Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.1 earthquake hits Central Alaska.
5.5 earthquake hits the southern east Pacific rise.
5.3 earthquake hits the southern east Pacific rise.
5.2 earthquake hits Tonga.
5.2 earthquake hits off the west coast of South Island, New Zealand.
5.1 earthquake hits the southern east Pacific rise.
5.1 earthquake hits the Bonin Islands off Japan.
5.0 earthquake hits the Kuril Islands.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Northwest Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm 04w (Choi-Wan), located approximately 267 nm northwest of Sonsorol, is tracking northwestward at 11 knots.
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Tropical depression 02e (Two), located approximately 1382 nm south-southeast of San Diego, is tracking west-northwestward at 16 knots.
Newsbytes:
Nepal – Heavy rain over the last few days, including rain in the wake of Cyclone Yaas, has triggered flooding and landslides in parts of Nepal, where at least 4 people have died. Flash floods damaged dozens of homes and other buildings in Chame Rural Municipality, Manang District on 28 May. Two homes were destroyed in a landslide in Phidim Municipality, Panchthar after heavy rain on the same day.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Dengue Fever – Reunion
According to ARS Reunion Wednesday, from May 10 to 16, 2,074 cases of dengue were confirmed. The epidemic continues at a high level despite the onset of the southern winter (nearly 2,000 cases confirmed each week for 4 weeks). It affects the entire territory.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.2 earthquake hits Fiji.
5.1 earthquake hits the Solomon Islands.
Two 5.1 earthquakes hit southern Qinghai, China.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Northwest Pacific Ocean: Tropical depression 04w (Four), located approximately 89 nm north-northeast of Sonsorol, is tracking westward at 11 knots.
Newsbytes:
New Zealand – A state of emergency has been declared for the entire region of Canterbury in New Zealand following torrential rain and flooding. Evacuation notices have been issued in Waimakariri District. The Waimakariri River and Ashley Rakahuri regional parks have been closed, as have dozens of roads across the region. Some areas have seen more than 300mm of rain since 29 May 2021. More heavy rain is forecast and New Zealand’s MetService has issued a “Red Warning For Rain” lasting until the afternoon of 31 May 2021.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.5 earthquake hits near the east coast of Honshu, Japan.
5.4 earthquake hits near the east coast of Honshu, Japan.
5.2 earthquake hits Minahasa, Sulawesi, Indonesia.
5.1 earthquake hits Hokkaido, Japan.
5.0 earthquake hits near the east coast of Honshu, Japan.
5.0 earthquake hits southern Iran.
Sea Snot Invasion
Climate change and pollution are being blamed for the growing marine threat known as sea snot, mucus-like organic matter that currently threatens coral and the fishing industry in parts of the Mediterranean.
Globs of sea snot can also be found elsewhere in the planet’s waterways, and it can host dangerous bacteria such as E. coli. Sea snot’s coverage is currently exploding in Turkey’s Marmara Sea near Istanbul, where fishermen have not been able to cast their nets for months.
When the marine mucilage forms a layer over the water’s surface, it prevents fish from being able to breathe. This kills them and depletes oxygen levels in the water, eventually choking other marine life.
Wildfires – Arizona, USA
The forward progress of what was a small (150 acre) fast-moving wildfire has been stopped in the small mining town of Bagdad, Arizona, but not before 13 homes were destroyed and hundreds of people were evacuated.
Two new White Mountains wildfires are growing rapidly, with fire crews scrambling to get a box around them to prevent their spread.
The McDonald Tank Fire south of Tonto Lake near the Black River on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation started from unknown causes on Tuesday and grew to 1,500 acres by Thursday.
Meanwhile, the lightning storm that sparked the Boggy Creek Fire near Alpine had consumed 3,000 acres by Thursday morning.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Chikungunya – Brazil
From the beginning of the year through May 8, Brazilian health officials have recorded 25,807 total chikungunya cases.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.2 earthquake hits Vanuatu.
5.1 earthquake hits the Hindu Kush, Afghanistan.
5.0 earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are no current tropical storms.
Newsbytes:
Indonesia – Severe flooding struck in Musi Rawas Regency, South Sumatra Province in Indonesia on 27 May 2021. eavy rainfall caused the Lakit River to overflow on 27 May, flooding 4 villages in Selangit sub-district and one village in Suku Tengah Lakitan Ulu sub-district, where flood water reached up to 1.5 metres deep.
China – China has swung into gear to fortify its flood-defense network ahead of what may be a heavy flood season, with 97 rivers across the country having already exceeded warning levels as of Thursday.
Mass Extinction Alert: Global Warming Pushes Tropical Fish Away
If what happened 252 million years ago is anything to go by, then we can expect a mass extinction very soon.
Scientists in Australia and New Zealand discovered a current trend of tropical fish and marine life fleeing their home in the equator to relocate to cooler waters. These tropical waters have become too hot for some species to survive, caused largely by global warming, forcing them to move further afield.
The implications of such a change on marine ecosystems, and human livelihoods are monumental, explain the scientists in their study, and could trigger a mass extinction — something that happened at the end of the Permian Period, 252 million years ago, when, as a 2020 study discovered, around 90 percent of all marine species died.
Tree Farts
Forests along the U.S. Eastern Seaboard that are being killed by saltwater intrusion are releasing greenhouse gases that scientists have nicknamed “tree farts.”
These “ghost forests,” have been created by rising sea levels and storm surges that force salt water to seep into the coastal soil.
A North Carolina State University study has measured how much carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide the trees are emitting as they decay. “Even though these standing dead trees are not emitting as much as the soils, they’re still emitting something, and they definitely need to be accounted for,” said lead researcher Melinda Martinez.
Devilish Births
The first Tasmanian devils to be born on the Australian mainland in more than 3,000 years brought hope that the world’s largest surviving marsupial carnivore could reestablish its former habitats.
The animals, notoriously bad-tempered when threatened, were wiped out on the mainland by dingos and have since been confined to the island of Tasmania. But the group Aussie Arc released 26 adults into the wild in late 2020, and they have since produced seven new joeys. Those devils relocated to New South Wales’ fenced-in Barrington Wildlife Sanctuary are free of the contagious mouth cancer that has decimated up to 90% of the wild population on Tasmania.
Global Temperature Extremes
The week’s hottest temperature was 117 degrees Fahrenheit (47.2 degrees Celsius) in As-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia.
The week’s coldest temperature was minus 101.0 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 73.9 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:
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – Ongoing Activity for the Week 19 May – 25 May 2021
Aira – Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that during 21-24 May incandescence from Minamidake Crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) was visible nightly. A very small eruptive event was recorded on 23 May. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a 5-level scale), and residents were warned to stay 2 km away from the crater.
Dukono – Halmahera (Indonesia) : Based on satellite and wind model data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 18-23 and 25 May ash plumes from Dukono rose to 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 14-20 May that sent ash plumes to 3.5 km (11,500 ft) a.s.l. and drifted N, NE, E, and SE. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).
Etna – Sicily (Italy) : INGV reported episodes of lava fountaining at Etna’s Southeast Crater (SEC) on 19 and 22 May that continued the recent pattern of Strombolian explosions followed by lava fountaining and lava flows. Strombolian activity began at 2340 on 19 May and produced ash plumes that drifted E. Activity intensified and lava fountains formed at 0234 on 20 May. At the same time lava overflowed the SEC and traveled SW, and within a few hours had reached 2,800 m elevation. The activity lasted about three and a half hours and then abruptly ended. The next episode during 0134-0454 on 22 May included Strombolian explosions and ash plumes that drifted SE; lava fountaining began at 0302 and flows traveled SW, overlapping the flows from 19 May. Explosions produced ash plumes that drifted SE around 0830 and 1014. Strombolian explosions intensified around 2031, producing dense ash plumes that drifted E. Lava fountains formed about two hours later, sending flows down the E and SW flanks; fountaining was over by 0038 on 23 May. A series of explosions were visible during 0351-0403, producing dense ash plumes that drifted E. Two ash plumes were observed rising from SEC’s E crater during the night and the day on 23 May. Intense explosive activity at SEC began at 1820 on 25 May, producing ash plumes that rose to 3.5 km (11,500 ft) a.s.l. and drifted E. Strombolian activity commenced at 1845 and lava fountains were visible around 2023. Lava flows were visible at 2244 and ash plumes drifted E at an altitude of 6 km (19,700 ft) a.s.l. Activity ceased by 0026 on 26 May.
Karymsky – Eastern Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a weak thermal anomaly over Karymsky was visible in satellite images on 13-14 and 19 May. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).
Kilauea – Hawaiian Islands (USA) : HVO reported that lava at Kilauea’s Halema`uma`u Crater lava lake circulated in a 20-m-diameter area on 19 May but was stagnant and crusted over on other days through 25 May. A few minor oozes of lava between the W vent and main island were occasionally visible. The depth of the lava lake was 229 m and had remained unchanged since 11 May. Sulfur dioxide emissions were 100-150 tons per day during 19-23 May, close to the less than 50 tonnes per day measured during the non-eruptive period from late 2018 to late 2020. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Watch.
Krysuvik-Trolladyngja – Iceland : The fissure eruption in the W part of the Krýsuvík-Trölladyngja volcanic system, close to Fagradalsfjall on the Reykjanes Peninsula, continued during 19-25 May. Lava fountains rose from the fifth vent and continued to feed the lava flows. According to news sources, lava during 20-21 May overtook the eastern earthen dam that had been constructed at the head of Nátthaga valley in an attempt to prevent flows from descending towards Highway 427 (Suðurstrandarvegur) to the S, and burying fiber optic cables. By 22 May the lava was about 2.5 km from the road. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange due to the lack of ash and tephra emissions. Authorities warned of increased gas emissions hazards.
Lewotolok – Lembata Island (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that white-and-gray plumes from Lewotolok rose as high as 800 m and drifted W and E during 18-24 May. Rumbling was heard almost daily. Crater incandescent was visible on 18 May and on 22 May incandescent material was ejected 400-700 m to the SE. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4) and the public was warned to stay 3 km away from the summit crater.
Merapi – Central Java (Indonesia) : BPPTKG reported that the lava dome just below Merapi’s SW rim and the lava dome in the summit crater both continued to extrude lava during 14-20 May. The SW rim lava-dome volume was an estimated 1.284 million cubic meters, with a growth rate of about 11,700 cubic meters per day, and continued to shed material down the flank. A total of seven pyroclastic flows traveled a maximum of 2 km down the SW flank. Incandescent avalanches, recorded 58 times, traveled as far as 2 km down the SW flank and once went 800 m SE. The summit lava dome had not changed since the previous week. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was warned to stay 5 km away from the summit.
Pacaya – Guatemala : In a special 15 May bulletin INSIVUMEH noted that lava effusion at Pacaya ceased and activity instead was characterized by explosive activity at the summit crater. Ash-and-gas plumes rose 1 km and drifted downwind, causing ashfall in San Francisco de Sales, Concepción El Cedro, Aldea El Patrocinio, and San Miguel Petapa. Explosions ejected material up to 100 m above the summit. Ash plumes rose around 500 m above the summit and drifted 5-10 km N, NW, SW, and S during 18-21 and 24-25 May. Some explosions were recorded by the seismic network during 22-23 May; white-and-blue gas plumes rose 300-700 m and drifted 5 km W during 23-24 May.
Piton de la Fournaise – Reunion Island (France) : OVPF reported that gas emissions rose from the cones at Piton de la Fournaise during 18-19 and 22-23 May; inclement weather conditions prevented visual observations on days in between. The eruption likely ceased around 0200 on 24 May, when tremor subsided, though inclement weather again prevented visual confirmation. The Alert Level remained at 2-2.
Semeru – Eastern Java (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that Semeru continued to erupt during 18-25 May. Gray-and-white plumes rose 100-700 m above the summit and drifted S, SW, and N during 18-23 May. Avalanches of material occurred four times on 18 May, traveling as far as 500 m down the Kobokan drainage. Ash plumes rose 600 and 400 m and drifted N on 21 and 22 May, respectively. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), with a general exclusion zone of 1 km and extensions to 5 km in the SSE sector.
Semisopochnoi – Aleutian Islands (USA) : AVO reported that sulfur dioxide and steam plumes from Semisopochnoi were possibly visible in satellite images during 19-20 May. Satellite images on 21 May showed a sulfur dioxide gas plume drifting 160 km SE. Steam plumes rose from Cerberus on 24 May. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Watch.
Sheveluch – Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Sheveluch was identified in satellite images during 14-21 May. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).
Sinabung – Indonesia : PVMBG reported that the eruption at Sinabung continued during 19-25 May. Pyroclastic flows traveled 3 km down the E and SE flanks at 0448 on 19 May. A dense gray ash plume rose as high as 3.5 km above the summit and drifted E and S. White-and-gray plumes rose 100-400 m and drifted NE, E, SE, and S on 20 May. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4), with a general exclusion zone of 3 km and extensions to 5 km in the SE sector and 4 km in the NE sector.
Soufriere St. Vincent – St. Vincent : University of the West Indies Seismic Research Centre (UWI-SRC) and National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) reported that seismicity at Soufrière St. Vincent (often simply referred to as “La Soufriere”) remained low during 17-24 May, with a few long-period and volcano-tectonic earthquakes occasionally recorded. Persistent steaming from the crater was visible on days when weather permitted views, and thermal anomalies continued to be identified in satellite data. Sulfur dioxide emissions were 461 tons per day on 20 May. NEMO noted that the total number of displaced people was 22,759 on 15 May though the number continued to fluctuate as people arrived at shelters while others returned home or changed locations. The Alert Level remained at Orange.
Suwanosejima – Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : JMA reported that intermittent eruptive activity at Suwanosejima’s Ontake Crater produced plumes that rose as high as 1.6 km above the crater rim during 14-21 May. Large volcanic bombs were ejected 300 m from the crater. Crater incandescence was visible overnight during 18-19 May. The Alert Level remained at 2 and the public was warned to stay 1 km away from the crater.
Taal – Luzon (Philippines) : PHIVOLCS reported that unrest at Taal continued during 19-25 May. Low-level background tremor that had begun at 0905 on 8 April continued. During 19-21 May there were 2-30 daily low-frequency events, 10-169 daily volcanic earthquakes, and 8-139 periods of volcanic tremor with variable durations (1-37 minutes); no earthquakes were recorded during 22-25 May. Most of the earthquakes were very shallow (less than 5 km deep) beneath Taal Volcano Island (TVI) and the NE part of Taal Lake. Daily upwelling of hot volcanic fluids in the crater lake was accompanied by sometimes voluminous steam plumes that were as tall as 2 km. Sulfur dioxide emissions were 2,811-3,611 tonnes/day. Slow and steady inflation of the Taal region was recorded by multiple instruments after the January 2020 eruption. PHIVOLCS noted the continuing state of elevated unrest, reminding the public that the Alert Level for Taal remained at 2 (on a scale of 0-5). PHIVOLCS strongly recommended no entry onto the island, and access to the Main Crater, Daang Kastila fissure (along the walking trail), and boating on Taal Lake was strictly prohibited.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.5 earthquake hits southern Qinghai, China.
5.2 earthquake hits southern Qinghai, China.
5.2 earthquake hits Vanuatu.
5.1 earthquake hits southern Qinghai, China.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are no current tropical storms.
Newsbytes:
India – Almost 1.5 million people evacuated their homes in India ahead of Cyclone Yaas making landfall in the state of Odisha on 26 May 2021. Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Yaas crossed the North Odisha coast about 20km south of Balasore during the morning of 26 May 2021, with an estimated wind speed of 130 to 140 km/h and gusts of 155 km/h. Moving north-westwards Yaas later weakened to a Severe Cyclonic Storm. IMD warned of storm surge of 2-3 meters in coastal areas of Balasore, Bhadrak and Medinipur districts in Odisha. Rainfall warnings were issued in Odisha and West Bengal. IMD said heavy rain was likely from 28 May in parts of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
Kenya – In a report of 24 May, the International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC) said that since the start of the “Long Rains” as many as 39,054 people from 6,580 households have been displaced across 16 counties.
Indonesia – Light to heavy rainfall from 24 May caused the Citarum River and tributaries to overflow, flooding areas of Dayeuhkolot, Baleendah, Bojongsoang, and Margarahayu sub-districts of Bandung Regency. Flood waters were up to 2.5 metres deep in some places. The flooding has affected almost 60,000 residents of Bandung Regency, West Java Province, Indonesia. Thousands of homes have been inundated.
Brazil – Weeks of flooding in the state of Amazonas in northern Brazil has affected more than 450,000 people across 52 municipalities, State Civil Defence said. Rivers have been rising since the start of the year and surpassed alert levels in many areas in early April. Figures from the Geological Survey of Brazil (CPRM) show that levels of the Solimões River (name for the upper stretches of the Amazon River in Brazil) in Manacapuru municipality, the Negro River at Manaus and the Amazon River at Itacoatiara have since exceeded the highest alert level.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Measles – Nigeria
In north-eastern Nigeria, officials with the Borno State Government reported 491 suspected cases of measles the week ending May 17, bringing the state total for 2021 to 5,902. The total includes 4,653 cases in children under 5 years old, or 78 percent of the total. In addition, six measles related deaths were recorded.
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – New Activity for the Week 19 May – 25 May 2021
Great Sitkin – Andreanof Islands (USA) : An increase in local earthquake activity at Great Sitkin during 24-25 May prompted AVO to raise the Aviation colour Code to Orange and the Volcano Alert Level to Watch on 25 May. An explosive eruption began later that day at 2104; the Aviation colour Code and the Volcano Alert Level were raised to Red/Warning, respectively. The explosions lasted for 1-2 minutes and produced an ash plume rising to 4.6 km (15,000 ft) a.s.l. that was observed by local mariners. Witnesses 42 km away heard “a very loud explosion.” After the explosive period seismicity decreased and satellite image images showed a detached plume drifting E. Around mid-morning on 26 May AVO lowered the Aviation colour Code and the Volcano Alert Level to Orange/ Watch, respectively.
Manam – Papua New Guinea : The Darwin VAAC reported that during 20-21 May ash plumes from Manam rose to 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW.
Nyiragongo – DR Congo : At around 1815 on 22 May seismicity at Nyiragongo spiked, around the same time observers reported at least two fissures opening on the lower S flanks, NW of Kibati (8 km SSE) and Rukoko (10 km S). Lava from the first fissure, originating near the Shaheru crater, flowed E over a major road (N2) and then S. The second fissure produced lava flows that traveled S, overtaking and setting fire to many houses and structures in communities north of Goma, just W of Monigi (12 km S). Video posted on social media showed lava fountaining from the fissures, a glowing red sky, and residents running through the streets. About 1,000 homes and buildings were destroyed and about 25,000 people were displaced. The lava cut off electricity and water supplies to some areas. The flow may have been as wide as 1 km and stopped 1.25 km from the Goma International Airport, in the SE part of the city, during 22-23 May. According to the Toulouse VAAC ash plumes may have initially rose to 13.7 km (45,000 ft) a.s.l., though subsequent estimates put the ash plumes mostly at 6.1-9.1 km (20,000-30,000 ft) a.s.l. during 22-23 May. Satellite images and local scientists indicated that the summit lava lake had drained before the flank fissures had opened, but began refilling afterward; collapses in the summit crater were the likely cause of the ash plumes.
Initial reports indicated that about 32 people had died: about 12 from lava and gas asphyxiation while crossing lava flows, and most of the rest from accidents while fleeing. Several people, including many children, remained missing, though families were continuing to be reunited.
Seismic data during 22-24 May showed events seemingly propagating from the summit area to the S into Lake Kivu. Several strong earthquakes shook buildings in Goma, causing some to collapse and injure people; a news article noted that tremor was felt about every 30 minutes beginning around noon on 23 May. Both airports in Goma closed for security reasons. A M 5.1 earthquake with a hypocenter beneath Lake Kivu was recorded at 1037 on 24 May. The VAAC noted that ashfall around the volcano and in surrounding towns was visible in satellite data. Cracks a few 10s of centimeters wide opened in different parts of the city on 25 May. The cracks stretched for several hundred meters from the northern city limit down to the lake, and were nearly 100 m long near the airport. Some cracks were hot and emitting gasses, and some were flaming. Ash plumes rose to 6.1 km (20,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted S; ground-based reports indicated ash in the atmosphere above Goma. Seismicity remained intense on 25 May with more than 130 earthquakes between M 2 and 5 recorded in a 24-hour period. News reports indicated hundreds of damaged buildings in neighboring Rwanda.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.4 earthquake hits Tonga.
5.2 earthquake hits southeast of Easter Island.
5.0 earthquake hits the Solomon Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits Seram, Indonesia.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the North Indian Ocean: Tropical cyclone 02b (Yaas), located approximately 98 nm southwest of Kolkata, India, is tracking northwestward at 06 knots.
Madagascar may be a secret stronghold for Coelacanths ‘living fossil’ fish
Madagascar may be a secret stronghold for coelacanths, the “living fossil” fish that were considered extinct until a fisherman caught one in 1938 off South Africa.
Coelacanths of the same species — Latimeria chalumnae — have since turned up off Tanzania, the Comoros (a group of islands off the eastern coast of Africa) and Madagascar. Now, a new review of the Madagascar fishery bycatch, or accidental catch, reveals that at least 34 confirmed specimens have been caught and that many more likely have been pulled up that never reached the attention of biologists or conservationists. Though the overall population numbers remain a mystery, the authors of the new study suspect that Madagascar may be an important habitat for coelacanths and that it may even be their ancestral home.
With 420 million years of history behind them, coelacanths are older than Madagascar, which has had a coastline for 88 million years and has been in its current location for about 40 million years.
These fish evolved 180 million years before the dinosaurs first emerged, surviving even as continents shifted and an asteroid wiped out much of life on Earth, including marine “sea monsters” like mosasaurs. Known first from fossils, coelacanths were believed extinct until a trawler caught one in a gill net in December 1938 near South Africa.
Great white shark population off California’s coast is growing
The great white shark population off Northern California’s coast is healthy and growing, a new study finds.
A survey of the great whites (Carcharodon carcharias) off the northern coast finds a stable adult population and a slight uptick in the number of subadult sharks, totaling 300 individuals. Researchers used a seal decoy to lure the apex predators to their boats so they could photograph and count the sharks. The findings are great for the region.
Climate Change Affects Fly Fertility
There is increasing evidence that human and wildlife fertility is declining. Although chemicals in our environment have been identified as the main causes, our new research shows that there is another looming threat to animal birth. It’s climate change.
We know that animals can die if the temperature rises too high. However, a new study suggests that some species of male flies can become infertile even at less extreme temperatures.
This means that the distribution of species can be limited by the temperature at which they can reproduce, not the temperature at which they can survive.
Researchers have long known that animal births are sensitive to heat stress.
For example, studies have shown that a 2 ° C increase in temperature dramatically reduces coral sperm bundle production and egg size. And in many beetle and bee species, fertilization success declines sharply at high temperatures. High temperatures have also been shown to affect fertilization and sperm count in cattle, pigs, fish and birds.
Researchers found that 11 of the 43 fly species examined, experienced an 80% loss of fertility immediately after heat stress at temperatures below lethal levels.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Ebola and Lassa fever – Guinea
The declaration to the end of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak is around the corner–scheduled for June 19. To date, a total of 23 cases have been reported, including 16 confirmed cases, and 7 probable cases, of which 9 have recovered, and 12 have died (case fatality ratio 52.2%). A confirmed case of Lassa fever was notified on 8 May 2021 at the Yomou prefecture hospital. The patient was also confirmed to be positive for COVID-19 and later died. To date, no new suspected cases of Lassa hemorrhagic fever have been reported.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.1 earthquake hits Mindanao in the Philippines.
5.1 earthquake hits northern Sumatra, Indonesia.
5.1 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the North Indian Ocean: Tropical cyclone 02b (Yaas), located approximately 222 nm south of Kolkata, India, is tracking northward at 09 knots.
Newsbytes:
Guatemala – Severe weather in Guatemala from 21 to 24 May 2021 affected over 10,000 people and damaged more than 200 homes across the departments of Baja Verapaz, Izabal, Petén, Quetzaltenango, San Marcos, Santa Rosa, Sololá and Suchitepéquez, disaster officials said. Meanwhile landslides triggered by rainfall blocked several provincial roads.
Dead baby orca reveals harmful chemical levels
A necropsy of a 10-day-old orca that washed up in Norway in 2017 has revealed that even as calves, these iconic whales are full of harmful chemicals, a new study finds.
The young killer whale (Orcinus orca) was one of eight deceased orcas that researchers in Norway examined. Of these, seven (including the calf) had levels of the banned flame retardant polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) that were high enough to cause health problems in the animals, the researchers found. And all had lower levels of some newer pollutants of which little is known and haven’t yet been banned.
Perhaps the most striking finding was that the neonate killer whale was as polluted as the adults. This means that these new pollutants are also being passed on from mother to calf.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Plague – DR Congo
Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) reported 15 cases of bubonic plague, including 11 deaths from April 23 to May 8.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.1 earthquake hits near the coast of Nicaragua.
5.0 earthquake hits Namibia.
5.0 earthquake hits Salta, Argentina.
5.0 earthquake hits the northern mid-Atlantic ridge.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the North Indian Ocean: Tropical cyclone 02b (yaas), located approximately 321 nm south of Kolkata, India, is tracking northwestward at 07 knots.
Newsbytes:
Uganda – Three people died and one was injured after heavy rain triggered floods and landslides in western Uganda. 2 young people died and 1 was injured after heavy rain triggered a landslide in Kilembe, Kasese District in the Western Region of Uganda on 23 May 2021. One house was partially destroyed in the landslide. The body of a woman was found after being swept away by flood waters of the Nyamwamba River in Kasese District.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.0 earthquake hits Kepulauan Talaud, Indonesia.
5.3 earthquake hits Fiji.
5.3 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.2 earthquake hits the Sunday Strait, Indonesia.
5.1 earthquake hits Luzon in the Philippines.
5.1 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.
5.1 earthquake hits Tonga.
5.0 earthquake hits south of Fiji.
5.0 earthquake hits the Sunday Strait, Indonesia.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are no current tropical storms.
Newsbytes:
Malaysia – Over 5,000 people have been forced from their homes after days of flooding in East Malaysia. Authorities reported flooding in parts of Sabah State from 17 May 2021. Areas in the neighbouring state of Sarawak were flooded from 20 May. The Padas River at Beaufort is well above the danger mark (8.7 metres) standing at 9.56 metres as of 22 May.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Mount Nyiragongo – DR Congo
Thousands have fled a volcanic eruption in the Democratic Republic of Congo with lava from Mount Nyiragongo reaching Goma city early Sunday.
Even before the official announcement, people had started filling the streets and carrying what they could as they headed out of the city, where the last major eruption killed 100 people.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.9 earthquake hits southern Qinghai, China.
6,7 earthquake hits Fiji.
5.3 earthquake hits near the coast of Nicaragua.
5.2 earthquake hits the Carlsberg ridge.
5.2 earthquake hits Mindanao in the Philippines.
5.2 earthquake hits southern Qinghai, China.
5.1 earthquake hits southern Sumatra, Indonesia.
5.1 earthquake hits southern Qinghai, China.
5.1 earthquake hits southern Sumatra, Indonesia.
5.1 earthquake hits the southern mid-Atlantic ridge.
5.0 earthquake hits southern Qinghai, China.
5.0 earthquake hits the Andreanof Islands in the Aleutian Islands.
Wildfires – Florida, USA
A brush fire was reported at the St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park. Police encouraged those living in the impacted area to evacuate. A portion of I-95 was shut down in Brevard County for hours, as crews further south worked to get that fire under control.
The Forest Service had about 10% of the fire contained as 1,600 acres had burned.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.3 earthquake hits Java, Indonesia.
6.0 earthquake hits Yannan, China.
5.6 earthquake hits the Solomon Islands.
5.4 earthquake hits Yannan, China.
5.2 earthquake hits Yunnan, China.
5.2 earthquake hits southern Iran.
5.2 earthquake hits Antofagasta, Chile.
5.2 earthquake hits the Crozet Islands.
5.1 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits near the north coast of New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.
5.0 earthquake hits the west Chile rise.
5.0 earthquake hits the Solomon Islands.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are no current tropical storms.
Newsbytes:
Colombia – Officials in Colombia report that over 30,000 people have been affected by floods and landslides across the country over the past 2 weeks. Three people have died and 5 were injured. Around 8 houses were destroyed and at least 2,500 damaged.
Methane Surge
Concentrations of the powerful greenhouse gas methane increased more last year than since records began in 1983, and scientists say they aren’t sure why.
After plateauing in the early 2000s, atmospheric methane has been increasing steadily since 2007. The gas is 28 times more potent in causing global warming than carbon dioxide and is responsible for about 16% of the planet’s temperature rise. “2020’s increase was double the 2007 growth. It’s even higher than the early 1980s, when the gas industry was going crazy. It’s really scary,” geophysicist Euan Nisbet of Royal Holloway, University of London told New Scientist. The increase is far greater than atmospheric scientists had earlier predicted.
Human Activity
A new study finds that human activities have transformed nearly a fifth of the planet’s land surface since the 1960s, roughly equivalent to the areas of Europe and Africa combined.
During that period, Earth’s forest cover alone has been reduced by nearly a million square kilometers, with farmland and grazing pastures increasing by about the same amount. While forests have actually expanded in the Northern Hemisphere during the past 60 years, they have been disappearing at an alarming rate to the south. This is because of the growing production of beef, sugar cane and soybean in the Amazon, palm oil in Southeast Asia and cocoa in Nigeria and Cameroon.
Psychedelic Frenzy
Some of the billions of Brood X cicadas that are emerging from the soil in the eastern United States for the first time in 17 years are infected with a fungus that eats away at their abdomens as it increases their sex drive.
The Massospora cicadina fungus lies dormant until the 17-year periodical cicadas begin to stir. It’s laced with the same chemical as in psychedelic mushrooms and causes the males to emit the mating sounds of both males and females. This attracts more potential partners and spreads the fungus.
Since the fungus effectively castrates the males as it eats away at their bodies, it acts as a natural population control, making it impossible for the infected insects to mate successfully.
Global Temperature Extremes
The week’s hottest temperature was 118 degrees Fahrenheit (47.8 degrees Celsius) in Matam, Senegal.
The week’s coldest temperature was minus 97.0 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 71.7 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:
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – Ongoing Activity for the Week 12 May 2021 – 18 May 2021
Aira – Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that during 10-17 May nightly incandescence from Minamidake Crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) was visible. Very small eruptive events were occasionally recorded. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a 5-level scale), and residents were warned to stay 2 km away from the crater.
Dukono – Halmahera (Indonesia) : Based on satellite and wind model data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 11-17 May ash plumes from Dukono rose to 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 6, 9, and 12-13 May that sent ash plumes to 3.5 km (11,500 ft) a.s.l. and drifted N, NE, E, and SE. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).
Ibu – Halmahera (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that during 11-12 and 15-17 gray-and-white ash plumes from Ibu rose 200-800 m above the summit and drifted mainly N, W, and S. Inclement weather sometimes prevented visual observations, especially during 13-14 May. 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 weak thermal anomaly over Karymsky was visible in satellite images on 7 and 9 May; weather clouds prevented observations during 8-14 May. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).
Kilauea – Hawaiian Islands (USA) : HVO reported that the W vent on the inner NW wall of Kilauea’s Halema`uma`u Crater continued to supply the 229-m-deep lava lake at a low rate through a submerged inlet during 12-18 May. Lava circulated in two small pools in the W part. The solidified portion comprised 99 percent of the total area, based on thermal measurements acquired on 13 May. The sulfur dioxide emission rate was 115-225 tons per day during 12-14 May, continuing a downward trend that began in mid-April. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Watch.
Krysuvik-Trolladyngja – Iceland : IMO reported that the fissure eruption in the W part of the Krýsuvík-Trölladyngja volcanic system, close to Fagradalsfjall on the Reykjanes Peninsula, continued during 11-18 May. The lava effusion rate was 10.8 meters per second, lower than the 12.9 meters per second rate recorded the week before. Pulsating lava fountains from crater 5, about 7-8 episodes per hour, sent material higher than 300 m. Very high fountains were visible in Reykjavik. Lava continued to flow into the Meradalir Valley; on 17 May video showed sections of the cone’s rim collapsing into the crater. By 18 May the area of the flow field had grown to 2.06 square kilometers, the total volume erupted was 38 million cubic meters. Authorities directed the construction of earthen barriers to prevent lava flowing into the Nátthaga valley and possibly overtaking Highway 427 (Suðurstrandarvegur) to the S, protecting the road and buried fiberoptic cables. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange due to the lack of ash and tephra emissions. Authorities warned of increased gas emissions hazards.
Langila – New Britain (Papua New Guinea) : Based on analyses of satellite imagery and wind model data, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 15 May ash plumes from Langila rose as high as 3 km (5,000 ft) a.s.l. A lower portion of the cloud at 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. drifted NW at the upper portion drifted S. On 16 May an ash plume rose to 2.1 km
Lewotolok – Lembata Island (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that white-and-gray plumes from Lewotolok rose as high as 600 m and drifted W and NW during 12-17 May. Incandescent material was ejected 100-300 m above the summit during 14-16 May and 300 m SE on 15 May. Rumbling and thumping sounds were heard during 14-17 May. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4) and the public was warned to stay 3 km away from the summit crater.
Merapi – Central Java (Indonesia) : BPPTKG reported that the lava dome just below Merapi’s SW rim and the lava dome in the summit crater both continued to extrude lava during 7-13 May. The SW rim lava-dome volume was an estimated 1.16 million cubic meters on 2 May, with a growth rate of about 11,500 cubic meters per day, and continued to shed material down the flank. A total of four pyroclastic flows traveled a maximum of 1.5 km down the SW flank. Incandescent avalanches, recorded 49 times, traveled as far as 1.8 km down the SW flank and twice went 700 m SE. The summit lava dome grew 2 m taller during 6-16 May. Electronic Distance Measurement (EDM) data showed a distance shortening between points in the NW at a rate of 0.7 cm per day, indicating minor inflation. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was warned to stay 5 km away from the summit.
Pacaya – Guatemala ; INSIVUMEH reported that during 12-18 May the cone on Pacaya’s N flank (near Cerro Chino) continued to be active, feeding lava flows and occasionally ejecting incandescent material as high as 40 m. The lava flow slowly advanced mainly W, though remained about 2.4 km long. The flow also spread laterally and shed incandescent blocks, especially along the flow margins and where the flow travels down steep slopes. Gas-and-ash plumes visible almost daily rose as high as 900 m above the summit and drifted W, SW, and S. Ashfall was reported in El Rodeo (4 km WSW) during 15-16 May and in El Patrocinio (about 5 km W) during 15-17 May.
Piton de la Fournaise – Reunion Island (France) : OVPF reported that the eruption at Piton de la Fournaise continued during 12-18 May at both craters, though at low levels. Lava flows mainly traveled though lava tubes and emerged from the end of the flow field, advancing E to 920 m elevation by 13 May. Minor inflation of the summit area was recorded. Dense gas plumes rose from both craters. The Alert Level remained at 2-2.
Sabancaya – Peru : Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP) reported a daily average of 37 explosions at Sabancaya during 10-16 May. Gas-and-ash plumes rose as high as 3.5 km above the summit and drifted S, SE, E, and NE. Ashfall was reported in the district of Chivay (NE), in the area of Achacota. Eight thermal anomalies originating from the lava dome in the summit crater were identified in satellite data. Minor inflation continued to be detected near Hualca Hualca (4 km N). 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.
Sangay – Ecuador : IG reported a high level of activity at Sangay during 12-18 May. Weather clouds and rain often prevented visual and webcam observations of the volcano; daily lahars were detected by the seismic network. Ash plumes rose 900-1,200 m and drifted W during 14-15 May. Several dense ash emissions were identified in satellite images on 16 May. According to the Washington VAAC ash plumes rose as high as 12.2 km (40,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted N; part of the ash plume drifted WSW at 6.4 km (21,000 ft) a.s.l. Minor ashfall was reported in the local community of Ishupamba (Province of Chimborazo), near the volcano. Ash plumes rose 1.2-1.5 km above the volcano and drifted WSW and SW during 17-18 May.
Santa Maria – Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that on 15 May lahars descended Santa María’s Cabello de Ángel (a tributary of Nimá I) drainage, carrying tree trunks, branches, and blocks 1-3 m in diameter. The lahars reached the El Faro estate. The next day lahars descended the Cabello de Ángel and Nimá I drainages carrying blocks up to 1 m in diameter. The lahars were 25 m wide and 1 m deep, and had a sulfur odor.
Semeru – Eastern Java (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that Semeru continued to erupt during 12-18 May. Dense gray-and-white plumes rose 300-700 m above the summit and drifted SW and N during 13-15 and 17 May. Avalanches of material traveled as far as 200 m down the Kobokan drainage on 13 May. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), with a general exclusion zone of 1 km and extensions to 5 km in the SSE sector.
Semisopochnoi – Aleutian Islands (USA) : AVO reported that weakly elevated surface temperatures and sulfur dioxide gas emissions at Semisopochnoi were identified in satellite images during 16-17 May. Several small explosions were recorded in infrasound data during 17-18 May; a small ash cloud was observed in a satellite image from 1521. Sulfur dioxide gas emissions and steaming from the active vents were identified in satellite data. The Aviation colour Code was raised to Orange and the Volcano Alert Level was raised to Watch on 18 May.
Sinabung – Indonesia : PVMBG reported that the eruption at Sinabung continued during 12-18 May. Weather conditions often prevented visual observations of the volcano; white fumarolic plumes were visible on 11, 13, and 15 May rising as high as 700 m above the summit and drifting in multiple directions. On 11 May an eruptive event produced a gray ash plume that rose up to 1 km. Avalanches of material traveled 1 km down the E and SE flanks on 12 May. On 13 May gray ash plumes rose 700-1,000 m above the summit, pyroclastic flows traveled 2.5 km down the E and SE flanks, and avalanches moved down the E and SE flanks as far as 1 km. On 14 May pyroclastic flows traveled as far as 4 km SE. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4), with a general exclusion zone of 3 km and extensions to 5 km in the SE sector and 4 km in the NE sector.
Suwanosejima – Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : JMA reported that six explosions at Suwanosejima’s Ontake Crater produced eruption plumes that rose as high as 2 km above the crater rim during 7-14 May. Large volcanic bombs were ejected 400 m from the crater. The Alert Level remained at 2 and the public was warned to stay 1 km away from the crater.
Taal – Luzon (Philippines) : PHIVOLCS reported that unrest at Taal continued during 11-18 May. Low-level background tremor that had begun at 0905 on 8 April continued, along with 0-201 daily low-frequency events, 2-355 daily volcanic earthquakes, and 0-249 periods of volcanic tremor with variable durations (1-35 minutes); seismicity was the lowest during 13-14 May. Most of the earthquakes were very shallow (less than 5 km deep) beneath Taal Volcano Island (TVI) and the NE part of Taal Lake. Upwelling of hot volcanic fluids in the crater lake during most days was accompanied by steam plumes that were as tall as 300 m. On other days fumarolic plumes from vents in Main Crater rose 5-40 m. Almost-daily measurements of sulfur dioxide emissions were 2,214-3,758 tonnes/day, though a peak of 5,179 tonnes/day was recorded on 12 May and comparable to a 13 January 2020 measurement taken when the volcano was erupting. Tilt data showed a minor but abrupt inflation signal on 17 May; slow and steady inflation of the Taal region was recorded by multiple instruments after the January 2020 eruption. On 18 May PHIVOLCS noted the continuing state of elevated unrest, reminding the public that the Alert Level for Taal remained at 2 (on a scale of 0-5). PHIVOLCS strongly recommended no entry onto the island, and access to the Main Crater, Daang Kastila fissure (along the walking trail), and boating on Taal Lake was strictly prohibited.
Tengger Caldera – Eastern Java (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that during 14-17 May white-and-gray plumes rose as high as 500 m above the summit of Tengger Caldera’s Bromo cone and drifted in multiple directions. A sulfur odor was noted at the observation post. 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.
Ugashik-Peulik – United States : On 12 May AVO changed the Aviation colour Code and Volcano Alert Level for Ugashik-Peulik to Green and Normal, respectively, reflecting that communication with seismic stations had been re-established, allowing for the location of earthquakes and detection of unrest.
Ukinrek Maars – United States : On 12 May AVO changed the Aviation colour Code and Volcano Alert Level for Ukinrek-Maars to Green and Normal, respectively, reflecting that communication with seismic stations had been re-established, allowing for the location of earthquakes and detection of unrest.
Veniaminof – United States : No eruptive activity at Veniaminof had been recorded in seismic or infrasound data since early April. On 12 May AVO changed both the Aviation colour Code and Volcano Alert Level to Unassigned, noting that several seismic station outages impeded the ability to detect seismic unrest at the volcano. Monitoring was ongoing based on the utilization of the remaining seismic stations, the regional infrasound networks, the detection of lightning, and satellite image monitoring.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.2 earthquake hits Tonga.
5.1 earthquake hits the southern east Pacific rise.
5.1 earthquake hits Santiago del Estero, Argentina.
5.0 earthquake hits the southeast Indian ridge.
New Iceberg Calves in Antarctica
An enormous iceberg, a little bigger than the state of Rhode Island (1 700 square miles), has broken off of Antarctica.
The finger-shaped chunk of ice, which is roughly 105 miles (170 kilometers) long and 15 miles (25 kilometers) wide, was spotted by satellites as it calved from the western side of Antarctica’s Ronne Ice Shelf. The berg is now floating freely on the Weddell Sea, a large bay in the western Antarctic where explorer Ernest Shackleton once lost his ship, the Endurance, to pack ice.
Darwin’s Arch Collapses
The iconic ‘Darwin’s Arch’ in the Galapagos has crashed into the sea. The arch, located less than 0.6 miles (1 kilometer) off the steep and rocky coast of Darwin Island, collapsed as “a consequence of natural erosion,” on May 17.
Zombie Wildfires – Siberia
Fires smoldering below the tundra all winter are making their debut early this year. Hundreds of fires are raging across Russia as wildfire season descends on the world’s largest country ahead of schedule.
Some parts of the country have already reported a record number of spring wildfire and smoke plumes from some Siberian forest fires have drifted across half the nation and been spotted over Finland (that’s nearly 2,000 miles, or 3,200 km away). In late April, wildfire smoke blacked out the sky in the Siberian city of Novosibirsk — Russia’s third most populous city — prompting the government to issue a “black sky” health warning.
An intense spring heatwave is partially responsible for this year’s early blazes, News.ru reports, making fires sparked by lightning strikes and human activity more likely. But some of these wildfires may be the rekindled remains from last summer’s fires — also known as “zombie” fires.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – New Activity for the Week 12 May 2021 – 18 May 2021
Great Sitkin – Andreanof Islands (USA) : AVO reported that elevated surface temperatures at Great Sitkin had been identified in satellite images since January and had been increasing in frequency during the previous two months. A minor increase in seismicity began to be recorded on 9 May and volcanic gas emissions increased on 10 May. AVO raised the Aviation colour Code to Yellow and the Volcano Alert Level to Advisory on 12 May.
Sheveluch – Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Sheveluch was identified in satellite images during 7-14 May. A new lava block (named “Dolphin-2”) that extruded from the top of the lava dome was visible in a 15 May photo. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).
Stromboli – Aeolian Islands (Italy) : INGV reported a collapse event at Stromboli’s Area N (North Crater area) on 19 May. A series of explosions began at 1447, producing a pyroclastic flow that at 1451 descended the Sciara del Fuoco to the coast and traveled 1 km over the sea. The explosions and pyroclastic flow produced large, dense ash clouds that rose above both the summit area and along the entire length of the pyroclastic flow. A series of less intense pyroclastic flows began at 1502 that also reached the sea. Lava flows from Area N also descended the Sciara del Fuoco to the coast.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.1 earthquake hits the southern east Pacific rise.
5.3 earthquake hits Nepal.
Two 5.2 earthquakes hit southwest of Africa.
5.1 earthquake hits southwest of Africa.
5.0 earthquake hits Jujuy, Argentina.
5.0 earthquake hits the Hindu Kush, Afghanistan.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are no current tropical storms.
Newsbytes:
Louisiana, USA – Louisiana Governor declared a state of emergency after severe flooding in the state. Lake Charles and surrounding areas of Calcasieu Parish recorded more than 15 inches / 381 mm of rain in 12 hours on 17 May 2021. This was the third heaviest rain event in the history of the city. Early assessments suggest “at minimum 400 to 500″ buildings have been flooded. Emergency crews received hundreds of calls for flood rescues from people trapped in their homes.
Burundi – The Red Cross in Burundi reports that flooding from the overflowing Lake Tanganyika is worsening by the day and over 6,000 families have been forced from their homes. Levels of the lake have been slowly rising since February 2021. Heavy rainfall since the start of April has worsened the situation with further rainfall predicted until mid-May. Red Cross in Burundi said they have counted around 6,400 homeless households.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Anthrax – Uganda
Health Officials in Kween District in Eastern Uganda are reporting 15 people are undergoing treatment for anthrax and over 15 heads of cattle have so far succumbed to the disease since last month. One person has died from the disease.
Dengue Fever – Kenya
In a follow-up on the dengue fever outbreak in Kenya, 553 cases have been reported within the past 4 months of January, February, March and April, with a peak of cases being reported in April in two counties on Kenya’s east coast.
Dengue Fever – Brazil
The weekly dengue bulletin published by the Secretary of State for Health in Paraná, Brazil confirms 1,836 new cases of the disease and three deaths.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.2 earthquake hits the Rat Islands in the Aleutian Islands.
5.2 earthquake hits southeast of the Loyalty Islands.
5.1 earthquake hits the Rat Islands in the Aleutian Islands.
5.1 earthquake hits southeast of Fiji.
5.0 earthquake hits Reykjanes Ridge.
5.0 earthquake hits the Nicobar Islands off India.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the North Indian Ocean: Tropical cyclone 01a (Tauktae), located approximately 140 nm northwest of Mumbai, India, is tracking northward at 08 knots.
Newsbytes:
India – Tropical Cyclone Tauktae left a trail of destruction as it moved north over the Arabian Sea, passing close to the western coast of India. Tauktae made landfall in Gujarat on 17 May and is forecast to weaken. According to India’s Disaster Management Division, as of 17 May, as many as 23 people had died in the storm, mostly as a result of wind damage but also flooding and rough seas. As many as 127 people were thought to be missing after severe sea conditions and high waves caused a vessel to sink off the coast of Mumbai. A total of 197 house have ben completely destroyed and almost 7,000 homes damaged including 3,534 in Maharashtra and 2,427 in Kerala, but also in the states / territories of Lakshadweep, Goa, Karnataka and Gujarat. As many as 217,458 people have evacuated their homes, mostly in Gujarat, where 203,509 were displaced.
Slovakia – Emergency authorities report that one person has died in flash flooding which struck in Žarnovica district, Banská Bystrica Region of central Slovakia. Severe flash flooding struck the village of Rudno nad Hronom in Žarnovica district on 17 May 2021. The dam of a reservoir near the village is thought to have broken after recent heavy rainfall. The ensuing flood waters damaged homes and dragged vehicles through streets of the village.
Global warming will open up Russia’s Far North to agriculture
The global climate crisis has a silver lining for Russia at least. Over the next two or three decades large swathes of Russia’s frozen northern regions will become warm enough to grow crops, according to the Natural Resources and Environment Minister.
Russia’s permafrost is melting and temperatures in the Far North are rising two and half times faster than elsewhere in the world. That is bad news for the dozen cities located there since Soviet times that focus on extracting raw materials, and will cause hundreds of billions of dollars of damage, according to a series of studies, but it will also raise temperatures for farmers.
As Siberia warms it will be able to produce all the straw cereals – wheat, barley, triticale, rye, etc., but also feed corn, grain corn and even soybeans, by the end of the century. With several harvests per year. Russia’s grain potential could jump from 100-150mn tonnes of grain per year today to 1bn tpy in 2080, according to experts.
Deep-sea fish with lightbulb on its head washes ashore in California
A nightmarish fish that typically dwells thousands of feet below the ocean’s surface recently washed ashore on a California beach.
The deep-sea fish, known as an anglerfish, is rather elusive and rarely seen outside of the deep ocean. The bizarre creature is normally found at ocean depths of around 3,000 feet (914 meters), the post said. More than 200 species of anglerfish are found worldwide, and officials determined that the specimen in this case is most likely a Pacific football fish.
The fish’s mouth sports a number of sharp, pointy teeth; and the top of its head features a long, protruding stalk with a bioluminescent bulb at the end, which is used “as a lure to entice prey in the darkness” of the deep ocean.
Wildfires – New Jersey, USA
Firefighters in New Jersey controlled a wildfire Monday that had burned more than 1,000 acres in less than a day, officials said. Although some structures were threatened by the blaze, the fire has yet to damage any structures, and no injuries have been reported.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
Two 5.5 earthquakes hit northeastern Iran.
5.2 earthquake hits the western Indian-Antarctic ridge.
5.1 earthquake hits Tarapaca, Chile.
5.1 earthquake hits Fiji.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the North Indian Ocean: Tropical cyclone 01a (Tauktae), located approximately 113 nm west-northwest of Mumbai, India, is tracking northward at 08 knots.
Newsbytes:
Ecuador – Raging flash floods swept through the city of Cuenca, capital of Azuay Province in Ecuador on 15 May 2021. Several rivers and streams overflowed after a period of heavy rain. Flooding along areas of the Tarqui River was particularly extreme. At least 34 people have been forced from their homes. Furthermore, flooding damaged or destroyed almost 70 homes in the city. Families have lost material possession after flood water over 1 meter deep invaded their homes. Around 500 people from 100 families were directly affected.
Giant Moth
A gigantic moth that is almost never seen by humans was recently found on a building site at a school in Australia. The colossal insect is so heavy that it can’t fly, and reaches its full size just a few days before mating. And then it dies.
Giant wood moths (Endoxyla cinereus) are the largest species of moth in the world. When fully grown, the females, which are around twice the size of the males, can weigh up to 1 ounce (30 grams) and reach a wingspan of 10 inches (25 centimeters).
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.6 earthquake hits Hokkaido, Japan.
5.4 earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits New Britain, Papua New Guinea.
5.0 earthquake hits New Ireland, Papua New Guinea.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the North Indian Ocean: Tropical cyclone 01a (Tauktae), located approximately 626 nm south-southeast of Karachi, Pakistan, is tracking northward at 09 knots.
Newsbytes:
Mexico – Civil Protection in the state of Veracruz, Mexico, reported on 13 May that severe weather brought flooding, landslides and wind damage which had affected at least 14 municipalities in the state. Strong winds downed trees and heavy rain triggered flooding and landslides. Numerous homes were damaged.
Sri Lanka – Sri Lanka‘s Disaster Management Centre (DMC) has reported further flooding and landslides in several parts of the country. Further heavy rain has fallen in Sri Lanka since our report here. The Department of Meteorology reported 336 mm of rain fell in Agalawatta, Kalutara District in 24 hours to 14 May 2021. Recent figures from DMC show that at least 3 people have died and more that 11,000 have been affected by recent floods, landslides and strong winds across the country over the last few days.
Brazil – Anama, home to 14,000 people on a tributary of the Solimoes River that flows toward the capital Manaus, is just one municipality of dozens in Amazonas state that has seen life upended by unusual rainfall and flooding of the Amazon.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Leptospirosis – Australia
The number of leptospirosis cases reported in Queensland in 2021 have nearly doubled compared the same period last year, health officials report. Through May 9, Queensland has recorded 78 cases of leptospirosis across the state.
Typhoid Fever – Pakistan
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated their travel notice for Pakistan and the outbreak of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) typhoid fever. The ongoing outbreak began in 2016 in Sindh province, Pakistan, and spread throughout the country. Cases of XDR typhoid fever have been reported among people in North America, Europe, East Asian, and the South Pacific who traveled to Pakistan. All travelers to Pakistan are at risk of getting XDR typhoid fever.
Dengue Fever – Paraguay
Reports of suspected dengue fever have shown an increasing trend in the last week. To date, there are 10,164 notifications for the virus at the country level.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.5 earthquake hits southeast of Easter Island.
5.2 earthquake hits southeast of the Loyalty Islands.
5.1 earthquake hits Kyrgyzstan.
5.1 earthquake hits Para. Brazil.
5.0 earthquake hits South Georgia Island.
5.0 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Northwest Pacific Ocean: Tropical depression 03w (Three), located approximately 374nm south of Manila, Philippines, is tracking west-northwestward at 09 knots.
In the North Indian Ocean: Tropical cyclone 01a (Tauktae), located approximately 766 nm south-southeast of Karachi, Pakistan, is tracking north-northeastward at 08 knots.
Newsbytes:
Romania – A short period of torrential rain early on 13 may 2021 caused severe flash flooding in parts of northern Romania. Authorities said tributaries of the Crasna river had broken their banks after 70 mm of rain fell in 3 hours early 13 May. The flooding was described as the worst in 20 years. Flood water was reportedly up to waist height.
Maldives – Heavy rain from 11 May 2021 caused flooding in parts of the Maldives. As of 13 May, at least 300 homes were affected. On 11 May, Authorities reported flooding in parts of Addu Atoll, including Addu City, Lhaviyani Atoll including Naifaru and Gnaviyani Atoll including Fuvahmulah. As of 13 May, Maldives police reported damages to 287 houses in Fuvahmulah, affecting around 1,500 people.
Sri Lanka – Sri Lanka has seen heavy rainfall from around 10 May 2021. As of 13 May, Disaster Management Centre (DMC) reported floods and rainfall damages in the districts of Rathnapura, Colombo and Puttalam, affecting around 1,000 people and displacing 175. Lightning and strong winds also caused damage during the period 11 to 13 May 2021.
Ethiopia – The UN reported on 13 May that flooding in 3 regions of Ethiopia that began in late April has displaced around 70,000 people. During the period 26 April to 10 May 2021, flooding has affected thousands of people across the Afar, SNNP and Somali regions of Ethiopia. In Afar Region, around 27,400 people have been displaced by flooding due to heavy rain and winds in Gulina, Ewa, and Beyalo, Dulecha, Harunka, and Mile Woredas.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.7 earthquake hits the Nias region, Indonesia.
6.1 earthquake hits near the east coast of Honshu, Japan.
5.3 earthquake hits Fiji.
5.1 earthquake hits the Kuril Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits eastern New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.
5.0 earthquake hits southwest of Sumatra, Indonesia.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Northwest Pacific Ocean: Tropical storm 03w (Three), located approximately 132 nm west-northwest of Manila, Philippines, is tracking westward at 12 knots.
Newsbytes:
Russia – Disaster authorities in Russia report that homes have been inundated and residents evacuated after flooding from the rising Amur river in Khabarovsk Krai in the Far East region. TOn 10 May the levels of the Amur River in the Khabarovsk Territory were rising as a result of snow melt and ice jams. On 10 May the Amur reached 6.3 metres at Takhta, Khabarovsk Krai, Russia. Danger levels are 5.5 metres. As of 12 May, over 60 homes were flooded in Nikolayevsky District, prompting some evacuations.
DR Congo – Long-term heavy rainfall has caused severe flooding in parts of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, with as many as 13,600 households affected according to the UN. Flooding has destroyed 4,240 houses and affected as many as 13,600 households in the province of Tanganyika, Democratic Republic of Congo. Thousands of families are homeless: some are living in public places (churches, schools), others are staying with host families. Over 100 schools have been destroyed, affecting nearly 39,600 pupils.
Adapting Butterflies
Western monarch butterflies from the Pacific Northwest to California may not be going extinct as earlier feared, but are instead changing their breeding habitats and adapting to climate change.
A Washington State University expert says last winter’s count of the colorful insects revealed a sharp drop, especially across much of Southern California, where the number plunged from about 300,000 three years ago to just 1,914 in 2020.
But entomologist David James says large populations were observed by citizen scientists in metropolitan Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area, where they had seldom been seen wintering before.
Radiation – Chernobyl
Fission reactions appear to be occurring in an inaccessible chamber of Ukraine’s crippled Chernobyl nuclear power plant, which exploded 35 years ago.
Scientists say they don’t know if the slow rise in neutron emissions will fizzle out or increase, forcing them to find ways to prevent another catastrophe. “It’s like the embers in a barbecue pit,” said nuclear chemist Neil Hyatt of the University of Sheffield. He says the new rates of fission are very low and believes they probably will not lead to an explosion. But scientists on the scene say they are not sure since there is no direct way to monitor what is happening inside the sealed and intensely radioactive chamber.
Forest Recovery
Areas of felled forest around the world, collectively the size of France, have regrown naturally during the past 20 years, potentially soaking up more carbon emissions than the United States creates each year.
But the World Wildlife Fund, which led the survey, says far more areas of forests are being lost each year through deforestation than are recovering. “The data show the enormous potential of natural habitats to recover when given the chance to do so,” said John Lotspeich, executive director of Trillion Trees, the coalition group behind the study.
Global Temperature Extremes
The week’s hottest temperature was 120 degrees Fahrenheit (48.9 degrees Celsius) in Kufra, Libya.
The week’s coldest temperature was minus 111.0 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 79.4 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:
Gastro-Intestinal Infection – Armenia
The Armenian Ministry of Health reports an outbreak of intestinal infections in the country’s Sisian community. To date, the ministry has recorded 370 cases with diagnoses that are characteristic of intestinal infections.
Syphilis – Texas, USA
The city of Houston health Department is reporting a congenital syphilis surge. Preliminary data indicate that fetal deaths in Harris County (including Houston) increased from four in 2019 to 14 in 2020, a 250-percent increase.
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – Ongoing Activity for the Week 5 May 2021 – 11 May 2021
Aira – Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that during 3-10 May incandescence from Minamidake Crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) was visible nightly. There were four explosions and four non-explosive events during 3-7 May, producing ash plumes that rose as high has 2.5 km above the summit and ejecting bombs 0.8-1.1 km away from the crater. Very small eruptive events were recorded during 7-10 May. The sulfur dioxide emission rate was 1,300 tons per day on 19 May. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a 5-level scale), and residents were warned to stay 2 km away from the crater.
Ebeko – Paramushir Island (Russia) : Volcanologists in Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island), about 7 km E of Ebeko, observed explosions during 4-6 May that sent ash plumes to 2.5 km (8,200 ft) a.s.l. and drifted N and SE. A thermal anomaly was identified in satellite data on 5 May. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).
Fuego – Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that 5-12 explosions per hour were recorded during 4-11 May at Fuego, generating ash plumes as high as 1.1 km above the crater rim. Shock waves sometimes rattled buildings around the volcano. Ashfall was reported daily in several areas downwind, including Morelia (9 km SW), Panimaché I and II (8 km SW), Santa Sofía (12 km SW), El Porvenir (8 km ENE), Sangre de Cristo (8 km WSW), and San Pedro Yepocapa (8 km NW). Block avalanches descended the Ceniza (SSW), Seca (W), Trinidad (S), Taniluyá (SW), Las Lajas (SE), and Honda drainages, often reaching vegetated areas. Explosions ejected incandescent material 100-450 m above the summit during 4-8 May.
Karymsky – Eastern Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a weak thermal anomaly over Karymsky was visible in satellite images during 29-30 April and 1 May; weather clouds prevented observations during 2-7 May. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).
Kilauea – Hawaiian Islands (USA) : HVO reported that the W vent on the inner NW wall of Kilauea’s Halema`uma`u Crater continued to supply the lava lake at a low rate during 5-11 May through a submerged inlet. The depth of the lake was 229 m by 11 May. Lava continued to circulate in the W part, though the active area continued to shrink. The E half of the lake remained solidified and comprised about 93 percent of the total area, based on thermal measurements acquired on 16 April. The sulfur dioxide emission rate was 200-300 tons per day during 5-7 May, and 150 tons per day on 10 May, continuing a downward trend that began in mid-April. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Watch.
Krysuvik-Trolladyngja – Iceland : IMO reported that the fissure eruption in the W part of the Krýsuvík-Trölladyngja volcanic system, close to Fagradalsfjall on the Reykjanes Peninsula, continued during 5-11 May. On 2 May pulsating high jets of lava from crater 5 prompted authorities to widen the restricted zone because; ash and lava could be deposited several hundred of meters away. Cycles of lava jetting and effusion periodically continued during 3-7 May, with lava steadily enlarging the flow field. By 4 May the area of the flow field had grown to 1.41 square kilometers, and the total volume erupted was 23 million cubic meters. Activity was quiet for a period of time during 8-9 May, though IMO noted that fountaining quickly resumed during the morning of 9 May. High jets of lava occurred every 10 minutes, sometimes with jets rising as high as 300 m. Tephra (a few centimeters in diameter) was deposited as far as 1 km from the vent and small amounts of tephra were reported in Gríndavík. Hot deposits have caused small vegetation fires within a few hundreds of meters around the eruption site. On 10 May gas plumes rose higher than 2 km a.s.l. The eruption area was closed due to local wildfires and unfavorable wind conditions. Very high fountains were visible in Reykjavik. On 11 May lava fountains again rose up to 300 m tall and were seen from the capital. The cone had grown to about 50 m high. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange due to the lack of ash and tephra emissions.
Lewotolok – Lembata Island (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that mostly white plumes from Lewotolok rose as high as 600 m and drifted SE, W, and NW during 4-11 May. Gray-and-white plumes rose 500 m and drifted W, NW, and SE on 6 and 8 May. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4) and the public was warned to stay 3 km away from the summit crater.
Merapi – Central Java (Indonesia) : BPPTKG reported that the lava dome just below Merapi’s SW rim and the lava dome in the summit crater both continued to extrude lava during 30 April-6 May. The SW rim lava-dome volume was an estimated 1.1 million cubic meters on 2 May, with a growth rate of about 17,000 cubic meters per day, and continued to shed material down the flank. A total of 12 pyroclastic flows traveled a maximum of 2 km down the SW flank. Incandescent avalanches, recorded 74 times, traveled as far as 2 km down the SW flank and twice went 600 m SE. The volume of the summit lava dome was 1.7 million cubic meters on 2 May, with a growth rate of about 14,000 cubic meters per day. Electronic Distance Measurement (EDM) data showed a distance shortening between points in the NW at a rate of 0.6 cm per day, indicating minor inflation. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was warned to stay 5 km away from the summit.
Pacaya – Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that during 4-11 May the lava flow on Pacaya’s N flank continued to advance, lengthening from 2.1 to 2.4 km, and spreading laterally in some areas. Incandescent blocks detached from the flow, especially along the flow margins and steep slopes. Occasional explosions at the vent (near Cerro Chino) ejected incandescent material as high as 100 m. Around 0600 on 6 May explosions at the summit produced ash plumes that drifted S. Dense ash plumes were visible drifting W and SW during 7-9 May. On 11 May an advancing lava flow on the SW flank was 2.3 km long.
Sangay – Ecuador : IG reported a high level of activity at Sangay during 5-11 May. Seismicity was characterized by 3-28 daily explosions, long-period earthquakes, lahar events, and signals indicating emissions. Weather clouds and rain sometimes prevented visual observations of the volcano, especially during 8-9 May. Based on the Washington VAAC and occasional webcam images, ash plumes were visible during 4-8 and 10 May rising as high as 2 km above the summit and drifting mainly NW, W, and SW. Eruptions during midmorning and again around noon on 7 May produced ash plumes that rose 2.3 km and drifted WSW; higher plumes rose 5.4 km and drifted NW. Notable ashfall was reported in multiple places in the afternoon; in Guamote (40 km WNW), in Riobamba, and Alusí. A lava flow descended the SE flank. Minor amounts of ash fell in parts of the Guayas province in the morning of 8 May. The seismic network recorded lahar signals during 7-10 May.
Santa Maria – Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that during 4-11 May daily explosions at Santa María’s Santiaguito lava-dome complex generated ash plumes that rose as high as 1.1 km above the summit and drifted W, SW, and S. Collapses of blocky lava from Caliente dome sent avalanches down the SE, S, SW, and W flanks, sometimes reaching the base, and causing minor ashfall around the volcano. Ashfall was also reported in San Marcos (8 km SW) and Loma Linda Palajunoj (6 km WSW) during 5-6 and 10-11 May.
Semeru – Eastern Java (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that Semeru continued to erupt during 4-11 May. Avalanches of material traveled 200-300 m SE down the Kobokan drainage on 6 May. Gray-and-white plumes rose 200-500 m above the summit and drifted S during 8-9 May. Avalanches of material traveled as far as 700 m down the Kobokan drainage. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), with a general exclusion zone of 1 km and extensions to 5 km in the SSE sector.
Semisopochnoi – Aleutian Islands (USA) : AVO lowered the Aviation colour Code to Yellow and the Volcano Alert Level to Advisory for Semisopochnoi on 7 May, noting that no ash emissions had been observed nor explosions recorded since 26 April. Sulfur dioxide emissions were recorded on 1 and 5 May, signifying continued unrest. Steam plumes were visible rising from the N crater of Mt. Cerberus on 7 May.
Sheveluch – Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Sheveluch was identified in satellite images during 30 April-7 May. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).
Sinabung – Indonesia : PVMBG reported that the eruption at Sinabung continued during 4-11 May. Weather conditions sometimes prevented visual observations of the volcano, though white fumarolic plumes were visible almost daily rising as high as 500 m above the summit and drifting in multiple directions. Daily avalanches descended 500-1,500 m down the E and SE flanks. At 1119 on 6 May an ash plume rose 2 km above the summit and drifted E. At 0908 and 1519 on 7 May ash plumes rose 3 km and drifted E. Ash plumes rose 1-2.8 km and drifted E, WNW, and W at 1044, 1656, and 1841 on 8 May; plumes were also seen on 9 May. At 0747 on 10 May an ash plume rose 2.5 km and drifted SW. Ash plumes on 11 May rose 700 m and drifted W at 0712, and rose 1.5 km and drifted E at 1428. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4), with a general exclusion zone of 3 km and extensions to 5 km in the SE sector and 4 km in the NE sector.
Soufriere St. Vincent – St. Vincent : On 6 May government authorities lowered the Alert Level to Orange for Soufrière St. Vincent (often simply referred to as “La Soufriere”) based on recommendations from University of the West Indies Seismic Research Centre (UWI-SRC). The public was allowed to return to their homes in the Yellow and Orange zones, though access to the Red Zone remained restricted. UWI-SRC noted that over the previous few days continuing lahars had mobilized boulders 5 m in diameter and were steamy in areas where they contacted hot deposits. A small lahar signal was recorded at 0740 on 7 May. Sulfur dioxide emissions were measured from a boat near the W coast, yielding a flux of 208 tons per day on 9 May. Seismicity remained low through 11 May with only a few long-period earthquakes recorded by the seismic network.
Suwanosejima – Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : JMA reported that 35 explosions at Suwanosejima’s Ontake Crater produced eruption plumes that rose as high as 2.4 km above the crater rim during 30 April-7 May. Large volcanic bombs were ejected 700 m from the crater. Crater incandescence was visible nightly. The Alert Level remained at 2 and the public was warned to stay 1 km away from the crater.
