Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.6 earthquake hits Mindanao in the Philippines.
5.3 earthquake hits off the coast of northern California.
5.3 earthquake hits the Lac Kivu region, DR Congo.
5.2 earthquake hits the Molucca Sea.
5.1 earthquake hits northern Xinjiang, China.
5.0 earthquake hits the Solomon Islands.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Subtropical Storm Rebekah is located about 535 mi...860 km wnw of the Azores with maximum sustained winds...45 mph...75 km/h. Present movement...ene or 65 degrees at 21 mph...33 km/h.
In the Indian Ocean: Tropical cyclone 04a (Kyarr), located approximately 174 nm south-southeast of Masirah Island, is tracking southwestward at 06 knots.
Tropical cyclone (tc) 05a (Maha), located approximately 848 nm south-southeast of Karachi, Pakistan, is tracking north-northwestward at 06 knots.
NewsBytes:
Mississippi, USA - Heavy rain brought severe flash floods to Mississippi on October 30 as authorities warned motorists to avoid driving. The National Weather Service in Jackson said water continued to cover roads across the region.
South Sudan - South Sudan’s President declared an emergency in three of the country’s regions as floods swept through communities, affecting about one million people. The affected regions, including Upper Nile, have oil fields and farmlands key to the recovery of a nation that’s struggling to halt a five-year civil war that killed around 400,000 people. Oil Minister Awow Daniel Chuang said Tuesday that flooding in Upper Nile posed a challenge to production of crude, although it didn’t affect output.
Sea Level Rise Underestimated
Scientists have dramatically underestimated the impact rising seas will have on cities around the world, according to research published in the journal Nature Communications on Tuesday.
One hundred and fifty million people are currently living in places that will be below the high-tide line in 30 years — three times as many people as the old projection methods estimated.
Their model paints a grim picture: whole swaths of Vietnam, Thailand, coastal China, India, Egypt and Iraq swallowed by ocean. Where previous estimates showed one percent of Thailand’s population would live in areas under water by 2050, the revised estimates puts the figure closer to 10 percent. In Vietnam, a quarter of the country’s residents — 20 million people — presently live in areas that will be flooded at high tide. Almost all of Mumbai, where 1.6 percent of India’s population lives, will be inundated.
Wildfires - California
The race to stop an inferno torching the Los Angeles area has gotten more dangerous as furious winds -- some as strong as in a hurricane -- stoke the flames. Gusts of up to 70 mph will fuel the Getty Fire through Thursday, threatening more than 7,000 homes, the Los Angeles Fire Department said. And that's just one of at least 10 wildfires burning across California.
The newly formed Easy Fire quickly consumed 1,300 acres in Ventura County, officials said. It threatened 6,500 homes and forced school closures and evacuations.
About 26,000 people were forced from their homes by the Simi Valley fire. Power had been shut off in some areas, affecting almost a million people.
Dengue Fever - Central America
Central American countries in 2019 have seen an increased incidence of dengue fever, in fact, the cumulative incidence rate of dengue in the Central America region is higher than in the previous five previous years, with an incidence of more than 100 people with dengue per 100,000 people,
Flu, Pneumonia - Global
Despite large declines since 1990 in child deaths from pneumonia and the flu, these and other lower respiratory infections (LRIs) remain a leading killer of children under age 5. A new scientific study finds LRIs responsible for one in seven child deaths globally.
White-nose Syndrome - Bats
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is announcing a $100,000 challenge to combat white-nose syndrome (WNS), a lethal fungus that has killed millions of bats in North America and pushed some native bat species to the brink of extinction. Funding will be awarded to individuals who identify innovative ways to permanently eradicate, weaken or disarm the disease.
Measles - Samoa and Tonga
In a follow-up on the measles outbreak in Samoa, health authorities say there have been 15 confirmed cases, including three deaths. In addition, 314 suspected cases – most of them children under the age of four are being investigated. Meanwhile in Tonga, an outbreak of measles has occurred following the return of a squad of Tongan rugby players from New Zealand where one player developed measles. Twelve other players were in the incubation period of the illness during travel back to Tonga and developed symptoms on 6th- 9th October.
Global Volcanic Activity - New Activity for the week of 23 October - 29 October 2019
Klyuchevskoy | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : A small amount of ash began to be visible in gas-and-steam emissions at Klyuchevskoy beginning at 1020 on 24 October, prompting KVERT to raise the Aviation colour Code to Yellow (the second lowest level on a four-colour scale). Later that day video images showed an ash plume rising as high as 6 km (19,700 ft) a.s.l. and drifting 40 km NE. The Aviation colour Code was raised to Orange. KVERT and the Tokyo VAAC noted that during 25-28 October ash plumes rose to 5.5 km (18,000 ft) a.sl. and drifted 15-20 km SE, E, and NW. A weak thermal anomaly over the volcano was identified on 18 and 24 October.
Kuchinoerabujima | Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : A large shallow earthquake at Kuchinoerabujima was recorded at 2133 on 27 October, prompting JMA to raise the Alert Level to 3 (the middle level on a scale of 1-5) within a few hours. The report also stated that the number of volcanic earthquakes had increased on 18 October. A large earthquake was also detected on 18 October but had occurred at a slightly deeper location (below the W part of Shindake Crater) than the 27 October event.
Pavlof | United States : AVO reported that after a small explosion at Pavlof was recorded on 19 October and before 25 October clear satellite and webcam views did not show any deposits associated with the event. Weakly elevated surface temperatures and a small steam plume were occasionally visible. No other activity was detected during 26-29 October. The Aviation colour Code remained at Yellow and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Advisory.
Shishaldin | Fox Islands (USA) : Pilot and local observations as well as webcam views all indicated that the incandescence at Shishaldin’s summit crater was from low-level Strombolian activity during 21-22 October. Seismicity and infrasound signals were consistent with low-level eruptive activity, and a steam plume was persistent. By 23 October lava had filled the crater and during 23-24 October overflowed the N crater rim. A 200-m-long lava flow on the N flank melted snow and caused a lahar which traveled 2.9 km and stopped at about 1,230 m elevation. A smaller lava flows caused a 1-km-long lahar to descend the NE flank. Spatter accumulated around the crater rim and melted snow. On 25 October AVO noted that trace ash deposits had extended at least 8.5 km SE. Low-level eruptive activity continued during 26-29 October. Seismicity remained elevated, with periods of high-amplitude tremor. Small explosions were recorded during 27-28 October. A satellite image from 28 October showed a 850-m-long SWIR anomaly on the NW flank from a lava flow. A central spatter cone was visible. Spatter deposits on the snow at the upper flanks was evident, and tephra deposits extended about 2.5 km N. The lahar on the NW flank branched extensively at lower elevations and was at least 5 km long. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Watch.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.2 earthquake hits the Komandorskiye Ostrova region, Russia.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Western Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm Matmo is located approximately 230 nm southeast of Da Nang, Vietnam, is tracking west-northwestward at 09 knots.
In the Indian Ocean: Tropical cyclone 04a (Kyarr), located approximately 184 nm east-southeast of Masirah Island, is tracking southwestward at 05 knots.
Tropical cyclone 05a (Five), located approximately 620 nm south of Mumbai, India, is tracking northwestward at 14 knots.
NewsBytes:
Cameroon - Authorities in Cameroon have deployed soldiers and rescue workers after a torrential downpour caused a landslide that killed at least 34 people near the western town of Bafoussam. Rescue workers spent Tuesday searching through the wreckage of destroyed homes for more victims.
El Salvador - Heavy precipitation in El Salvador began on 12 October 2019 due to the influence and combination of a lowpressure system. The continual rain led caused rockslides and landslides, as well as falling trees and collapse of slopes, which disrupted transit on highways and roads. Unofficial figures report that at least four people have died following the heavy rain.
Kenya - Heavy rain has been affecting several counties since last week, causing flash flooding and landslides. According to media reports, as of 24 October, 9 people have died as a result, 4 in Elgeyo-Marakwet County, 4 in Wajir county and 1 in Turkana County. Thousands of people have been displaced and roads and houses have been damaged.
Ghana - Ghana experienced heavy rains combined with water releases from the Bagre Dam in Burkina Faso in early October 2019 which caused serious flooding and extensive damage to farmlands, houses, properties and loss of lives across the country. Between the 6 to 12 October 2019, the Upper East Region, experienced torrential rains which resulted in damaged houses and farmlands leading to displacement of people and fatalities. Local media in Ghana reported that as many as 29 people have died in flood-related incidents. Media reports also suggested that between 1,000 and 4,000 buildings have been destroyed or severely damaged.
India - More than 130 of the 178 taluks in the state are either reeling under drought or affected by the worst flooding in more than a century during the southwest monsoon. The state government had recently declared 49 taluks as drought-hit, whereas 103 were designated as flood-affected in August. The drought list includes at least five taluks that were also flood-hit, posing an unusual challenge to the authorities.
Wildfires - Australia
Hundreds of koalas are feared to have died in an out-of-control bushfire in northern New South Wales which has raged unchecked for days in the heartland of their prime habitat. The blaze, reportedly caused by a lightning strike near Port Macquarie, has burned more than 3,000 hectares, including an important koala breeding ground.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.5 earthquake hits Mindanao in the Philippines.
5.8 earthquake hits the Bougainville region, Papua New Guinea.
5.8 earthquake hits Mindanao in the Philippines.
5.5 earthquake hits Mindanao in the Philippines.
5.2 earthquake hits Mindanao in the Philippines.
5.1 earthquake hits the southwest Indian ridge.
5.1 earthquake hits south of Fiji.
Three 5.0 earthquakes hit Mindanao in the Philippines.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Indian Ocean: Tropical cyclone 04a (Kyarr), located approximately 257 nm east-southeast of Masirah Island, is tracking northwestward at 03 knots.
NewsBytes:
Tanzania - Floods have affected the north-east of Tanzania since last week. According to media reports, 14 people died in Handeni district (Tanga Region). Since mid October, several floods have led to a total death toll of 44. In addition, a number of houses, roads, bridges and crop farms have been damaged. For the next 24 hours, moderate to heavy rain is forecast over the central and northern regions.
UAE - Roads in the eastern region of Sharjah and Fujairah have been closed after high waves caused flooding in both emirates. Corniche Roads in Khor Fakkan and Kalba were closed on Monday after midnight as high waves breached the barricade and flooded the surrounding streets amid an unusually high tide combined with the effect of Tropical Cyclone Kyarr.
Nigeria - Over 100 villages in Nigeria's northeastern state of Adamawa have been trapped by floods, caused by persistent rainfall in that part of the country, a local official said on Monday. He described the current flood situation as the worst ever experienced in the state. The villages affected cut across seven local government areas of Adamawa, affecting mostly farmers.
UK - Thousands of homes remain at risk of flooding after torrential downpours this weekend caused rivers across the country to burst their banks.
Rift Valley Fever - Sudan
UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Sudan reports that since late September, Sudan has seen 193 Rift Valley Fever (RVF) cases, including four deaths. The cases were reported from Red Sea, River Nile and Khartoum states.
Measles - Ukraine
The measles outbreak in the Ukraine seems to be declining. In an update on the measles outbreak in Ukraine, 45 additional people became ill with measles during the past week, which includes 18 adults and 27 children.
Killer brain disease arrives in UK
A disease that can harm the brain and which is spread to humans by tick bites has been identified in the insects in Britain for the first time. Public Health England (PHE) has confirmed the presence of the tick-borne encephalitis virus in Thetford Forest and on the Hampshire-Dorset border. PHE says the risk is ‘very low’, but it is investigating how common the infected ticks might be. Ticks are becoming more common in parts of the UK, mainly due to increasing deer numbers. They can also live in other animals, such as dogs, and in undergrowth.
Leptospirosis - Ireland
People have been warned not to swim or go boating in the Royal Canal in north Dublin after there was an outbreak of rat-borne diseases recently. There have been a number of cases of Leptospirosis reported to the HSE recently after people had been exposed to the water in the canal. Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection usually spread through contact with rats or rat urine.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.2 earthquake hits the Gansu-Qinghai border, China.
5.1 earthquake hits San Juan, Argentina.
5.1 earthquake hits the Solomon Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits Halmahera, Indonesia.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Tropical Storm Pablo is located about 725 mi...1165 km ne of Lajes air base in the Azores with maximum sustained winds...50 mph...85 km/h. Present movement...n or 360 degrees at 5 mph...7 km/h.
In the Indian Ocean: Tropical cyclone 04a (Kyarr), located approximately 362 nm east-southeast of Masirah Island, is tracking westward at 06 knots.
NewsBytes:
UK - Heavy rain on Friday and Saturday led to several football matches being cancelled, train delays and flooded roads. The River Ouse in York broke its banks causing flooding in the city centre as images show street signs submerged underwater. The Environment Agency has 96 flood warnings and 123 flood alerts in place as of Sunday morning.
Interesting Images
A trio of divers off the western coast of Norway had a close encounter with a drifting gelatinous blob — a squid's egg sac as big as an adult human, filled with hundreds of thousands of baby squid.
Wildfires - Australia
A bushfire has burned through 3,000 hectares of the internationally significant Macquarie Marshes, placing a question mark over the long-term viability of a key section of the wetland, according to a leading expert.
The New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service has confirmed the fire hit the northern reed bed in the wetlands, which are listed under the Ramsar convention covering wetlands of international importance.
The marshes, in central north-west NSW, are considered one of Australia’s most important inland nesting sites for waterbirds. The reed bed is key habitat for the endangered Australasian bittern.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.4 earthquake hits the Hindu Kush, Afghanistan.
5.4 earthquake hits the Near Islands in the Aleutian Islands.
Two 5.1 earthquake hits southern Xinjiang, China.
5.0 earthquake hits Kepulauan Talaud, Indonesia.
5.0 earthquake hits east of the South Sandwich Islands.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Tropical Storm Pablo is located about 400 mi...640 km ene of Lajes air base in the Azores with maximum sustained winds...70 mph...110 km/h. Present movement...ne or 45 degrees at 40 mph...65 km/h.
In the Indian Ocean: Tropical cyclone 04a (Kyarr), located approximately 522 nm east-southeast of Mariah Island, is tracking west-northwestward at 09 knots.
Global Warming Affecting UK Butterfies
Scientists have discovered in a new study that many butterflies, sensing warmer temperatures, are emerging earlier than they're supposed to. This is causing their numbers to decline considerably.
The study conducted by York University involved collecting data on butterflies and moths by citizen scientists over a 20-year period from 1995 to 2014, when Britain experienced an increase of 0.5 degrees in temperature on average during spring.
The study revealed that species which are known to have multiple and rapid breeding cycles every year with flexible habitat can be benefited, like Speckled Wood species which are able to spend more time in increasing their numbers before winter.
However, the early emergence of species that are specific to certain habitats, and are known to have only one life per cycle in a year are shrinking in population and vanishing from the northern parts of UK -- a place that they once inhabited. Species affected with this include the High Brown Fritillary butterfly which are the most vulnerable to climate change. Not only doesn't extra breeding time benefit them in any way, they also emerge early from their cocoon where they don't find food pertaining to their restricted diet and thus suffer, being driven gradually towards extinction.
Wildfires - California, USA
Authorities ordered at least 50,000 people to evacuate towns near a massive Northern California wildfire Saturday, and the state’s largest utility announced power shut-offs for an estimated 2.35 million people due to forecasts of severe winds and extreme fire danger. The entire communities of Healdsburg and Windsor were ordered to evacuate ahead of strong winds that could lead to erratic fire behavior near the blaze burning in wine country.
Cholera - Kenya
During the week ending October 13, officials in Kenya reported an additional 100 new suspected Cholera cases, with eighty-five percent of cases being reported from Nairobi and Wajir. Since the beginning of the year, Kenya has seen 4,476 cholera cases, including 37 deaths. Twelve of the 47 Counties of Kenya have reported cholera cases.
Burundi - Malaria
Since our last report one month ago, the number of malaria cases in Burundi has increased nearly one million cases. Since December 2018 through September 2019, health officials have reported 6,831,659 total malaria cases in the country, including 2,545 deaths.
Foot and Mouth Disease - Thailand
An order has been issued to close cattle markets in all 26 districts of Khon Kaen, a northeastern province from Nov 1 - 30 following an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). It is believed that the disease is spreading from the cattle markets.
HIV - Pakistan
Nearly 900 children in the small Pakistani city of Ratodero were bedridden early this year with raging fevers that resisted treatment. Parents were frantic, with everyone seeming to know a family with a sick child.
In April, the disease was pinned down, and the diagnosis was devastating: The city was the epicenter of an H.I.V. outbreak that overwhelmingly affected children. Health officials initially blamed the outbreak on a single pediatrician, saying he was reusing syringes.
Since then, about 1,100 citizens have tested positive for the virus, or one in every 200 residents. Almost 900 are younger than 12. Health officials believe the real numbers are probably much higher, as only a fraction of the population has been tested so far.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.6 earthquake hits the Fox Islands in the Aleutian Islands.
5.3 earthquake hits the Samoa Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits Fiji.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Post Tropical Cyclone Olga is located about 170 mi...275 km sse of Lake Charles Louisiana with maximum sustained winds...50 mph...85 km/h. Present movement...ne or 40 degrees at 17 mph...28 km/h.
Tropical Storm Pablo is located about 260 mi...420 km sw of the Azores with maximum sustained winds...45 mph...75 km/h. Present movement...ese or 110 degrees at 9 mph...15 km/h.
In the Indian Ocean: Tropical cyclone 04a (Kyarr), located approximately 512 nm south-southeast of Karachi, Pakistan, is tracking westward at 08 knots.
NewsBytes:
Britain, Wales - Forecasters have warned of widespread and dangerous flooding in south Wales as parts of the UK are hit by heavy rain and a plunge in temperatures this weekend. Weather warnings are in place for “heavy and persistent” rain stretching from the south-west of Britain, across the whole of Wales and through much of the Midlands, to northern England.
Japan - Torrential rain caused flooding and mudslides Friday in towns east of Tokyo, leaving one dead and two missing and expanding damage in areas still recovering from recent typhoons. Muddy waters spilled from several rivers in Chiba, southeast of Tokyo, where pedestrians waded through waist-deep floods. Mudslides crushed three houses in Midori district in Chiba, and one of three people who were buried underneath them died.
Wildfires - California, USA
California firefighters battled through the night to contain a fast-moving wildfire driven by high winds that was threatening to engulf thousands of buildings. Around 40 000 people were told to flee the Tick Fire, which was raging across 1,600 hectares just north of Los Angeles. The blaze broke out early on Thursday afternoon, burning several homes and structures and forcing the closure of a major highway and a number of roads, as some 500 firefighters backed by air tankers and helicopters battled the flames. There were no immediate reports of injury.
Wildfires - Mexico
Mexican authorities say three people have died in wind-whipped wildfires in the northwestern state of Baja California. Mexico’s civil defense agency said Friday that fires near Tecate, near Tijuana and between the coastal towns of Rosarito and Ensenada had forced 1,645 people to evacuate their homes. One of the fires closed the coastal highway north of Ensenada for several hours. Another, near Tecate, burned more than 35,000 acres (about 14,200 hectares).
Wildfires - Australia
Three fires on the NSW north coast, at Tuncurry, Darawank and Mount George, were at emergency levels but have since been downgraded to Watch and Act. Approximately 70 other fires are burning uncontrolled through the state. At least two properties have been lost in the fires.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.4 earthquake hits Sulawesi, Minahasa, Indonesia.
5.4 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Western Pacific Ocean : Typhoon Bualoi (22w), located approximately 421 nm east of Yokosuka, Japan, is tracking northeastward at 24 knots.
In the Indian Ocean: Tropical cyclone 04a (Kyarr), located approximately 596 nm south-southeast of Karachi, Pakistan, is tracking northeastward at 04 knots.
Pollution - Plastic or Cans
Producers of bottled water are scrambling to find practical ways to switch from the single-use plastics that are polluting the planet to recyclable aluminum cans.
The biggest challenge is that creating each can means twice as much carbon is released into the atmosphere than from the manufacture of one plastic bottle. Cans are also more expensive to make.
Marketing experts say this is somewhat offset because less power is needed to chill water in cans.
Wild Earth
Despite humankind wielding an overwhelming influence on the planet, scientists say that half of Earth’s land surface not covered in ice still remains relatively wild, albeit broken into small, isolated tracts.
The summary of a National Geographic Society global survey conducted in 2017 and 2018 concludes that even with the damage to the environment caused by human activities, there is still an opportunity to protect what wild places are left.
The wildest remaining regions are the remote boreal forests of northern Canada and Russia, the Central Asia highlands, the Central and South American rainforests and the deserts of North Africa and Australia.
Global Temperature Extremes
The week’s hottest temperature was 112 degrees Fahrenheit (44.4 degrees Celsius) in Beitbridge, Zimbabwe.
The week’s coldest temperature was minus 76.0 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 60.0 degrees Celsius) at Concordia, 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 - California, USA
In Northern California, the Kincade Fire in Sonoma County, about 75 miles north of San Francisco, rapidly expanded in size early Thursday morning, torching 10,000 acres in just four hours. At least 2 000 people were ordered to evacuate. The fire was likely sparked by a faulty electricity pylon.
Ebola - DR Congo
The number of confirmed cases of Ebola virus disease (EVD) remains relatively low this week, with 21 new confirmed cases reported in North Kivu and Ituri provinces.
Polio - Global
Global polio cases Global health officials reported an additional six wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) cases during the past week–two in Afghanistan and four in Pakistan–bringing the total WPV-1 cases this year to 94, nearly triple the number reported in 2018.
Dengue Fever - Americas
UN health officials released the latest dengue fever numbers for the Region of the Americas recently and the the total cases now stand at 2,668,877, including 1,162 deaths.
Brazil has reported more than 1 million dengue cases in a year several times–1.5 million in 2016, 1.65 million in 2015 and 1.47 million in 2013. In 2019, for the first time they have topped 2 million cases (2.04 million). Brazil has also reported 676 fatalities.
Mexico has also seen a dramatic increase in dengue this year. In fact, the number of cases have doubled compared to 2018. To date, Mexico has seen 163,662 cases, while last year they reported 78,621.
Other countries in the western hemisphere reporting high numbers of dengue cases include Nicaragua (135,901), Colombia (98,739) and Honduras (81,854).
Emerging Island
An underwater volcano in the South Pacific nation of Tonga with a history of creating short-lived islands is growing again toward the ocean surface. Metis Shoal has throughout recorded history created lava domes, pumice rafts and small islands that are eventually eroded by waves. It spawned a huge pumice raft in August that made headlines when sailors encountered it. The volcano has since been observed causing plumes of steam to rise above the Pacific.
Global Volcanic Activity - Ongoing Activity for the week of 16 October - 22 October 2019
Aira | Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that incandescence from Minamidake crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) was visible at night during 15-21 October. There were 14 explosions and seven non-explosive eruptive events detected by the seismic network. Eruption plumes rose as high as 3 km above the crater rim and large blocks were ejected as far as 1.3 km away. The sulfur dioxide emission rate was high, at 2,800 tons/day, on 15 October. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a 5-level scale).
Dukono | Halmahera (Indonesia) : Based on satellite and wind model data, and information from PVMBG, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 16-22 October ash plumes from Dukono rose to altitudes of 2.1-2.3 km (7,000-8,000 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) : Volcanologists in Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island), about 7 km E of Ebeko, observed explosions during 11-18 October that sent ash plumes up to 4 km (13,100 ft) a.s.l. Ash plumes drifted NE, causing ashfall in Severo-Kurilsk on 15 October. A weak thermal anomaly was identified in satellite images on 12 October. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).
Etna | Sicily (Italy) : INGV reported that during 14-20 October diffuse ash plumes from Etna’s Northeast Crater (NEC) varied from quickly-dispersing puffs to emissions lasting several hours. Ash drifted S, producing ashfall in areas downwind including Pedara, Mascalucia, Nicolosi, San Giovanni La Punta, and Catania. Ash plumes also rose from Voragine Crater (VOR).
Ibu | Halmahera (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that at 0829 on 20 October an ash plume from Ibu rose at least 400 m above the summit and drifted W. 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.
Karangetang | Siau Island (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that during 14-20 October lava continued to effuse from Karangetang’s Main Crater (S), traveling as far as 1.8 km down the Nanitu, Pangi, and Sense drainages on the SW and W flanks. Incandescence from both summit craters was visible at night. Sometimes dense white plumes rose to 600 m above the summit. According to the Darwin VAAC minor ash plumes were visible in satellite images rising to 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. (600 m above the summit) and drifting W and NW. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4).
Krakatau | Indonesia : PVMBG reported that during 14-20 October Anak Krakatau’s seismic network recorded 24 eruptive events. Diffuse white plumes rose as high as 150 m above the vent. A webcam on the volcano recorded several eruptions that ejected dense, blackish-gray ash plumes 150-300 m above the crater floor. 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 an eruption at Merapi at 1631 on 14 October generated an ash plume that rose 3 km above the summit and caused ashfall in areas as far as 25 km SW. A pyroclastic flow traveled 2 km down the Gendol drainage on the SW flank. The event changed the shape of the dome by removing a NE-SW trending section that was 100 m long, 30 m wide, and 20 m deep. Lava continued to extrude during 14-20 October, generating at least two block-and-ash flows that traveled 1 km down the Gendol drainage. Foggy conditions sometimes prevented visual observations. White emissions rose as high as 500 m above the summit. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and residents were warned to stay outside of the 3-km exclusion zone.
Semeru | Eastern Java (Indonesia) : The Darwin VAAC reported that on 18 October an ash plume from Semeru rose to an altitude of 4.3 km (14,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted W based on satellite images and weather models. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4).
Sheveluch | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Sheveluch was identified in satellite images during 11-18 October. Explosions during 11-13 and 15 October produced ash plumes that rose 6.5-7 km (21,300-23,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 620 km E and SE. Resuspended ash drifted 125 km E during 16-17 October. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).
Shishaldin | Fox Islands (USA) : On 17 October AVO raised the Aviation colour Code for Shishaldin to Orange and the Volcano Alert Level to Watch noting that new lava effusion in the summit crater had begun on 13 October. Weather clouds had mostly prevented views of the crater during 12-18 October; elevated surface temperatures were detected during 13 and 17-20 October. A steam plume was visible in webcam images on 19 October.
Tangkubanparahu | Western Java (Indonesia) : Diffuse white water-vapor plumes rose 40 m above the vent on Tangkubanparahu's Ratu Crater floor during 14-21 October. PVMBG lowered the Alert Level to 1 (on a scale of 1-4) on 21 October, noting that phreatic events had not been recorded for the past month, deformation data indicated no rising magma, and other data all suggested decreased activity. Tourists were advised to avoid going into the crater.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.3 earthquake hits north of Ascension Island.
5.6 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.4 earthquake hits Tonga.
5.2 earthquake hits Fiji.
5.1 earthquake hits Tonga.
5.1 earthquake hits South Island, New Zealand.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Western Pacific Ocean : Typhoon Bualoi (22w), located approximately 736 nm south of Misawa, Japan, is tracking north-northeastward at 14 knots.
NewsBytes:
Ivory Coast - Heavy rainfall has been observed in parts of Cote D’Ivoire in the month of October 2019. On 11 to 13 October 2019, the rainfall intensified and resulted in flooding in six cities; Abidjan, Aboisso, Grand Bassam, Ayamé, and Man causing significant damage and loss of lives. A total of 12,900 people (2,150 households) have been affected, 202 homes completely submerged, 72 houses destroyed, 32 people injured, and 12 deaths.
France and Spain - Torrential rain in southern France and northeast Spain left several people missing and one dead, as well as causing severe disruption and damage to infrastructure. In the Montpellier region of France 1000 people were brought to safety.Ten departments in southern France were placed on orange alert. Cars were submerged and the waters of the River Orb rose dangerously beneath a historic bridge in Béziers as the town saw 198mm (nearly 8in) - or the equivalent of two months' average rainfall - in just six hours on Wednesday morning.
In Catalonia in northeast Spain, firefighters are searching for two people — reportedly a mother and son — whose home was swept away by rising floodwaters. Catalonia suffered its second period of torrential rain in two months. Streams became raging torrents, and a 75-year-old man who tried to move his car in the early hours of Wednesday was caught up in the flood at Arenys de Munt. His body was found on a beach hours later.
Ethiopia - Chikungunya, Cholera, Measles, Dengue Fever
There are a number of infectious disease outbreaks currently in Ethiopia:
Chikungunya - The latest numbers from officials in Ethiopia show that the outbreak in Dire Dawa has grown to 51,361 cases, with no deaths, since it started in August.
Cholera - Since the first case of cholera was reported, 1,708 cases have been reported, including 11 deaths. There are active outbreaks in Oromia, Somali, SNNP, Amhara and Afar regions. A total of 54 cases have been laboratory confirmed.
Dengue fever - A dengue fever outbreak was reported in Gewane woreda of Afar region on September 16. Total cases so far are 536.
Measles - For the past 10 months, Ethiopia has been experiencing a measles outbreak, which began in Oromio region and later affected three additional regions: Afar, Amhara and Somali. Since the beginning of the year, a total of 8,514 suspected measles cases including 57 deaths (case fatality ratio 0.67%), were reported.
Global Volcanic Activity - New Activity for the week of 16 October - 22 October 2019
Masaya | Nicaragua : According to news reports, ash was emitted from Masaya on 15 October, causing very minor ashfall in Colonia 4 de Mayo, 6 km NW.
Metis Shoal | Tonga Islands : The Wellington VAAC reported that on 22 October pilots observed intermittent white plumes rising from Metis Shoal (Lateiki) to 3.7 km (12,000 ft) a.s.l. There was no ash signature in the plumes.
Pavlof | United States : On 19 October small explosion signals at Pavlof were detected by the infrasound network located at Sand Point and on the local seismic network, prompting AVO to raise the Aviation Colour Code to Yellow and the Volcano Alert Level to Advisory. Clouds obscured satellite views of the volcano around the time of the event; slightly elevated surface temperatures were detected in satellite images during 19-20 October.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.4 earthquake hits Kepulauan Mentawai, Indonesia.
5.3 earthquake hits Papua, Indonesia.
Two 5.2 earthquakes hit Papua, Indonesia.
Two 5.1 earthquakes hit Papua, Indonesia.
Two 5.0 earthquakes hit Papua, Indonesia.
5.0 earthquake hits southeast of the Loyalty Islands.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Western Pacific Ocean : Typhoon Bualoi (22w), located approximately 126 nm south-southeast of Iwo, is tracking northwestward at 11 knots.
NewsBytes:
Malaysia - Flash floods caused by continuous rainfall hit several areas in Kuala Lumpur affecting a number of major roads and causing some damages in the area.
Italy - Residents of Castelletto d'Orba, in Italy's north-west, woke up to havoc and destruction on Tuesday (October 22) after heavy rains caused the Rio Albara, normally a tiny stream, to burst its banks and flood the small town. The flash floods occurred on Monday evening (October 21) and forced the town's mayor to temporarily evacuate around 50 people. Elsewhere in the northern Piemonte region, the bad weather caused the death of one man as his car was washed away in a flood.
Washington, USA - Flooded rivers are causing problems across parts of Western Washington, and waters are still rising as heavy rain struck the region overnight. The Tolt and Skykomish Rivers will reach moderate flood stage, and the Snohomish River is forecast to rise above flood stage Tuesday afternoon. In the town of Carnation, the water was making driving dangerous.
Elephants Die in Botswana
Officials with the Botswana Department of Wildlife and National Parks say more than 100 elephants have died in recent months and anthrax is the likely culprit. According to a Reuters report, preliminary investigations suggest the elephants are dying from anthrax while some died from the effects of drought over the past two months.
Wildfires - California, USA
Flames raged along a ridge-line at the edge of an affluent beach-front neighborhood located between Santa Monica and Malibu about 18 miles (30 km) west of downtown Los Angeles. A mandatory evacuation was ordered for about 200 homes in the Pacific Palisades community, as ground teams and helicopters worked on putting out hot spots and carving a containment line around the fire zone’s perimeter.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.7 earthquake hits Tonga.
5.7 earthquake hits southern Iran.
5.2 earthquake hits Kepulauan Mentawai, Indonesia.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Western Pacific Ocean : Tropical Storm 21w (Neoguri), located approximately 119 nm south-southeast of Yokosuka, Japan, is tracking north-northeastward at 17 knots.
Typhoon Bualoi (22w), located approximately 438 nm south-southeast of Iwo To, is tracking north-northwestward at 12 knots.
NewsBytes:
Somalia - Moderate to heavy rains continued in many parts of Somalia and within the Ethiopian highlands over the last week. River levels at Belet Weyne (Shabelle) are currently very high. Latest reports received in the evening of 21 October indicate that nearly 40 per cent of Belet Weyne town has been affected by flooding with an estimated 72,000 people having moved to Ceel Jaale highlands and surrounding areas. All villages in the north of Belet Weyne town have been affected and humanitarian partners are yet to establish the number of people displaced in these areas.
Texas, USA - A destructive tornado touched down in the northeastern part of Dallas on Sunday night (Oct. 20), knocking out power for more than 150,000 residents and causing significant property damage. Though the tornado cut through a densely populated area, no storm-related deaths have been reported.
India - In less than two months, North Karnataka districts have been hit by heavy rain and floods again. On Monday, the latest spell of torrential rain claimed four lives and two boys were swept away in separate incidents. Flood water inundated agricultural fields and entered houses in several parts of the State.
Climate change making stronger El Ninos
Climate change is making stronger El Ninos, which change weather worldwide and heat up an already warming planet, a new study finds.
Scientists examined 33 El Ninos — natural warming of equatorial Pacific that triggers weather extremes across the globe — since 1901. They found since the 1970s, El Ninos have been forming farther to the west in warmer waters, leading to stronger El Ninos in some cases.
A powerful El Nino can trigger drought in some places, like Australia and India. And it can cause flooding in other areas like California. The Pacific gets more hurricanes during an El Nino and the Atlantic gets fewer.
The shift for the origin of El Nino by hundreds of miles from the east of the International Dateline to the west of that point is important because the water to the west is naturally warmer.
Before 1978, 12 of the 14 El Ninos formed in the east. After 1978, all 11 were more central or western, according a study in Monday's Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
There have been three "super" El Ninos, starting in 1982, 1997 and 2015 and all started in the west. During each of those El Ninos, the world broke new average temperature records.
Ozone Hole Shrinks
Abnormal weather patterns in the upper atmosphere over Antarctica dramatically limited ozone depletion in September and October. This resulted in the smallest ozone hole observed since 1982, NASA and NOAA scientists said.
Endangered Antarctic Glacier Could Soon Calve a Massive New Iceberg
Two cracks are growing in western Antarctica's Pine Island Glacier, and they are an ominous warning that major ice loss is on the way. Two large rifts have widened near the edge of Pine Island Glacier on the West Antarctic ice sheet. If they continue to grow, they could release an iceberg four times bigger than Manhattan.
Wildfires - Australia
A bush fire east of Narrabri is expected to burn for a number of weeks due to steep terrain, so North West residents may see smoke. The Kaputar fire continues to spread in all directions under variable winds, and approximately 7800 hectares are already burnt in the Kaputar National Park. No properties are currently under threat.
Wildfires - Colorado, USA
The Middle Mamm fire continues to burn, it is about 10 miles east of Rifle. It has burned about 1,235 acres and containment is around thirty-four percent.
The Cow Creek fire is about nine miles east of ridgeway. The Forest Service says it has now grown to 785 acres.
Rubber Tree Fugal Disease - Thailand
A key rubber tree-growing area in Thailand has been hit by an outbreak of a fungal disease, which could halve the area’s output. Thailand is the world’s top producer and exporter of the natural rubber, accounting for up to 40% of global rubber supply.
The disease, called Pestalotiopsis, has spread into Thailand after hitting plantations in neighboring Indonesia and Malaysia. The three countries account for around 70% of the world’s natural rubber production.
The Rubber Authority of Thailand said the disease, which causes leaves to turn yellow and spotted as it spreads, was recently found in three districts in Narathiwat, a key rubber growing province in southern Thailand.
Measles - Lebanon
Lebanon health officials are reporting a measles outbreak in the country. Since November 2018, a total of 1,171 cases have been reported and no deaths. Measles cases have been reported in all eight Lebanese governorates.
Lassa Fever - Nigeria
Nigerian health officials reported five additional confirmed Lassa fever cases in the week ending Oct. 13. No deaths were reported. This brings the outbreak total for 2019 to 726 confirmed cases, including 154 deaths (21% CFR).
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.4 earthquake hits Vanuatu.
5.1 earthquake hits Fiji.
5.0 earthquake hits the Carlsberg ridge.
5.0 earthquake hits Araucania, Chile.
5.0 earthquake hits off the west coast of northern Sumatra, Indonesia.
5.0 earthquake hits Mindanao in the Philippines.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Remnants of Nineteen-E (Priscilla) are located about 70 mi...115 km ese of Cabo Corrientes Mexico with maximum sustained winds...30 mph...45 km/h. Present movement...nnw or 345 degrees at 10 mph...17 km/h.
In the Western Pacific Ocean : Tropical Storm 21w (Neoguri), located approximately 402 nm southwest of Yokosuka, Japan, is tracking northeastward at 10 knots.
Typhoon Bualoi (22w), located approximately 168 nm east-northeast of Andersen AFB, Guam, is tracking northwestward at 08 knots.
Turtle Traffickers Caught
Florida, USA wildlife officials have uncovered a trafficking ring of thousands of smuggled turtles following a long-term undercover investigation. The poachers would target habitats known for specific species of turtles and “depleted the species so much” that they had to expand to other parts of the state. The turtles were sold wholesale for up to $300 each and retailed for as much as $10,000 in Asia. In one month alone, an estimated $60,000 worth of turtles were trafficked out of Florida.
Turtles are one of the most threatened animal groups on the planet. The illegal trade of turtles is having a global impact on many turtle species and our ecosystems. More than 600 turtles were returned to the wild as a result of the investigation.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.4 earthquake hits Fiji.
5.3 earthquake hits Tonga.
5.2 earthquake hits Mindanao in the Philippines.
5.2 earthquake hits east Timor.
5.2 earthquake hits the Rota region in the North Mariana Islands.
5.1 earthquake hits Mindanao in the philippines.
Two 5.0 earthquakes hit Tonga.
5.0 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Tropical Depression Nineteen-E is located about 105 mi...170 km s of Manzanillo Mexico with maximum sustained winds...35 mph...55 km/h. Present movement...n or 355 degrees at 7 mph...11 km/h.
In the Western Pacific Ocean : Typhoon 21w (Neoguri), located approximately 142 nm south-southeast of Kadena AFB, Okinawa, Japan, is tracking northeastward at 14 knots.
Typhoon Bualoi (22w), located approximately 334 nm east-southeast of Andersen AFB, Guam, is tracking northwestward at 11 knots.
NewsBytes:
Russia - At least 15 people have died and 13 others have been missing after a dam collapse at a gold mine in Siberia. The dam, on the Seiba river in the region of Krasnoyarsk, burst after heavy rain on Saturday.
Niger - Floods in southeast Niger have forced 23,000 people to flee their homes since early October, officials said Saturday, threatening a new humanitarian crisis in a region already wracked by Boko Haram Islamist violence. Heavy rains have caused the Komadougou Yobe river that flows through the semi-desert Diffa region into Lake Chad to burst its banks, inundating villages, flooding fields and damaging crops. Two villages near the city of Diffa were "completely submerged" and 2,500 households have been forced to move.
UK - Drivers in the north east have been warned to take care after severe flooding left vehicles submerged and roads closed off. Emergency services were called out to incidents across Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen overnight with firefighters pumping water away from homes.
Florida, USA - The streets in St Marks, Florida were flooded by Tropical Storm Nestor on Saturday as the storm moved across the panhandle.
Climate Change Affecting New Zealand
Climate change, pollution and fishing are causing irreversible damage to New Zealand's marine environment and putting many birds and mammals at risk of extinction, according to a new report from the nation’s Ministry for the Environment.
The report said New Zealand's coastline, which stretches for about 15,000 kilometers, is also under increasing pressure from development and shipping. Agriculture, forestry and urbanization are increasing the amount of sediment, chemicals and plastics flowing into the oceans, and contaminating the coastline, it said.
The report said 90 percent of the country's seabirds and about a quarter of its marine mammals are threatened with extinction, and that 16 percent of New Zealand's fish stocks had been overfished.
The report also confirmed that New Zealand's sea temperature had risen and was consistent with the global average. It also found sea levels were rising faster than before.
There was a warning, too, that New Zealand could expect more frequent marine heat waves, similar to those in 2017 and 2018, and ocean acidification.
Wildfires - Australia
A new bushfire is threatening homes in NSW's scorched north. The blaze ignited at Tubbamurra, north of Armidale, on Saturday and has quickly moved east towards about homes at nearby Backwater. The region has hosted the worst of all blazes in NSW so far this bushfire season. Two people have died, dozens of homes have been destroyed and 3100 square kilometres - equivalent to a quarter of the area of Greater Sydney - has been scorched since July in bushfires in the state's far north coast and New England regions.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.3 earthquake hits northern Alaska.
Three 5.3 earthquakes hit Tonga.
5.3 earthquake hits Fiji.
5.2 earthquake hits northern Alaska.
5.2 earthquake hits Mindanao in the Philippines.
5.1 earthquake hits Kepulauan Samgihe, Indonesia.
5.0 earthquake hits Myanmar.
5.0 earthquake hits Mindanao in the Philippines.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Tropical Storm Nestor is located about 80 mi...125 km wsw of Panama City Florida and about 110 mi...175 km w of Apalachicola Florida with maximum sustained winds...50 mph...85 km/h. Present movement...ne or 45 degrees at 17 mph...28 km/h.
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Tropical Depression Octave is located about 1340 mi...2160 km wsw of the southern tip of Baja California with maximum sustained winds...35 mph...55 km/h. Present movement...ne or 45 degrees at 2 mph...4 km/h.
In the Western Pacific Ocean : Typhoon 21w (Neoguri), located approximately 295 nm south of Kadena AFB, Okinawa, Japan, is tracking northwestward at 07 knots.
Tropical storm 22w (Twenty-Two), located approximately 628 nm east-southeast of Andersen AFB, Guam, is tracking west-northwestward at 16 knots.
NewsBytes:
Sudan - Unprecedented flooding caused by heavy rains has affected nearly 200,000 people in northeast South Sudan, the UN refugee agency said Friday. Situated in the Upper Nile region, the affected area is home to more than 150,000 refugees from Sudan, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said in a statement. The UN agency said floodwaters have submerged major roads, making access to the refugee camps difficult and leading to closer of schools. The floods have also impacted access to public services, including hospitals and damaged sanitation facilities, increasing health risks.
Chikungunya - Ethiopia
In an update on the chikungunya outbreak in Ethiopia, health officials have reported an additional 2,541 new suspected cases during the last week of September. This brings the outbreak total, that began in late July, to 49,616.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.5 earthquake hits near the north coast of New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.
5.4 earthquake hits northern Alaska.
5.1 earthquake hits Tonga.
5.0 earthquake hits Santa Cruz, Argentina.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Potential Tropical Cyclone Sixteen is located about 390 mi...630 km ssw of the mouth of the Mississippi river with maximum sustained winds...40 mph...65 km/h. Present movement...ne or 45 degrees at 14 mph...22 km/h.
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm Octave is located about 1450 mi...2330 km sw of the southern tip of Baja California with maximum sustained winds...45 mph...75 km/h. Present movement...w or 270 degrees at 1 mph...2 km/h.
In the Western Pacific Ocean : Tropical storm 21w (Neoguri), located approximately 401 nm south-southeast of Kadena AFB, Japan, is tracking northwestward at 03 knots.
NewsBytes:
Chad and Cameroon - Heavy rains and floods this week have left at least 100,000 people homeless on both sides of the border between northern Cameroon and Chad. It's the worst flooding in the area since 2012. the military is working to evacuate those stranded by floodwaters in Kaikai. Heavy rains have been pouring ceaselessly, destroying houses and farms in the northern Cameroon village of Kaikai over the past two weeks. Residents say the downpours caused Lake Maga and the Logone River to overflow.
Massachusetts, USA - Torrential rain and high winds pounded the Bay State overnight, leaving behind flooded streets in Worcester.
Earth Archive
A pair of Colorado State University scientists propose creating a high-resolution, 3D image of Earth’s surface in its current state before the effects of climate change alter the landscape forever.
Geographer Steve Leisz and archaeologist Chris Fisher propose scanning the planet with airborne lasers to initially capture the world’s most vulnerable locations. The same technology has been used to discover remote archeological sites.
The pair says that once completed, their nonprofit Earth Archive project would be “the ultimate gift to future generations,” which will be able to look back at Earth’s entire land area during the first half of the 21st century in unrivaled detail.
Arctic Survival
Increasingly harsh Arctic weather due to climate change could threaten the survival of plants and animals in Greenland, according to researchers from Denmark’s Aarhaus University.
They say 2018 snowfall was so heavy that it prevented almost all plants and animals in northeastern Greenland from reproducing.
Niels Martin Schmidt writes that, as opposed to the vanishing Arctic sea ice, the late-season heavy snow could be a problem if it becomes the new normal.
That’s because the Arctic growing and breeding season lasts for only a few weeks in July and August.
Global Temperature Extremes
The week’s hottest temperature was 119 degrees Fahrenheit (48.3 degrees Celsius) in Rafha, Saudi Arabia.
The week’s coldest temperature was minus 89.0 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 67.2 degrees Celsius) at Vostok, Antarctica.
Temperatures were tabulated from the more than 10,000 worldwide synoptic weather stations. The United Nations World Meteorological Organization sets the standards for weather observations, and provides a global telecommunications circuit for data distribution.
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) – Saudi Arabia
From 1 through 30 September 2019, the National IHR Focal Point of Saudi Arabia reported 4 additional laboratory-confirmed cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS-CoV) infection and one associated death.
Ebola - DR Congo
The number of confirmed cases of Ebola virus disease (EVD) has been relatively low in recent weeks, with 15 new confirmed cases reported in North Kivu and Ituri provinces during the epidemiological week of 7 October through 13 October.
Vaping-related lung illnesses - USA
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that the outbreak's death toll has climbed to 33, up from 26 deaths reported last week. The outbreak victims range in age from 17 to 75, with an average age of 44, the agency said. What's more, the total number of cases in the outbreak increased to 1,479, up from about 1,300 reported last week.
Global Volcanic Activity - Ongoing Activity for the week of 9 October - 15 October 2019
Aira | Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that incandescence from Minamidake crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) was occasionally visible at night during 7-15 October. There were 13 explosions detected by the seismic network and nine non-explosive eruptive events. Eruption plumes rose 2.3-2.7 km above the crater rim and large blocks were ejected as far as 1.7 km away. The sulfur dioxide emission rate was high, at 2,100 tons/day, on 11 October. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a 5-level scale).
Ambrym | Vanuatu : Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department (VMGD) reported that data and observations during February-October indicated that conditions at Ambrym had become stable after the eruption in December 2018 that focused on the summit caldera and East Rift Zone. On 10 October the Alert Level was lowered to 1 (on a scale of 0-5) indicating minor unrest. VMGD warned the public to stay outside of the Permanent Danger Zone defined as a 1-km radius from Benbow Crater and a 2-km radius from Marum Crater, and additionally to stay away from the ground cracks resulting from the December 2019 eruption (a 500-m-radius around the major cracks at Paamal village).
Asosan | Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that during 7-15 October ash plumes rose as high as 1.3 km above Asosan’s summit crater rim, causing ashfall in areas downwind including periodically at the Kumamoto Regional Meteorological Observatory. Crater incandescence was occasionally visible at night. The sulfur dioxide emission rate was very high at 4,000 tons per day on 11 October. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-5).
Dukono | Halmahera (Indonesia) : Based on satellite and wind model data, and information from PVMBG, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 9-15 October ash plumes from Dukono rose to altitudes of 1.8-2.1 km (6,000-7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted in multiple directions. 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 ash from Ebeko was reported in Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island), about 7 km E, during 4-5 October. Volcanologists in Severo-Kurilsk observed explosions during 7-8 and 10 October that sent ash plumes up to 2.5 km (8,200 ft) a.s.l. and drifted E and NE. A weak thermal anomaly was identified in satellite images on 8 October. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).
Ibu | Halmahera (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that at 0707 on 15 October an ash plume from Ibu rose at least 400 m above the summit and drifted S. 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.
Karangetang | Siau Island (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that during 7-15 October lava continued to effuse from Karangetang’s Main Crater (S), traveling as far as 1.5 km down the Nanitu, Pangi, and Sense drainages on the SW and W flanks. Sometimes dense white plumes rose to 400 m above the summit. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4).
Krakatau | Indonesia : PVMBG reported that at 1010 and 1226 on 12 October, 1026 on 13 October, and 1228 on 14 October the webcam at Anak Krakatau recorded dense gray-black ash plumes rising about 200 m above the bottom of the crater and drifting N. The 14 October event was recorded by the seismic network for three minutes. 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.
Reventador | Ecuador : IG reported that during 8-15 October 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-and-steam plumes were visible rising sometimes higher than 1 km above the crater rim and drifting NW, W, and SW. Crater incandescence was periodically observed at night. Blocks were observed rolling down the flanks on 10 and 14 October.
Sabancaya | Peru : Instituto GeofÃsico del Perú (IGP) reported that an average of 36 low-to-medium intensity explosions per day occurred at Sabancaya during 7-13 October. Gas-and-ash plumes rose as high as 3.5 km above the summit and drifted SE and SW. There were 15 thermal anomalies identified in satellite data. The Alert Level remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale) and the public were warned to stay outside of a 12-km radius.
Semeru | Eastern Java (Indonesia) : The Darwin VAAC reported that during 13-14 September ash plumes from Semeru rose to an altitude of 4 km (13,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SW based on satellite images and weather models. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4).
Sheveluch | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Sheveluch was identified in satellite images during 4-11 October. Explosions seen in video and satellite images on 6 and 9 October produced ash plumes that rose 6.5-11 km (21,300-36,100 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 1,100 km E. Resuspended ash drifted 170 km E on 4 and 8 October. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.4 earthquake hits Taiwan.
5.1 earthquake hits Mindanao in the Philippines.
5.0 earthquake hits the Mariana Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits Mindanao in the Philippines.
5.0 earthquake hits the southern mid-Atlantic ridge.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Western Pacific Ocean : Tropical storm 21w (Twenty-one), located approximately 586 nm east-northeast of Manila, Philippines, is tracking northward at 03 knots.
Syphilis - Japan
In 2017, Japan saw 5,534 syphilis cases, the first time that happened in more than 4 decades, Last year, the number of cases were even higher at 6,923. The last time Japan saw more than 6,000 syphilis cases was 48 years ago. Through Oct. 6 this year, the Japanese National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID) have reported 5,111 cases, the third year in a row eclipsing the 5,000 mark.
Global Volcanic Activity - New Activity for the week of 9 October - 15 October 2019
Metis Shoal | Tonga Islands : According to news articles the Tonga Geological Services Office of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources stated that several observations indicating a possible eruption at Metis Shoal, also known as Lateiki, were reported during 13-15 October. Real Tonga pilots flying between Tongatapu and Vava'u observed the intermittent plumes rising to 4.6-5.2 km (15,000-17,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifting N on 15 October. Ash in the plumes was not identifiable according to the Wellington VAAC.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.5 earthquake hits Mindanao in the Philippines.
5.4 earthquake hits Mindanao in the Philippines.
5.1 earthquake hits south of Panama.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Remnants of Fifteen are located about 90 mi...145 km n of the Cabo Verde islands with maximum sustained winds...30 mph...45 km/h. Present movement...nw or 305 degrees at 8 mph...13 km/h.
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean ; Potential Tropical Cyclone Seventeen-E is located about 30 mi...50 km ssw of Salina Cruz Mexico with maximum sustained winds...35 mph...55 km/h. Present movement...nw or 315 degrees at 13 mph...20 km/h
NewsBytes:
Iran - Heavy rain affected northern provinces (Guilan, Mazandaran and Golestan) on 12-14 October, causing floods and resulting in casualties and damage. According to the Iranian Red Crescent, 1 person died, 6 people were injured and more than 100 affected. In addition, several houses and roads have been flooded.
Wildfires - Lebanon, Syria
Firefighters in Lebanon have been battling wildfires that erupted amid unusually high temperatures and strong winds. Thick smoke was seen on Tuesday drifting over the outskirts of Beirut, over the mountainous Chouf region to its southeast and the southern city of Saida.
Wildfires spread through parts of Lebanon on Tuesday after forcing some residents to flee their homes in the middle of the night, while others were stuck inside as the flames reached villages south of Beirut, authorities said. 18 Lebanese people were admitted to hospitals for treatment.
A heat wave in the region coupled with strong winds intensified the fires that began a day earlier in mostly pine forests around the country and three provinces in neighboring Syria. There were no reports of fatalities from the fires — among the worst to hit Lebanon in years.
Anthrax - Namibia
Namibian agriculture and health ministries are reporting 115 suspected human anthrax cases in the northern regions of the country. The suspected outbreaks have occurred in the Kunene (104) and Zambezi (11) regions.
Anthrax contaminated meat is linked to the outbreak in Otjitanga village, Kunene region while tainted hippo appears linked to Katima Mulilo district, Zambezi region.
Monkeypox - Nigeria
In September, 15 new suspected monkeypox cases were reported from five States – Lagos (5), Rivers (2), Akwa Ibom (3), Zamfara (1), Delta (1), Imo (2) and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT(1). A total of 81 suspected cases have been reported so far in 2019.
Yemen - Cholera and Dengue Fever
The world’s largest cholera outbreak continues to be in Yemen. The cumulative number of suspected cholera cases reported in Yemen between October 2016 and August 2019 is 2,036,960, including 3,716 related deaths.
Officials are reporting a seasonal spike in dengue fever cases in Yemen in 2019. There have been 14,540 suspected cases of dengue fever, with 79 associated deaths recorded since the beginning of the year.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.9 earthquake hits southern Sumatra, Indonesia.
5.6 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.3 earthquake hits the Kuril Islands.
5.2 earthquake hits Tonga.
5.1 earthquake hits Vanuatu.
5.1 earthquake hits southern Sumatra, Indonesia.
5.0 earthquake hits eastern New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Tropical Depression Fifteen is located about 210 mi...335 km e of the Cabo Verde islands with maximum sustained winds...35 mph...55 km/h. Present movement...nw or 325 degrees at 12 mph...19 km/h.
NewsBytes:
Japan - A massive search-and-rescue effort was underway Monday in central and northern Japan after powerful Typhoon Hagibis unleashed torrents of rain and strong winds during the weekend, killing dozens and spawning devastating flooding. The storm is being blamed for the deaths of at least 58 people, with at least 14 missing and some 200 others injured, Japanese broadcaster NHK reported. The flooding also impacted Japan's famed bullet trains. East Japan Railway Company said that one-third of its bullet trains used on one line had been damaged by flooding.
Whales Using Bubble 'Nets' to Hunt
Some cetaceans use "nets" to catch their food. Like humpback whales. They'll dive down and swim in a ring around their prey, blowing out bubbles as they go. That rising ring forms a column that traps fish, allowing other whales in the group to swim up from below, mouths agape, through the bubble cylinder to feast.
Meteor over China
What appears to be a dazzling meteor lit up the sky over northeast China on Friday (Oct. 11), appearing as a brilliant fireball in surveillance video of the event.
Leishmaniasis - Kenya
In an update on the leishmaniasis situation in Kenya, officials reported an additional 24 cases during the week ending Oct. 6. This brings the total cases reported in 2019 to 2,696, including 34 deaths.
Cholera - Sudan
From 28 August through 12 October 2019, a total of 278 suspected cholera cases, including 8 deaths (case fatality ratio: 2.88 %), have been reported from four localities in Blue Nile State. One hundred seventy two cases were female (62%), and 238 (93.1%) were over 5 years of age.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.3 earthquake hits the Hindu Kush, Afghanistan.
5.2 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.
5.1 earthquake hits the Prince Edward Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits the Molucca Sea.
5.0 earthquake hits the Kuril Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits eastern New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Topical Storm Melissa is located about 415 mi...670 km s of Cape Race Newfoundland with maximum sustained winds...40 mph...65 km/h. Present movement...ene or 75 degrees at 20 mph...31 km/h.
In the Central Pacific Ocean: Post Tropical Cyclone Ema is located about 165 mi...260 km nw of French Frigate shoals and about 610 mi...980 km wnw of Lihue Hawaii with maximum sustained winds...35 mph...55 km/h. Present movement...nnw or 345 degrees at 17 mph...28 km/h.
NewsBytes:
Japan - Japan sent tens of thousands of troops and rescue workers on Sunday to save stranded residents and fight floods caused by one of the worst typhoons to hit the country in recent history. At least 30 people were killed in the typhoon that left vast sections of towns under water. Another 15 were missing and 177 injured by Typhoon Hagibis, which paralysed Tokyo on Saturday and dumped record levels of rain around Japan. About 100,000 homes were left without power. Rescue efforts were hindered after more than 20 rivers in central and northeastern Japan burst their banks and dozens more overflowed although their banks were still in tact, flooding rivers could cause more damage. Some of the worst damage hit the central Japanese city of Nagano, where the Chikuma River inundated swaths of land and forced military helicopters to airlift people from homes.
Chesapeake Bay, Potomac, USA - Since Friday, numerous locations along the tidal Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay have endured coastal flooding, due to the departure of Tropical Storm Melissa and the coming hunter’s full moon. Water levels two to three feet above normal have washed over shorelines and adjacent roads in Old Town Alexandria, the District’s waterfront, Annapolis and Baltimore at around high tide.
Kenya - Mombasa residents have expressed fears of possible outbreak of water-borne diseases as heavy downpour continues pounding the region. The heavy rains that have been pounding the region since Friday afternoon last week have flooded most parts of the county, rendering most roads impassable. The most affected areas are Nyali, Kisauni, Kongowea, Kaa Chonjo and parts of the Mombasa central business district. These areas were on Sunday heavily flooded after long hours of rains that began on Saturday night. In Bamburi, various estates were flooded with water filling roads, making it difficult for residents move. Motorists had difficulties wading through the flooded tourist city.
African Swine Fever - China
China reported another outbreak of the African swine fever on Sunday in its northwestern province of Gansu, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs said. The latest outbreak occurred in a breeding cooperative in a county in Gansu's Dingxi City, with 265 of the 287 infected pigs dying.
China has reported such outbreaks in all its provinces on the mainland, as well as in Hong Kong and Hainan island in the south.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Topical Storm Melissa is located about 370 mi...595 km s of Halifax Nova Scotia with maximum sustained winds...45 mph...75 km/h. Present movement...ene or 65 degrees at 14 mph...22 km/h.
In the Western Pacific Ocean: Typhoon 20w (Hagibis), located approximately 113 nm south-southeast of Misawa, Japan, is tracking northeastward at 36 knots. The Typhoon has weakened and is dissipating, although heavy rainfall and strong winds will persist for some time.
In the Central Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm Ema is located about 385 mi...620 km w of Lihue Hawaii and about 130 mi...210 km sse of French Frigate shoals with maximum sustained winds...40 mph...65 km/h. Present movement...nw or 305 degrees at 10 mph...17 km/h.
NewsBytes:
Japan - The sky turned in deep purple colour in Japan surprising the locals, just before the arrival of Typhoon Hagibis. The typhoon touched down southwest of Tokyo on Saturday. An earthquake of magnitude 5.3 shook the area shortly before the same time as the typhoon was making landfall. The earthquake was felt across Tokyo and Chiba. Typhoon Hagibis has brought heavy rain and strong winds to the region and is expected to be Japan's worst typhoon in six decades. Japan's military scrambled Sunday to rescue people trapped by flooding after powerful Typhoon Hagibis ripped across the country, killing at least 11 people and leaving more than a dozen missing. The storm's heavy rain triggered deadly landslides and caused rivers to burst their banks. By Sunday morning, the significantly weakened storm had moved back off land, but serious flooding was reported in central Japan's Nagano, where a burst levee sent water from the Chikuma river gushing into residential neighbourhoods, flooding homes up to the second floor. Hagibis smashed into the main Japanese island of Honshu around 7:00 pm (1000 GMT) Saturday as one of the most violent typhoons in recent years, with wind gusts of up to 216 kilometres per hour (134 miles per hour). At the storm's peak, more than seven million people were placed under non-compulsory evacuation orders, with tens of thousands heeding the call and moving into government shelters.
Nigeria - An 11 year old boy died after being swept away in the flood water in the Alimosho area of Lagos. The heavy downpour has left many homes flooded and blocked the drainage in Lekki city in Lagos state.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.3 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.1 earthquake hits the Anatahan region in the North Mariana Islands.
North American Birds under Threat
Two-thirds of bird species in North America are at risk of extinction if global temperatures continue to rise, according to a new report from scientists at the Audubon Society. A total of 389 species, out of 604 studied, are expected to experience declines in their populations as a result of warmer temperatures, higher seas, loss of habitat, and extreme weather, all driven by climate change.
Among those birds most at-risk are the greater sage grouse, Baltimore oriole, common loon, and the wood thrush. The new study comes less than a month after research found the United States and Canada have lost 3 billion birds since 1970, equal to losing one out of every four birds.
Wildfires - California, USA
The wildfire raging out of control along the northern edge of Los Angeles since early Friday, has forced thousands of people from their homes as firefighters battled flames from the air and on the ground. The blaze erupted late Thursday along the northern tier of the San Fernando Valley as powerful Santa Ana winds swept Southern California, fanning several destructive blazes. The Los Angeles Fire Department said the fire had grown to more than 6 square miles (15.5 square kilometers) before dawn and an estimated 12,700 homes were under evacuation orders. The Fire Department said homes were destroyed but did not have an estimate. About 100,000 people in over 20,000 homes were ordered to evacuate.
Polio - Pakistan
The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) reported three additional wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) cases during the past week in Pakistan. This brings the total in Pakistan to 72 in 2019 to date, the highest number is years.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.3 earthquake hits Tonga.
5.3 earthquake hits near the east coast of Honshu, Japan.
5.2 earthquake hits New Britain, Papua New Guinea.
5.0 earthquake hits the Gulf of Alaska.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Subtropical Storm Melissa is located about 235 mi...375 km sse of Nantucket Massachusetts with maximum sustained winds...50 mph...85 km/h. Present movement...ne or 55 degrees at 7 mph...11 km/h.
In the Western Pacific Ocean: Typhoon 20w (Hagibis), located approximately 121 nm southwest of Yokosuka, Japan, is tracking north-northeastward at 18 knots.
NewsBytes:
Japan - One man died and more than a million in Japan were advised to evacuate as powerful typhoon Hagibis was set to make landfall late on Saturday, bringing with it the heaviest rain and winds in 60 years. Four people were injured, also in Chiba, as winds blew roofs off several houses.
Wildfires - California, USA
A wind-swept wildfire in California’s San Fernando Valley threatened several northern Los Angeles communities Friday, prompting authorities to order the evacuation of more than 1,600 homes, according to reports.
The so-called Saddleridge Brush Fire, which started in Sylmar north of downtown LA on Thursday night, spread from 60 acres to 1,600 acres (2.5 square miles) within hours.
Meanwhile, a separate fire sparked by burning trash dumped by a garbage truck destroyed dozens of homes in Riverside County and led to the evacuation of hundreds of people.
The Sandalwood fire erupted when a “trash truck dumped a load of burning trash that spread onto vegetation” about 2 p.m. Thursday in the community of Calimesa, about 70 miles east of LA, fire officials said.
The two conflagrations were among about 275 wildfires that have broken out across the state as hot, gusty winds signaled the start of its peak fire season.
Naegleria fowleri - Pakistan
Pakistani health officials reported Friday on an additional Naegleria fowleri, or “brain-eating amoeba” death in Karachi. The 19-year-old victim is is the 15th fatality this year.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.2 earthquake hits the southern mid-Atlantic ridge.
5.1 earthquake hits the Banda Sea.
5.1 earthquake hits Mindanao in the Philippines.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Subtropical Storm Melissa is located about 190 mi...300 km s of Nantucket Massachusetts with maximum sustained winds...65 mph...100 km/h. Present movement...ssw or 200 degrees at 3 mph...6 km/h
In the Western Pacific Ocean: Typhoon 20w (Hagibis), located approximately 350 nm south-southwest of Yokosuka, Japan, is tracking north-northwestward at 12 knots.
NewsBytes:
New Jersey, USA - Residents at the Jersey Shore had to deal with some significant flooding thanks to a storm off the coast. Flooding Thursday evening was followed by more flooding Friday.
India - Panic gripped parts of North and Western Bengaluru in the early hours of Thursday with flash floods flooding several localities in Dasarahalli, Nagasandra and Chikkabidarakallu due to breaching of Doddabidarakallu Lake at around mid-night. More than 300 houses were marooned and over 100 vehicles were submerged in the flash floods.
Fly Relief
The misery that cows suffer from biting flies could be greatly reduced, thanks to a novel paint job for the animals devised by a team of Japanese researchers.
They found that by painting white stripes on cows, similar to those on zebras, the number of flies landing on the cows fell by more than 50 percent.
Flies seem to avoid landing on black-and-white surfaces due to the difference in the polarization of light reflecting off the two shades, which confuses the flies.
Writing in the journal PLOS One, scientists say fewer flies on the striped cows led to a sharp decline in the fly-defense movements made by the bovines, such as stomping of the feet and flipping of the head.
Oil Spill - Brazil
Brazilian officials are pointing their fingers at Venezuela for a massive oil spill that has polluted hundreds of miles of beaches in nine northeastern states during the past few weeks.
The spill has killed numerous sea turtles and kept swimmers and fishermen from the contaminated coastal strip.
Brazil’s Environment Minister Ricardo Salles said the spill appears to have come from Venezuela, and that more than 110 tons of oil have been recovered.
“It could be something criminal, it could be an accidental spill, it could also be a ship that sank,” said Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro.
