Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.9 earthquake hits offshore El Salvador.
5.3 earthquake hits Crete.
5.2 earthquake hits Vanuatu.
5.1 earthquake hits southeast of the Loyalty Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits the Komandorskiye Ostrova region, Russia.
5.0 earthquake hits Khabarovskiy Kray, Russia.
5.0 earthquake hits the southern mid-Atlantic ridge.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Hurricane Flossie is located about 1150 mi...1850 km wsw of the southern tip of Baja California and about 2075 mi...3335 km e of Hilo Hawaii with maximum sustained winds...80 mph...130 km/h. Present movement...wnw or 285 degrees at 15 mph...24 km/h.
In the Central Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm Erick is located about 695 mi...1115 km ese of Hilo Hawaii and about 905 mi...1460 km ese of Honolulu Hawaii with maximum sustained winds...125 mph...205 km/h. Present movement...w or 280 degrees at 12 mph...19 km/h.
In the Western Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm Wipha is located approximately 207 nm south-southwest of Hong Kong, is tracking northwestward at 10 knots.
NewsBytes:
Pakistan - Heavy monsoon rains have lashed Pakistan's southern port city of Karachi, triggering floods and killing six people. Authorities closed schools. Heavy rainfall has been affecting north-eastern Pakistan - particularly the Azad, Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Territory (AJK) - over the past few days, triggering flash floods and landslides. Media report 28 fatalities and five injured in Leswa Town (Neelum District, northern AJK). More than 100 houses have been damaged and a mosque swept away by floodwaters.
Russia - Over 470 residential houses in 20 settlements in the Irkutsk region have been affected by floods that started on July 27 after heavy rains in the area, the press service of the Russian Emergencies Ministry said on Tuesday. Part of the "Siberia" federal highway was temporarily closed due to the floods.
Whale Strandings - Georgia, USA
Beachgoers, wildlife officials and lifeguards in Georgia pitched in to help free dozens of stranded whales earlier this month. About 50 live short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) beached themselves or came dangerous close to beaching themselves on St. Simons Island in the state’s southeast. Some of the whales continued to try swimming ashore after being freed, and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources said that at least three of the whales died. Necropsies on these whales showed mild signs of disease, but nothing out of the ordinary. Researchers are unsure why the whales stranded themselves, but it could be due to faulty echolocation signals which don’t work as well in shallow water, or due their strong pod loyalty — as one whale gets beached, the others may have tried to help out.
Wildfires - California, USA
A wildfire that’s smoldered for days near the Oregon border exploded to nearly 13,000 acres Tuesday morning, as heavy winds buffeted the flames, officials said. The Tucker Fire started Sunday at Highway 139 and Tucker Butte Road in Modoc County, six miles southwest of Clear Lake Reservoir, according to Cal Fire.
Yellow Fever - Ivory Coast
Officials with the Côte d’Ivoire, or Ivory Coast Ministry of Health report a yellow fever outbreak. According to a press release today, eighty nine yellow fever cases have been registered, primarily in the city of Abidjan. One death has been reported.
Hepatitis A - Washington, USA
A hepatitis A outbreak has been declared in Washington state after a number of cases have been reported in several counties. The affected population is people who are living homeless or who use drugs. To date, the outbreak includes 13 confirmed cases.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.7 earthquake hits the Izu Islands off Japan.
5.4 earthquake hits the southern east Pacific rise.
5.3 earthquake hits Fiji.
5.0 earthquake hits the Ryukyu Islands off Japan.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm Flossie is located about 965 mi...1550 km sw of the southern tip of Baja California with maximum sustained winds...65 mph...100 km/h. Present movement...w or 280 degrees at 16 mph...26 km/h.
In the Central Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm Erick is located about 1015 mi...1635 km ese of Hilo Hawaii and about 1225 mi...1970 km ese of Honolulu Hawaii with maximum sustained winds...80 mph...130 km/h. Present movement...w or 280 degrees at 17 mph...28 km/h.
NewsBytes:
Italy - Freak storms and flash flooding following last week's heatwave in Italy claimed three lives over the weekend, including a young woman caught up in a mini-tornado near Rome's Fiumicino airport.
More Than 200 Reindeer Found Dead from Starvation in Norway
Researchers recently found more than 200 dead reindeer on the island of Svalbard in Norway; the animals starved to death due to climate change, which is disrupting their access to the plants that they typically eat.
Climate change is bringing warmer temperatures to Svalbard, which means more precipitation. And heavy rainfall in December is thought to be responsible for the unusually high number of reindeer deaths.
After the December rain hit the ground, the precipitation froze, creating "tundra ice caps," a thick layer of ice that prevented reindeer from reaching vegetation in their usual winter grazing pastures. This forced the animals to dig pits in shoreline snow to find seaweed and kelp, which are less nutritious than the reindeer's usual fare.
With their pastures locked in ice, the reindeer also have to travel farther to find food. And when there is little to eat, the youngest and oldest animals are usually the first to die.
Nuclear Cloud Mystery Solved
A vast cloud of nuclear radiation that spreadover continental Europe in 2017 has been traced to an unacknowledged nuclear accident in southern Russia, according to an international team of scientists.
The experts say the cloud of radiation detected over Europe in late September 2017 could only have been caused by a nuclear fuel-reprocessing accident at the Mayak Production Association, a nuclear facility in the Chelyabinsk region of the Ural Mountains in Russia, sometime between noon on Sept. 26 and noon on Sept. 27.
Russia confirmed that a cloud of nuclear radiation was detected over the Urals at the time, but the country never acknowledged any responsibility for a radiation leak, nor has it ever admitted that a nuclear accident took place at Mayak in 2017.
Although the resulting cloud of nuclear radiation was diluted enough that it caused no harm to people beneath it, the total radioactivity was between 30 and 100 times the level of radiation released after the Fukushima accident in Japan in 2011.
Close Call
Scientists revealed an asteroid dubbed by some as a "city killer" came closer to the Earth than the moon this week. The Washington Post reported that scientists apparently had no idea it was coming.
Asteroid 2019 OK came hurtling toward Earth at a speed of nearly 15 miles a second, before flying past. According to NASA, it was about 45,000 miles from Earth on Thursday.
Wildfires - Siberia
Massive wildfires sweeping through Russia have spread to an area the size of annexed Crimea as regional authorities have been slow to declare emergencies and firefighting efforts have been scaled back.
Scientists have observed an “unprecedented” number of wildfires in Siberia and the Russian Arctic since June. Russian authorities have said a combination of lightning and human activity may have sparked the flames.
More than 2.7 million hectares of remote forest is currently burning across six Siberian and Far East regions, according to Russia’s Federal Forestry Agency, an area roughly equal to the size of Crimea.
Regional emergency authorities have opted against extinguishing the more than 300 forest fires that are engulfing hard-to-reach areas, saying inhabited areas are “not under threat” and “projected extinguishing costs exceed their projected harm.”
It’s “pointless and at times even harmful” to try to extinguish the flames, Krasnoyarsk region governor Alexander Uss was quoted as saying by the Vedomosti business daily. Speaking at a youth forum on Sunday, Uss compared the wildfires to a summertime equivalent of winter blizzards.
More than 11 million hectares have been affected this wildfire season, Greenpeace Russia said in a statement Friday, calling on the authorities to step up firefighting efforts in the affected areas.
Measles - DR Congo
In a follow-up on the measles epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), health ministry officials report 120,635 total cases through July 7. 2,162 measles deaths have been recorded. In the most recent week alone, 2,125 measles cases including 60 deaths have been reported.
Malaria - Burundi
In a follow-up on the malaria epidemic in the East-Central African country of Burundi, the Ministry of Public Health has reported 5,738,661 cases this year through July 21. This represents a 97 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2018. This is up from 3.2 million cases reported in late May.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.1 earthquake hits Java, Indonesia.
5.0 earthquake hits Panama.
5.0 earthquake hits Kepulauan Mentawai, Indonesia.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm Erick is located about 1475 mi...2375 km ese of Hilo Hawaii with maximum sustained winds...70 mph...110 km/h. Present movement...w or 270 degrees at 16 mph...26 km/h.
Tropical Storm Flossie is located about 820 mi...1315 km wsw of Manzanillo Mexico and about 780 mi...1260 km ssw of the southern tip of Baja California with maximum sustained winds...50 mph...85 km/h. Present movement...w or 270 degrees at 18 mph...30 km/h.
NewsBytes:
UK - The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning after half a month’s worth of rain fell in 24 hours across the country. Forecasters said parts of the North West had seen 50mm of rain in 24 hours, with 52.2mm recorded between 11am on Saturday and 11am on Sunday at Greenfield near Oldham. Flooding and standing water has caused problems for commuters and residents across the affected areas. The wet weather comes after Britain was hit by record-breaking hot temperatures and thunderstorms, with the heatwave causing problems for train and air passengers.
Global Warming Is Pushing Pacific Salmon to the Brink
Pacific salmon that spawn in Western streams and rivers have been struggling for decades to survive water diversions, dams and logging. Now, global warming is pushing four important populations in California, Oregon and Idaho toward extinction, federal scientists warn in a new study.
The new research shows that several of the region's salmon populations are now bumping into temperature limits, with those that spawn far inland after lengthy summer stream migrations and those that spend a lot of time in coastal habitats like river estuaries among the most at risk.
That includes Chinook salmon in California's Central Valley and in the Columbia and Willamette River basins in Oregon; coho salmon in parts of Northern California and Oregon; and sockeye salmon that reach the Snake River Basin in Idaho, all of which are already on the federal endangered species list.
The salmon live much of their lives in the ocean, but they swim far upstream to spawn. In the process, they're a key part of the food chain, including for bears and whales, and they are important to indigenous groups and fisheries along the U.S. West Coast.
The research spells out several ways that global warming endangers the fish. Among them:
- Young salmon die when the water warms above a certain threshold, and droughts can leave salmon stranded or exposed to predators by low water levels.
- Flooding can also flush eggs and young fish from their nests, so the scientists included projections of how global warming will affect extreme atmospheric river rain storms in California as one of the ways to measure the growing threat.
- Warmer stream temperatures have also increased outbreaks of fish disease that can affect salmon, including pathogenic parasites. In May, a toxic algae bloom along the coast of Norway killed 8 million farmed salmon at an estimated cost of about $82 million. In Alaska's Yukon River, a parasite linked with global warming has taken a big toll on the salmon fishery. And in recent weeks, local indigenous observers in Alaska have posted numerous reports of dead salmon in rivers in the western part of the state, as water temperatures reached record highs during Alaska's record-setting heat wave.
- Salmon are also sensitive to changes in ocean currents that carry nutrients, as well as sea level rise, which affects the physical connection between ocean and stream ecosystems, like coastal wetlands in California. Some salmon populations living near the edge of the range of suitable conditions will start to cluster in rivers near the coast, unable to reach their historic spawning grounds unless "access to higher-elevation habitats is restored and habitat quality in rearing areas and migration corridors is improved," the scientists wrote.
Delta Aquariid Meteor Shower
The dazzling Delta Aquariids 2019 meteor shower will be at its nominal peak tonight, July 29, and can be best spotted in the Southern Hemisphere.
What is essentially a display of space dust and bits of debris bursting from a comet (or comets) in our orbital path, the Delta Aquariids meteor shower will fly close to the Sun shedding particles that hit our atmosphere, around 60 miles above Earth. The meteor will zoom across the skies during which it will vapourize into shooting stars, leaving a trail of blazing light behind.
If at all you miss the celestial show tonight, you have until mid-August to catch the Delta Aquariid as the long, rambling meteor shower is officially active from July 12 to August 23 each year.
Wildfires - Montana, USA
At least three wildfires are burning in western Montana. The largest is the North Hills Fire north of Helena which has burned about 4 square miles (10.5 square kilometers) and prompted the evacuation of about 100 homes.
Dengue Fever - Tanzania
Since the dengue outbreak began in Tanzania one year ago, 6,677 cases have been reported, including 13 deaths. It appears that the outbreak is slowing as there were 536 cases of infection with the dengue virus in June, while only six cases have been reported since early July.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.3 earthquake hits near the south coast of Honshu, Japan.
5.2 earthquake hits New Ireland, Papua New Guinea.
5.1 earthquake hits Fiji.
5.0 earthquake hits the Solomon Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits the Pacific-Antarctic ridge.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm Erick is located about 1410 mi...2270 km wsw of the southern tip of Baja California and about 1865 mi...3000 km ese of Hilo Hawaii with maximum sustained winds...40 mph...65 km/h. Present movement...w or 280 degrees at 16 mph...26 km/h.
Tanzania to shut part of wildlife preserve to big game hunters
Covering 50,000 sq km (19,000 sq miles), the Selous reserve is one of the largest protected areas in Africa, and is famed for its elephants, lions, black rhinos, hippos and giraffes.
About 8% of the Selous, which is larger than Switzerland, is dedicated to photo-tourism while the rest is a hunting reserve.
Selous Game Reserve is to be split into two. A bigger area of the wildlife sanctuary on the upper side will be turned into a national park where hunting activities are not permitted. A smaller area will remain open to hunters to generate much needed tourism dollars. Tanzania relies heavily on tourism as the major source of hard currency.
South Sudan tries to protect wildlife after long conflict
South Sudan is trying to rebuild its six national parks and 13 game reserves, which cover more than 13% of the country's terrain, following the five-year civil war that ended last year after killing nearly 400,000 people. A fragile peace deal still has key steps to carry out.
The fighting stripped the country of much wildlife and the parks are rudimentary, lacking lodges, visitors' centers and roads. There is no significant tourism; the parks department does not even keep statistics on the number of visitors.
Now the biggest threat to the country's wildlife is poaching, the scourge that afflicts parks and reserves across Africa. The parks are also threatened by encroaching human settlements. Residents already burn swaths of land surrounding the park to clear it for cultivation.
Rangers are working to foster support for the parks among local residents, who sometimes go out on patrol with rangers. The rangers are also working to apprehend poachers or drive them out of the parks.
While progress is slow, several rangers said they are seeing more signs of animals during patrols than they did last year.
Wildfires - Croatia
Firefighters and Croatian army forces on Saturday joined a battle against wildfires threatening homes and wind power plants near the coastal Adriatic town of Sibenik. About 200 firefighters and 50 soldiers were deployed in the area south of Sibenik in the evening as the wind picked up strength and after firefighting aircraft that were deployed during the day had to withdraw for the night. Nobody has been hurt in the fires but people from about 30 houses in one village have been evacuated.
Wildfires - Oregon, USA
The Milepost 97 fire that started Wednesday night from an illegal campfire grew about 3,000 acres overnight to nearly 9,000 acres as of Saturday morning, according to the Oregon Department of Forestry and Douglas Forest Protective Association. Approximately 900 firefighting personnel, 15 helicopters, as well as large and small air tankers are currently assigned to the fire. Evacuation levels have been raised to level 1 ("Be Ready") for homes on the west side of Interstate 5 between mileposts 83 and 88 near the Azalea area.
Typhoid - Zimbabwe
Officials in the capital city of Zimbabwe, Harare report seeing 858 new typhoid cases in the last six months, with the suburbs of Glen View and Budiriro hit the hardest according to a report in The Herald. No deaths have been recorded. The reason for the outbreak is due to its failure to constantly supply clean water and delays in attending to sewer bursts or leakages.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.9 earthquake hits the Batan Islands in the Philippines.
5.7 earthquake hits the Batan Islands in the Philippines.
5.4 earthquake hits the Batan Islands in the Philippines.
5.4 earthquake hits the Pacific Antarctic ridge.
5.3 earthquake hits the Batan Islands in the Philippines.
5.3 earthquake hits the Hindu Kush, Afghanistan.
5.2 earthquake hits the southern mid-Atlantic ridge.
5.2 earthquake hits the Andreanof Islands in the Aleutian Islands.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Western Pacific Ocean: Tropical depression 07w (Nari), located approximately 160 nm west of Yokosuka, Japan, is tracking north-northeastward at 15 knots.
NewsBytes:
Bangladesh - The death toll from monsoon storms in Bangladesh rose above 100 on Friday with flood levels still rising in many parts of the country. About 20 people have died in 48 hours, taking the toll to 104, making it one of the worst monsoons in years. Most victims have drowned, but some have been killed by landslides, snake bites and lightning strikes.
Pakistan - Pakistani officials say flash floods triggered by heavy rains and a landslide have killed at least five people, including two tourists, in the country’s northwest. Several people were also injured over the past 24 hours in the floods in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
After Scorching Europe, Heat Wave Is Poised to Melt Greenland
A heat wave that shattered records in Europe this week is on the move, and it could melt billions of tons of ice in Greenland.
Hot air that originated over Northern Africa recently brought blistering heat to Europe, Paris sizzled at a staggering 108.7 degrees Fahrenheit (42.6 degrees Celsius), and temperature records were broken across the continent by up to 6 degrees F (3 degrees C).
A representative of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) announced that atmospheric flow would carry this scorching heat to Greenland, which lost over 170 billion tons (160 billion metric tons) of ice in July and 80 billion tons (72 billion metric tons) of ice in June from surface melting alone. When this warm air arrives in Greenland, it will likely cause "another major peak in melt area.
Pumping Deeper
The first nationwide study of U.S. groundwater wells shows that they are being dug deeper and deeper to supply the country’s expanding freshwater needs.
But scientists caution that the practice is not sustainable because groundwater supplies are dropping in many of the major aquifers that supply fresh water to more than 120 million people and half of U.S. farming irrigation.
Writing in the journal Nature Sustainability, researchers from the University of California, Santa Barbara caution that deeper wells may eventually tap into saltier water, requiring desalination. The U.S. Geological Survey says that between 1950 and 2015, aquifer levels have dropped by about 10 feet on average.
Wildfires - Alaska
In Alaska, a series of wildfires driven by record high temperatures has consumed more than 1 million acres of forest. Similar fires in Greenland and Siberia have combined to make 2019’s Arctic wildfires unprecedented in recorded history. The fires come as new climate data revealed that last month was the hottest June ever observed, with July on pace to become Earth’s hottest month on record.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.0 earthquake hits Tonga.
5.0 earthquake hits the Chagos Archipelago.
Earthquake Island
A mud island that emerged off the coast of Pakistan during a 2013 temblor has disappeared beneath the waves.
The island was produced by one of the several mud volcanos in the region that are caused by the Arabian tectonic plate sinking beneath the Eurasian plate.
The process pushes mud and gas toward the surface, especially during strong earthquakes.
NASA satellite images showed that incessant ocean waves had eroded most of the island by the end of 2016. Recent images reveal “Earthquake Island” is now completely submerged beneath the northern Arabian Sea.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Western Pacific Ocean: Tropical storm 07w (Nari), located approximately 314 nm south-southwest of Yokosuka, Japan, is tracking north-northwestward at 13 knots.
NewsBytes:
Brazil - Death toll from the floods and landslides in Brazil's northeast reached 13 on Wednesday, local officials said. The Fire Department in the northeastern Pernambuco state confirmed five deaths in Recife, five in Abreu e Lima, three in Olinda, including minors and women who could not take shelter from mudslides and landslides. Heavy rains paralyzed daily life in Recife, capital of Pernambuco since Tuesday. Recife, which has a population of around four million, received 101 millimeters of rainfall for six hours, well beyond seasonal expectations.
Climate Consensus
As all-time temperature records continue to be broken in heat waves around the Northern Hemisphere this summer, scientists say there has never been a time in the past 2,000 years when global temperatures have risen so quickly.
June 2019 was the hottest on record, and July is likely to be the hottest as well.
Scientists in three separate reports say that while the world has warmed and cooled many times over the centuries, soaring greenhouse gas emissions are resulting in a climate that is now warming as never seen before.
“This paper should finally stop climate change deniers claiming that the recent observed coherent global warming is part of a natural climate cycle,” said Mark Maslin, professor of climatology at University College London, who wasn’t part of the studies.
One of the lead authors says the scientific consensus that human activity is behind global heating is likely to have surpassed 99%.
Oceans Are Melting Glaciers from Below Much Faster than Predicted
Beneath the ocean's surface, glaciers may be melting 10 to 100 times faster than previously believed, new research shows.
Until now, scientists had a limited understanding of what happens under the water at the point where ice meets sea. Using a combination of radar, sonar and time-lapse photography, a team of researchers has now provided the first detailed measurements of the underwater changes over time. Their findings suggest that the theories currently used to gauge glacier change are underestimating glaciers' ice loss.
The warming atmosphere melts glaciers from above, while ocean water can erode the ice along the glacier's face. Researchers have been studying similar effects of ocean water beneath the ice shelves in Antarctica, which slow the flow of the glaciers on land behind them. Last year, a study there found that warming ocean waters are contributing to glacial changes that increase the rate of sea level rise.
As fresh water from melting glaciers enters the ocean, it does more than increase sea level. "Plumes" of fast-moving runoff stir up nutrients locked deep in the water, which then feed phytoplankton and zooplankton near the surface, spurring population booms.
Changes in tidewater glaciers can have an impact on people living along the Alaskan coast, altering patterns in the ocean water that provides food and livelihood for many. Longer melt seasons mean more fresh water entering the ocean earlier in the year. This could affect things like salmon swimming up those streams or not.
Iceland Reforestation
A warming climate is helping efforts in Iceland to restore the forests that once thrived before the seafaring Vikings colonized the island and razed its forests more than 1,000 years ago.
Nearly 97 percent of the native birch were felled to make way for farming as well as to build homes for the European settlers.
Iceland’s cool climate and volcanic eruptions have hampered efforts in the past to restore the forests.
But climate change is now allowing the birch to be planted along with non-native lodgepole pines and Sitka spruces, which grow more quickly.
Those species were also chosen for their ability to capture carbon and help Iceland mitigate global greenhouse gas emissions.
Global Temperature Extremes
The week’s hottest temperature was 120 degrees Fahrenheit (48.9 degrees Celsius) in Adrar, Algeria.
The week’s coldest temperature was minus 96.0 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 71.1 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.
Leptospirosis - Philippines
Health officials in the Western Visayas are advising the public to be aware of leptospirosis this rainy season. According to the Department of Health CHD-6 Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU), from January 1 to July 6, they have recorded 98 cases and 11 deaths, mostly in farmers.
Global Volcanic Activity - Ongoing Activity for the week of 17 July - 23 July 2019
Aira | Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that during 19-22 July as many as four explosions at Minamidake crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) generated ash plumes that rose at least to 1.5 km above the crater rim and ejected material 1.1 km from the vent. 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 17-22 July ash plumes from Dukono rose to altitudes of 1.5-2.1 km (5,000-7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted mainly W, NW, and N. 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) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Ebeko was identified in satellite images during 13-16 and 18 July. Volcanologists in Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island), about 7 km E, observed explosions during 15-16 July that sent ash plumes up to 2 km (6,600 ft) a.s.l. The plumes drifted S and SE. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).
Etna | Sicily (Italy) : INGV reported that during 15-17 July sporadic explosions at Etna’s New Southeast Crater (NSEC) were accompanied by small ash puffs that quickly dissipated. Strombolian activity at NSEC increased during the morning of 18 July with explosions occurring at a rate of one every 1-2 minutes. In the following hours the rate of explosions increased, and by the evening Strombolian activity was almost continuous. The activity continued to intensify until 2300 when a sharp decrease occurred. At 0009 on 19 July lava flowed from a new vent that opened on the lower NE flank of NSEC, and traveled towards the Valle del Leone. Within a few hours explosive activity again increased at NSEC; ash emissions occasionally rose from the Northeast Crater (NEC) and Bocca Nuova Crater. Explosive activity decreased and had ceased by noon. A sudden increase in explosive activity was recorded that afternoon and by the evening three vents within NSEC were producing Strombolian activity and sporadic ash emissions. Ashfall was reported in areas on the S flank. Explosive activity at NSEC again declined in the late evening. NEC produced abundant ash emissions until the morning of 20 July. Just before 0800 on 20 July a new phase of explosive activity began at NSEC and lava effusion at the new vent on the NE flank increased. Later that morning explosive activity completely ceased; by evening the lava flow was only weakly fed.
Karymsky | Eastern Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that ash plumes from Karymsky drifted 60 km in multiple directions during 13-17 July. A thermal anomaly was identified in satellite images during 14 and 16-18 July. 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 visible in satellite images on 15 July. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).
Merapi | Central Java (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that during 15-21 July the lava-dome volume at Merapi did not change and was an estimated 475,000 cubic meters, based on analyses of drone images. Extruded lava fell into the upper parts of the SE-flank, generating three block-and-ash flows that traveled 1.2 km down the Gendol drainage on 21 July. White plumes rose as high as 50 m above the summit. 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.
Pacaya | Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that during 17-23 July Strombolian explosions at Pacaya’s Mackenney Crater ejected material as high as 25 m above the crater rim. As many as four lava flows traveled down the NW and N flanks; two of the flows were 300 m long. Minor avalanches of material from the lava flow fronts descended the flanks.
Sangeang Api | Indonesia : The Darwin VAAC reported that during 17-18 and 20-22 July ash plumes from Sangeang Api were identified by pilots and in satellite images rising to 2.1-4.6 km (7,000-15,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifting NW, W, and SW. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4).
Sheveluch | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Sheveluch’s lava dome was identified daily in satellite images during 13-18 July. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).
Tengger Caldera | Eastern Java (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that rain triggered a lahar at 1700 on 19 July that originated on the SW flank of Tengger Caldera’s Bromo cone. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and visitors were warned to stay outside of a 1-km radius of the crater.
Villarrica | Chile : POVI reported a high level of incandescence from Villarrica’s summit crater on 22 July and lava bombs on the flanks just below the crater rim. Strombolian explosions intensified on 23 July, with material continuing to be ejected onto the flanks.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.3 earthquake hits south of Bali, Indonesia.
5.0 earthquake hits near the east coast of Honshu, Japan.
5.0 earthquake hits the central mid-Atlantic ridge.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Post Tropical Cyclone Dailila is located about 700 mi...1125 km w of the southern tip of Baja California with maximum sustained winds...25 mph...35 km/h. Present movement...wnw or 290 degrees at 7 mph...11 km/h.
In the Western Pacific Ocean: Tropical storm 07w (Seven), located approximately 483 nm south-southwest of Yokosuka, Japan, is tracking northward at 10 knots.
NewsBytes:
Turkey - Hundreds have been evacuated after flash floods and landslides devastated areas of Düzce province in northwest Turkey. The bodies of five of seven missing people have been recovered since record-breaking levels of rainfall caused floods on the Melen river on July 17 and 18, hitting 124 villages and later causing landslides.
Effects Of Wildfires On Animal Species
Millions and millions of acres of land burn each year in the U.S. because of wildfires. There are many ways that wildfires make a big impact on native animal populations.
During wildfires, varieties of smaller animals attempt to outrun the blaze by burrowing or hiding underneath rocks. Afterward, predators know that cover will be scarce for these prey animals and will stalk the burned zone in large numbers, kicking off a feeding frenzy for anybody who’s enterprising enough to wait.
Wildfires are especially hard on young animal populations, who cannot outrun the fire, as well as more mature animals or those who aren’t savvy enough to find a place to wait it out.
The temperature and chemical makeup of streams, rivers and other bodies of water can be greatly altered by wildfires, which can harm fish populations and impact their ability to reproduce.
Wildfires may also increase the amount of water flowing into an area, since there’s less established plant matter to draw it out of the ground and keep it from running down slopes. Landslides can completely remake a native species’ familiar habitat, plus introduce sediment and harmful materials into streams that animals depend on for food.
There are some good reasons to look forward to wildfires, though. Many plant species, like the giant sequoia, have seeds that only take root in the fine layer of ash left behind after a fire. With all of the other plants in the way, these seeds wouldn’t stand a chance of germinating otherwise.
So Much of the Arctic Is on Fire, You Can See It From Space
Wildfires burning large swaths of Russia are generating so much smoke, they're visible from space, new images from NASA's Earth Observatory reveal.
Since June, more than 100 wildfires have raged across the Arctic, which is especially dry and hot this summer. In Russia alone, wildfires are burning in 11 of the country's 49 regions, meaning that even in fire-free areas, people are choking on smoke that is blowing across the country.
Wildfires are also burning in Greenland and parts of Alaska, following what was the hottest June in recorded history. It's common for fires to burn during the Arctic's summer months, but the number and extent this year are unusual and unprecedented.
Dengue Fever - Bangladesh
The dengue fever situation in Bangladesh in July has surged to a historical record with over 6400 cases reported in the first 24 days of July. From July 1 through July 24, 6,421 dengue cases were reported, significantly higher than the previous monthly high of 3087 in September 2018. In just one day, the case count increased by 784 on July 24.
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) – Saudi Arabia
From 1 through 30 June 2019, the National International Health Regulations (IHR) Focal Point of Saudi Arabia reported 7 additional cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS-CoV) infection.
Global Volcanic Activity - New Activity for the week of 17 July - 23 July 2019
Manam | Papua New Guinea : The Darwin VAAC reported that on 21 July an ash plume from Manam rose to an altitude of 4.3 km (14,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SW and W, based on satellite data and weather models.
Semisopochnoi | United States : AVO reported that data from local seismic and infrasound sensors likely detected a small explosion at Semisopochnoi on 16 July. No ash was visible in cloudy satellite images although none was expected from an explosion of its size. A small plume drifted 18 km from the vent but had no indication of ash. A strong tremor signal was recorded at 2339 on 17 July and an infrasound signal was detected from an array located 260 km E on Adak Island. The event likely produced ash emissions, though none were visible above the cloud deck at 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. Seismic activity continued to increase. On 18 July a short-lived, low-level eruption prompted AVO to raise the Aviation colour Code to Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale) and the Volcano Alert Level to Watch (the second highest level on a four-level scale). A low-level plume was visible in occasional cloud-free satellite images. Seismic activity decreased abruptly that night and ground-coupled airwaves stopped being detected on adjacent islands, suggesting that the eruption had paused or ended. Seismic activity remained low at least through 21 July.
Shishaldin | Fox Islands (USA) : AVO reported that weak tremor continued to be recorded at Shishaldin during 17-23 July and elevated surface temperatures were observed in multiple satellite images. Cloudy conditions typically obscured webcam views of the volcano, but when conditions were clear a small steam plume at the summit was visible. The Aviation colour Code remained at Yellow and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Advisory.
Stromboli | Aeolian Islands (Italy) : INGV reported that multiple vents on Stromboli’s crater terrace were active during 15-21 July, though the exact number was unknown due to the unfavorable positions of the cameras. Vents in Area N (north crater area, NCA) produced low-to-medium-intensity explosions at a rate of 4-10 events per hour, ejecting lapilli and bombs less than 150 m high. The vents of Area C-S (South Central crater area) generated explosions of intensities variable between low and very high and at a rate of 6-17 events per hour. Tephra was ejected over 200 m high. Lava from Area C-S vents continued to travel down the S part of the Sciara del Fuoco shedding blocks that rolled all the way to the coastline.
Ubinas | Peru : IGP reported that during 17-19 July gas-and-ash emissions occasionally rose from Ubinas’s summit crater and drifted N, E, and SE. Beginning at 0227 on 19 July as many as three explosions (two were recorded at 0227 and 0235) generated ash plumes that rose to 5.8 km above the crater rim. The Buenos Aires VAAC reported that ash plumes rose as high as 6.5 km above the crater rim (or to 40,000 ft. a.s.l.) based on satellite images. The Alert Level was raised to Orange (on a 4-level scale). Ash plumes drifted as far as 250 km E and SE, reaching Bolivia. Ashfall was reported in areas downwind including the towns of Ubinas (6.5 km SSE), Escacha, Anascapa (11 km SE), Tonohaya (7 km SSE), Sacohaya, San Miguel (10 km SE), Huarina, and Matalaque, causing some families to evacuate. The VAAC reported that during 20-23 July ash plumes rose to 7.3-9.5 km (24,000-31,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted E, ESE, and SE.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.7 earthquake hits south of the Kermedec Islands.
5.2 earthquake hits the Peru-Ecuador border.
5.1 earthquake hits Bali, Indonesia.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Remnants of Tropical Depression Three are located about 60 mi...100 km ese of Daytona beach Florida and about 100 mi...160 km se of St. Augustine Florida with maximum sustained winds...35 mph...55 km/h. Present movement...n or 360 degrees at 17 mph...28 km/h.
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Tropical Depression Dailila is located about 610 mi...985 km wsw of the southern tip of Baja California with maximum sustained winds...35 mph...55 km/h. Present movement...nw or 315 degrees at 6 mph...9 km/h.
NewsBytes:
New York, USA - Late Monday and early Tuesday, flash floods swamped Long Island and other New York urban areas drenched by a severe storm. Up to 4 inches (10 cm) of rain drenched New York’s eastern Long Island suburbs, while the widespread storm dumped as much as 8 inches (20 cm) of wetness on Port Arthur. Airlines canceled more than 300 flights in the United States, with the most affected airports throughout the New York area as well as North Carolina as the storm moved southwards.
Southeast Asia - At least 666 people have been killed by flash floods, lightning and torrential rain caused by the monsoon in South Asia, officials say, as further rain is expected in the region through the week. Millions have been affected in India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Pakistan, where landslides and other effects of the rain have forced thousands to flee their homes. In India, at least 467 people have been killed in heavy rains since the start of July. In neighbouring Nepal, officials told Al Jazeera the death toll had risen to at least 95 on Tuesday, with 29 reported missing. In Bangladesh, at least 78 have been killed and more than 120 are missing in the country's northern areas after rains and flooding throughout the month.
Loggers And Poachers Threaten Wildlife In The Republic Of Congo
The tropical forests of Western Equatorial Africa are increasingly coming under pressure from logging, poaching, and associated disturbances, a new study finds.
Researchers found that logging road construction has accelerated over the past two decades and led to a dramatic decline of intact forest lands in the region. Increased human immigration and degradation of natural resources follows in the wake of such road expansion.
The researchers documented the first instances of elephant poacher incursions in Goualougo Triangle region of Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park—considered the most pristine block of rainforest remaining in the entire Congo Basin.
This coincided with the arrival of roads and active logging in adjacent forest. Increased access to intact forest lands that facilitates illegal hunting raises concern and increases challenges for authorities tasked with protecting wildlife across Western Equatorial Africa.
Intact forest landscapes (IFLs) are forest and associated mosaics lacking overt human disturbance such as infrastructure. The vast majority of IFLs found in the Republic of Congo are located in the north of the country, which is also inhabited by extraordinary biodiversity, including chimpanzees and western lowland gorillas.
Forests of northern Congo are also composed of timber-rich stands, the exploitation of which is a big driver of the region’s economy and development.
Wildfires - Arizona, USA
A wildfire inside the Coconino National Forest near Flagstaff, Arizona, grew to 1,800 acres in size, prompting authorities to order mandatory evacuations in the surrounding area Monday. Firefighters hadn't been able to contain any of the fire by Tuesday, and Arizona Governor declared a state of emergency in Coconino County. No homes or structures have been affected.
Dengue Fever - Singapore
Singapore environmental officials reported an additional 652 dengue cases last week, bringing the total for the year to 8,023. This total through July 20 is about five times more than the total number of dengue cases reported in the same period last year.
Hepatitis A - Tennessee, USA
Since the hepatitis A outbreak began in December 2017, Tennessee state health officials now put the outbreak case count at 2,022. Of this total, six out of ten cases required hospitalization and 10 deaths were reported.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.0 earthquake hits the Balleny Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits southern Iran.
5.0 earthquake hits Kepulauan Obi, Indonesia.
5.0 earthquake hits northeast of Taiwan.
Wildfires - Siberia
Nearly 170,000 hectares of forestland is burning in the Krasnoyarsk, Irkutsk, Yakutia, Yamal, and Buryatia regions. The hygienic standard in the air exceeds the norm by 1.2 to 2.3 times.
More than 2,000 people and 303 units of equipment are involved in extinguishing the existing 171 fires. Thirty-five wildfires were extinguished over an area of 17,600 hectares in the last 24 hours.
The regional government of Krasnoyarsk, where most of the blazes are, blamed lightning for starting most of the fires. Residents in Krasnoyarsk have been told to go outdoors only out of necessity.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Tropical Depression Three is located about 40 mi...70 km ene of West Palm Beach Florida and about 55 mi...90 km nw of Freeport Grand Bahama island with maximum sustained winds...35 mph...55 km/h. Present movement...n or 360 degrees at 12 mph...19 km/h.
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm Dailila is located about 585 mi...945 km sw of the southern tip of Baja California with maximum sustained winds...40 mph...65 km/h. Present movement...nnw or 330 degrees at 7 mph...11 km/h.
NewsBytes:
China - Rain-triggered floods killed four tourists in east China's Jiangxi province, official media reported early on Monday. The heavy rains started on Sunday afternoon in a mountainous area in Yichun city. Flooding caused by the downpour trapped 285 hikers from three tourist groups. Meanwhile, in neighbouring Fujian province, torrential rain also battered Sanming city, with more than 100mm rainfall within three hours on Sunday evening.
Swine Flu - South Africa
Two cases of swine flu have been reported from Pietermaritzburg in Kwa-Zulu Natal Province in two siblings. The sister has died while the brother is still in hospital. Health officials confirmed the H1N1 virus. It is not known where the children picked up the infection.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.5 earthquake hits the Ceram Sea, Indonesia.
5.5 earthquake hits Guam.
5.2 earthquake hits Seram, Indonesia.
5.2 earthquake hits Guam.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Tropical Depression 5E is located about 685 mi...1100 km sw of the southern tip of Baja California with maximum sustained winds...35 mph...55 km/h. Present movement...n or 360 degrees at 9 mph...15 km/h.
NewsBytes:
India - Five more people died in Bihar floods, pushing the death toll up to 97 on Saturday, as over 69 lakh people were affected in 12 districts, the state’s disaster management department said.
12 rare one-horned rhinos killed by floods in India
At least 12 one-horned rhinos, a threatened species, have died as a result of flooding in a national park in north-eastern India, park officials said on Sunday (July 21).
Eleven of them drowned while trying to escape floodwaters and one slipped into a ditch while trying to climb a highland, said an official at the Kaziranga National Park in India's north-eastern Assam state.
The sprawling 430-square-kilometre park is a Unesco World Heritage site and home to two-thirds of the world's population of the Rhinoceros Unicornis - more commonly known as the Indian rhinoceros. At the last count in 2015, the park had a population of 2,401 rhinos.
Wildfires - Chile
Intense forest fires have consumed tens of thousands of hectares throughout Chile. The multiple blazes have broken records and prompted the president to call them a catastrophe. 30% of the national territory of Chile is covered by forests.
Wildfires - Portugal - Update
About 1,800 firefighters were struggling to contain wildfires in central Portugal that have already injured 20 people, including eight firefighters, authorities said Sunday.
The fires broke out Saturday across three fronts in the district of Castelo Branco, 200 kilometers (about 125 miles) northeast of Lisbon, the capital, Portugal’s Civil Protection Agency said. Firefighters were being supported by 19 firefighting aircraft and hundreds of vehicles.
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever - Kentucky, USA
Health officials in Grayson County, Kentucky are reporting a recent increase in cases of the tickborne disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF). They report receiving 26 cases of RMSF since July 7, 2019.
Foodborne Disease - Ukraine
A foodborne illness outbreak is being investigated by the Rivne OLC of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine. Between July 15-18, 84 acute gastrointestinal disease cases were reported, including 52 cases in Zdolbunivskyi District. 61 people required hospitalization, including children.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.6 earthquake hits New Britain, Papua New Guinea.
5.5 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.
5.1 earthquake hits Tonga.
5.1 earthquake hits the mid-Indian ridge.
5.1 earthquake hits Easter Island.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are no current tropical storms.
NewsBytes:
Southeast Asia - More than 350 people have now died as a result of flooding and landslides in South Asia brought on by heavy monsoon rains over the past few weeks as millions of people and animals continue to face the brunt in four countries. So far, 184 deaths have been reported in India, 90 in Nepal, 41 in Pakistan and 37 in Bangladesh since the latest heavy rains began in early July. Though the rains were easing and floodwaters receding on Saturday, the situation remained critical across vast swathes of the region which remained waterlogged.
Wildfires - Colorado, USA
Summer is heating up around Colorado and the wildfire risk is rising with the temperatures. Currently, there are at least 6 wildfires burning around the Centennial State two of which are larger than 2 000 acres.
Syphilis - Japan
According to data from the National Institute of Infectious Diseases in Tokyo, 3407 syphilis cases were reported through July 10. This total includes 887 cases reported in Tokyo, 565 in Osaka and 178 cases in Aichi prefecture.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Western Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm 06w (Danas), located approximately 84 nm south-southwest of Kunsan AFB, Korea is tracking north-northeastward at 05 knots.
NewsBytes:
Bangladesh - Rain-swollen rivers in Bangladesh have broken through several embankments, submerging dozens of villages, destroying tens of thousands of homes and displacing nearly 200,000 people, officials and an aid group said. More than 4 million people are at risk of food insecurity and disease because of the flooding in Bangladesh, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) said in a statement on Friday.
7,000 species added to endangered 'Red List'
Mankind's destruction of nature is driving species to the brink of extinction at an "unprecedented" rate, the leading wildlife conservation body warned Thursday as it added more than 7,000 animals, fish and plants to its endangered "Red List".
From the canopies of tropical forests to the ocean floor, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) said iconic species of primates, rays, fish and trees were now classified as critically endangered.
The group has now assessed more than 105,000 species worldwide, around 28,000 of which risk extinction.
While each group of organisms face specific threats, human behaviour, including overfishing and deforestation, was the biggest driver of plummeting populations.
"Nature is declining at rates unprecedented in human history," said IUCN acting director general, Grethel Aguilar. "We must wake up to the fact that conserving nature's diversity is in our interest."
Exhausted rhinos rest on dry land amidst India Floods
A telling picture of exhausted rhinos resting on patches of land at the Kaziranga National Park in the wake of the devastating floods in Assam has surfaced on the internet. Rising floodwater levels in the state posed a threat to the wild animals in Kaziranga, which has been entirely under water owing to incessant rains in the region.
Wildfires - Washington, USA
The Cold Creek Fire on the Hanford Reach National Monument charred about 18,000 acres northwest of Richland. Officials said the fire is about 60% contained as of Friday afternoon.
Chikungunya - Thailand
Health officials in Thailand continue to report chikungunya cases. From January 1 through July 7, 4,500 cases from 32 provinces have been reported.
Bolivia - Hemorrhagic fever due to Arenavirus, testing suggests Chapare virus
In the past several weeks, the Ministry of Health in Bolivia have reported five cases of hemorrhagic febrile syndrome of unknown etiology with suspected human-to-human transmission. Three of the cases are healthcare workers and the other 2 cases are agricultural workers. Of the five, three cases have died.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.7 earthquake hits Arunachal Pradesh, India.
5.3 earthquake hits the Molucca Sea.
5.2 earthquake hits Greece.
5.2 earthquake hits the Izu Islands off Japan.
5.0 earthquake hits Guatemala.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Western Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm 06w (Danas), located approximately 374 nm south-southwest of Kunsan AFB, Korea is tracking northward at 11 knots.
NewsBytes:
Southeast Asia - At least 227 people have died since flash floods ravaged swathes of South Asia over the weekend, officials said Thursday. Flooding and landslides, triggered by torrential monsoon rains, have swept across India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, leaving devastation in each country. he northeastern Indian states of Bihar and Assam were hit particularly hard. The death toll has risen to 67 in Bihar and 10 in Assam, with more than 10.3 million people affected in total, according to the states' disaster management authorities. In Bihar, the rains have eased, allowing the full extent of the damage to become clear. As the floodwaters recede, the bodies of previously undiscovered victims are being recovered, said state officials Thursday. The two Indian states have set up more than 900 relief camps and temporary shelters for evacuees and displaced families, who number over 265,000. In Nepal, the death toll has reached 88, according to the Home Ministry.
June Hottest Month on Record
June 2019 was the hottest June on record for the globe. And, it was the second month in a row that balmy temperatures caused Antarctic sea ice coverage to reach a record low.
The sizzling average land and sea temperature of June 2019 was 1.71 degrees Fahrenheit (0.95 degrees Celsius) above the global average temp of 59.9 F (15.5 C), making June 2019 the hottest June in 140 years, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Centers for Environmental Information.
Coral Reefs Suffering - Florida, USA
Climate change is killing the world's coral reefs. But it's not the only factor turning them into white, dead husks. According to a new study, all the chemicals humans are dumping into the ocean are making it easier for the hotter weather to do its deadly work.
Published in the journal Marine Biology, a paper based on 30 years of data concluded that nutrient pollution, stemming from fertilizer and improperly treated sewage, is responsible for coral death in Florida. “Our results provide compelling evidence that nitrogen loading from the Florida Keys and greater Everglades ecosystem caused by humans, rather than warming temperatures, is the primary driver of coral reef degradation.”
When the symbiotic relationship between coral and algae becomes stressed—due to temperature fluctuations or contamination—algae will leave the coral’s tissue, taking with it a major food source.
Once abandoned, coral turns white or very pale, and becomes more susceptible to disease.
Coral bleaching is not an immediate death sentence, though: A healthy coral can survive a bleaching event if water temperatures return to normal quickly. Many of the marine invertebrates do, however, lose their battle with bleaching.
Interesting Images
A recent sunset photo stunned viewers. An unusual optical effect made the sunset resemble a split-screen image showing two very different skies side by side.
Though it looks unnatural, the so-called split sunset wasn't created with filters or Photoshop. Rather, it was caused by the shadow of a large cloud below the horizon that prevented sunlight from striking the clouds that were closer to viewers on the ground. The photo was shot in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA.
Global Temperature Extremes
The week’s hottest temperature was 122 degrees Fahrenheit (50.0 degrees Celsius) in Ouargla, Algeria.
The week’s coldest temperature was minus 101.0 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 73.9 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.
Wildfires - Israel
Israel sent teams of firefighters and planes on Thursday (Jul 18) to contain a blaze near Jerusalem as record temperatures fuelled wildfires across the country.
Some 100 fires have been reported in Israel in recent days and at least three or four areas had to be evacuated. No one had been injured in the fires, which were likely sparked through negligence and amplified by high temperatures, drought and winds.
Food Poisoning - Moscow
The Moscow Department of Rospotrebnadzor reported this week that dozens of people have been sickened after eating food from vending machines in Moscow. As of Wednesday, at least 51 people developed symptoms of food poisoning and 26 required hospitalization.
DR Congo - Ebola
The World Health Organization on Wednesday declared Congo’s Ebola outbreak an international health emergency, sounding a rarely used global alarm after the virus threatened to spread to a major city and into neighbouring countries.
Despite a highly effective vaccine and a swift international response after it was declared 11 months ago, the outbreak has proved tenacious in an unstable region beset by violence, becoming Congo’s worst ever, with almost 1,700 dead.
Flu Season
At least 300 people have died from the flu in Australia, more than double the number in all of 2018. The most virulent flu strains in years have already infected 136,000 people, compared to about 17,350 at the same point in past years.
Health officials say this year’s vaccine appears to be “strongly effective” against most of the flu strains circulating. They add that careful monitoring is needed to see if the early spike of the Australian influenza outbreak has implications for the upcoming 2019-20 flu season in the Northern Hemisphere.
Global Volcanic Activity - Ongoing Activity for the week of 10 July - 16 July 2019
Aira | Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that during 8-16 July very small eruptive events were detected at Minamidake crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano), though none of them were explosive. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a 5-level scale).
Asosan | Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that sulfur dioxide emissions at Asosan’s Nakadake Crater reached a high value of 2,300 tons per day on 12 July. Very small events ejected sediment during 13-16 July. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-5).
Colima | Mexico : Centro Universitario de Estudios e Investigaciones de Vulcanologia - Universidad de Colima reported that intermittent steam-and-gas emissions, mainly from the NE side of the crater, and two small explosions were recorded during 5-12 July. Five lahars descended the Montegrande ravine. An overflight on 9 July revealed that the diameter of the vent had slightly increased, likely caused by subsidence, and other areas of minor subsidence within the crater were noted. An area of collapsed material on the outer W wall was also identified. Temperatures inside the crater were 116 degrees Celsius, lower than the temperature of 250 degrees Celsius recorded in May. The temperatures in the fumarolic area decreased from 202 degrees Celsius in May to 169 degrees. A thermal camera located S of the volcano recorded thermal anomalies associated with fumarolic emissions. Weather conditions sometimes prevented observations of the crater.
Dukono | Halmahera (Indonesia) : Based on satellite and wind model data, and notices from PVMBG, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 11-16 July ash plumes from Dukono rose to altitudes of 1.8-2.1 km (6,000-7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted N and NE. 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) : Volcanologists in Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island), about 7 km E of Ebeko, observed explosions during 5-12 July that sent ash plumes up to 3.5 km (11,500 ft) a.s.l. The plumes drifted S. A thermal anomaly was visible in satellite images on 11 July. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale).
Ibu | Halmahera (Indonesia) : The Darwin VAAC reported that on 15 July an ash plume from Ibu rose to 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE based on satellite images and weather models. 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 identified in satellite images during 4-5 July. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale).
Kerinci | Indonesia : The Darwin VAAC reported that on 12 July an ash plume from Kerinci rose to an altitude of 4 km (13,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SW, based on satellite images and weather models.
Klyuchevskoy | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a weak thermal anomaly over Klyuchevskoy was visible in satellite images during 4-5 and 7 July. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale).
Krakatau | Indonesia : PVMBG reported that Anak Krakatau’s seismic network recorded as many as 25 eruptive events during 1-7 July. The events were not followed by visible ash emissions, though observations were hindered by weather conditions. 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 during 8-14 July the lava-dome volume at Merapi did not change and was an estimated 475,000 cubic meters, based on analyses of drone images. Extruded lava fell into the upper parts of the SE-flank, generating two block-and-ash flows that traveled 1 km down the Gendol drainage on 13 and 14 July. White plumes rose as high as 300 m above the summit. 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.
Nevados de Chillan | Chile : ONEMI and SERNAGEOMIN reported that an explosive event at Nevados de Chillán’s Nicanor Crater recorded at 0657 on 14 July was associated with a long-period earthquake signal. The explosion ejected incandescent material onto areas near the crater. The Alert Level remained at Orange, the second highest level on a four-color 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-color scale) for the communities of Pinto, Coihueco, and San Fabián.
Popocatepetl | Mexico : CENAPRED reported that each day during 9-15 July there were 49-326 steam-and-gas emissions from Popocatépetl, some of which contained minor amounts of ash. As many as three explosions per day were recorded, though weather conditions often prevented visual characterization of ash emissions. An explosion at 1949 on 11 July generated an ash plume that rose 2.8 km above the crater rim. The Alert Level remained at Yellow, Phase Two (middle level on a three-color scale).
Reventador | Ecuador : IG reported that during 10-16 July 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 often prevented views of the summit area, although during clear conditions ash plumes were visible rising at least 600 m above the crater rim and drifting W and N. Blocks were observed rolling 500-600 m down the flanks on 10 and 16 July.
Sangeang Api | Indonesia : The Darwin VAAC reported that during 10-16 July ash plumes from Sangeang Api were visible in satellite images rising to 2.1-3 km (7,000-10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifting in multiple directions. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4).
Semeru | Eastern Java (Indonesia) | 8.108°S, 112.922°E | Elevation 3657 m
The Darwin VAAC reported that on 10 July an ash plume from Semeru rose to an altitude of 4.3 km (14,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted WNW based on satellite images and weather models. Ash plumes rose to 4 km (13,000 ft) a.s.l. on 13 July and drifted NW and W.
Sheveluch | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Sheveluch’s lava dome was identified daily in satellite images during 6-12 July. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale).
Villarrica | Chile : POVI reported that webcam images captured deposits of incandescent material on the flank 300 m from Villarrica’s summit crater in the morning of 15 July. Incandescent material from lava fountaining ejected above the crater rim was periodically visible on 16 July.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.4 earthquake hits the Galapagos Islands.
5.3 earthquake hits off the coast of Oregon, USA.
5.1 earthquake hits Halmahera, Indonesia.
5.0 earthquake hits Fiji.
5.0 earthquake hits the Kuril Islands.
Wildfires - Arizona, USA
The Cellar Fire near Prescott, Arizona has grown to 8,000 acres as of 3:30 a.m. Wednesday morning, according to Arizona Interagency Wildfire Prevention. The fire is burning about 16 miles south of Prescott. Prescott National Forest says the fire was likely caused by lightning and has zero containment.
Global Volcanic Activity - New Activity for the week of 10 July - 16 July 2019
Great Sitkin | Andreanof Islands (USA) : On 15 July AVO reported that seismicity at Great Sitkin had decreased to background levels during the past few weeks with no evidence of eruptive activity in geophysical or satellite data. The Aviation colour Code was lowered to Green and the Volcano Alert Level was lowered to Normal.
Manam | Papua New Guinea : The Darwin VAAC reported that on 12 July an ash plume from Manam rose to an altitude of 3.7 km (12,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted N, based on satellite data and weather models.
Shishaldin | Fox Islands (USA) : AVO increased the Aviation colour Code for Shishaldin to Yellow and the Volcano Alert Level to Advisory on 12 July following several weeks of increasing seismicity and elevated temperatures in the summit crater identified in satellite images. In addition incandescence in the crater was visible during an overflight. Seismic tremor continued to be elevated at least through 16 July.
Stromboli | Aeolian Islands (Italy) : INGV reported that the paroxysmal explosive sequence at Stromboli on 3 July changed the morphology of the crater terrace. The rim of the terrace facing the Sciara del Fuoco was removed, and the N1 and N2 vents in Area N (north crater area, NCA) had enlarged and merged into one. After the paroxysmal event explosive activity rapidly decreased, though it remained more intense than normal. The vents of Area C-S (South Central crater area) produced explosions regularly during 8-14 July, and fed lava flows that traveled about halfway down the Sciara del Fuoco. Material from the lava-flow fronts rolled all the way to the coastline. A new lava flow from Area N (north crater area, NCA) began at 1900 on 14 July.
Ubinas | Peru : Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP) reported that seismic activity at Ubinas remained elevated during 1-15 July; volcano-tectonic events averaged 279 per day and long-period events (indicating fluid movement) averaged 116 events per day. Minor bluish emissions rose from the crater. The Alert Level remained at Yellow (on a 4-level scale).
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.6 earthquake hits Guam.
5.2 earthquake hits Fiji.
5.1 earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.
5.1 earthquake hits Fiji.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Post Tropical Cyclone Barry is located about 90 mi...150 km ne of Indianapolis Indiana with maximum sustained winds...15 mph...30 km/h. Present movement...ene or 70 degrees at 22 mph...35 km/h.
In the Western Pacific Ocean: Tropical depression 06w (Danas), located approximately 504 nm south-southwest of Kadena AFB, is tracking north-northeastward at 09 knots.
Syphilis - Alberta, Canada
Alberta health officials are reporting a dramatic and rapid increase in syphilis cases, prompting a provincial outbreak declaration. A total of 1,536 cases of infectious syphilis were reported in 2018 compared to 161 in 2014, almost a tenfold increase.
Hepatitis A - Flordia, USA
Florida health officials reported an additional 85 hepatitis A cases last week, bringing the total cases for the year to 1898.
Dengue Fever - Bangladesh
The numbers of dengue fever cases in Bangladesh started rising rapidly in June; however, since July 1 through July 16, 2,767 cases have been recorded with hundreds of cases added daily. Since the beginning of the year, 4,852 dengue cases have been reported in the country.
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) – Saudi Arabia
From 1 through 31 May 2019, the National International Health Regulations (IHR) Focal Point of Saudi Arabia reported 14 additional cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS-CoV) infection, including five deaths.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.7 earthquake hits Bali, Indonesia.
5.3 earthquake hits Kyrgyzstan.
5.2 earthquake hits Halmahera, Indonesia.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Western Pacific Ocean: Tropical depression 06w (Danas), located approximately 587 nm south-southwest of Kadena AFB, is tracking west-northwestward at 12 knots.
NewsBytes:
Myanmar - Torrential monsoon rains and rising river levels have caused flooding. In Kachin State, according to the State Government, more than 6,200 people have been evacuated to 39 sites in Myitkyina, Bhamo and Shwegu townships as of 13 July. Rakhine, Chin and Mon states are also being hit by floods.
Pakistan - Heavy rains triggered flash floods in Pakistani-controlled Kashmir, leaving at least 22 people missing and feared dead. The flooding late Sunday also caused a great deal of destruction and damage in the village of Lesswa in Neelum Valley. Rescue workers had been unable to find the 22 people swept away by the waters.
Lake Malawi - Empty Nets
Declining fish numbers in the 20 000 square kilometre Lake Malawi appear to be the result of overfishing and climate change.
The many communities living around the Lake depending on the fishing for food and livelihood are facing a collapse of their lifestyle.
The number of fish caught has decreased by up to eighty percent, while environmental changes make the fishing more difficult. Strong winds and heavy rainfall are new factors affecting the fishermen. Moreover, unsustainable overfishing has also reduced the catches.
There was no attempt by authorities to regulate the exploitation of the natural resource.
The number of fishermen has also doubled in the last ten years due to the lack of other jobs in the country.
Malawi's agriculture-based economy is sharply vulnerable to climatic events and increasingly entrenched poverty heightens pressure on the environment.
Wildfires - Russia
Firefighters are extinguishing around 160 wildfires on a total area of almost 155,000 hectares across Russia, the press service of the Federal Aerial Protection Service reported on Monday. The day before the area affected by fires amounted to 144,500 hectares.
"As of 00:00 Moscow time on July 15, 2019, 160 forest fires were raging on a total area of 154,940 hectares, including 40 fires in the Krasnoyarsk Region (70,771 hectares) and 40 fires in the Irkutsk Region (45,307 hectares). Work to extinguish them was in progress," the press service said.
Large fires have been registered in the Magadan Region, the Chukotka Autonomous Region, Kamchatka, the Trans-Baikal Region and Buryatia. The firefighting effort involves more than 3,300 people and 428 pieces of equipment. As many as 72 aircraft are monitoring the situation and 35 extinguish fires. A total of 50 wildfires on a total area exceeding 3,300 hectares have been extinguished over the past 24 hours.
Dengue Fever - Singapore
Officials in Singapore recorded the most dengue fever cases in a week in three and one half years last week, according to data from the National Environment Agency (NEA). 666 dengue cases were reported in the week ending 13 Jul 2019, 73 cases more than in the previous week.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.2 earthquake hits New Britain, Papua New Guinea.
6.0 earthquake hits western Australia.
5.1 earthquake hits Halmahera, Indonesia.
5.0 earthquake hits south of Sumbawa, Indonesia.
5.0 earthquake hits Mindanao in the Philippines.
Two 5.0 earthquakes hit Halmahera, Indonesia.
5.0 earthquake hits the Gulf of Aden.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Tropical Depression Barry is located about 80 mi...125 km wsw of Little Rock Arkansas with maximum sustained winds...25 mph...35 km/h. Present movement...n or 360 degrees at 9 mph...15 km/h.
NewsBytes:
Hungary - Reports have emerged that devastating storm cells hit Eastern Hungary on 27 June afternoon, leaving 80 settlements affected by damages caused by strong wind and heavy rainfall. According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), 2,560 rooftops (160 public and 2,400 private properties) were damaged. Trees fell on electrical aerial cables and caused blackouts in 93 settlements leaving more than 50,000 households without electricity for two or more days.
Nepal - Update -Flooding and landslides triggered by heavy rainfall have killed at least 45 people in Nepal in the past few days, with more deaths reported across the Himalayan border in India, officials said Sunday. At least 31 others are missing in Nepal, either swept by swollen rivers or buried by mudslides since delayed monsoon rains began pounding the region Friday. he center said nine key highways remained blocked by floods and mudslides and attempts are underway to open them up for traffic. Among them is the East-West Highway that connects the country’s southern districts. Other roads were being cleared by thousands of police and soldiers. Continuing bad weather has grounded helicopter rescue flights. Workers were also repairing fallen communication towers to restore phone lines. Twenty-eight people have been treated for injuries and more than 1,100 others rescued from flooded areas. More than 10,000 people are estimated to have been displaced.
Louisiana, USA - Tropical Depression Barry is still expected to bring as much as 6 to 12 inches of rain over south-central Louisiana as the slow-moving storm progresses. Areas in the Lower Mississippi Valley could see 4 to 8 inches and as much as 12 inches in some locations. More than 11 million people are under flash flood watches between the Gulf Coast and the southern midwest.
Wildfires - Greenland
Satellites spotted another bushfire in western Greenland this week. The blaze first showed up on Wednesday. Fire crews were able to smother the flames according to the Greenlandic Broadcasting Corporation, but forecasts from the European Commission’s Global Wildfire Information System shows that the risk of fires remains high to very high over the next week in western Greenland.
Ebola - DR Congo
Ebola continues to soreadin the DR Congo. Today, the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Ministry of Health reported the first Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) case in the city of some 1 million people, the capital of North Kivu, Goma.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
7.3 earthquake hits Halmahera, Indonesia.
6.6 earthquake hits Western Australia.
5.8 earthquake hits Halmahera, Indonesia.
5.5 earthquake hits Halmahera, Indonesia.
Two 5.3 earthquakes hit Halmahera, Indonesia.
5.2 earthquake hits Halmahera, Indonesia.
5.1 earthquake hits Greece.
5.1 earthquake hits the Galapagos Islands.
5.1 earthquake hits the Biak region, Indonesia.
5.0 earthquake hits the western Mediterranean Sea.
5.0 earthquake hits Halmahera, Indonesia.
5.0 earthquake hits Western Australia.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Tropical Storm Barry is located about 80 mi...125 km sse of Shreveport Louisiana with maximum sustained winds...45 mph...75 km/h. Present movement...nnw or 335 degrees at 8 mph...13 km/h.
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Tropical Depression Four-E is located about 455 mi...730 km sw of the southern tip of Baja California with maximum sustained winds...30 mph...45 km/h. Present movement...wnw or 285 degrees at 14 mph...22 km/h.
NewsBytes:
India - Heavy monsoon rains in India’s northeast Assam state displaced more than a million people from their homes and flash floods killed at least 10 in the past 72 hours, state authorities said on Saturday, warning the situation could worsen in coming days. The Brahmaputra river, which flows from the Himalayas into India and then through Bangladesh, has burst its banks, swamping more than 1,800 villages in the state. Torrential rains have affected at least 25 of Assam’s 32 districts and the federal water resources body said water levels in the Brahmaputra were expected to rise, with more rains forecast over the next three days.
USA - Hurricane Barry crept onto the shores of Louisiana west of flood-weary New Orleans on Saturday, drawing cautious optimism from city residents who saw little rainfall from the storm as of evening, and from officials in western coastal parishes that were drenched and battered but had prepared for much worse. After a brief life as a Category 1 hurricane, Barry was downgraded to a tropical storm as it made landfall and continued to weaken. But the threat of flooding brought on by the storm’s incessant rain remained high, particularly in and around Baton Rouge, as the system churned north.
Wildfires - Italy
Firefighters are battling wildfires on multiple fronts in southern Italy, including one blaze in Puglia that left at least one person dead. Firefighters said Saturday they had sent up three Canadair aircraft to dump water on a wildfire raging in Tortoli, Sardinia, that forced the evacuation of a beach and some homes. Canadairs were also deployed over a forest in Puglia's Gallipoli, near a beach and a protected park. Firefighters said a burned body was discovered during land-based operations.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.1 earthquake hits northwest of the Ryukyu Islands off Japan.
5.8 earthquake hits Mindanao in the Philippines.
5.6 earthquake hits the southern east Pacific rise.
5.2 earthquake hits Tonga.
5.1 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.1 earthquake hits Sumbawa, Indonesia.
5.0 earthquake hits the DR Congo.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Tropical Storm Barry is located about 55 mi...90 km sw of Morgan City Louisiana and about 165 mi...260 km w of the mouth of the Mississippi river with maximum sustained winds...65 mph...100 km/h. Present movement...wnw or 300 degrees at 5 mph...7 km/h.
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Tropical Depression Four-E is located about 420 mi...680 km s of the southern tip of Baja California with maximum sustained winds...35 mph...55 km/h. Present movement...nw or 305 degrees at 15 mph...24 km/h
NewsBytes:
Nepal - Seventeen people have been killed while seven have been missing due to floods and landslides triggered by heavy rainfall in different parts of Nepal during the past two days.
Louisiana, USA - Almost 10,000 residents in Louisiana have been given a mandatory evacuation order as Tropical Storm Barry swells the Mississippi River to historic levels. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) predicted that the storm, which is slowly approaching the Gulf Coast, could elevate river levels to the highest they have been since the year 1927. New Orleans’ Bourbon Street and Royal Street in the historic French Quarter are among the areas that have experienced significant flooding after 8 inches of rain fell during a three hour period on Wednesday.
Wildfires disrupt moth-flower relationships, increasing risk of extinctions
New research in Portugal suggests wildfires disrupt unique relationships between flowers and the specialized moths that pollinate them.
In the wake of wildfire, wildflowers take advantage of an ecosystem cleared of larger plant species. Post-fire wildflower blooms prove a boon to daytime pollinators like bees and butterflies, but new research showed moths, which visit flowers at night, aren't so lucky.
When scientists surveyed moths from sites across Portugal, they found the insects carry a surprising amount of pollen. In the spring, 95 percent of the moths captured and analyzed were carrying pollen. Scientists also found the pollen of 80 percent of the native flower species being carried by surveyed moths.
However, pollen levels measured on moths caught in areas recently scorched by wildfire were five times lower than moths found in fire-free areas.
Wildfires - Hawaii, USA
Thousands of people on Maui have been ordered to evacuate two towns in the path of a spreading wildfire. The 1,200 hectare (3,000 acre) brush fire in the island’s central valley was uncontrolled on Thursday night. Firefighters were monitoring it overnight but it was too dangerous to battle in the dark.
Anthrax - Kenya
The Kisumu County, Kenya government is reporting a suspected anthrax outbreak that has sickened a half dozen people and killed one. A family reportedly slaughtered a sick cow and shared the meat with their neighbours.
Dengue Fever - Philippines
Eastern Visayas Officials with the Department of Health in the Eastern Visayas (Region 8), which encompasses Samar, Leyte and Biliran, are reporting an 86 percent increase in dengue fever compared to the same period in 2018. From January 1 to July 11 this year, 4,809 confirmed cases, including 19 fatalities have been recorded.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.6 earthquake hits the Bougainville region, Papua New Guinea.
5.2 earthquake hits the Molucca Sea.
5.2 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.
5.1 earthquake hits offshore Chiapas, Mexico.
5.0 earthquake hits Vanuatu.
5.0 earthquake hits Taiwan.
5.0 earthquake hits south of the Kermedec Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits Halmahera, Indonesia.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Tropical Storm Barry is located about 95 mi...155 km sw of the mouth of the Mississippi river and about 125 mi...205 km sse of Morgan City Louisiana with maximum sustained winds...50 mph...85 km/h. Present movement...wnw or 295 degrees at 5 mph...7 km/h.
NewsBytes:
China - The heaviest average rainfall to lash a swathe of southern and eastern China in more than half a century brought torrential rain and floods, destroying houses, damaging crops and forcing the evacuation of nearly 80,000 people, state media said.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA - Torrential downpours turned roads into rivers and triggered landslides on Thursday, blocking access to a hospital for several hours and forcing the evacuation of a preschool when a sinkhole opened up.
Bangladesh - The monsoon floods in Cox's Bazar this week are threatening the already precarious existence of the refugees seeking shelter there. undreds of makeshift homes have already collapsed after landslides occurred on the muddy hillsides around the camps. About 4,000 families have been affected, many of whom have been moved to temporary shelters.
Arctic Voyager
An Arctic fox was tracked by Norwegian researchers as it wandered on foot for 2,737 miles from northern Norway to northern Greenland, then finally into Canada’s far north. They say it is one of the longest treks ever recorded for an Arctic fox.
A tracking device put on the animal in July 2017 allowed a team from the Norwegian Polar Institute to follow the now 2-year-old female as it moved across vast stretches of sea ice and glaciers.
The animal traveled an average of about 29 miles each day for 76 days. But at times, she walked nearly 100 miles in a single day.
No other of the species tracked by the institute wandered beyond Norway.
Cat Killers
When cats roam free, small wild animals die. And the body count in Australia exceeds 2 billion native animals per year.
Environmental researchers in Australia compiled the alarming figure by combing through hundreds of studies on the predatory habits of Australia's free-ranging pet cats as well as feral felines.
In just one day, Australia's millions of cats kill approximately 1.3 million birds, 1.8 million reptiles and over 3.1 million mammals.
Cats were introduced to Australia in the 18th century by European colonizers, and a report in 2017 found that feral cats could be found in 99.8% of the continent, including on 80% of Australia's islands.
Current estimates of the number of feral cats in Australia range from about 2 million to more than 6 million during years with a lot of rainfall, when prey is abundant. And every feral cat kills about 740 native animals annually
