Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.8 earthquake hits Tonga.
5.6 earthquake hits Mindanao in the Philippines.
5.2 earthquake hits the E’Entrecasteaux Islands.
5.1 earthquake hits Alaska.
5.1 earthquake hits central Peru.
5.0 earthquake hits eastern Xizang, China.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Hurricane Isaias is located about 15 mi…25 km ssw of Great Inagua island and about 385 mi…620 km se of Nassau with maximum sustained winds…80 mph…130 km/h. Present movement…nw or 305 degrees at 17 mph…28 km/h.
NewsBytes:
Niger and Mali – In Niger, 9 people have died, 20,174 people have been affected and 2,244 houses have been destroyed. The worst hit areas are the regions of Maradi and Tahoua, with respectively 13,667 and 4,173 people affected. According to the Ministry of the Interior, 17 people have been injured and 9 people have lost their lives, including five by drowning and four in the collapse of houses. Meanwhile in neighbouring Mali, floods have affected 7,648 people, including 5,406 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Mopti Region. Flooding was also reported in Gao and assessments are ongoing.
Caribbean – Thursday, Isaias slammed the Dominican Republic with heavy rainfall and strong winds. A tropical storm watch is listed for the east coast of Florida from Ocean Reef to Sebastian Inlet and for Lake Okeechobee. The center has warned of the risk of winds, heavy rainfall and storm surge this weekend along Florida’s east coast and spreading northward along the U.S. East Coast through early next week.
Global Quiet
The plunge in human activities worldwide in recent months due to the pandemic has brought the longest and most pronounced quiet period of seismic noise in recorded history. An international team of scientists write in the journal Science that the relative quiet has allowed them to detect previously concealed earthquake signals, which could help us more accurately tell the difference in the future between man-made and natural seismic noise. The typically quiet periods around Christmas, New Year’s and the Chinese New Year have been eclipsed by the decline of industrial production, transport and service industries brought on by COVID-19.
Global Temperature Extremes
The week’s hottest temperature was 123 degrees Fahrenheit (50.6 degrees Celsius) in Al Qaysumah, Saudi Arabia.
The week’s coldest temperature was minus 106.0 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 76.7 degrees Celsius) at Vostok, Antarctica.
Temperatures were tabulated from the more than 10,000 worldwide synoptic weather stations. The United Nations World Meteorological Organization sets the standards for weather observations, and provides a global telecommunications circuit for data distribution.
COVID-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Dengue Fever – Brazil
In an update on the dengue fever situation in Brazil, officials in Paraná state report 157 deaths and 217,891 confirmed cases of dengue since July 2019, when the current epidemiological period began.
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – Ongoing Activity for the Week 22 July 2020 – 28 July 2020
Dukono | Halmahera (Indonesia) : Based on information from PVMBG and satellite data the Darwin VAAC reported that ash plumes from Dukono rose to 2.1-2.3 km (7,000-8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted N, NW, and W during 22-26 and 28 July. The Alert Level remained at a 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 17-24 July that sent ash plumes up to 3.5 km (11,500 ft) a.s.l. and drifted in multiple directions. A thermal anomaly over the volcano was identified in satellite images each day; an ash cloud 11×13 km in size drifted 30 km SE on 22 July. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).
Popocatepetl | Mexico : CENAPRED reported that each day during 22-27 July there were 2-107 steam-and-gas emissions from Popocatépetl, some of which contained minor amounts of ash. Crater incandescence was visible most nights. Gas, steam, and ash plumes rose as high as 2 km above the crater rim and drifted NW, WSW, and SW. Minor ashfall was reported on 23 and 27 July in areas downwind, including in Tetela del Volcán (20 km SW), Ocuituco (24 km SW), Atlatlahucán (30 km WSW), Yecapixtla (20 km W), Yautepec (50 km WSW), and Jiutepec (60 km WSW), in the state of Morelos, as well as in Tlalmanalco (30 km NW), Juchitepec, Tepetlixpa (20 km W), Atlautla (17 km W), Ozumba (18 km W), and Ecatzingo (15 km SW), in the state of Mexico. Incandescent material was ejected a short distance from the crater on 25 July and was followed by minor ashfall in Ecatzingo, Atlautla, Tepetlixpa, and Juchitepec. Incandescent material was again ejected a short distance from the crater during 26-27 July. Explosions were recorded at 1135 on 27 July and 0511 on 28 July. Minor ashfall was reported in the municipalities of Tlalmanalco (30 km NW), Ayapango (22 km NW), Temamatla (32 km NW), Ecatepec, Valle de Chalco (44 km NW), Texcoco (60 km NNW), Tezoyuca (68 km NNW), Tepetlaoxtoc, Naucalpan (80 km NW), Atizapán (90 km NW), Huixquilucan (85 km NW), Nicolás Romero (95 km NW), and Tlalnepantla (80 km NW) in the state of México. The Alert Level remained at Yellow, Phase Two (middle level on a three-colour scale).
Reventador | Ecuador : On 23 July IG reported that activity at Reventador remained high. A slight increase in surficial activity during the previous two weeks was characterized by ash emissions along with pyroclastic flows that descended the W, N, and NE flanks. Ash plumes rose 0.7-1.3 km above the crater rim and drifted several kilometers NW, W, and SW. Incandescent blocks preferentially rolled down the N and NE flanks, though sometimes material was ejected onto all of the flanks.
Rincon de la Vieja | Costa Rica : OVSICORI-UNA reported that periodic phreatic explosions at Rincón de la Vieja were recorded by the seismic network and webcams during 22-25 July. Sometimes the events were not visually confirmed due to weather conditions. Small eruptive events were recorded during 0700-0900 on 22 July, and during the first part of the day on 23 July; a minor steam plume was visible at 0536 on 23 July. An eruptive event at 0153 on 25 July produced a plume that rose 1 km above
Semeru | Eastern Java (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that white-and-gray ash plumes from Semeru rose 300-500 m above the summit and drifted S and W during 23-26 and 28 July. Weather conditions prevented visual observations on 22 and 27 July. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was reminded to stay outside of the general 1-km radius from the summit and 4 km on the SSE flank.
Sheveluch | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Sheveluch was identified in satellite images during 17-24 July. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).
Suwanosejima | Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : JMA reported that nighttime incandescence at Suwanosejima’s Ontake Crater was occasionally visible during 17-24 July. An explosion at 2247 on 22 July generated a gray plume that rose as high as 1.2 km above the crater rim and ejected large rocks as far as 300 m from the crater. The Tokyo VAAC reported that during 25-27 July ash plumes rose to 1.8-2.7 km (6,000-9,000 ft) a.s.l. (1-1.9 km above the crater rim) and drifted NW, N, NE. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a 5-level scale).
Villarrica | Chile : ONEMI reported that during 1-15 July activity at Villarrica was characterized by nighttime crater incandescence, gas emission, and sporadic tephra emissions. SERNAGEOMIN reported that a long-period earthquake associated with a moderate explosion in the summit crater was recorded at 1807 on 25 July. 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 changed the exclusion zone for the public to a radius of 500 m around the crater.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.9 earthquake hits the Izu Islands off Japan.
5.2 earthquake hits the Ceram Sea, Indonesia.
5.0 earthquake hits Tonga.
5.0 earthquake hits eastern Xizang, China.
5.0 earthquake hits western Xizang, China.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Tropical Storm Isaias is located about 100 mi…165 km wsw of Ponce Puerto Rico and about 160 mi…255 km se of Santo Domingo Dominican Republic with maximum sustained winds…60 mph…95 km/h. Present movement…nw or 305 degrees at 21 mph…33 km/h.
NewsBytes:
South Korea – At least 2 people have died in South Korea in the third deadly flood event in the country this month. Torrential rain affected South Chungcheong and North Jeolla provinces and the city of Daejeon, 29 to 30 July. Flash flooding in Daejeon damaged around 100 buildings including a hospital, flooded parking lots and swamped roads and railway lines. Two flood-related fatalities were reported in the city.
Myanmar – The Ayeyarwady River burst its banks, and 6,516 locals from 1,451 households in some areas of Sagaing Region were evacuated from their homes, state media reported. Around 20,000 people have affected by flooding along the Ayeyarwady River in Myanmar, according to Red Cross reports.
Increasing Arctic freshwater is driven by climate change
New, first-of-its-kind research from CU Boulder shows that climate change is driving increasing amounts of freshwater in the Arctic Ocean. Within the next few decades, this will lead to increased freshwater moving into the North Atlantic Ocean, which could disrupt ocean currents and affect temperatures in northern Europe.
Since the 1990s, the Arctic Ocean has seen a 10% increase in its freshwater. That’s 2,400 cubic miles (10,000 cubic kilometers), the same amount it would take to cover the entire U.S. with 3 feet of water.
The salinity in the ocean isn’t the same everywhere, and the Arctic Ocean’s surface waters are already some of the freshest in the world due to large amounts of river runoff.
This freshwater is what makes sea ice possible: it keeps cold water at the surface, instead of allowing this denser liquid to sink below less dense, warm water. In this way, the Arctic Ocean is much different than other oceans. But as more freshwater exits the Arctic, this same stabilizing mechanism could disrupt the ocean currents in the North Atlantic that moderate winter temperatures in Europe.
Such disruptions have happened before, during the “great salinity anomalies” of the 1970s and 80s. But these were temporary events. If too much cold freshwater from the Arctic continuously flows into the North Atlantic, the ocean turnover could be disrupted more permanently.
COVID-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – New Activity for the Week 22 July 2020 – 28 July 2020
Copahue | Central Chile-Argentina border : SERNAGEOMIN and SEGEMAR reported that elevated seismicity (continuous tremor) at Copahue was recorded on 16 July and accompanied by ash emissions observed by local residents. Sulfur dioxide emissions were anomalous on 4, 6, and 20 July; values were 2,100 and 1,713 tons per day on 2 and 4 July, respectively, on the high end of normal values. On 20 July residents of La Araucanía described an odor indicating hydrogen sulfide gas emissions. On 23 July the Alert Level was raised to Yellow (the second lowest level on a four-colour scale). ONEMI raised a Yellow Alert (the middle level on a three-colour scale) for residents of the Alto Biobío municipality and access to an area within 1 km of El Agrio Crater was restricted to the public.
Nishinoshima | Japan : Based on satellite data, the Tokyo VAAC reported that during 22-28 July ash plumes from Nishinoshima rose to 2.4-5.2 km (8,000-17,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted in multiple directions.
Turrialba | Costa Rica : OVSICORI-UNA reported that during 22-23 July white steam plumes from Turrialba contained a minor amount of ash on one occasion.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.4 earthquake hits Alaska.
5.3 earthquake hits near the coast of southern Peru.
5.1 earthquake hits Alaska.
5.0 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine is located about 55 mi…90 km wsw of Dominica and about 350 mi…560 km se of San Juan Puerto Rico with maximum sustained winds…45 mph…75 km/h. Present movement…wnw or 290 degrees at 23 mph…37 km/h.
In the Central Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm Douglas is located about 320 mi…515 km se of Midway island and about 1065 mi…1715 km w of Honolulu Hawaii with maximum sustained winds…40 mph…65 km/h. Present movement…w or 275 degrees at 23 mph…37 km/h.
NewsBytes:
Japan – More torrential rain has caused flooding and mudslides in Japan following the disaster in southern prefectures that left over 50 dead or missing earlier this month. Heavy rain has been falling in northern area of the country since 27 July. Several locations in Yamagata recorded more than 200mm of rain in 24 hours on 28 July. The Mogami River in the prefecture broke its banks, flooding houses and roads in several areas including the town of Oishida as well as in Okura. According to prefecture officials, around 90 homes have been damaged by the flooding and nearly 2,500 people have been evacuated. One person was reported injured.
Forests Migrate — But Not Fast Enough For Climate Change
We’re all familiar with migration: Wildebeests gallop across Africa, Monarch butterflies flit across the Americas … but forests migrate, too, an agonizingly slow migration, as forests creep inch by inch to more hospitable places.
Individual trees are rooted in one spot. As old trees die and new ones sprouts up, the forest is — ever so slightly — moving. A forest sends seeds just beyond its footprint in every direction, but the seeds that go to the north — assuming the north is the more hospitable direction — thrive a little more than the ones that fall to the south. Over time, this forest would march steadily northwards.
Soil animals are getting smaller with climate change
The biomass of small animals that decompose plants in the soil and thus maintain its fertility is declining both as a result of climate change and over-intensive cultivation. To their surprise, however, scientists have discovered that this effect occurs in two different ways: while the changing climate reduces the body size of the organisms, cultivation reduces their frequency. Even by farming organically, it is not possible to counteract all negative consequences of climate change.
Largely unnoticed and in secret, an army of tiny service providers works below our feet. Countless small insects, arachnids and other soil dwellers are indefatigably busy decomposing dead plants and other organic material, and recycling the nutrients they contain. However, experts have long feared that these organisms, which are so important for soil fertility and the functioning of ecosystems, are increasingly coming under stress.
On the one hand, they are confronted with the consequences of climate change, which challenges them with high temperatures and unusual precipitation conditions with more frequent droughts. On the other hand, they also suffer from over-intensive land use.
COVID-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Measles – DR Congo
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) measles outbreak continues as health officials report an additional 850 measles cases including 6 deaths (CFR 0.7%) across the country during the week ending July 12.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.1 earthquake hits Mindanao in the Philippines.
5.8 earthquake hits Alaska.
5.5 earthquake hits Alaska.
5.1 earthquake hits the Chagos Archipelago.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm Douglas is locatedabout 460 mi…735 km wnw of Honolulu Hawaii and about 105 mi…170 km ese of French Frigate shoals with maximum sustained winds…60 mph…95 km/h. Present movement…wnw or 285 degrees at 14 mph…22 km/h.
NewsBytes:
Australia Severe weather including strong winds, heavy rainfall and damaging surf has been affecting parts of New South Wales (NSW) in Australia over the last 2 days. Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) said a coastal low that has spent the last few days tracking down from the north. “After hammering the Far North, then Central Coast, the Hunter and Sydney, now it’s Illawarra and far south feeling the impacts. This afternoon has seen rain and wind gusts of 113 km/h at Ulladulla and 96 at Kiama km/h.”
Pakistan – Heavy rainfall in Pakistan has caused severe flash flooding in the city of Karachi and triggered a deadly landslide in Punjab. Drainage systems were overwhelmed and several parts of the city and surrounding areas were flooded. Power lines were downed and buildings damaged or destroyed. Local media reported that at least 10 people had lost their lives as a result of either electrocution or structural collapse. Meanwhile in the province of Punjab, 3 young people died and one was injured after heavy rain triggered a landslide in Orakzai District on 27 July, according to NDMA.
India (Bihar) – Authorities in India report that major rivers are at severe flood stage in 19 locations in the state of Bihar in the north east of the country. Wide areas of the state are under water and Indian Air Force helicopters have been deployed to drop flood relief materials including food and fresh water to remote and cut off locations. According to reports of 25 July from Bihar’s Disaster Management Department, 960,000 people have now been affected by floods across 10 districts. The Department reported 10 fatalities as a result of flooding.
India (Assam) – Over 2.4 million people are currently affected by monsoon flooding in the state of Assam, north eastern India. Assam State Disaster Management Agency (ASDMA) reported flooding in 2,265 villages and localities in 23 of the state’s 33 districts.
Thailand – Monsoon rain has caused flooding and landslides in northern, central and eastern areas of the country over the last 10 days. Dozens of homes have been damaged, along with roads, bridges and dams. However, no injuries or fatalities were reported. The worst hit areas are Lampang Province and Pathum Thani province.
USA, Mexico – Hurricane Hanna made landfall in southern Texas as a Category 1 system on 25 July 2020. The storm weakened as it moved west but brought torrential rainfall to parts of northern Mexico where 2 people have died and 6 are missing. Mexico’s disaster management authority, Centro Nacional de Prevención de Desastres (CENAPRED) reported on 27 July that Hanna had caused considerable material damage, mainly in the states of Tamaulipas, Coahuila and Nuevo León.
Vietnam Bans Wildlife Imports, Bans Illegal Wildlife Markets
Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has signed a new directive that bans wildlife imports and closes illegal wildlife markets, a move applauded by Humane Society International/Vietnam. This directive provides clear instructions to relevant enforcement agencies and authorities to take immediate actions to better control wildlife trade as part of the global response to the threat of zoonotic diseases such as COVID-19 posed by wildlife consumption and trade.
Australian Wildfire – Among Worst Wildlife Disasters
Nearly 3 billion animals were affected by Australia’s worst wildfire season that burned from last July through March this year, scientists announced Tuesday — a figure almost three times higher than original estimates.
The report released Tuesday and commissioned by the World Wide Fund for Nature Australia said more than 46 million acres were scorched. An estimate in January said 1.25 billion animals were affected.
“This ranks as one of the worst wildlife disasters in modern history,” said Dermot O’Gorman, the organization’s chief executive officer in a statement.
Ten researchers from Australian universities and wildlife groups involved in the report have been looking at both the impact of the fires and possible ways to protect ecosystems in the future.
The affected wildlife includes 143 million mammals, 2.46 billion reptiles, 180 million birds and 51 million frogs.
Wildfires – Portugal
Portugal has issued a fire alert for Monday and Tuesday amid hot conditions, as more than 800 firefighters successfully fought a huge wildfire blazing across central regions of the country. The fire had forced a number of people to evacuate their homes and endangered houses as it approached isolated villages.
Wildfires – Siberia
Wildfires currently burning across Russia have doubled in size over the past week, the state-run TASS news agency reported Monday, citing a source in the Federal Forestry Agency. According to Russia’s agency for aerial forest fire management Aviales, a total of 148 forest fires were burning across 67,913 hectares of land as of midnight Monday. At the same time last week, 155 fires were burning across 32,984 hectares of land.
COVID-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.5 earthquake hits Crete.
5.3 earthquake hits Taiwan.
5.0 earthquake hits the Nias region, Indonesia.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Tropical Depression Hanna is located about 65 mi…105 km n of Fresnillo Mexico with maximum sustained winds…25 mph…35 km/h. Present movement…w or 270 degrees at 5 mph…7 km/h.
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Hurricane Douglas is located about 50 mi…85 km ne of Lihue Hawaii and about 100 mi…160 km nw of Honolulu Hawaii with maximum sustained winds…90 mph…150 km/h. Present movement…wnw or 290 degrees at 16 mph…26 km/h.
NewsBytes:
Yemen – At least 17 people have lost their lives in recent floods in Yemen during 22 – 25 July. 3 people died after heavy rains in Bani Qais district in Hajjah Governorate washed away dozens of huts and tents in camps for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). Elsewhere, flooding caused material damages in Lahj, Shabwah and Abyan governorates. Heavy rain also affected the capital Sana’a, with flooding reported.
Bangladesh – Government and humanitarian agencies in Bangladesh report that 3.3 million people have now been affected by flooding that began in June. According to a report of 25 July by the Humanitarian Coordination Task Team (HCTT), 21 districts of the country have now been affected, with 16 of them seeing moderate to severe impacts. Flooding has inundated over 34,000 km2 of land, which amounts to 24% of the country. Almost 75% of Jamalpur district is flooded. Over 90 people have died in flooding since 30 June, including 41 children. Approximately 56,000 people have been displaced to 1,086 flood shelters.
Nigeria – At least 7 people have died in flash flooding and heavy rainfall in Niger state in central Nigeria. Local media reported torrential rainfall lasting several hours late on 24 July caused flooding and damage in Rafin Sanyi area of Suleja Local Government Area. Rain and flooding downed trees and power lines, causing electricity outages. According to a local government spokesperson, several houses collapsed in the area, trapping people in their homes. As of 25 July, 7 bodies had been recovered but more are feared missing. Rescue and recovery teams have been dispatched in the area in the search for survivors.
Vietnam – At least 5 people lost their lives after heavy rainfall from 20 July triggered flooding and landslides in northern Vietnam. Vietnam’s Disaster Management Authority reported flooding and landslides in Ha Giang and Cao Bang Provinces. Ha Giang City recorded 378mm of rain in 24 hours to 21 July, while Dao Duc recorded 395 mm and Cao Bo (both in Ha Giang Province) 401 mm.
USA, Mexico – As it weakened to a tropical storm Sunday morning, Hanna pushed inland through the Rio Grande Valley, leaving flooding and damage in its path in a wide swath of South Texas and northern Mexico.
India – More than 100 animals, including 10 one-horned rhinoceroses, have died in massive flooding at the famed Kaziranga game reserve in northeastern India, officials said. The flooding is the result of a monsoon that has dumped rain across parts of India, Bangladesh and Nepal.
Wildfires – Arctic
The Arctic Circle, home to some of the coldest places on Earth, is on fire. Intense wildfires are wreaking havoc in parts of Russia, Greenland and Alaska as the region faces yet another record-breaking heatwave. Scientists are now warning that these fires may become a regular occurrence, a grim reminder of the consequences the world will face as global temperatures continue to rise to unprecedented levels.
COVID-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Syphilis – Japan
Through July 15 this year, Japan has reported 3,027 syphilis cases with 781 being reported from Tokyo and 510 in Osaka.
Dengue Fever – Brazil
The number of dengue fever cases in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil in the first six months of 2020 stands at 525, a 2–% increase over 2019.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.2 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.5 earthquake hits Mindanao in the Philippines.
5.2 earthquake hits Fiji.
5.2 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.1 earthquake hits Cuba,
5.1 earthquake hits Vanuatu.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Tropical Storm Hanna is located about 40 mi…65 km wnw of MCallen Texas and about 65 mi…105 km ene of Monterrey Mexico with maximum sustained winds…60 mph…95 km/h. Present movement…wsw or 250 degrees at 9 mph…15 km/h.
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Hurricane Douglas is located about 240 mi…390 km e of Kahului Hawaii and about 335 mi…540 km e of Honolulu Hawaii with maximum sustained winds…90 mph…150 km/h. Present movement…wnw or 290 degrees at 16 mph…26 km/h.
COVID-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.2 earthquake hits Alaska.
5.1 earthquake hits the Celebes Sea.
5.0 earthquake hits the northern mid-Atlantic ridge.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Tropical Storm Gonzalo is located about 180 mi…285 km e of Trinidad with maximum sustained winds…40 mph…65 km/h./ Present movement…w or 270 degrees at 18 mph…30 km/h.
Tropical Storm Hanna is located about 115 mi…180 km ese of Corpus Christi Texas and about 100 mi…165 km ene of Port Mansfield Texas with maximum sustained winds…70 mph…110 km/h. Present movement…w or 265 degrees at 9 mph…15 km/h.
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Hurricane Douglas is located about 555 mi…890 km e of Hilo Hawaii and about 750 mi…1210 km ese of Honolulu Hawaii with maximum sustained winds…110 mph…175 km/h. Present movement…wnw or 295 degrees at 18 mph…30 km/h.
NewsBytes:
South Korea – Heavy rains and flash floods have caused widespread damage in South Korea. The rains flooded 162 homes and 43 roads in Busan, while 44 damage reports were filed in Ulsan. In Gwangju, Gapyeong and Paju of Gyeonggi Province, heavy rains caused power outages at 1,100 houses.
COVID-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Ebola – DR Congo
In the latest update on the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in Equateur Province, western Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), three more cases, along with two more deaths, have been confirmed, according to a organization tweet. This puts the total cases at 65 (61 confirmed, 4 probable), 29 deceased and 21 recovered.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.2 earthquake hits Alaska.
5.1 earthquake hits Alaska.
5.0 earthquake hits Oaxaca, Mexico.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Tropical Storm Gonzalo is located about 645 mi…1040 km e of the southern Windward islands with maximum sustained winds…60 mph…95 km/h. Present movement…w or 275 degrees at 14 mph…22 km/h.
Tropical Storm Hanna is located about 315 mi…510 km ese of Corpus Christi Texas with maximum sustained winds…40 mph…65 km/h. Present movement…wnw or 290 degrees at 9 mph…15 km/h.
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Hurricane Douglas is located about 1010 mi…1630 km ese of Hilo Hawaii with maximum sustained winds…130 mph…215 km/h. Present movement…wnw or 295 degrees at 18 mph…30 km/h.
NewsBytes:
India – The erratic floods in Assam have killed four more people, taking the death tally to 93. Officials said unlike most years, the water level across the flood-hit districts has been rising and ebbing frequently over the past two months. The affected people have consequently been moving back and forth between their now-submerged-now-liveable houses and the makeshift camps on higher grounds. The damage of 212 embankments along the banks of the Brahmaputra and its major tributaries like Jia Bharali, Beki and Sonkosh has been complicating the situation this time. Water resources experts said most of Assam’s embankments, in the first place an ill-advised step taken after India’s independence, have become too old to withstand the force of large volumes of water. Their poor maintenance has also been an issue, they said.
Shark Extinction
New research reveals that sharks are disappearing at an alarming rate in a trend that is upsetting the ecological balance across many marine ecosystems. Writing in the journal Nature, scientists say that habitat destruction and overfishing have caused shark numbers to crash in many of the world’s coral reefs. Underwater cameras used in the study revealed that one in five of the 371 reefs studied during a four-year period had shark numbers so low that the species there could be considered “functionally extinct.” This is causing further stress on reefs that are also under threat from global heating and the ocean acidification brought on by a changing climate.
Chipmunk Antics
A bumper crop of acorns last fall in New England has led to a population explosion of chipmunks, which are pestering homeowners and generally making a nuisance of themselves. With plenty of food to fuel their high jinks after emerging this spring, the rodents have been digging up people’s gardens and tunneling beneath lawns. But some say they can also be entertaining. “They’re cute. They’re fun to watch in the forest as they duck in and out of the holes and play peekaboo,” small mammal biologist Shevenell Webb, with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, told The Associated Press. The plentiful acorns also fueled a population boom of squirrels, rabbits and various types of mice in the region.
Rivers and climate change in Europe
Studying historical documents from 5 centuries, scientists from Vienna University were able to compare flood events from the past with recent flood events in Europe. This combination of historical and hydrological research provides evidence for the strong influence of climate change on rivers and floodings. Floods tend to be larger, the timing has shifted and the relationship between flood occurrence and air temperatures has reversed.
Global Temperature Extremes
The week’s hottest temperature was 123 degrees Fahrenheit (50.6 degrees Celsius) in Death Valley, California.
The week’s coldest temperature was minus 90.0 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 67.8 degrees Celsius) at the South Pole.
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 – Greece
Locals and tourists have been evacuated as fires continue to rage near the city of Corinth in the eastern Peloponnese for a second day. The city’s mayor says the flames are out of control and has called for a state of emergency to be declared in the region. More than 260 firefighters are currently tackling the blaze, with 10 helicopters and 10 planes assisting.
Wildfires – california
Firefighters battled forest fires in northeastern California on Wednesday amid red flag weather conditions.
The Gold Fire ballooned to nearly 22 square miles in Lassen County, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said. The blaze south of the small Modoc County community of Adin was just 5% contained and some evacuations were in place.
In southern Lassen County, the Hog Fire grew to nearly 15 square miles but remained 5 miles west of Susanville.
The 46-square-mile Mineral Fire in western Fresno County was 75% contained.
COVID-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Monkeypox – DR Congo
Since the beginning of the year through July 5, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has reported a total of 2,591 suspected monkeypox cases and 97 deaths. This includes 115 cases and four deaths recorded during the week ending July 5.
Dengue Fever – Singapore
Singapore environment officials recorded a record number of dengue fever cases last week as the city-state races for a record season. 1,733 dengue cases were reported in the week ending 18 July 2020. This figure is the highest number of weekly dengue cases ever recorded in Singapore.
Plague – DR Congo
In a follow-up on the plague situation in the health zone of Rethy in Ituri province, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, since the upsurge of cases began in early June 2020, a total of 45 cases including nine deaths (case fatality rate: 20%) have been reported.
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – Ongoing Activity for the Week 15 July 2020 – 21 July 2020
Agung | Bali (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that the last eruption at Agung was recorded at 0138 on 13 June 2019. Over the past year seismicity had generally decreased; volcanic earthquakes continued to be recorded but at a low occurrence rate. Deformation data indicated a deflationary pattern which had stabilized in recent months. A thermal anomaly was last visible in satellite data in October 2019 and did not reappear. White plumes were visible rising 20-150 m above the summit during 1 January-16 July. PVMBG lowered the Alert Level at Agung to 2 (on a scale of 1-4) on 16 July, stating that the public should not enter an exclusion zone set at a 2-km radius.
Copahue | Central Chile-Argentina border : SERNAGEOMIN reported that an ash plume from Copahue was visible on 16 July. The Alert Level remained at Green (the lowest level on a four-colour scale) and the public was reminded to stay 500 m away from El Agrio crater.
Dukono | Halmahera (Indonesia) : Based on information from PVMBG and satellite data the Darwin VAAC reported that ash plumes from Dukono rose to 2.1-2.3 km (7,000-8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW and W during 15-21 July. The Alert Level remained at a 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 15-16 July that sent ash plumes up to 3.6 km (11,800 ft) a.s.l. Ash plumes drifted SE, causing ashfall in Severo-Kurilsk on 15 July. A thermal anomaly over the volcano was identified in satellite images on those same days. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).
Ibu | Halmahera (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that during 15-20 July white and gray plumes with variable densities rose 200-800 m above Ibu’s summit and drifted in multiple directions; weather conditions prevented visual observations on 17 July. 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.
Kadovar | Papua New Guinea : RVO reported minor eruptive activity at Kadovar during 1-15 July consisting of occasional light gray ash plumes of variable densities rising a few hundred meters above the summit crater. Fluctuating summit incandescence was visible at night. Activity intensified on 5 July as emissions became dark gray and dense. Explosions at 1652 and 1815 generated dense dark gray ash plumes that rose 1 km and drifted W. Loud rumbling accompanied the explosion. Activity subsided later that day but was again more intense during 8-10 July. Explosions recorded at 2045 on 8 July, 1145 and 1400 on 9 July, and at 0950 and 1125 on 10 July produced ash plumes that rose 1 km above the summit.
Karymsky | Eastern Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Karymsky was identified in satellite images on 13 and 15 July. A gas-and-steam plume containing some ash drifted 26 km SW on 14 July. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).
Semeru | Eastern Java (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that ash plumes from Semeru rose 500 m above the summit and drifted N during 16-17 July. Weather conditions prevented visual observations during 15 and 18-21 July. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was reminded to stay outside of the general 1-km radius from the summit and 4 km on the SSE flank.
Sheveluch | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Sheveluch was identified in satellite images during 10-17 July. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).
Stromboli | Aeolian Islands (Italy) : INGV reported that during 13-19 July activity at Stromboli was characterized by ongoing explosive activity from two vents in Area N (north crater area) and four vents in Area C-S (south-central crater area). Explosions at the N1 vent in Area N sometimes ejected tephra 200 m high, and ejected lapilli and bombs radially. Low-intensity explosions at vent N2 ejected tephra 80 m high. Explosions at the S1 and S2 vents in Area C-S ejected tephra. A vent between S2 and C (Area C-S) was noted on 18 July and produced occasional explosions. A sequence of high-energy explosions began at 0500 on 19 July and ended at 0504. The first explosion originated at the central vent in Area C-S but within a few seconds involved all Area C-S vents. An ash plume rose as high as 1 km. Tephra was ejected radially; some material was deposited along the Sciara del Fuoco and reached the coast within about 40 seconds after the beginning of the event. Tephra fell in the towns of Liscione and Roccette. The event damaged the infrared camera at Pizzo (400 m elevation).
Suwanosejima | Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : JMA reported that nighttime incandescence at Suwanosejima’s Ontake Crater was occasionally visible during 10-17 July. Occasional eruptive events were recorded along with three explosions. One of them, recorded at 1630 on 12 July, generated a gray-white plume that rose as high as 1.5 km above the crater rim and entered a weather cloud. An explosion at 2006 on 15 July ejected large rocks as far as 300 m from the crater. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a 5-level scale).
Yasur | Vanuatu : Based on webcam images and satellite data the Wellington VAAC reported that on 19 July ash plumes from Yasur rose to 1.5 km (5,000 ft) a.s.l. Diffuse ash plumes rose to 1.2 km (4,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NNE.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.2 earthquake hits western Xizang, China.
5.4 earthquake hits Alaska.
5.4 earthquake hits Vancouver Island, Canada.
5.2 earthquake hits Alaska.
5.2 earthquake hits near the coast of southern Peru.
5.1 earthquake hits Alaska.
5.1 earthquake hits western Xizang.
5.0 earthquake hits southern Xinjiang, China.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Tropical Storm Gonzalo is located about 910 mi…1470 km e of the outhern Windward islands with maximum sustained winds…65 mph…100 km/h. Present movement…w or 270 degrees at 12 mph…19 km/h.
Tropical Depression Eight is located about 405 mi…650 km ese of Port O’connor Texas with maximum sustained winds…30 mph…45 km/h. Present movement…wnw or 290 degrees at 9 mph…15 km/h.
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Hurricane Douglas is located about 1470 mi…2365 km ese of Hilo Hawaii with maximum sustained winds…120 mph…195 km/h. Present movement…wnw or 295 degrees at 17 mph…28 km/h.
NewsBytes:
China – China has evacuated tens of thousands of people in Anhui and Hubei provinces amid severe flooding and landslides triggered by some of the heaviest rainfall in decades. In eastern Anhui, rescue workers evacuated 16,000 people from the town of Guzen after weeks of torrential rains caused a nearby river to overflow. The flooding inundated 13 villages and cut off electricity to the whole region, it said. In central Hubei province, more than 8,000 people were evacuated after a landslide blocked a river and created a barrier lake that threatened to submerge the city of Enshi and neighbouring villages.
Spectacular Hives of Stingless Bees
Some species of stingless bees make stunning honeycomb which resembles the molecular structure of crystals, scientists have discovered. The same mathematical blueprint is followed by a colony of bees and also by the laws of physics, resulting in strikingly similar layouts.
Asteroid Close Shave
Asteroid 2020ND will fly by Earth on Friday, 24 July 2020. Sadly, it won’t be visible to the naked eye, although those using powerful telescopes could catch a glimpse as it flies by Earth. The asteroid, which is said to make London look like a speck on the map, measures 170 metres in diameter and will come within 0.034 astronomical units (AU) of Earth. Even an Asteroid 1 metre in diameter could cause significant damage on impact.
COVID-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Diphtheria – Vietnam
In a follow-up on the diphtheria outbreak in Vietnam, as of July 22, 2020, four provinces have recorded 114 cases of diphtheria in 34 communes, belonging to 14 districts. Three deaths have been reported.
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – New Activity for the Week 15 July 2020 – 21 July 2020
Makushin | Fox Islands (USA) : AVO reported that small earthquakes in an area about 10 km E of the Makushin’s summit and at a depth of about 8 km continued to be detected during 15-21 July. Since the onset of seismicity on 15 June, the earthquakes had generally decreased in both size and rate. No surficial activity was visible in satellite or webcam images; only typical minor steaming from the summit crater lake. Weakly elevated surface temperatures were identified in satellite data during 20-21 July. The Aviation Color Code and Volcano Alert Level remained at Yellow and Advisory, respectively.
Nishinoshima | Japan : JMA scientists observed Nishinoshima from a ship on 11 July. They reported that a large amount of ash was emitted from the summit crater; plumes rose about 1.7 km and drifted W, dropping ash into the sea. Deposits of large blocks at the foot of the cone were visible. Lava fountains that rose 200 m above the crater were observable at night, along with lightning in the ash plumes. The cone had grown to about 200 m, about 40 m higher than an estimate on 1 December 2019. The report stated that ships should stay at least 2.5 km away from the cone. Based on satellite data and pilot observations, the Tokyo VAAC reported that during 16-21 July ash plumes rose to 3.7-6.4 km (12,000-21,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted N, NE, and E. Satellite data showed a sulfur dioxide plume reaching the western USA on 18 July, after traveling over 9,000 km from Nishinoshima.
Pacaya | Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that during 15-21 July Strombolian explosions at Pacaya’s Mackenney Crater ejected material as high as 100 m above the crater rim. Lava-flow effusion ceased during 14-19 July, though flows may have continued to advance or be active on the SW, NW, N, and NE flanks. On 20 July lava emerged from a fissure or vents at the NW base of the cone, near Cerro Chino, and traveled SE.
Raung | Eastern Java (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that during 1 January-15 July white plumes at Raung rose as high as 50 m above the summit. Seismicity increased on 13 July and then again on 16 July. At 1052 on 16 July observers noted that the color of the emissions had become brownish white and rose higher. A VONA stated that at 1353 an ash plume rose 100 m above the summit and drifted N. At 1356 the color of the emissions changed to white and gray, and plumes rose to 100 m above the summit. During the rest of the day gray and reddish-colored plumes rose 50-200 m. There were 60 emissions recorded in total. During 0000-0600 on 17 July there were a total of 26 emissions characterized by brownish ash plumes rising 50-200 m. PVMBG raised the Alert Level to 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was reminded not to approach the crater within a 2-km radius.
Telica | Nicaragua : SINAPRED stated that at 1659 on 20 July small explosions at Telica produced a gas-and-ash plume that rose 200 m above the crater rim as reported by INETER. RSAM values increased from 57 to 153 units at the time of the explosions, and remained elevated at 144 units afterwards. SINAPRED recommended that the public stay at least 1.5 km away from the crater.
Turrialba | Costa Rica : OVSICORI-UNA reported that ash emissions of variable densities were visible at Turrialba almost daily during 16-20 July. Ash plumes rose as high as 200 m above the crater rim each day during 16-18 July.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
7.4 earthquake hits Alaska.
6.1 earthquake hits south of Alaska.
6.0 earthquake hits Fiji.
5.7 earthquake hits Alaska.
5.4 earthquake hits Zulia, Venezuela.
5.2 earthquake hits south of Alaska.
5.2 earthquake hits the Volcano Islands off Japan.
5.1 earthquake hits Vanuatu.
5.0 earthquake hits south of Fiji.
5.0 earthquake hits Alaska.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Tropical Depression Seven is located about 1285 mi…2065 km e of the southern Windward Islands with maximum sustained winds…35 mph…55 km/h. Present movement…wnw or 285 degrees at 12 mph…19 km/h
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm Douglas is located about 1410 mi…2270 km wsw of the southern tip of Baja California and about 1875 mi…3020 km ese of Hilo Hawaii with maximum sustained winds…65 mph…100 km/h. Present movement…w or 270 degrees at 14 mph…22 km/h.
Wildfires – Siberia
Wildfires in Russia have so far burned down an area larger than the size of Greece, according to Greenpeace Russia. On Monday, the environmental organization criticized government officials for their inaction in the region amid record heat waves.
Using satellite data, Greenpeace Russia reported an estimated 19 million hectares, about 47 million acres, of forests, steppes and fields have burned across Siberia since January. About 10 million hectares of these territories suffered forest fires.
Activists said that some of the forest fires are the result of lightning, but many were started by campfires on river banks. Another cause is purposeful large-scale burnings that get out of hand.
797 forest fires were extinguished in 43 regions of Russia just in the last week, covering more than 63,000 hectares, about 156,000 acres.
COVID-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Dscrub Typhus – Taiwan
The Department of Disease Control in Taiwan has reported 60 confirmed cases of tsutsugamushi disease, or scrub typhus in the country in the past 4 weeks. The cases were reported as mainly infected in Huadong and the outlying islands.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.1 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Tropical Depression Seven-E is located about 1505 mi…2425 km w of the southern tip of Baja California with maximum sustained winds…35 mph…55 km/h. Present movement…w or 270 degrees at 13 mph…20 km/h.
Tropical Storm Douglas is located about 1085 mi…1750 km sw of the southern tip of Baja California with maximum sustained winds…60 mph…95 km/h. Present movement…wsw or 255 degrees at 14 mph…22 km/h.
NewsBytes:
Nepal – A landslide triggered by heavy rainfall in Darchula district of Nepal has claimed lives of two people and buried seven houses. According to the Meteorological Forecasting Division of Nepal, the Narayani River at Narayanghat Bridge has already reached danger level.
Global warming shrinks bird breeding windows
For breeding birds, timing is everything. Most species have just a narrow window to get the food they need to feed their brood—after spring’s bounty has sprung, but before other bird species swoop in to compete. Now, a new study suggests that as the climate warms, birds are not only breeding earlier, but their breeding windows are also shrinking—some by as many as 4 to 5 days. This could lead to increased competition for food that might threaten many bird populations.
Birds typically time their breeding to cues signaling the start of spring, so that their chicks hatch when food like plants and insects is most abundant. But global warming has pushed many species to breed earlier in the year; that effect is especially prominent at higher latitudes, where temperatures are rising faster than near the equator. Few studies, however, have examined how climate change affects the duration of breeding windows, which closely track the number of chicks born each year as well as overall population trends.
To find out how the length of breeding periods has changed over time, a team examined a data set spaning from 1975 to 2017 which includes the nesting records of 73 species and more than 820,000 birds from a 1000-square-kilometer area in Finland’s boreal forests. Each year, trained volunteers placed uniquely numbered rings around the legs of newly hatched chicks to track their movements and survival. Because chicks had to be a certain size to get a ring, the researchers were able to use the timing of the tagging to work out when each chick had hatched—and therefore when breeding had occurred.
On average, the beginnings and ends of the breeding periods are occurring earlier in the year. However, the ends are shifting back faster than the beginnings, resulting in an average breeding window that is 1.7 days shorter in 2017 than it was in 1975. During that same period, Finland’s average temperature rose by 0.8oC, suggesting many bird species are actively responding to changing temperatures.
Wildfires – Utah, USA
• The Turkey Farm Fire, three miles west of Washington City, was 100% contained as of Monday night at nearly 12,000 acres.
• Firefighters were patrolling and mopping up hot spots at the 2,618-acre Veyo West Fire, near the town of Veyo, also in Washington County, according to Utah Wildfire Info. According to the most recent update, that fire was 90% contained.
• The Big Summit Fire, which has burned 8,461 acres in Iron County along the Nevada-Utah border, was 54% contained as of Monday afternoon. Firefighters expected to contain the fire by Monday night, according to Utah Wildfire Info.
• The Pole Canyon Fire, which was sparked Wednesday by a bulldozer near the Eagle Mountain neighborhood of White Hills, was 93% contained at 488 acres.
• The Cottonwood Trail Fire, which has burned through 1,631 acres in Washington County, is 35% contained. It was sparked by a blown tire.
COVID-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Ebola – DR Congo
In a follow-up on the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in Equateur province in western Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), UN health officials report three more confirmed Ebola infections, bringing the total to 60–(56 confirmed, 4 probable) 24 deceased, 17 recovered.
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease – Vietnam
The Vietnam Ministry of Health reported recently that since the beginning of the year, the country has recorded 10,745 cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in 63 provinces and cities, including 6,662 cases of hospitalization and no deaths.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.3 earthquake hits off the coast of northern Peru.
5.2 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.1 earthquake hits near the coast of Papua, Indonesia.
5.0 earthquake hits central Mongolia.
5.0 earthquake hits the southwestern Ryukyu Islands off Japan.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Tropical Depression Seven-E is located about 1300 mi…2090 km wsw of the southern tip of Baja California with maximum sustained winds…35 mph…55 km/h. Present movement…nw or 310 degrees at 12 mph…19 km/h.
COVID-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Ebola – DR Congo
The World Health Organization (WHO) African Region tweeted Friday: The latest Situation Report from the 11th Ebola Virus Disease Outbreak in Mbandaka, Équateur Province DRC (reported 16 July 2020)–To date there has been 57 cases (53 confirmed, 4 probable), 22 deceased and 16 people have recovered.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.6 earthquake hits Tonga.
5.4 earthquake hits the South Indian Ocean.
5.2 earthquake hits eastern Xizang, China.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are no current tropical storms.
NewsBytes:
New Zealand – Roads were blocked and water treatment plants damaged after a storm and torrential rain in New Zealand‘s Northland region on 17 to 18 July. Whangarei District Council reported 8 roads closed due to landslides and 9 closed due to flooding. Whangarei recorded 214.2 mm of rain in 24 hours on 17 July and a further 44 mm the following day. Fire crews were called out to 212 incidents. Civil Defence Northland said houses and businesses around the region were flooded.
China – Heavy rains sent the water level at China’s Yangtze River to a new high, raising the possibility of more seasonal floods after earlier ones left over 140 people dead or missing. The Three Gorges Dam, which was built in Hubei province to generate electricity and mitigate flooding, is under pressure as more rains are expected in coming days, with millions of people already forced from their homes. Chinese state media said a second, and the strongest, wave of floods along the Yangtze River has arrived at the Three Gorges Reservoir and is reaching its peak on Saturday. The rate of inflow into the reservoir rose to 61,000 cubic meters per second, sending the water level to 160.17 meters and exceeding the flood limit by 15 meters.
Wildfires – Siberia
Firefighters in Siberia continue to battle hundreds of wildfires triggered by a heatwave. While fires there aren’t unusual, scientists say they are becoming more frequent and intense, and releasing records amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere.
COVID-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Japanese encephalitis – Taiwan
The Taiwan Department of Disease Control (CDC) announced four new confirmed cases of Japanese encephalitis in the country, bringing the total to 13 for the year.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.7 earthquake hits the Andaman Islands off India.
5.7 earthquake hits the Solomon Islands.
5.6 earthquake hits the Andaman Islands off India.
5.3 earthquake hits the Myanmar-India border.
5.2 earthquake hits south of the Kermedec Islands.
5.1 earthquake hits the Andaman Islands off India.
5.0 earthquake hits the Andaman Islands off India.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are no current tropical storms.
NewsBytes:
Indonesia – The death toll from flash floods in Indonesia’s South Sulawesi province rose to 36 on Friday, with the number of people reported missing increasing to 66, officials said.
South Asia – Floods and landslides triggered by heavy monsoon rains have killed at least 221 people across South Asia over the past month, officials said on Friday. More than one million people have been marooned in Nepal, Bangladesh and India and hundreds of thousands have fled their homes for higher ground. Indian officials said floods and mudslides killed 16 more people in the northeast and eight people were killed in building collapses in Mumbai, raising the death toll in the country to 101. Nepal reported at least 117 deaths over the past month and Bangladesh reported three.
COVID-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Lumpy Skin Disease – China
China is facing another virus epidemic as lumpy skin disease has been reported in five of the country’s provinces. The condition, which affects cattle, began spreading in June. During June cases were discovered in the eastern provinces of Anhui and Jiangxi along with Guangdong and Fujian in southern China.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
7.2 earthquake hits eastern New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.
5.7 earthquake hits Tarapaca, Chile.
5.3 earthquake hits southeast of Shikoku, Japan.
5.2 earthquake hits Syria.
5.2 earthquake hits the Kuril Islands.
Greenhouse Earth
Scientists predict that Earth’s atmosphere will soon contain the same high level of carbon dioxide that existed at the peak of the Pliocene Epoch warmth 3 million years ago, when temperatures were 5 to 7 degrees Fahrenheit warmer and sea levels were 65 feet higher.
A report published in the journal Nature Scientific Reports says that given the level of emissions present at the start of the study, prior to the coronovirus lockdowns, CO2 levels could surpass 427 parts per million within five years. The authors say that the comparison with the Pliocene shows what is likely to happen in the future as the Earth responds to the buildup of greenhouse gas emissions.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are no current tropical storms.
NewsBytes:
Italy – Severe flash flooding swept through the city of Palermo, capital of Sicily in southern Italy, after torrential rain on 15 July. The flooding caused damage and disruption across the city. Several buildings were evacuated. Firefighters were called to around 300 interventions, including removing dozens of submerged vehicles from flooded roads. A search is continuing for two people thought to be trapped in a vehicle in a flooded underpass. Some local reports said that 115.8mm of rain fell in around 2 hours in the city. July is normally the city’s driest month, when the monthly average rainfall is just 6.7 mm, according to WMO.
India – According to Bihar state’s disaster management agency, a total of 218,000 people have been affected, with 65,000 of that total over the last few days. Flooding has affected area of Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Supaul, Kishanganj, Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, Gopalganj and East Champaran districts. Meanwhile in neighbouring state of Uttar Pradesh, flooding was reported in the districts of Gorakhpur and Ballia, where the Ghagra river is at Severe Flood Situation, standing at 64.35 metres as of 16 July, where the danger levels if 64.01 metres. In Gorakhpur, the Rapti river stood at 75.33 metres at Birdghat, above the danger mark of 74.96 metres.
Disco Defense
Farmers in northern Botswana may soon be protected from elephant raids on their crops by a novel technique that also keeps humans dancing around the world.
Researchers near Chobe National Park installed lines of solar-powered, multi-colored strobe lights around crops and found they repelled elephant incursions by 75% compared to areas without the lights. The disco-themed LEDs were placed on poles every 33 feet and constantly flashed a different color — red, green, amber, white, blue or yellow. The color patterns were changed every week to prevent the pachyderms from getting used to them.
Global Temperature Extremes
The week’s hottest temperature was 128 degrees Fahrenheit (53.3 degrees Celsius) in Death Valley, California.
The week’s coldest temperature was minus 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 73.3 degrees Celsius) at Vostok, Antarctica.
Temperatures were tabulated from the more than 10,000 worldwide synoptic weather stations. The United Nations World Meteorological Organization sets the standards for weather observations, and provides a global telecommunications circuit for data distribution.
Brutal Heat
A punishing heat wave blanketing the southwestern U.S. produced the hottest temperature anywhere on the planet since 2017.
The thermometer at Death Valley, California, reached 128 degrees Fahrenheit on July 12, only one degree lower than what experts believe was the hottest temperature ever recorded on Earth. That reading was 129 degrees, also in Death Valley during the scorching summer of 2013. The temperature dropped to only 100 degrees at dawn following last week’s scorcher.
COVID-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – New Activity for the Week 8 July 2020 – 14 July 2020
Aira | Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported very small eruptive events at Minamidake Crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) during 6-10 July. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a 5-level scale).
Dukono | Halmahera (Indonesia) : Based on information from PVMBG and the Darwin VAAC ash plumes from Dukono rose to 1.8-2.1 km (6,000-7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW and W during 8 and 11-14 July. The Alert Level remained at a 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 3-7 July that sent ash plumes up to 4.4 km (14,400 ft) a.s.l. Ash plumes drifted N and E, causing ashfall in Severo-Kurilsk on 3 and 6 July. A thermal anomaly over the volcano was identified in satellite images during 4 and 6-7 July. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale).
Etna | Sicily (Italy) : INGV reported that during 6-12 July Strombolian activity at Etna’s New Southeast Crater ejected incandescent material that was deposited near the crater rim. Gas emissions rose from the vent in the pit crater at the bottom of Bocca Nuova. Sporadic explosive activity at Voragine Crater ejected lithics and produced ash emissions. Gas emissions rose from Northeast Crater and were audible from the crater’s edge.
Irazu | Costa Rica : OVSICORI-UNA reported that at 2138 on 12 July the seismic network at Irazú recorded a significant landslide, possibly in the N part of the crater. The event could not be confirmed because of weather conditions. Another landslide event was recorded at 1538 on 13 July, which again could not be visually confirmed.
Kadovar | Papua New Guinea : Based on satellite and wind model data, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 10 July an ash plume from Kadovar rose to an altitude of 1.8 km (6,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW.
Karymsky | Eastern Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a bright thermal anomaly over Karymsky was identified in satellite images during 5-6 and 8 July. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale).
Klyuchevskoy | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that the temperature of the thermal anomaly at Klyuchevskoy sharply decreased on 3 July, possibly signaling the end of the current Strombolian phase. During 4-14 July the anomaly continued to decline and only weak fumarolic activity was visible. The Alert Level was lowered to Yellow (the second lowest level on a four-color scale) on 14 July.
Momotombo | Nicaragua : SINAPRED reported that a seismic swarm at Momotombo began at 0657 on 6 July and by the next day a total of 51 earthquakes had been recorded. The largest event was an M 2.6 located 9 km SE of the volcano, beneath Lake Managua, at a depth of 3 km. INETER noted that the earthquakes were located along a fault and not directly related to the volcano.
Pacaya | Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that during 7-14 July Strombolian explosions at Pacaya’s Mackenney Crater ejected material as high as 100 m above the crater rim. Lava flows traveled as far as 1.2 km on the N and NE flanks. Lava flows also headed SW, W, and NW during 13-14 July.
Popocatepetl | Mexico : CENAPRED reported that each day during 8-14 July there were 40-109 steam-and-gas emissions from Popocatépetl, some of which contained minor amounts of ash. Minor crater incandescence was visible most nights. An explosion at 2320 on 8 July ejected incandescent material a short distance. An eruptive event at 0112 on 11 July ejected incandescent material within the crater and onto the crater rim. Incandescent material ejected within the crater was again visible at 0204 and 0454 on 12 July. The Alert Level remained at Yellow, Phase Two (middle level on a three-color scale).
Reventador | Ecuador : IG reported that during 8-12 July seismic data from Reventador’s network indicated a high level of seismic activity, including explosions, harmonic tremor, and long-period earthquakes; there was no available seismic data during 13-14 July. Gas, steam, and ash emissions observed daily with the webcam or reported by the Washington VAAC rose as high as 1 km above the summit crater and drifted NW, W, and E. Cloudy weather sometimes prevented views of the volcano. Incandescent blocks rolled as far as 600 m down mainly the S and SE flanks during 8-9 and 12-14 July. Crater incandescence was visible almost nightly.
Sabancaya | Peru : Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP) reported a daily average of 17 explosions at Sabancaya during 6-12 July. Gas-and-ash plumes rose as high as 2.5 km above the summit and drifted SE, E, and NE. There were six thermal anomalies over the crater identified in satellite data. The Alert Level remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale) and the public were warned to stay outside of a 12-km radius.
Semeru | Eastern Java (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that dense white-gray ash plumes from Semeru were occasionally visible during 6-12 July rising no higher than 400 m above the summit. Ash plumes drifted SW on 11 July. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was reminded to stay outside of the general 1-km radius from the summit and 4 km on the SSE flank.
Sheveluch | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Sheveluch was identified in satellite images during 3-10 July. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale).
Stromboli | Aeolian Islands (Italy) : INGV reported that during 6-12 July activity at Stromboli was characterized by ongoing explosive activity mainly from three vents in Area N (north crater area) and three vents in Area C-S (south-central crater area). Moderate explosions from both areas ejected lapilli, bombs, and ash with decreasing frequency and intensity through the week.
Suwanosejima | Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : JMA reported that nighttime incandescence at Suwanosejima’s Ontake Crater was occasionally visible during 3-10 July. An eruptive event on 5 July generated a grayish white plume that rose 800 m above the crater rim and ejected material 300 m from the crater. The Tokyo VAAC noted that an ash plume rose to 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE on 12 July based on satellite images and JMA information. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a 5-level scale).
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.2 earthquake hits Panama.
5.1 earthquake hits the mid-Indian ridge.
5.0 earthquake hits north of Ascension Island.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are no current tropical storms.
NewsBytes:
Colombia – Wide areas of Colombia have seen heavy rainfall since the start of July. According to the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD), the rain has caused over 80 incidents of flooding or landslides in 19 departments of the country, with over 5,000 families affected. Hundreds of homes were damaged by flooding in Sibundoy and Mocoa municipalities of Putumayo Department on 04 July, 2020. Media report over 2,000 families were affected. Meanwhile in Antioquia, the departmental government reports that 4,575 people have been affected by heavy rains and winds and 39 homes have been destroyed. Three people died when a river broke its banks, sweeping away a house in Piedecuesta, Santander Department on 08 July. Meanwhile heavy rain on 11 July triggered a landslide in Santa Marta, Magdalena, causing a house to collapse and 2 fatalities.
Indonesia – Heavy rain continues to fall in parts of Indonesia, causing flooding and landslides across several provinces which have left at least 17 dead and over 40 missing since 11 July. The worst of the flooding is in North Luwu Regency in South Sulawesi Province, where at least 16 people have died.
South Korea – Two people died after torrential rain in South Korea triggered flash flooding on 13 July, 2020. Several locations recorded more than 200mm of rain in 24 hours. Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) reported 277 mm of rain in Sancheong in South Gyeongsang Province in 24 hours to 13 July, while Buan, North Jeolla Province recorded 228 mm and Geoje near Busan South Gyeongsa Province 210 mm.
Pakistan – Flash floods triggered by a glacial lake outburst flood destroyed homes and damaged buildings in the Lower Chitral district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The flooding occurred in the Golen valley of Lower Chitral district on 13 July, 2020. Power and water infrastructure was damaged and roads washed away.
Wildfires – Colorado, USA
Crews are battling three active fires located southwest of Meeker. The Fawn Creek and Stewart fires began Monday afternoon and the Wolf Fire was reported Tuesday morning.
The three fires have burned more than 2,800 acres and were 0% contained as of Wednesday afternoon. They are located in the Piceance Creek area south of Colorado Highway 64.
COVID-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Ebola – DR Congo
At least 49 new infections of the Ebola virus have been recorded as a part of an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced Tuesday, with 20 fatalities.
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – New Activity for the Week 8 July 2020 – 14 July 2020
Nishinoshima | Japan : Based on satellite data and pilot observations (on 8 July), the Tokyo VAAC reported that during 8-14 July ash plumes from Nishinoshima rose to 3.7-6.1 km (12,000-20,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW, N, NE, and E.
Turrialba | Costa Rica : OVSICORI-UNA reported that passive emissions with minor amounts of ash were occasionally visible at Turrialba during 9-10 July.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.7 earthquake hits south of Fiji.
5.5 earthquake hits the Flores Sea.
5.2 earthquake hits the Andreanof Islands in the Aleutian Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits the Balleny Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits Vanuatu.
5.0 earthquake hits the Kuril Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits near the north coast of New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Remnants of Tropical Depression Six-E are about 615 mi…990 km wsw of the southern tip of Baja California with maximum sustained winds…30 mph…45 km/h. Present movement…w or 280 degrees at 17 mph…28 km/h.
NewsBytes:
India – Flooding caused by monsoon rainfall continues to affect over 2 million people in north eastern states of India, including Assam, Bihar, Arunachal Pradesh and West Bengal.
Bangladesh – Heavy flooding is worsening in parts of Bangladesh, with over 1 million villagers marooned or leaving their homes for higher ground along with their cattle and other belongings, officials and volunteers said Tuesday. Water levels at major rivers were rising Tuesday at around two dozen points in 20 districts. Many new areas in northern, northeastern and central Bangladesh have been affected over last 24 hours. Heavy rainfall and rushing waters from upstream India were the main reasons for the floods in the delta nation of 160 million people, which receives monsoon rains between June and October every year, often leading to flooding.
Invasive alien species may soon cause dramatic global biodiversity loss
An increase of 20 to 30 per cent of invasive non-native (alien) species would lead to dramatic future biodiversity loss worldwide. This is the conclusion of a study by the University of Vienna.
Human activities intentionally and unintentionally introduce more and more plant and animal species to new regions of the world—for example, via commodity transport or tourism.
Some of these alien species have negative consequences for biodiversity and humans well-being, for example by displacing native species or transmitting diseases.
The study shows that an increase of 20 to 30 per cent in the number of newly introduced alien species is considered sufficient to cause massive global biodiversity loss—a value that is likely to be reached soon, as the number of introduced species is constantly increasing.
Furthermore, humans are the main driver of the future spread of alien species. The experts identify three main reasons, primarily the increasing global transport of goods, followed by climate change and then the impacts of economic development such as energy consumption and land use. The study also shows that the spread of alien species can be greatly slowed down by ambitious countermeasures.
Wildfires – Utah, USA
Thousands of acres are burning in various parts of the state as more wildfires have sparked across Utah.
The Turkey Farm Fire has burned 1,644 acres three miles west of Washington County. No structures have been damaged as of Tuesday morning.
The hot and fast-moving Veyo West Fire is threatening the west side of Veyo in Washington County. Crews have reopened state Route 18 as the blaze has burned approximately 1,100 acres with zero percent containment.
COVID-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Dengue Fever – Thailand
In a follow-up on the dengue fever situation in Thailand, the Bureau of Epidemiology reported an additional 2,600 cases and five deaths in the past week. This brings the country’s total to 28,300 through July 13 from all 77 provinces. The death count from dengue has risen to 20.
Foot and Mouth Disease – China
China on Monday warned of an outbreak of highly contagious foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) among pigs in the southern Guangdong province. The outbreak was detected in Leizhou, a county administered by the coastal city of Zhanjiang. Out of a herd of 131 pigs, 39 had become infected with the viral disease.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.2 earthquake hits the Balleny Islands.
5.1 earthquake hits Vanuatu.
5.1 earthquake hits the Hindi Kush, Afghanistan.
5.0 earthquake hits Vanuatu.
5.0 earthquake hits the Mariana Islands.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Tropical Depression Six-E is located about 515 mi…825 km sw of the southern tip of Baja California with maximum sustained winds…30 mph…45 km/h. Present movement…w or 280 degrees at 16 mph…26 km/h.
NewsBytes:
Turkey – At least one person died and three others are missing after flash floods in Artvin province in northeastern Turkey. It is thought the victims are construction workers who were working on the dam along the Artvin-Yusufeli highway. Other workers have been evacuated. At least 2 people lost their lives in further flooding and landslides in Çayeli district of Rize Province in north eastern Turkey on 13 July.
Malaysia – Over 250 people have been displaced by flooding in Malaysia‘s central Negeri Sembilan state. The state recorded heavy rainfall on 13 July, which caused rivers to break their banks and overwhelmed drainage systems. Flooding affected the districts of Port Dickson, Rembau and Seremban. As of late 13 July, 282 people had moved to evacuation centres in Seremban and Port Dickson. The Linggi River at Sua Betong, Port Dickson district, rose by over 3 metres in a few hours on 13 July, peaking at 7.2 metres. Danger level is 5.8 metres.
COVID-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.3 earthquake hits near the coast of Nicaragua.
5.2 earthquake hits south of the Kermedec Islands.
5.2 earthquake hits the State of Yap, Micronesia.
5.2 earthquake hits Portuguese, Venezuela.
5.0 earthquake hits the Banda Sea.
5.0 earthquake hits northern Sumatra, Indonesia.
5.0 earthquake hits Hokkaido, Japan.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Post Tropical cyclone 05e (Cristina), located approximately 865 nm southwest of San Diego, is tracking westward at 09 knots over the past six hours.
NewsBytes:
Indonesia – The first 8 days of July have at least 5 major incidents of flooding in Indonesia following heavy rain unusual for this time of year. The most recent of the flooding occurred in Sanggau District, West Kalimantan on 08 July. Authorities report that 2,690 people were affected, after flood water up to 1.5 metres deep inundated around 700 homes. On 06 July flooding struck in Wajo Regency in South Sulawesi Province. 719 homes were damaged, affecting 2,938 people. Kendari in Southeast Sulawesi Province recorded 89mm of rain in 24 hours to 06 July. Two days earlier flooding affected 1,190 people in the Sula Islands Regency, North Maluku Province. Damage to homes forced 240 people to evacuate. On 03 July heavy rain triggered flooding and landslides in two regencies of Gorontalo Province. AHA Centre reported 2,991 people affected by flooding in 4 districts of Boalemo Regency. Around 90 homes were damaged. Meanwhile in Bone Bolango regency, flooding and landslides on 03 July displaced 1,321 people. Lalos in Toli-Toli Regency recorded 70mm of rain in 24 hours to 04 July and Djalaludin 42mm.
Brazil – Several rivers have broken their banks in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil, after days of heavy rain. Authorities report 2 people have died and over 7,000 people displaced. The flooding comes just days after areas of southern Brazil were hit by a deadly cyclone.
India – At least 8 people have died after more flooding and landslides in the eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, India. Incessant rains for the last five days have triggered landslides and floods, leaving a trail of devastation in the state, damaging roads and houses and inundating low-lying areas.
Nepal – Forty-seven people have now died and almost 50 are missing after heavy monsoon rainfall triggered flooding and landslides in Nepal. According to Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Authority (NDRRMA), there were over 100 incidents of major flooding or landslides across the country between 09 and early 13 July. A total of 109 homes have been destroyed and around 30 others severely damaged. According to Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS), 412 families have been displaced in various districts.
