communes, 204 districts of 29 provinces and cities, with a total of over 1.2 million pigs infected and destroyed, which accounts for for over 4 percent of the total pig herd in the country.

MARD noted that although the number of infected pigs accounts for only 4 percent, the speed of spread is very fast, along with favorable weather for disease spread.

Legionnaires Disease - Belgium

At least 16 people in the Evergem municipality of East Flanders province in northern Belgium has been sickened with Legionanaires’ disease, according to the Flemish Agency for Health and Safety. In addition, one patient has died while being treated at Ghent University Hospital

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

6.1 earthquake hits the Panama-Costa Rica border.

5.3 earthquake hits central Peru.

5.1 earthquake hits south of the Kermedec Islands.

5.1 earthquake hits east of Severnaya Zemlya, Russia.

5.1 earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.0 earthquake hits Fiji.

5.0 earthquake hits the Izu Islands off Japan.

5.0 earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.