Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

No 5.0+ magnitude earthquakes so far today.

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Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:

There are no current tropical storms.

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Disease

COVID-19

The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:

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Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – New Activity for the Week 23 December 2020 – 29 December 2020

Kilauea – Hawaiian Islands (USA) : HVO reported that the eruption from N and W fissure vents on the inner walls of Kilauea’s Halema`uma`u Crater continued to feed a growing lava lake during 23-29 December. Lava erupted from the N and W vents during 23-26 December with lava fountains that were sometimes 10 m high. The lake level rose above the N vent by 0300 on 26 December; later that day, volcanologists noted that the lake was slowly draining at that location. The W vent continued to feed the lake during 27-29 December. An island of cooler, solidified lava (250 m by 135 m in dimension on 28 December) slowly floated around on the lava lake’s surface. The island’s surface was about 6 m above the surface of the lava lake and was covered in tephra, possibly remnants of explosive activity generated when lava first reached the water lake. The depth of the lava lake increased from 155 m to 169 m during 23-24 December. It continued to rise and was 176 m deep by 1400 on 25 December, though a new, narrow, black rim along the N edge suggested that the lake had briefly been 1-2 m deeper, and then drained back. The lake remained 176-177 m deep through 28 December, but by 29 December had deepened to 180 m. The lake volume was an estimated 22 million cubic meters, and was 770 by 490 m in dimension by 29 December. Sulfur dioxide emissions decreased over the week, from around 30,000-40,000 tonnes/day on 23 December, to 20,000 tonnes/day on 25 December, 5,000-5,500 tonnes/day during 26-27, and finally dropping to 3,000 tonnes/day during 28-29 December. The emission plume carried Pele’s Hair and Pele’s Tears SW, depositing the tephra in areas downwind, including on HVO monitoring equipment and solar panels.

Kirishimayama – Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that the number of volcanic earthquakes at Shinmoedake (Shinmoe peak, a stratovolcano of the Kirishimayama volcano group) began to increase on 18 December and remained elevated. A total of 300 earthquakes were located beneath the summit crater during 16-25 December. No changes were detected in deformation and emission data. The Alert Level was raised to 2 (on a scale of 1-5) on 25 December, and the public was warned to exercise caution within a 2-km radius of the crater.

Ruapehu – North Island (New Zealand) : On 28 December GeoNet reported that during the previous week the temperature of Ruapehu’s crater lake water slightly decreased from 43 to 41 degrees Celsius. Moderate-to-strong levels of volcanic tremor were recorded along with a small number of shallow volcanic earthquakes. The largest volcanic earthquake was an M 2.2 (on 26 December) which was uncommonly large, and combined with elevated tremor indicated ongoing unrest. The Volcanic Alert Level remained at 2 and the Aviation colour Code remained at Yellow.

Soufriere St. Vincent – St. Vincent : A new effusive eruption had built a lava dome in the summit crater of Soufrière St. Vincent when observed on 29 December by personnel from the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO), St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and the Alert Level was raised to Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale). The observers noted that the small black-coloured dome had grown on the WSW edge of the 1979 lava dome. The University of the West Indies Seismic Research Centre (UWI-SRC) stated in a press briefing that seismicity at the volcano began to increase in early November and changes in the water lake and fumarolic area were noted on 16 December. A persistent thermal anomaly had been identified in satellite data over the previous couple of days, which is what prompted the NEMO field visit.

Suwanosejima – Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : JMA reported that eruptive activity at Suwanosejima’s Ontake Crater increased on 21 December with more frequent explosions; a total of 423 explosions were recorded during 21-28 December. At 0248 on 28 December a large eruptive event ejected large bombs 1.3 km SE of the crater and produced a plume that rose 200 m above the crater rim and entered weather clouds. The Alert Level was raised to 3 (on a 5-level scale).

Tengger Caldera – Eastern Java (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that during 26-27 December white-and-gray plumes rose 50-700 m above the summit of Tengger Caldera’s Bromo cone. At 0550 on 28 December a gas-and-ash emission rose at least 500 m above the summit according to an observer. Ashfall was reported in the Ngadirejo area, about 5 km NE. 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.

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Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

6.3 earthquake hits Croatia.

5.7 earthquake hits Mindanao in the Philippines.

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

5.2 earthquake hits the central mid-Atlantic ridge.

5.1 earthquake hits Araucania, Chile.

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Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone 07s (Chalane), located approximately 20 nm north-northwest of Beira, Mozambique, is tracking westward at 14 knots.

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Disease

COVID-19

The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:

Yellow Fever – Senegal

From October to December 2020, a total of seven confirmed cases of yellow fever (YF) have been reported from four health districts in three regions in Senegal.

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Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.2 earthquake hits off the coast of Oregon, USA.

5.2 earthquake hits the Bougainville region, Papua New Guinea.

5.1 earthquake hits the Bougainville region, Papua New Guinea.

5.0 earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

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Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone 07s (Chalane), located approximately 157 nm north of Europa Island, is tracking westward at 16 knots.

Newsbytes:

Ecuador – Thousands of people were left without drinking water after damaging floods Azuay Province in Ecuador from 25 December 2020. The Pungohuayco river broke its banks in Chordeleg canton, damaging homes, a bridge and water supply infrastructure. As many as 2,700 households were left without water supply. Flooding also struck in Gualaceo canton due to the overflow of the Guamincay river. At least 3 homes were severely damaged.

DR Congo – The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) reported another incident of severe flooding in Uvira in South Kivu Province, the city devastated by flooding in April this year when over 30 people died. The recent flooding in the city occurred after torrential rain on 12 December 2020. 4 people died, 2 were reported missing and 2 were seriously injured. Heavy rainfall in western parts of the country in early December 2020 caused deadly flooding in the city of Mbanza-Ngungu in Kongo Central Province. 13 people died after torrential rain and strong winds overnight, 01 to 02 December, 2020. Four people were injured and several houses were destroyed or severely damaged. Five further fatalities were reported from 02 to 03 December after flooding in other areas of the city.

Madagascar – Tropical Storm Chalane made landfall in Madagascar on 27 December, bringing heavy wind and rains. A report of 28 December that the storm caused some isolated flooding and damage to electricity poles, but no significant damage. Toamasina recorded 351mm of rain in 24 hours to 27 December 2020. Maintirano in the northwestern Melaky Region recorded 131mm of rain the following day. Chalane weakened to a Tropical Depression as it crossed Madagascar, although heavy rainfall is expected to continue.

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Disease

COVID-19

The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:

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Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

6.7 earthquake hits off the coast of Los Lagos, Chile.

5.5 earthquake hits the Molucca Sea.

5.4 earthquake hits Tarapaca, Chile.

5.4 earthquake hits Vanuatu.

5.3 earthquake hits Kepulauan Talaud, Indonesia.

5.2 earthquake hits Croatia.

5.1 earthquake hits the Owen fracture zone.

5.1 earthquake hits the southeast Indian ridge.

5.0 earthquake hits Croatia.

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Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone 07s (Chalane), located approximately 236 nm east-north east of Europa Island, is tracking west-southwestward at 09 knots.

Newsbytes:

Britain and France – Hurricane-force winds reaching up to 170 kph and heavy rainstorms have battered parts of Britain and France, disrupting train services and stranding drivers in floodwaters. The Isle of Wight saw Storm Bella’s strongest gusts hit 170 kph, while parts of the south coast of England and north Wales also saw gusts of around 129 kph. Flooding on the tracks caused train cancellations and delays in southern England, and a main train line into London was blocked by a fallen tree. In Wales, Western Power said the storm caused power cuts for 21,000 homes. Most of the services were restored Sunday but 1,700 homes still had no power supply. Across the Channel, nearly all of France was under storm warning on Sunday, with winds up to 145 kph registered at the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris and heavy rains and gusts lashing the Atlantic coast, according to the national weather service and utility services. Thousands of homes in north-western France were deprived of electricity on Sunday due to storm Bella sweeping through the area, with wind guts of up to 120 km/h on the coast.

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Wildfires

Wildfires – Hawaii

Fed by strong winds, an Olowalu brush fire charred more than 500 acres Saturday, sparking evacuations of homes and closing the main highway for several hours at night.

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Disease

COVID-19

The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:

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Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

6.0 earthquake hits eastern Turkey.

5.5 earthquake hits Kyrgyzstan.

5.5 earthquake hits near the coast of southern Peru.

5.3 earthquake hits New Ireland, Papua New Guinea.

5.1 earthquake hits the Bonin Islands off Japan.

5.0 earthquake hits central Peru.

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Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone 07s (Chalane), located approximately 48 nm north of Antananarivo, Madagascar, is tracking westward at 11 knots.

Newsbytes:

Madeira – Madeira was hit by flooding and rockslides on Christmas Day after torrential rain and hail hit the Portuguese island. Dozens of people were evacuated from their homes and at least one house was destroyed. Video footage showed rivers of water flooding roads and almost completely covering a nearby cemetery.

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Wildfires

Wildfires – California

A wildfire in northern San Diego County has grown by nearly 1,300 acres — burning a total of 4,276 acres — and prompted mandatory evacuations, according to a Cal Fire update Thursday night. Camp Pendleton issued a mandatory evacuation for DeLuz Housing, Wounded Warrior Battalion and Lake O’Neill Campground due to the fire near Naval Weapons Station Detachment Fallbrook in the northern part of the 125,000-acre base.

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Disease

COVID-19

The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:

Leishmaniasis – Syria

Officials at Hajin Hospital are reporting a widespread surge of cutaneous leishmaniasis, aka Aleppo boil, among children in Hajin and its villages east of Deir ez-Zor, according a Radio Al-kul report. It is reported that 1750 cases among children have been seen this year in the area.

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Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.3 earthquake hits Vanuatu.

5.2 earthquake hits the Sumba region, Indonesia.

5.1 earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.0 earthquake hits the Molucca Sea.

Antarctic Tremors

Scientists working in Antarctica say they have recorded more than 30,000 tremors just off the Antarctic Peninsula since August. The University of Chile’s Seismological Center says the strongest registered a magnitude of 6 in an area where tectonic plates and microplates meet between the South Shetland Islands and the peninsula. This has caused the islands to separate from Antarctica about 6 inches per year, almost twice the average rate.

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Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone 07s (Chalane), located approximately 327 nm east-northeast of Antananarivo, Madagascar, is tracking westward at 0 knots.

Newsbytes:

UK – More than 1,300 households have been urged by police to evacuate their homes due to a risk of flooding in parts of Bedfordshire as large swaths of the UK brace themselves for Storm Bella. Torrential rain has brought widespread flooding to the country, with people having to be rescued from vehicles and others evacuated from their homes. The arrival of Storm Bella on Boxing Day will bring further downpours and winds of up to 70mph in exposed coastal locations, according to the Met Office.

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Global Warming

Recalculated Heat

The world may have less time than expected to curb carbon emissions and avert a life-threatening climate catastrophe after it was discovered that manmade greenhouse gases may have already warmed the planet by 18% more than predicted.

“Climate change hasn’t suddenly got worse. It’s just our estimate of how much warming has taken place has improved,” says Tim Osborn of Britain’s University of East Anglia.

The findings come as 2020 appears to be vying with 2019 as the second-warmest year on record.

The British Met Office predicts 2021 is still likely to at least be among the six warmest years on record, chilled a bit by the ongoing moderate La Niña ocean-cooling in the Pacific.

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Disease

COVID-19

The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:

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Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

6.1 earthquake hits Mindoro in the Philippines.

5.2 earthquake hits Mindanao in the Philippines.

5.1 earthquake hits the Solomon Islands.

5.1 earthquake hits south of the Kermedec Islands.

5.0 earthquake hits Luzon in the Philippines.

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Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone 07s (Chalane), located approximately 270 nm north-northwest of PortLlouis, Mauritius, is tracking westward at 09 knots.

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Environment

Bird Blackout

A New Zealand South Island village has switched off all of its streetlights in an attempt to stop young birds from crash-landing on roadways.

Wildlife experts say the Westland petrel fledglings are possibly mistaking the streetlights of Punakaiki for the bioluminescent fish they typically eat. The town hosts about 6,000 breeding pairs of the rare birds each March, which is celebrated with a festival.

But the introduction of blue-white LED lights last year has some local bird watchers believing that it’s confusing the seabirds even more than usual, causing them to crash onto roads and sometimes be struck by cars.

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Wildlife

Trump’s Border Wall Affects Wildlife

The accelerated construction of the U.S.-Mexico border wall over the past year has disrupted animal movements, caused mountains to be dynamited and toppled century-old saguaro cactus.

“Interconnected landscapes that stretch across two countries are being converted into industrial wastelands,” Randy Serraglio of the Center for Biological Diversity in Tucson told The Associated Press.

Field cameras at southeastern Arizona’s San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge have recently captured 90% fewer movements of animals like mountain lions, bobcats and javelinas.

“This wall is the largest impediment to wildlife movement we’ve ever seen in this part of the world,” said Myles Traphagen of the Wildlands Network.

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Environment

Global Temperature Extremes

The week’s hottest temperature was 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43.3 degrees Celsius) in Nullagine, Western Australia.

The week’s coldest temperature was minus 63.0 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 52.8 degrees Celsius) in Verkhoyansk, Siberia.

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.

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Disease

COVID-19

The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:

Bird Flu – Japan

In response to another bird flu outbreak in the country, Japanese prefecture Chiba has ordered the culling of more than one million chickens. The announcement came after workers in a chicken farm in Chiba found around 220 chickens dead last Wednesday, to which they reported immediately to local government officials.

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Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – Ongoing Activity for the Week 16 December 2020 – 22 December 2020

Aira – Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported nightly incandescence from Minamidake Crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) during 14-21 December and that the sulfur dioxide emission rate remained high. Four explosions were recorded during 16-18 December. One of the explosions, at 1959 on 17 December, generated a plume that rose 3 km above the crater rim and ejected bombs 1.3-1.7 km away from the crater. Another explosion, at 0439 on 18 December, produced a plume that rose 1.8 km and ejected bombs 1-1.3 km away from the crater. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a 5-level scale).

Dukono – Halmahera (Indonesia) : Based on satellite and wind model data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 18-19 December ash plumes from Dukono rose to 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SE and E. 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 11-12 and 15-17 December that sent ash plumes up to 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE, SE, and S. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).

Etna – Sicily (Italy) : INGV reported that strong activity at Etna’s Southeast Crater (SEC) included fountaining and lava flows on 21 December. Tremor amplitude had gradually increased on 20 December but weather conditions prevented visual observations. During the morning of the 21st Strombolian activity occurred at three vents. By 0800 tremor amplitude suddenly increased, and by 1000 lava fountaining from at least two vents was observed in thermal camera images, along with an eruption plume to 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. A lava flow emerged from the SW part of the cone, which had collapsed on 13 December, and traveled SW before branching W and E. A second flow from the NE side of the cone traveled E into the Valle del Bove. Lava fountaining ended around noon, with a simultaneous decrease in tremor amplitude. During the morning of 22 December a few small phreatic explosions were visible in webcam images, likely generated from the interaction of snow and lava. The front of the active SW flow reached 2,500 m elevation. By 1741 both flows were cooling down and no longer advancing.

Ibu – Halmahera (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that at 1826 on 19 December an ash plume from Ibu rose 400 m above the summit and drifted N. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was warned to stay at least 2 km away from the active crater, and 3.5 km away on the N side.

Karymsky – Eastern Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Karymsky was visible during 11-12 and 17 December. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).

Klyuchevskoy – Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that Strombolian and sometimes Vulcanian activity at Klyuchevskoy continued during 11-18 December and lava advanced down the Kozyrevsky drainage on the S flank. A large bright thermal anomaly was identified daily in satellite images. A steam-and-gas plume with some ash rose to 6 km (19,700 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 120 km NE on 13 December. The Aviation colour Code remined at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).

Nishinoshima – Japan : JMA reduced the exclusion zone for Nishinoshima from a radius of 2.5 to 1.5 km around the summit crater on 18 December; eruptive activity ended in August. Fumarolic and high-temperature areas remained visible.

Popocatepetl – Mexico : CENAPRED reported that each day during 16-22 December there were 112-231 steam-and-gas emissions from Popocatépetl, some of which contained minor amounts of ash. A gas, steam, and ash plume drifted SE on 22 December. The Alert Level remained at Yellow, Phase Two (middle level on a three-colour scale).

Reventador – Ecuador : IG reported that a high level of activity continued to be recorded at Reventador during 16-22 December; adverse weather conditions sometimes prevented visual conformation. Seismicity was characterized by 40-109 daily explosions, volcano-tectonic and harmonic tremor events, and long-period earthquakes as well as signals indicating emissions. Gas, steam, and ash plumes, observed sometimes multiple times a day with the webcam or reported by the Washington VAAC, rose as high as 1 km above the summit crater and drifted mainly NW and W. Crater incandescence and incandescent blocks rolling 600 m down the NE and S flanks were observed nightly. The 450-m-long lava flow on the NE flank remained active but did not advance.

Sangay – Ecuador : IG reported a high level of activity at Sangay during 16-22 December. Seismicity was characterized by 20-127 daily explosions, occasional harmonic tremor, long-period earthquakes, and signals indicating emissions. Weather clouds often prevented visual observations of the volcano, but the Washington VAAC and IG webcams recorded daily ash plumes that rose as high as 2.4 km above the summit and drifted mainly NW, W, and SW. Seismic signals signifying lahars were recorded during 16-18 December.

Sheveluch – Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Sheveluch was identified in satellite images during 11-18 December. On 22 December residents of Ust-Kamchatsk Village, 85 km SE, observed ash plumes rising to 8 km (26,200 ft) a.s.l. and drifting 42 km NE. The Aviation colour Code was raised to Red (the highest level on a four-colour scale). Just over an hour later ash plumes rose 6.5-7.5 km (21,300-24,600 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 130 km E; the Aviation colour Code was lowered to Orange.

Suwanosejima – Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : JMA reported nighttime incandescence and intermittent eruptive activity at Suwanosejima’s Ontake Crater during 11-18 December. A total of five explosions were recorded, ejecting bombs up to 500 m away from the crater and producing gray-and-white plumes that rose 1.6 km above the crater rim. Ashfall was reported in Toshima village (4 km SSW). The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a 5-level scale).

Villarrica – Chile : POVI reported that four ash emissions at Villarrica were visible in webcam images on 16 December. SERNAGEOMIN stated that two ash pulses were associated with long-period (LP) events at 1146 and 1156 that same day; the first ash emission rose 160 m above the crater rim and drifted NW while the second rose 280 m and drifted 500 m NE. At 1716 on 17 December an ash emission associated with an LP event rose 720 m and drifted ESE. The Alert Level remained at Yellow, the second lowest level on a four-colour scale. ONEMI maintained an Alert Level Yellow (the middle level on a three-colour scale) for the municipalities of Villarrica, Pucón (16 km N), Curarrehue, and the commune of Panguipulli, and the exclusion zone for the public of 500 m around the crater.

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Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.8 earthquake hits Palau.

5.3 earthquake hits the Molucca Sea.

5.2 earthquake hits southern Sumatra, Indonesia.

5.2 earthquake hits off the coast of Costa Rica.

5.1 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.

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Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:

There are no current tropical storms.

Newsbytes:

Algeria – Floods struck in the province of Jijel in northern Algeria after heavy rain from late 20 December 2020. The weather station at Jijel-Achouat near Taher recorded over 140mm of rain in 24 hours to 21 December. Flooding caused the partial collapse of the El Kantara wadi bridge in Laâkabi district and swept away at least 18 vehicles in the area.

Brazil – Southern Brazil has seen further heavy rain and flooding, this time in Rio de Janeiro State where at least 1 fatality was reported. The floods in Rio de Janeiro come days after at least 12 people died and 9 were missing after severe flooding and landslides in Santa Catarina State.

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Disease

COVID-19

The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:

Yellow Fever – Guinea

Between 6 November and 15 December 2020, 52 suspected cases of yellow fever (YF), including 14 deaths were reported in Guinea.

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Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – New Activity for the Week 16 December 2020 – 22 December 2020

Cerro Hudson – Chile : SERNAGEOMIN reported that a notable change in seismicity at Cerro Hudson was characterized by an increase in the frequency and magnitude of volcano-tectonic (VT), hybrid (HB), and long-period (LP) signals during 1-15 December. Two swarms of VT earthquakes were recorded during 10-11 December, with the largest event, a local M 2.9, located 4.7 km ESE of the caldera’s center at a depth of 4.6 km. The largest of five HB signals was a local M 3.1, located 4 km ESE at a depth of 4.3 km. The earthquake locations suggested a relatively shallow source SE of the caldera. No deformation or surficial changes were observed. The Alert Level was raised to Yellow (second highest level on a four-colour scale) on 22 December, based on the increased seismicity. ONEMI warned the communities of Aysén and Río Ibáñez, declaring a status of “Preventive Early Warning”, a level in between Green and Yellow.

Kilauea – Hawaiian Islands (USA) : HVO reported that a new eruption at Kilauea began on 20 December, after almost a month of pre-eruptive activity that included a dike intrusion. An earthquake swarm on 30 November centered in the middle of the caldera was recorded followed by periods of increased seismicity in the upper East Rift Zone. Spikes in seismicity began on 2 December; at 1745 earthquakes intensified beneath the S part of the caldera; tiltmeters simultaneously recorded accelerated deformation, resulting in about 8 cm of caldera floor uplift. The data suggested that a small intrusion had a volume equivalent to the amount of lava erupted in just 1-2 hours from Fissure 8 during the 2018 eruption. On 3 December seismcity and deformation decreased to pre-intrusion levels.

Lewotolo – Lomblen Island (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that the eruption at Lewotolo continued during 16-22 December. Gray-and-white ash plumes were visible daily, rising as high as 800 m above the summit. Strombolian explosions were visible most nights ejecting material 100-200 m above the summit crater. Rumbling was heard most days. The Alert Level was remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4) and the public was warned to stay 4 km away from the summer crater.

Merapi – Central Java (Indonesia) : BPPTKG reported that during 12-17 December white emissions from Merapi rose as high as 150 m above the summit. Rock avalanches traveled as far as 1.5 km down the Senowo drainage on the NW flank on 14 December. A comparison of photos taken on 11 and 15 December showed minor morphological changes in the summit area; drone video from 14 December revealed no new lava dome material in the summit crater. Seismic activity was less intense than the previous week. Electronic Distance Measurement (EDM) data continued to measure a distance shortening between points in the NW at a rate of 9 cm per day. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4).

Ruapehu – North Island (New Zealand) : GeoNet reported a warming trend of the crater lake water at Ruapehu, with a high temperature of 43 degrees Celsius. During an overflight to measure gas emissions the previous week, scientists observed that the lake was a uniform gray colour (suggesting it is well mixed) and some water overflow at the lake’s outlet. Gas output had increased in response to the heating cycle; the amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) and sulfur gases (SO2 and H2S) in the plume were the largest measured in the past two decades. Short-lived pulses of volcanic tremor were coincident with gas emissions. The Volcanic Alert Level was raised to 2 and the Aviation colour Code was raised to Yellow on 21 December.

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Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.8 earthquake hits the northern east Pacific rise.

5.6 earthquake hits the northern east Pacific rise.

5.2 earthquake hits Sicily, Italy.

5.2 earthquake hits the Philippines.

5.0 earthquake hits northwest of the Ryukyu Islands off Japan.

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Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:

There are no current tropical storms.

Newsbytes:

UK – Flood alerts have been issued across England and Wales ahead of heavy rain forecast for the run-up to Christmas, as the Met Office issued a weather warning after downpours over the weekend. A yellow weather warning for rain in mid and south Wales, as well as southern England, is in place from 6am on Wednesday until 6am Thursday, with 50mm to 70mm of rain expected to fall in south Wales. Disruption to travel and power lines is expected, and officials have warned people to stay alert for potential flooding.

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Global Warming

Arctic Report Card 2020

The average annual land-surface air temperature in the Arctic measured between October 2019 and September 2020 was the second-warmest since record-keeping began in 1900, and was responsible for driving a cascade of impacts across Arctic ecosystems during the year.

Extremely high temperatures across Siberia during spring 2020 resulted in the lowest June snow extent across the Eurasian Arctic observed in the past 54 years.

The 2020 Arctic minimum sea ice extent reached in September was the second-lowest in the satellite record. Overall thickness of the sea ice cover is also decreasing as Arctic ice has transformed from an older, thicker, and stronger ice mass to a younger, thinner more fragile ice mass in the past decade.

Extreme wildfires in the Sakha Republic of northern Russia during 2020 coincided with unparalleled warm air temperatures and record snow loss in the region.

Pacific Arctic bowhead whales have rebounded in the past 30 years, due to increases in both local plankton blooms and transport of increased krill and other food sources northward through the Bering Strait, a signal of long-term warming in the Arctic Ocean.

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Disease

COVID-19

The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:

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Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.3 earthquake hits Fiji.

5.2 earthquake hits west of Macquarie Island.

5.1 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.

5.0 earthquake hits the Greenland Sea.

5.0 earthquake hits Mindanao in the Philippines.

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Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Western Pacific Ocean: Tropical depression 26w (Krovanh), located approximately 287 nm southeast of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, is tracking west-southwestward at 06 knots.

Newsbytes:

Tasmania – Heavy rain across Tasmania has caused flash flooding, closing roads on the state’s east coast. The rain has come from a low-pressure system which moved into the state from Victoria brining up to 70 mm in some areas.

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Disease

COVID-19

The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:

On 14 December 2020, authorities of the United Kingdom (UK) reported to WHO that a new SARS-CoV-2 variant was identified through viral genomic sequencing. This variant is referred to as SARS-CoV-2 VUI 202012/01 (Variant Under Investigation, year 2020, month 12, variant 01).

H5N6 avian influenza – China

The official state-run press agency of the People’s Republic of China, Xinhua, reported today on a confirmed human case of H5N6 avian influenza Ningyuan County, Yongzhou City, Hunan Province. It is believed the patient contracted the disease at a live poultry trading market in Ningyuan County.

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Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

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

5.3 earthquake hits Vanuatu.

5.0 earthquake hits Antofagasta, Chile.

5.0 earthquake hits south fo Fiji.

5.0 earthquake hits the Molucca Sea.

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Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Western Pacific Ocean: Tropical depression 26w (Krovanh), located approximately 373nm east-southeast of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, is tracking west-southwestward at 09 knots.

Newsbytes:

Thailand – Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) reports that the strong northeast monsoon over the Gulf of Thailand caused further heavy rain and strong winds in southern provinces from 16 December, resulting in floods and landslides. As of 21 December, over 125,000 people from around 32,000 households were affected in total, with most of them in Narathiwat Province (28,836 household affected), and others in Pattani (2,304) and Yala (863 households). Over 400 people in Narathiwat have evacuated their homes and moved to evacuation centres.

UK – Heavy rainfall swept across parts of the United Kingdom over the weekend 18 to 20 December 2020, causing flash flooding in parts of Wales and South West England. Whitebarrow in Devon recorded 138mm of rain in 24 hours on 18 December, while Princetown in Devon recorded 111mm and Dartmoor 91 mm during the same period, according to the UK’s Met Office. In Wales, Llyn-y-Fan Blaenau in Carmarthenshire recorded 98mm and Tyn-Y-Waun, Glamorgan 82 mm on 18 December.

Malaysia – More flooding has affected parts of Peninsular Malaysia, prompting over 8,000 people to evacuate their homes. Flooding struck parts of Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang states from 17 December 2020 following days of heavy rains brought by the annual monsoon season. Kuantan in Pehang recorded 132 mm of rain in 24 hours to 17 December and a further 118 mm the following day. Levels of rivers in the region increased. The Golok river in northern Kelantan reached 10.43 metres on 20 December, above the danger mark of 10 metres. Several people have been rescued from flood waters, but no fatalities have been reported as of 20 December.

Philippines – At least 8 people have died and thousands have evacuated their homes after floods and landslides in the Philippines over the last few days. Heavy rain affected the southern island of Mindanao and later the central island ground of Visayas after an area of low pressure developed in to Tropical Depression “Vicky” on 18 December.

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Disease

COVID-19

The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:

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Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.2 earthquake hits off the coast of Aisen, Chile.

5.1 earthquake hits off the east coast of Honshu, Japan.

5.0 earthquake hits the coast of Atacama, Chile.

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Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Western Pacific Ocean: Tropical depression 26w (Krovanh), located approximately 485 nm east of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, is tracking west-northwestward at 10 knots.

In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone(tc) 05p (Yasa), located approximately 369 nm south-southeast of Suva, Fiji, is tracking south-southwestward at 06 knots.

Newsbytes:

Philippines – At least two people were killed and hundreds forced to flee their inundated homes in the Philippines as torrential rain triggered flooding and landslides in the storm-battered archipelago on Saturday. Huge waves smashed into a coastal village on Lapu-Lapu island in the central province of Cebu on Friday night, wiping out dozens of houses and leaving around 290 people homeless.

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Wildlife

Deadly Skin Disease Affects Dolphins

In collaboration with Australian researchers, The Marine Mammal Center has found that the increasing frequency and severity of storm systems drastically decrease the salinity of coastal waters, causing fatal skin disease in dolphins worldwide.

Scientists at The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, CA — the largest marine mammal hospital in the world — and international colleagues have identified a novel skin disease in dolphins that is linked to climate change. The study is a groundbreaking discovery, as it is the first time since the disease first appeared in 2005 that scientists have been able to link a cause to the condition that affects coastal dolphin communities worldwide. Due to the decreased water salinity brought upon by climate change, the dolphins develop patchy and raised skin lesions across their bodies — sometimes covering upwards of 70 percent of their skin.

 

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Disease

COVID-19

The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:

Dengue Fever – Reunion

The French Public Health Unit in the region, ARS is reporting that the department of Réunion Island, located in the Indian Ocean, has recorded 16,055 cases indigenous confirmed dengue fever cases in 2020 through Dec. 15. Officials say 782 hospitalizations were attributed to dengue, including 22 deaths.

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Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.5 earthquake hits eastern New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.

5.3 earthquake hits south of the Kermedec Islands.

5.2 earthquake hits south of Alaska.

5.0 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.

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Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone(tc) 05p (Yasa), located approximately 296 nm southeast of Suva, Fiji, is tracking southward at 08 knots.

Newsbytes:

Samoa – Heavy rain has triggered floods and landslides in Samoa, in particular in areas around the capital of Apia. Apria recorded around 85 mm of rain in 24 hours to 17 December. Media reported the Vaisigano river broke its banks. Flooding swamped roads, causing severe disruption to traffic in the city. The Disaster Management Office called for extreme caution as the heavy rain continued and urged residents of some low-lying areas to evacuate their homes.

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Disease

COVID-19

The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:

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

The Saudi Arabia Ministry of Health (MOH) have reported three confirmed cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS-CoV) infection since December 1.

Lassa fever – Nigeria

Through the week ending Dec. 12, Nigerian health officials have reported a total of 1163 confirmed Lassa fever cases, of which, 241 were fatal cases, or 20.7 percent. This includes the five confirmed cases and one death reported last week.

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Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.1 earthquake hits near the south coast of Honshu, Japan.

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Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone(tc) 05p (Yasa), located approximately 197 nm east-southeast of Suva, Fiji, is tracking southeastward at 10 knots.

Newsbytes:

La Niña Persists – U.S. forecasters predict there is a 95% chance the current moderate La Niña episode will prevail until at least March, triggering a unique set of global weather shifts. They add there is a chance it will peak in the strong range during January. While El Niños typically last just one year, La Niñas often fade, then redevelop the following year. Australian meteorologists say the ocean-cooling across the tropical Pacific can probably be linked to a cyclone-like storm that was lashing the coast of Queensland in mid-December. The deepening climate crisis is also said to be a factor in that storm and accompanying floods.

Fiji – Cyclone Yasa slammed into Fiji’s second-largest island Thursday, tearing roofs off buildings as it triggered flash floods and landslides in the Pacific island nation. Yasa, which is expected to move out to sea early Friday, landed in the sparsely populated Bau province. There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties but social media posts showed flooded villages and corrugated sheeting blown off homes.

Brazil – At least 10 people died Thursday in floods and landslides sparked by heavy rains in Presidente Getulio, a town in southern Brazil’s Santa Catarina state, bordering Argentina, state officials said. Civil defense rescue teams were also searching for 12 missing persons in affected neighborhoods.

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Environment

Pine Trees Under Siege

Rome’s iconic umbrella pine trees are under siege from a tiny insect known as the pine tortoise scale. Originally from North America, the invasive Toumeyella parvicornis has an oval shell that makes it look like a tortoise. It first appeared in Naples to the south five years ago, ravaging that city’s stone pines.

Agronomists say it can kill trees within just two or three years by operating like a vampire, sucking sap then coating trees with a fungus that blocks photosynthesis. They are looking at natural predators to control the infestation since it is not practical to use pesticides in the bustling Italian capital. “In Europe, our pines have never seen this insect and have no defense mechanism,” said entomologist Antonio Garonna.

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Wildlife

Pearl Penguin

The Galapagos National Park reports a white penguin that appears to have a rare genetic condition is living along the northern coast of Isabela Island. Park scientists say the leucism responsible for the white appearance of the Galapagos penguin differs from albinism because the bird has normal eye colour.

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Environment

Global Temperature Extremes

The week’s hottest temperature was 111 degrees Fahrenheit (43.9 degrees Celsius) in Boulia, Queensland, Australia.

The week’s coldest temperature was minus 68.0 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 55.6 degrees Celsius) in Oimyakon, Siberia.

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.

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Disease

COVID-19

The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:

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Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – Ongoing Activity for the Week 9 December 2020 – 15 December 2020

Aira – Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that during 7-14 December incandescence from Minamidake Crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) was often visible nightly and the sulfur dioxide emission rate remained high. Three explosions during 7-11 December produced ash plumes that rose as high as 2.4 km above the crater rim and ejected bombs 1.3-1.7 km away from the crater. An eruptive event at 0514 on 14 December produced a plume that rose 1.8 km and blended into weather clouds. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a 5-level scale).

Dukono – Halmahera (Indonesia) : Based on satellite and wind model data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 8-14 December ash plumes from Dukono rose 2.1-2.4 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 8-9 December that sent ash plumes up to 3.5 km (11,500 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE 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 7-12 December activity at Etna was similar to the previous week, characterized by intra-crater Strombolian activity at Northeast Crater (NEC), and Strombolian activity, lava effusion, and pyroclastic flows at the Southeast Crater (SEC). Additionally, infrequent ash emissions at the Bocca Nuova (BN) craters and some explosions and minor ash emissions at the Voragine (VOR) were also recorded. Webcam views of activity was limited due to weather conditions; a field visit was made on 14 December. Strombolian activity originated from the E and central vents at SEC ejected lava onto the inner crater walls. Occasional ash emissions dispersed quickly near the summit. Activity intensified at 2020 on 13 December and lava fountains formed around 2300. Collapses of the SW part of the SEC cone spurred a series of pyroclastic flows. At 2315 a small pyroclastic flow traveled down the SSW flank. A second pyroclastic flow began at 2316 and traveled 2 km down the SSW flank and covered Monte Frumento Supino cone (SSW). At 2330 a third and minor pyroclastic flow traveled SSW. Around the same time as the generation of the first two pyroclastic flows, two fissures opened on the SW flank of the SEC and produced lava flows to the S and SW until about 2350. A period of lava fountaining was visible during 0050-0110 and 0210-0223 on 14 December. During a field inspection on 14 December scientists confirmed the partial cone collapses and noted that the two lava flows (S and SW) were cooling. The S lava flow had widened at the near the base of SEC and formed four lobes. One of the lobes continued on and stopped just NW of cones that had formed in 2002-2003. The SW flow traveled SSW, branched, curved around the W part of Monte Frumento Supino, and then stopped. Explosive activity from central SEC vent continued, with roaring and sporadic ash emissions. An explosion at 1352 formed an ash plume that rose about 4 km and drifted S. Strombolian explosions deposited material outside of the crater.

Fuego – Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that 3-15 explosions were recorded per hour during 8-15 December at Fuego, generating ash plumes as high as 1.1 km above the crater rim that drifted 10-25 km generally S, SW, and W. Shock waves rattled buildings within 20 km of the summit. Block avalanches descended the Ceniza (SSW), Seca (W), Trinidad (S), Taniluyá (SW), El Jute, Las Lajas (SE), and Honda drainages; avalanches sometimes reached vegetated areas. Incandescent material was occasionally ejected 100-200 m. Ashfall was reported most days in several areas downwind including Morelia (9 km SW), Panimaché I and II (8 km SW), Finca Palo Verde, Santa Sofía (12 km SW), El Porvenir (8 km ENE), San Pedro Yepocapa (8 km NW), and Sangre de Cristo (8 km WSW).

Kirishimayama – Kyushu (Japan) : JMA noted that no eruption had occurred at Shinmoedake (Shinmoe peak, a stratovolcano of the Kirishimayama volcano group) since 28 June 2018. Volcanic earthquakes with hypocenters just below Shinmoedake had increased around 17 November 2019, fluctuated afterwards, and then began a decreasing trend in mid-October 2020. Sulfur dioxide levels were generally low, deformation data showed no changes, and both fumarolic and geothermal area activity remained stable. The Alert Level was lowered to 1 (on a scale of 1-5) on 11 December.

Klyuchevskoy – Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that Strombolian and Vulcanian activity at Klyuchevskoy continued during 4-7 December and lava advanced down the Kozyrevsky drainage on the S flank. A large bright thermal anomaly was identified daily in satellite images. Steam-and-gas plumes with some ash rose to 7 km (23,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 130 km NW and NE. The Aviation colour Code remined at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).

Pacaya – Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that on 9 December a new lava flow emerged from a vent S of Cerro Chino, NNW of Pacaya’s summit, and traveled as far as 250 m WSW. The branched lava flow which had opened in October on the WSW flank was active, with lengths between 400 and 600 m. Avalanches of material from the new flow and the SW-flank lava flows descended 100 m. Strombolian explosions from the cone in Mackenney Crater were visible on most days during 9-15 December and ejected material as high as 150 m above the vent. Gray ash plumes were occasionally visible drifting S, SW, and W at generally low altitudes. On 12 December strong winds picked up ash deposits and created ash curtains that drifted 1.5 km away and dispersed. Lava flows on the SW flank varied in length between 500 m and 1,000 m. The NW-flank lava flow ceased effusing by 13 December.

Sabancaya – Peru : Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP) reported a daily average of 54 explosions at Sabancaya during 7-13 December. Gas-and-ash plumes rose as high as 2.8 km above the summit and drifted NW, W, and SW. Eight thermal anomalies over the crater were identified in satellite data. Minor inflation continued to be detected in areas N of Hualca Hualca (4 km N) and on the SE flank. INGEMMET stated that ashfall was noted in the towns of Cabanaconde (22 km NW), Pinchollo (20 km N), and Madrigal (20 km NE) during 9-10 December. 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.

Santa Maria – Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that during 9-15 December explosions at Santa María’s Santiaguito lava-dome complex generated ash plumes that rose as high as 900 m above the complex. The extrusion of blocky lava at the WSW part of Caliente dome generated block-and-ash flows that descended the NW, WSW, SW, and E flanks often reaching the base of the complex. The activity increased at 0430 on 11 December with notable avalanches of material and block-and-ash flows lava dome traveling down the W and SW flanks. Ash plumes drifted 15 km SW, causing ashfall in areas downwind including Finca Montebello, Loma Linda, and San Marcos Palajunoj. Activity remained elevated at least through 13 December; ash plumes drifted as far as 20 km W, SW, and S, and pyroclastic flows descended the flanks.

Semeru – Eastern Java (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that the eruption at Semeru continued during 9-15 December. Incandescent material was ejected 50-100 m above the summit on 9 December and rock avalanches descended the Kobokan drainage 500 m on the SE flank. Explosions were recorded by the seismic network during 10-12 December but they could not be visually confirmed due to weather conditions. On 13 December a pyroclastic flow originating from the end of a lava flow traveled 1.5 km down the Kembar drainage (S flank), reaching a maximum distance of 3.5 km from the crater. The next day a pyroclastic flow traveled 3.5 km down the Kobokan drainage. Rock avalanches from the end of a lava flow traveled 300-1,500 m down both drainages during 14-15 December. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), with a general exclusion zone of 1 km and extensions to 4 km in the SSE sector.

Sheveluch – Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Sheveluch was identified in satellite images during 4-11 December. The lava block, named “Dolphin,” which had emerged in the E part of the summit lava dome, was absent in an 8 December photo of the volcano. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).

Suwanosejima – Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : JMA reported nighttime incandescence and intermittent eruptive activity at Suwanosejima’s Ontake Crater during 4-11 December. A total of 20 explosions were recorded, ejecting bombs up to 500 m away from the crater and producing gray-and-white plumes that rose 1.5 km above the crater rim. Ashfall was reported in Toshima village (4 km SSW). The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a 5-level scale).

Villarrica – Chile : POVI reported that during an over-flight of Villarrica on 9 December scientists observed a small lava lake, 10-15 m in diameter, partially covered by floating black solidified lava. The Alert Level remained at Yellow, the second lowest level on a four-colour scale. ONEMI maintained an Alert Level Yellow (the middle level on a three-colour scale) for the municipalities of Villarrica, Pucón (16 km N), Curarrehue, and the commune of Panguipulli, and the exclusion zone of 500 m around the crater.

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Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.6 earthquake hits southern Peru.

5.2 earthquake hits New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.

5.1 earthquake hits the Molucca Sea.

5.1 earthquake hits Mindanao in the Philippines.

5.1 earthquake hits the Andreanof Islands in the Aleutian Islands.

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Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone(tc) 05p (Yasa), located approximately 99 nm north-northeast of Suva, Fiji, is tracking east-southeastward at 12 knots.

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Disease

COVID-19

The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:

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Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – New Activity for the Week 9 December 2020 – 15 December 2020

Barren Island – Andaman Islands (India) : The Darwin VAAC reported that on 8 December an ash plume from Barren Island rose to 1.8 km (6,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted WSW.

Karymsky – Eastern Kamchatka (Russia) : At 2045 on 9 December explosions at Karymsky generated ash plumes that rose 6-7 km (19,700-23,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 60 km NW, prompting KVERT to raise the Alert Level to Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale). Explosions continued the next day; ash plumes drifted 220 km NW, W, and SW. A thermal anomaly was identified in satellite images on 4, 8, and 10 December.

Lewotolo – Lomblen Island (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that the eruption at Lewotolo continued during 9-15 December. Black, gray, and brown ash plumes were visible daily, rising as high as 1 km above the summit. Strombolian explosions were visible most nights ejecting material above the summit crater. The Alert Level was remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4) and the public was warned to stay 4 km away from the summer crater.

Merapi – Central Java (Indonesia) : BPPTKG reported that during 4-10 December white emissions from Merapi rose as high as 400 m above the summit. Rock avalanches traveled around 200 m down the Lamat drainage on the W flank. A comparison of photos taken on 29 November and 8 December showed some morphological changes in the summit area; drone footage from 5 December revealed no new lava dome material in the summit crater. Seismic activity was less intense than the previous week. Electronic Distance Measurement (EDM) data continued to measure a distance shortening between points in the NW at a rate of 9 cm per day. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4).

Telica – Nicaragua : INETER reported that there were two small ash-and-gas explosions at Telica recorded during 8-9 December, making a total of 1,315 small explosions recorded since the latest activity began 30 November. Gas-and-ash plumes rose as high as 200 m above the crater rim.

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Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

6.4 earthquake hits Mindanao in the Philippines.

5.6 earthquake hits Honduras.

5.2 earthquake hits south of Alaska.

5.0 earthquake hits Hokkaido, Japan.

5.0 earthquake hits Vanuatu.

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Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone (tc) 06p (Zazu), located approximately 173 nm south-southeast of Niue, is tracking east-southeastward at 15 knots.

Tropical cyclone(tc) 05p (Yasa), located approximately 3270 nm northwest of Suva, Fiji, is tracking east-southeastward at 10 knots.

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Disease

COVID-19

The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:

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Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

6.0 earthquake hits the Norwegian Sea.

5.9 earthquake hits Antofagasta, Chile.

Two 5.1 earthquakes hit Fiji.

5.1 earthquake hits Samoa.

5.0 earthquake hits Tonga.

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Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone (tc) 06p (Zazu), located approximately 210 nm west of Niue, is tracking eastward at 05 knots.

Tropical cyclone(tc) 05p (Yasa), located approximately 365 nm west-northwest of Suva, Fiji, is tracking eastward at 06 knots.

Newsbytes:

Colombia – Two people died in a landslide in Antioquia Department, Colombia on 12 December. The landslide occurred along the road between Bogota and Medellin, near the village of El Silencio in San Luis Municipality. Six homes were destroyed in the landslide, leaving 2 dead and 6 injured. DAGRAN evacuated around 30 people.

Indonesia – On Java Island, a combination of unusually high tides and rough seas caused coastal flooding in Indramayu in West Java on 06 December 2020. According to AHA Centre, 2,208 houses were damaged and 10,129 people affected. Meanwhile flooding in Bangkalan Regency in East Java Province left one person dead and 4,131 people affected. Parts of Sumatra were also affected by flooding in recent days, in particular areas of Aceh Province in the northwest tip of the island. Severe flooding affected North Aceh regency on 04 December after the Krueng Jambo Aye river broke its banks, according to AHA Centre. As many as 60,658 people were affected, 18,203 homes damaged and 19,476 people displaced. A period of heavy rain caused flooding in Aceh Tamiang Regency on 12 December, damaging 1,812 homes, displacing 1,303 people and affecting 7,288. Heavy rainfall triggered flooding in Dompu Regency of West Nusa Tenggara Province on 12 December, damaging 46 homes and affecting 230 people.

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Disease

COVID-19

The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:

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Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.5 earthquake hits south of Fiji.

5.1 earthquake hits New Ireland, Papua New Guinea.

Two 5.0 earthquakes hit Tonga.

5.0 earthquake hits Santiago del Estero, Argentina.

5.0 earthquake hits south of Fiji.

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Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone (tc) 06p (Zazu), located approximately 255 nm west of Niue, is tracking south-southwestward at 04 knots.

Tropical cyclone(tc) 05p (Yasa), located approximately 409 nm west-northwest of Suva, Fiji, is tracking west-northwestward at 02 knots.

Newsbytes:

Turkey – At least 2 people are missing after flash floods in Izmir Province, western Turkey. Flooding struck between 13 and 14 December 2020. A stream overflowed, flooding roads in Dereköy in Menderes district, sweeping away a vehicle carrying 5 people. Three managed to survive, while 2 others are thought to be still missing. Search and rescue operations are ongoing. Turkish State Meteorological Service reported 42.1mm of rain in the town of Menderes in 24 hours to 14 December. In Karabağlar, situated about 10 km to the north, 77.3 mm of rain fell during the same period.

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Wildfires

Wildfires – California

A wildfire started near Beaumont on Sunday and quickly burned through almost 2 000 acres. The fire is 24% contained and although threatening some structures, none were damaged and there have been no injuries.

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Disease

COVID-19

The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:

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Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.8 earthquake hits Timor, Indonesia.

5.6 earthquake hits south of Fiji.

5.4 earthquake hits south of Java, Indonesia.

5.1earthquake hits the mid-Indian ridge.

5.0 earthquake hits New Ireland, Papua New Guinea.

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Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone (tc) 05p (Four), located approximately 368 nm west-northwest of Suva, Fiji, is tracking west-southwestward at 06 knots.

Newsbytes:

Australia – Much of inland Western Australia is awash after a gusty tropical low dumped heavy rain from the Pilbara to the border with South Australia. The weather system crossed the coast near Port Hedland on Friday and started bucketing down, closing the region’s massive iron ore ports. It’s now moved southeast into the Gibson Desert and is about 100km from the tiny town of Warburton, near the SA border. A severe weather warning for damaging winds and heavy rain remains for the Goldfields and Midlands regions.

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Wildlife

Tigers on the move

The Royal Bengal Tiger has been sighted at an altitude of 3,165 m above sea level for the first time in Nepal, raising concerns about the impact of global warming on wildlife.

Earlier, Bhutan had captured a tiger on camera at an altitude of 4,038 m in 2018, while India’s Arunachal Pradesh recorded a sighting at Dibang Valley at an elevation of 3,630 m.

Sighting of the tiger at such elevations has raised concerns about the impact of global warming as well as possible depletion of habitats of the carnivore, which is enlisted as an endangered species.

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Disease

COVID-19

The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:

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Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

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

5.2 earthquake hits offshore Valparaiso, Chile.

5.2 earthquake hits the southwestern Ryukyu Islands off Japan.

5.1 earthquake hits near the west coast of Colombia.

5.0 earthquake hits Nevada.

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Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone (tc) 04p (Four), located approximately 258 nm west-northwest of Suva, Fiji, is tracking southwestward at 18 knots.

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Disease

COVID-19

The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:

Bird Flu – Europe

European officials report 561 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus detections in wild birds, poultry and captive birds since mid-August from 16 countries, according to a Scientific Report published yesterday. Two-thirds of the detections, or 370, were in Germany, followed by Denmark and the Netherlands.

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Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.9 earthquake hits Taiwan.

5.7 earthquake hits south of the Kermedec Islands.

5.6 earthquake hits Taiwan.

5.5 earthquake hits Tonga.

5.3 earthquake hits south of Fiji.

5.0 earthquake hits the Molucca Sea.

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Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone (tc) 02s (Bongoyo), located approximately 957 nm east of Port Louis, Mauritius, is tracking westward at 06 knots.

Tropical cyclone (tc) 03s (Three), located approximately 53 nm south-southeast of Port Hedland, Australia, is tracking southwestward at 24 knots.

Tropical cyclone (tc) 04p (Four), located approximately 313 nm north of Suva, Fiji, is tracking southwestward at 08 knots.

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Environment

Human-made materials now outweigh Earth’s entire biomass

A research study has revealed that human-made materials outweighed the overall living biomass on Earth today.

The study, carried out by researchers to provide an objective measure of the reality of the balance between man and nature, estimated that the amount of plastic alone is greater in mass than all land animals and marine creatures combined.

Human activity including the production of concrete, metal, plastic, bricks and asphalt outweighs the overall living biomass on Earth, the study concluded.

A paper published in Nature stated that on average, each week, every person is responsible for the creation of human-made matter equal to more than their own bodyweight.

More Locusts

East African officials say weather conditions are now favorable for another wave of ravenous locusts to swarm across the region from the Red Sea to Kenya. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization also predicts fresh immature swarms will soon migrate southward to Ethiopia and Somalia before eventually invading northeastern Kenya.

These same areas were hit earlier this year by massive swarms that also originated around the Red Sea. Successive generations are still devouring grasslands, threatening food shortages and laying eggs.

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Wildlife

Medicinal Sparrows

An international team of researchers says it has found that a species of sparrow intentionally uses medicinal herbs to ensure the health of its offspring. Such behavior was earlier thought to be restricted to only a small number of animals, mainly higher primates.

William Feeney of Australia’s Griffith University says russet sparrows use wormwood leaves to build nests. “The phytochemical compounds within wormwood leaves reduced infestation of the nest parasites, which results in the production of healthier chicks,” said Feeney.

Writing in the journal Current Biology, he and colleagues say that the birds seek out those leaves and adjust how many are in their nests through their sense of smell.

Ray Scanning

Japanese scientists have proposed a novel way to map the ocean’s vast unexplored seabed by equipping stingrays and electric rays with ultrasonic pingers and tiny cameras to collect data. “Electric rays and stingrays are benthic animals, meaning that they spend most of their time swimming around the ocean floor in deep places,” said Yo Tanaka of the RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research.

By placing cameras on rays and linking the timing of the recorded video to the timing and locations determined by the pingers, the researchers believe they can create accurate maps of the ocean floor. Tanaka says trial experiments confirm the scheme is practical.

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Environment

Global Temperature Extremes

The week’s hottest temperature was 112 degrees Fahrenheit (44.4 degrees Celsius) in Boulia, Queensland, Australia.

The week’s coldest temperature was minus 65.0 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 53.9 degrees Celsius) in Oimyakon, Siberia.

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.

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Wildfires

Wildfires – Texas, USA

U.S. Fish and Wildlife officials said they are battling three large wildfires Thursday in the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge in southern Chambers County. The cause of the fire is unknown and no injuries have been reported.

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Disease

COVID-19

The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:

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Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – Ongoing Activity for the Week 2 December 2020 – 8 December 2020

Aira – Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that during 30 November-7 December incandescence from Minamidake Crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) was often visible nightly. An explosion on 2 December produced an eruption plume that rose 1 km above the crater rim and blended into weather clouds. Volcanic bombs were ejected 1-1.3 km away from the crater. That same day the sulfur dioxide emission rate was high, at 2,500 tons per day. During 4-7 December two eruption plumes rose as high as 1.2 km above the crater rim. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a 5-level scale).

Dukono – Halmahera (Indonesia) : Based on satellite and wind model data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 4-7 December ash plumes from Dukono rose to 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE, E, and SE. 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 28-30 November and 3 December that sent ash plumes up to 4.5 km (14,800 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE and E. Ashfall was reported in Severo-Kurilsk on 28 November. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).

Ibu – Halmahera (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that during 2-8 December gray-and-white ash plume from Ibu rose 200-800 m above the summit and drifted N and E. There were 70-81 eruptive events per day recorded during 2-4 and 6-8 December. 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 strong explosions at Karymsky were last observed on 8 November 2019 and a thermal anomaly was last visible in satellite images on 19 November 2019. Gas-and-steam emissions persist. Since activity had significantly decreased, the Alert Level was lowered to Yellow (the second lowest level on a four-colour scale) on 3 December.

Klyuchevskoy – Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that Strombolian and Vulcanian activity at Klyuchevskoy continued during 27 November-4 December and lava advanced down the Apakhonchich drainage on the SE flank. A large, bright thermal anomaly was identified daily in satellite images. During 20-21 and 23-26 November steam-and-gas plumes with some ash rose to 7 km (23,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 300 km NW and E. The Aviation colour Code remined at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).

Korovin – Andreanof Islands (USA) : Seismic activity at Korovin had decreased, and satellite images showed no signs of unrest over the previous several weeks. AVO lowered the Alert Level to Green and the Aviation colour Code to Normal on 3 December.

Nevado del Ruiz – Colombia : Servicio Geológico Colombiano’s (SGC) Observatorio Vulcanológico y Sismológico de Manizales reported that during 1-8 December seismicity at Nevado del Ruiz was generally characterized by higher number of earthquakes that had larger magnitudes than the previous week. Several episodes of drumbeat signals were recorded, indicating ascent or growth of a lava dome in Arenas Crater. Gas-and-ash emissions were sometimes visible in webcam images. Two thermal anomalies were visible in satellite data. The Alert Level remained at 3 (Yellow; the second lowest level on a four-colour scale).

Semeru – Eastern Java (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that the eruption at Semeru continued during 1-8 December. Rock avalanches were recorded by the seismic network almost daily and were visible most days, traveling 200-1,500 m down the Kobokan drainage. Eruptive events and rockfalls generated pyroclastic flows that traveled as far as 2.5 km down the Kobokan drainage on the SE flank during 1-3 and 5-6 December. BNPB noted that deposits from the 1 December pyroclastic flow were as thick as 15 m. According to the Darwin VAAC, ash plumes rose to altitudes of 4-6.1 km (13,000-20,000 ft) a.s.l., or 300-2,400 m above the summit, and drifted E and NE during 2 and 5-6 December. PVMBG noted that incandescent material was ejected 50-100 m above the summit during 5-8 December. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), with a general exclusion zone of 1 km and extensions to 4 km in the SSE sector.

Sheveluch – Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Sheveluch was identified in satellite images during 27 November-4 December. A gas-and-steam plume drifted 60 km NE on 30 November. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).

Sinabung – Indonesia : PVMBG reported that an ash plume rose as high as 500 m above Sinabung’s summit on 2 December. Block avalanches were recorded by the seismic network almost daily, though they were not visually confirmed; however, on 6 December, they were observed traveling 300-500 m down the E and SE flanks. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4), with a general exclusion zone of 3 km that extends 5 km SE and 4 km NE.

Suwanosejima – Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : JMA reported nighttime incandescence and intermittent eruptive activity at Suwanosejima’s Ontake Crater during 27 November-4 December. A total of 17 explosions were recorded, ejecting bombs up to 600 m away from the crater and producing gray-and-white plumes that rose 1.5 km above the crater rim. Ashfall was reported in Toshima village (4 km SSW). The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a 5-level scale).

Villarrica – Chile : SERNAGEOMIN reported that a long-period (LP) event and associated explosion were recorded by Villarrica’s seismic network at 1844 on 5 December. An ash plume rose 160 m and drifted SSE, depositing ash onto the flanks. Incandescent material was also ejected onto the SSE flanks. The Alert Level remained at Yellow, the second lowest level on a four-colour scale. ONEMI maintained an Alert Level Yellow (the middle level on a three-colour scale) for the municipalities of Villarrica, Pucón (16 km N), Curarrehue, and the commune of Panguipulli, and the exclusion zone for the public of 500 m around the crater.

Whakaari/White Island – North Island (New Zealand) : GeoNet reported that Whakaari/White Island observations and monitoring data indicated a gradual trend to lower activity levels during the previous two weeks. An overflight of the island on 2 December confirmed that ash emissions stopped and were not visible in satellite images during 2-7 December. Volcanic tremor levels and the number of local earthquakes decreased. Deformation data indicated subsidence around the active vents and parts of the Main Crater wall. Hot steam-and-gas emissions persisted. The Volcanic Alert Level was lowered to 1 and the Aviation colour Code was lowered to Green on 7 December.

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Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.1 earthquake hits Lake Baykal, Russia.

5.1 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.

5.0 earthquake hits Taiwan.

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Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone (tc) 02s (Bongoyo), located approximately 876 nm south-southeast of Diego Garcia, is tracking south-southwestward at 04 knots.

Tropical cyclone (tc) 03s (Three), located approximately 461 nm north-northwest of Learmonth, Australia, is tracking southeastward at 12 knots

Newsbytes:

Slovenia, Croatia – Heavy rains have battered parts of Slovenia and Croatia close to the Adriatic Sea coast, causing floods and landslides, blocking roads and disrupting traffic. Persistent rain in coastal Slovenia on Wednesday made the Dragonja river overflow its banks along the border with Croatia, blocking a key road in the area and forcing closure of a border crossing. A landslide brought down trees in the area of the port town of Koper and flooded regional roads, while rising Adriatic Sea waters submerged parts of nearby Piran.

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Disease

COVID-19

The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:

Spain – Lions Contract Covid-19

The Barcelona Zoo is reporting four of their lions have contracted SARS-CoV-2, the second known case in which big cats have contracted the virus. Three females named Zala, Nima and Run Run and one male, Kiumbe, were examined in November after caregivers noted they were showing mild symptoms of the disease.

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Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – New Activity for the Week 2 December 2020 – 8 December 2020

Lewotolo – Lomblen Island (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that the eruption at Lewotolo continued during 1-8 December. Black-and-gray ash plumes were visible daily, rising as high as 1.5 km abo e the summit. Incandescence at the summit was visible nightly and material was sometimes ejected as high as 20 m above the summit. BNPB noted that by 5 December there were a total of 9,028 people housed in 11 evacuation centers. The Alert Level was remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4) and the public was warned to stay 4 km away from the summit crater.

Manam – Papua New Guinea : Based on analyses of satellite imagery and model data, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 6 December an ash emission from Manam rose to an altitude of 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SW.

Merapi – Central Java (Indonesia) : BPPTKG and PVMBG reported that during 27 November-8 December white emissions from Merapi rose as high as 600 m above the summit. Rock avalanches were heard, though not visually confirmed due to weather conditions. A comparison of photos taken on 26 and 29 November showed no morphology changes in the summit area. Seismicity was higher than the previous week. Electronic Distance Measurement (EDM) data continued to measure a distance shortening between points in the NW at a rate of 11 cm per day. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4).

Piton de la Fournaise – Reunion Island (France) : OVPF reported that a seismic crisis at Piton de la Fournaise was recorded during 0510-0554 on 4 December and was accompanied by minor, but rapid, deformation located just below the center and N rim of Dolomieu Crater. Seismicity declined after the crisis but inflation continued through 6 December. A second seismic crisis began at 0228 on 7 December and was again accompanied by rapid deformation. At about 0440 three fissures opened on the WSW flank of Dolomieu Crater at elevations between 2,300 and 2,190 m, spanning a 700-m-long area. Lava began erupting during 0455-0500. An overflight was conducted during 0700-0730; scientists observed lava fountains rising 15 m high from the three fissures and short lava flows. By 1700 the fissure at the highest elevation was the most active with five small vents while the other two fissures were noticeably less active. The eruption phase ended at 0715 on 8 December following a gradual drop in tremor and a three-hour phase of seismic signals indicating degassing. No surficial activity was visible.

Telica – Nicaragua : INETER reported that there were 598 “low energy” ash-and-gas explosions at Telica recorded during 1-3 December, making a total of 775 recorded since the activity began on 30 November. Gas-and-ash plumes rose 50-400 m above the crater rim and mainly drifted SW. Ashfall was reported in areas downwind including in Zarandaj (7 km WSW), Cristo Rey (6 km W), Las Colinas (7 km WSW), Garrobo Empinado (8 km SW), El Panal (9 km SSW), Canta Rana, Ceibo Chachagua (10 km SW), Las Mercedes, Punta Arena (11 km SW), La Virgen, and Filiberto Morales (15 km WSW).

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Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.5 earthquake hits offshore Oaxaca, Mexico.

5.4 earthquake hits the Near Islands in the Aleutian Islands.

5.3 earthquake hits west of Gibraltar.

5.3 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.

5.2 earthquake hits the Panama-Costa Rica border.

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