Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.0 earthquake hits Fiji.
5.0 earthquake hits the Molucca Sea.
5.0 earthquake hits Tonga.
5.0 earthquake hits the Lombok region, Indonesia.
5.0 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits near the coast of Nicaragua.
5.0 earthquake hits south of Fiji.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are currently no tropical storms.
Newsbytes:
USA – An outbreak of severe storms swept through the eastern half of Kansas and Nebraska Friday, unleashing tornadoes, destructive wind gusts and massive hail in both states. A major tornado developed just before sunset in the eastern Wichita suburbs before entering the city of Andover, where it caused substantial damage. There were no immediate reports of injuries, but many homes and businesses were damaged or destroyed. A total of 14 tornadoes were reported.
Carbon Capture
Pulverized rock dust spread on farmland has the potential to remove vast amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping countries meet their net-zero carbon target by 2050, experts say. In Britain alone, researchers believe that almost half of the nation’s CO2 removal goals could be achieved in this way.
Enhanced rock weathering is a process in which basalt and other rocks are ground up, increasing their surface area to better absorb carbon from the atmosphere. Because no new technology is needed to prepare, distribute and spread the rock dust, it is far more practical and cheaper than other forms of direct air capture and storage under development.
Wildfires – New Mexico
The drought-driven Calf Canyon wildfire has destroyed 166 homes in northern New Mexico and is threatening hundreds more as fierce winds fan flames towards mountain villages. Thousands of residents were on standby to evacuate amid fears a Friday wind storm would push the blaze into communities in the Mora Valley, around 40 miles (64 kilometres) northeast of Santa Fe. The fire has so far burned 64,395 acres (26,060 hectares) or 101 square miles (260 square km).
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Measles – Africa
Africa is facing an explosion of preventable diseases due to delays in vaccinating children, the World Health Organization (WHO) said Thursday, with measles cases jumping 400%.
Twenty African countries reported measles outbreaks in the first quarter of this year, eight more than in the first three months of 2021. The Africa region recorded almost 17,500 cases of the highly contagious virus between January and March.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.9 earthquake hits eastern New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.
5.6 earthquake hits the central east Pacific rise.
5.2 earthquake hits the Bismarck Sea.
5.1 earthquake hits Leyte in the Philippines.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are currently no tropical storms.
Newsbytes:
Venezuela - Heavy rainfall since mid-April has caused flooding in several states in Venezuela. Thousands of families have been affected by floods in Sur del Lago de Maracaibo sub-region in Zulia state. Swollen rivers and failing embankments led to flooding in the municipalities of Sucre, Francisco Javier Pulgar, Colón and Catatumbo from around 20 April 2022. Homes, roads, livestock and crops have all been damaged. Heavy rain has also taken its toll in the neighbouring state of Mérida. One person died in floodwaters on 19 April in the municipality of Caracciolo Parra and another in Alberto Adriani municipality on 21 April after a landslide buried a house. The municipality Obispo Ramos de Lora declared a state of emergency on 22 April after more than 250 families were affected and at least 25 homes damaged or destroyed following flooding from the Guachizón river. The capital city Caracas has also seen heavy rain over the last few days. In a 48 hour period to 28 April, the city recorded 180 mm of rain, which is around 3 times the monthly average for April.
Extreme global warming could see major ocean life extinction
How badly will ocean animals be hit as Earth warms? A computer model based on the oxygen requirements of marine organisms may provide an answer.
Our oceans already contain about 2 per cent less oxygen than 50 years ago, because the gas is less soluble in warmer water. Many organisms are therefore moving polewards to cooler regions. As the oceans continue to warm, some will be left with nowhere to go, with polar species being hit hardest.
The model suggests marine extinctions will rise gradually alongside ocean warming, passing 10 per cent once around 6°C of warming on average across the seas is reached. After 8°C, the percentage will increase more rapidly, passing 40 per cent at around 14°C of warming.
Plastic Eaters
Chemical engineers in Texas say they have developed a new enzyme variant that can break down plastic in just hours or days, compared to the centuries it takes to degrade in nature.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin say this could eliminate billions of tons of landfill waste and bring about true recycling of plastic. Globally, less than 10% of all plastic has been recycled. Developed through machine learning, the FAST-PETase enzyme was found to break down 51 different types of consumer plastic containers, five different polyester fibers and fabrics, as well as water bottles. The team plans to scale up the production for industrial use and to experiment with spreading the enzyme across polluted sites.
Reptiles in Peril
An international study of reptiles by more than 900 scientists across six continents finds that more than a fifth of all species are threatened with extinction.
“If we remove reptiles, it could change ecosystems radically, with unfortunate knock-on effects, such as increases in pest insects,” said researcher Neil Cox. While many reptiles are found in arid regions, far more live in forests, where they are threatened by climate change, logging and expanding agriculture. Hunting, especially for crocodiles and turtles, is also a major threat.
Global Temperature Extremes
The week’s hottest temperature was 48.0 degrees Celsius (118.4 degrees F) at Nawabshah, Pakistan.
The week’s coldest temperature was minus 77.0 degrees Celsius (-106.6 degrees F) 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:
Acute Hepatitis in Children – USA
The Wisconsin Department of Health issued a health alert to physicians yesterday concerning the recent increase in cases of acute hepatitis and adenovirus infection in children. Since being notified of the cluster of acute hepatitis of unknown etiology in Alabama earlier this month, Wisconsin health officials are investigating four similar cases among children and one death.
Bird Flu Spreads
Massive numbers of wild birds across more than 25 US states and parts of Canada have been made ill or killed by the H5N1 strain of the avian influenza virus, including bald eagles. Tens of millions of domestic poultry have also been culled.
“This outbreak in wild bird populations is a lot more extensive than we saw in 2014 and 2015,” University of Georgia bird flu researcher David Stallknecht told public broadcaster NPR. “Just a lot more birds appear to be affected.” The virus can fall to the ground in the droppings of passing wild birds, and is easily spread on shoes and even vehicles traveling to and between farms. The H5N1 strain is also causing France’s worst bird flu crisis in history and infecting wild birds and poultry in other parts of Europe, Africa and Asia.
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – Ongoing Activity for the week 20 April – 26 April 2022
Aira – Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that very small eruptive events at Minamidake Crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) were recorded during 18-25 April. Crater incandescence was periodically visible at night. The sulfur dioxide emissions were slightly high at 1,300 tons per day on 19 April but then dropped to 500 tons per day on 22 April.
Davidof – Aleutian Islands (USA) : AVO lowered both the Aviation Color Code and the Volcano Alert Level for Davidof to Unassigned on 21 April, noting that the earthquake swarm which began in January had declined in the previous few weeks. It is unknown if the swarm was due to tectonic processes or volcanic unrest. The level “Unassigned” means that there is not sufficient instrumentation on the volcano for AVO to characterize a base level of activity; the closest seismometer was on Little Sitkin (15 km E).
Dukono – Halmahera : Based on satellite and wind model data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 21-23 and 25 April ash plumes from Dukono rose to 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted in multiple directions.
Fuego – South-Central Guatemala :INSIVUMEH reported that 2-10 explosions per hour were recorded at Fuego during 21-25 April, generating ash plumes that rose as high as 1.3 km above the crater rim. The ash plumes mainly drifted as far as 15 km SE, S, and SW causing daily ashfall in 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), Finca Palo Verde, Finca la Asunción, El Zapote (10 km S), San Pedro Yepocapa (8 km NW), Ceylon, San Andrés Osuna, and La Rochela. Shock waves rattled structures in communities around the volcano on most days and occasional rumbling was heard. Block avalanches descended the flanks in all directions, but most commonly were visible in the Ceniza (SSW), Seca (W), Trinidad (S), Taniluyá (SW), Honda, and Las Lajas (SE) drainages, often reaching vegetated areas. Explosions ejected incandescent material 100-350 m above the summit during 21-24 April.
Great Sitkin – Andreanof Islands (USA) : AVO reported that slow lava effusion at Great Sitkin continued during 20-26 April, and very low seismicity persisted.
Ibu – Halmahera : PVMBG reported that the eruption at Ibu continued during 22-26 April. Daily dense gray ash plumes generally rose 400-1,500 m above the summit and drifted W and NE, though at 0948 on 25 April ash plumes rose up to 3 km above the summit and drifted W.
Kilauea – Hawaiian Islands (USA) : HVO reported that lava continued to effuse from a vent in the lower W wall of Kilauea’s Halema`uma`u Crater during 19-26 April, entering an active lava lake and flowing onto the crater floor. The surface of the lava lake was active all week, and the height of the lake fluctuated; the lake occasionally overflowed the rim, sending lava onto the crater floor. Daily breakouts occurred along the N, NE, E, and S parts of the crater.
Langila – New Britain (Papua New Guinea) : The Darwin VAAC reported that on 24 April an ash plume from Langila rose 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SW. The plume had dissipated within 5.5 hours.
Lewotolok – Lembata Island : PVMBG reported that the eruption at Lewotolok continued during 19-26 April. Daily white-and-gray ash plumes rose 50-400 m above the summit and drifted W, NW, and E.
Merapi – Central Java : BPPTKG reported that the eruption at Merapi continued during 15-21 April. The heights and morphologies of the SW lava dome and the central lava dome were unchanged from the previous week, and seismicity remained at high levels. As many as 150 lava avalanches traveled a maximum of 2 km mostly down the Bebeng drainage on the SW flank. One pyroclastic flows traveled 2 km SW down the Bebeng.
Pavlof – Alaska Peninsula, Alaska : AVO reported that the eruption at a vent on Pavlof’s upper E flank was ongoing during 20-26 April, though weather conditions sometimes prevented visual observations. Seismic tremor persisted and daily elevated surface temperatures were identified in satellite images.
Popocatepetl – Mexico : CENAPRED reported that the eruption at Popocatépetl continued during 19-26 April. Each day there were 6-27 steam-and-gas emissions that rose from the crater and drifted mainly SW. The plumes sometimes contained ash. Incandescence from the crater was sometimes visible at night. Two minor explosions were recorded at 0152 and 0559 on 21 April.
Rincon de la Vieja – Costa Rica : OVSICORI-UNA reported that a small eruptive event at Rincón de la Vieja was recorded at 0618 on 25 April, though it was not visible due to weather conditions. Another small event was recorded at 0156 on 26 April; the plume was not visible due to conditions.
Sabancaya – Peru : Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP) reported moderate levels of activity at Sabancaya during 18-24 April with a daily average of 37 explosions. Gas-and-ash plumes rose as high as 2.3 km above the summit and drifted N, NE, SE, and S. As many as 10 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).
Santa Maria – Southwestern Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that the eruption at Santa María’s Santiaguito lava-dome complex continued during 21-25 April. Incandescence from Caliente crater and the lava flows on the W and SW flanks was visible nightly and early mornings. Avalanches of blocks descended the W and SW flanks of Caliente. The lava flows continued to advance, traveling as far as 2.5 km in the San Isidro channel, and produced block avalanches from the ends and sides of the flows that descended the S, SW, and S flanks. Ash from these avalanches fell in areas around the volcano and a sulfur odor was also occasionally noticed.
Semeru – Eastern Java : PVMBG reported that the eruption at Semeru continued during 19-26 April. Almost daily ash plumes were visible rising 200-600 m above the summit that drifted N, S, SW, and W. Cloudy weather sometimes prevented visual observations.
Semisopochnoi – Aleutian Islands (USA) : AVO reported that low-level eruptive activity at Semisopochnoi’s North Cerberus cone continued during 19-26 April. Periods of seismic tremor were occasionally detected and small explosions were recorded in seismic data during 19-20 April. Minor, low-level, plumes with low ash content were visible in webcam images through each day during 19-20 April, with occasional more energetic ash plumes. Weather cloud cover often hindered webcam and satellite views during the rest of the week.
Sheveluch – Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Sheveluch was identified in satellite images during 15-22 April, and lava-dome extrusion continued. Explosions during 15-16 April produced ash plumes that rose as high as 5 km (16,400 ft) a.s.l. and drifted about 75 km SE.
Suwanosejima – Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : JMA reported that eruptive activity continued to be recorded at Suwanosejima’s Ontake Crater during 18-25 April. Eruption plumes rose as high as 1.5 km above the crater rim; no explosions were recorded.
Wolf – Isla Isabela (Galapagos) : IG reported that thermal anomalies over Wolf were periodically identified in satellite images during 19-26 April, though were absent on several of the days. Lava advancement was identified in images during 19-21 April; no surface activity was visible the rest of the week.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.5 earthquake hits Vanuatu.
5.3 earthquake hits Alaska.
Marsquakes
NASA's InSight lander touched down on Mars in November 2018 carrying the most sensitive seismometer ever designed. Since the mission's arrival, it has detected countless events dubbed marsquakes
The first seismic event, called S0976a, was of magnitude 4.2, occurred on Aug. 25, 2021 and originated in the Valles Marineris, a vast network of canyons that extends 2,500 miles (4,000 kilometers), on the opposite side of the planet from InSight.
The second marsquake, called S1000a, occurred 24 days later, on Sept. 18, 2021. This event was slightly smaller, at magnitude 4.1, and the marsquake's exact location remains unknown beyond that scientists have isolated it to the far side of Mars. S1000a also lasted for 94 minutes — the longest seismic event ever recorded on Mars.
Underwater Volcano Triggers 85 000 earthquakes
A long-dormant underwater volcano near Antarctica has woken up, triggering a swarm of 85,000 earthquakes. The swarm, which began in August 2020 and subsided by November of that year, is the strongest earthquake activity ever recorded in the region. And the quakes were likely caused by a "finger" of hot magma poking into the crust, new research finds.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are currently no tropical storms.
Newsbytes:
Brazil – Flooding from the Jari river has affected thousands of people in communities in the state of Amapá in northern Brazil. Levels of the Jari river increased after heavy rainfall in the region over the last few weeks. The Amapá state government said the river reached 3.01 metres on 26 April, the highest level of the year so far. As of 26 April, the state government reported 16,152 people affected in Laranjal do Jari and 8,340 in Vitória do Jari. Federal government sources said over 220 families have been displaced.
DR Congo and Rwanda – At least 20 people have died after heavy rain caused floods and landslides in areas of Rwanda and neighbouring parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) over the last few days. In Rwanda at least 11 people died and 13 were injured after heavy rain on 23 April caused flooding and landslides in several districts of the country. Damage to homes, roads and crops was also reported. A landslide occurred in Kadutu commune of Bukavu, capital of South Kivu Province in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo late on 25 April 2022 after heavy rainfall. As of 27 April at least 9 fatalities had been reported, along with several serious injuries. At least 5 houses situated on steep slopes in Kadutu were totally destroyed. Several vehicles were also damaged or destroyed.
Major Ocean Current Is at Its Weakest Point in 1,000 Years
The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, or AMOC, the current ferries heat between the equator and the Arctic like a giant liquid conveyor belt. As a result, it’s largely responsible for the mild weather conditions enjoyed by much of the North Atlantic region, including Europe and the eastern United States.
Recent research has found that it’s currently at its weakest point in the last 1,000 years having slowed down substantially. Scientists have found the influence of human-caused global warming as a dominant force acting on the current. Although the present situation is still considered to be within the extreme limits of historically ‘normal’ behaviour, the fingerprint of global warming cannot be ignored.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Acute Hepatitis in Children – Japan
The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare announced the first confirmed case of acute hepatitis of unknown origin that corresponds with the provisional case definition outlined by the World Health Organization (WHO). This is the first such case in Asia.
Wildfires – Alaska
The Kwethluk Fire in southwest Alaska 30 miles southeast of Bethel has burned 10,302 acres. The area had less snow than usual this winter and it melted and exposed the tundra early. Wind, sun, and less precipitation than usual have dried out the fuel.
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – New Activity for the week 20 April – 26 April 2022
Edgecumbe – Southeastern Alaska (USA) : AVO stated that a seismic swarm beneath Kruzof Island near Edgecumbe that began at about 0200 on 11 April had declined to background levels by 22 April. The swarm prompted an in-depth analysis of satellite data which spanned the last 7.5 years. The data showed that a broad area of uplift, about 17 km in diameter, was located about 2.5 km E of Edgecumbe. The uplift began in August 2018 and deformed at a rate of up to 8.7 cm per year in the center of the area, totaling 27 cm of uplift; the deformation was ongoing. Retrospective analysis of seismic data revealed that earthquakes started occurring in 2020, though the recent swarm was unusual. The deformation and seismic data together suggested magma movement beneath the volcano, consistent with an intrusion at about 5 km below sea level.
Karymsky – Eastern Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Karymsky was visible in satellite images during 15-22 April. Explosions during 17-19 and 21 April generated ash plumes that rose as high as 7.5 km (24,600 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 500 km NE. SE, and E. A powerful explosion at 0805 on 20 April (local time) generated ash plumes that rose as high as 11 km (36,100 ft) a.s.l. and drifted more than 2,000 km NE. Ashfall was reported in the territory of the Kronotsky Reserve (Semyachinsky, Valley of Geysers), 50 km NE, and at Cape Nalychevo, 100 km S. Explosions continued through the day; ash plumes rising to 5 km (16,400 ft) a.s.l. were visible in satellite images at 1500, local time. The previous ash plume was about 505 x 130 km and drifted NE, S, and SE at an altitude of 8.7 km (28,500 ft) a.s.l.
Krakatau – Sunda Strait : PVMBG reported that the eruption at Anak Krakatau had intensified. Dense white, gray, and black ash plumes rose as high as 1 km above the summit and drifted SW during 17-19 April. Strombolian activity was first observed on 17 April; that same day that sulfur dioxide emissions increased to 181.1 tons per days from 28.4-68.4 tons per day recorded during 14-15 April. A dense gray-black ash plume rose around 800 m above the summit at 0621 on 21 April and drifted E. At 0049, 0145, 0237, and 1730 on 22 April dense gray-to-black ash plumes rose 500-1,500 m above the summit and drifted SW. Incandescent material was occasionally ejected above the vent. Sulfur dioxide emissions notably increased to 9,219 tons per day on 23 April. That same day, at around 1219, lava flowed into the sea and produced a white steam plume at the entry point. Ash plumes were taller on 23 April, rising to 3 km above the summit at 0608, 1200, and 2020, with SSW, S, and SE drifts. The plumes continued to be characterized as dense, and white, gray, and black in color.
Purace – Colombia : Observatorio Vulcanológico y Sismológico de Popayán, Servicio Geologico Colombiano (SGC), reported that during 19-25 April the number and magnitudes of earthquakes at Puracé was similar to the previous week. Signals included 72 volcano-tectonic (VT) events, indicating rock fracturing, along with 207 long-period (LP) events and 14 low-energy tremor pulses, indicating fluid movement. Data from the GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) geodetic network continued to show inflation on the centimeter scale. Sulfur dioxide emissions were lower than the previous week, with values of 937-992 tonnes per day, and gas plumes drifted NW. During a field visit on 22 April scientists observed no changes to the crack near Puracé and Curiquinga volcanoes, and no visible gas emissions. Additional cracks, oriented NW-SE, were observed, in addition to volcanic ash deposits that were likely emplaced on 29 March.
Ruapehu – North Island (New Zealand) : On 26 April GeoNet reported that elevated unrest at Ruapehu had been ongoing for the past five weeks, characterized by lake water heating, volcanic gas output, and strong volcanic tremor. Tremor levels fluctuated the past week but represented a record for the longest and strongest tremor episode ever recorded at the volcano. The lake water temperature remained at 37 degrees Celsius, indicating a substantial amount of heat from magma at a shallow depth (0.5-2 km), though water chemistry showed no change based on sampling during 31 March-15 April.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.5 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.4 earthquake hits the central Mediterranean Sea.
5.4 earthquake hits south of the Kermedec Islands.
5.3 earthquake hits New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone 24s (Jasmine), located approximately 295 nm south of Atananarivo, Madagascar, is tracking eastward at 16 knots. This is the final warning.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Ebola – DR Congo
Health authorities in DRC confirmed a 2nd case of Ebola in Mbandaka on 25 April. The 25-year old woman is now deceased.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.4 earthquake hits south of Alaska.
5.0 earthquake hits Fiji.
5.0 earthquake hits east of the Kuril Islands.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone 24s (Jasmine), located approximately 128 nm east-southeast of Europa Island, is tracking southeastward at 09 knots.
Newsbytes:
Colombia – At least 8 people have died and 4 are missing after heavy rain caused landslides and flooding in parts of Cundinamarca department in central Colombia. Severe landslides struck in the municipality of Viotá overnight 21 to 22 April. Authorities said 5 people died in Viotá where several houses were completely destroyed or damaged, leaving many families homeless. Landslides in Cachipay also damaged homes on 22 April. Two fatalities were reported. Meanwhile national authorities report severe weather has affected over 20,000 people across the country since the start of the recent rainy season.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever – Iraq
The Public Health Department in Dhi Qar, southern Iraq, announced Sunday the registration of 3 new cases of hemorrhagic fever (Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever).
Leptospirosis – Reunion
Since the beginning of the year, 99 cases of leptospirosis have been reported, including 43 in March and 35 cases in April, according to the Regional Health Agency (ARS) of Reunion. One person dies of the disease.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.6 earthquake hits the Kuril Islands.
5.4 earthquake hits Papua, Indonesia.
5.0 earthquake hits northwest of the Kuril Islands.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone 24s (Jasmine), located approximately 108 nm north of Europa Island, is tracking southeastward at 09 knots.
Newsbytes:
Manitoba, Canada – Weather warnings remain across much of the province as a storm continues to pelt Manitoba with snow and rain, flooding city streets and forcing closures.
Wildfires – USA
Nebraska – Parts of south-central and southwest Nebraska are dealing with large wildfires, aided by extreme drought and high winds. One person died and three firefighters were injured when wildfires erupted across 12 counties in Nebraska on Friday and Saturday.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Acute, severe hepatitis of unknown origin in children
This weekend, the World Health Organization (WHO) published an outbreak overview of the acute, severe hepatitis of unknown origin in children.
As of 21 April 2022, at least 169 cases of acute hepatitis of unknown origin have been reported from 11 countries in the WHO European Region and one country in the WHO Region of the Americas. Cases have been reported in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (the United Kingdom) (114), Spain (13), Israel (12), the United States of America (9), Denmark (6), Ireland (<5), The Netherlands (4), Italy (4), Norway (2), France (2), Romania (1), and Belgium (1).
Cases are aged 1 month to 16 years old. Seventeen children (approximately 10%) have required liver transplantation; at least one death has been reported.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.0 earthquake hits the Kuril Islands.
5.5 earthquake hits near the coast of Nicaragua.
5.4 earthquake hits near the coast of Nicaragua.
5.4 earthquake hits Hokkaido, Japan.
5.3 earthquake hits Bosnia and Herzegovina.
5.2 earthquake hits the State of Yap, Micronesia.
5.2 earthquake hits Male, Chile.
5.2 earthquake hits near the coast of Nicaragua.
5.1 earthquake hits eastern New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.
5.0 earthquake hits the State of Yap, Micronesia.
5.0 earthquake hits the central Mediterranean Sea.
5.0 earthquake hits Vancouver islands, Canada.
5.0 earthquake hits Fiji.
5.0 earthquake hits the southwestern Ryukyu Islands off Japan.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone 24s (Jasmine), located approximately 262 nm north of Europa island, is tracking southward at 05 knots.
Wildfires – USA
New Mexico – The Calf Canyon Fire merged with the rejuvenated Hermits Peak Fire which had been nearly contained but took off and ran parallel with the Calf Fire. Spot fires igniting far in advance contributed to the rapid rate of spread. The blaze is about 9 miles northwest of Las Vegas, New Mexico. The combined size of the two fires is more than 40,000 acres.
New Mexico – The Cooks Peak Fire was also very active Friday, spreading primarily to the north for nearly eight miles pushed by strong winds. Surprisingly, it also grew two miles to the southeast. At 1 a.m. on Saturday it was about nine miles south of Cimarron and and 30 miles east of Taos. It has burned approximately 48,500 acres.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Ebola – DR Congo
An Ebola virus disease outbreak has resurfaced in Equateur Province, Democratic Republic of Congo. Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo today declared an outbreak of Ebola after a case was confirmed in Mbandaka, a city in the north-western Equateur Province. This is the third outbreak in the province since 2018.
Hepatitis – Denmark
The Statens Serum Institut reported this week at present, cases of hepatitis without a known cause are seen in children in a number of countries in the world – including Denmark. Three cases have been seen here since December.
Polio – Pakistan
A 15-month-old boy was paralyzed by wild poliovirus in the first such case in 15 months. This is the third case of wild polio to be reported globally in 2022. The type-1 wild poliovirus (WPV1) was confirmed in the child from North Waziristan on 22 April 2022 by the Pakistan National polio laboratory.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.7 earthquake hits Bosnia and Herzegovina.
5.0 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are currently no tropical storms.
Newsbytes:
Uzbekistan – At least 4 people have died as a result of floods and mudslides in Uzbekistan after a month’s worth of rain fell in less than 2 hours. The country’s Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES) said the floods are some of the worst seen in 80 years. Samarkand and Jizzakh regions recorded more rain in 2 hours on 20 April than is normally seen for the whole of an average April. More rain is expected over the coming days. At least 260 farms and buildings suffered damage.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Dengue Fever – Brazil
From August 2021 to date, Paraná has recorded more than 80,000 notifications of dengue and five deaths from the disease. With the increase in cases, the Secretary of State for Health declared a situation of epidemic of the disease from this Tuesday.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.5 earthquake hits the Kermedec islands.
5.3 earthquake hits Alaska.
5.2 earthquake hits near the north coast of Greenland.
5.0 earthquake hits the Nias region, Indonesia.
5.0 earthquake hits the Kuril Islands.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are currently no tropical storms.
Endangered Cactus
Global heating is on track to become so intense during the next few decades that the survival of 60% of cactus species may be threatened, a new study finds.
Researchers from the University of Arizona tested the belief that cacti will benefit from the hotter and drought-prone world to come. They examined data from more than 400 species and projected how the warming climate would affect them. “Our results suggest that climate change will become a primary driver of cactus extinction risk, with 60% to 90% of species assessed negatively impacted by global warming,” the researchers concluded. Expanding agriculture and habitat losses also make cacti among the most endangered living things on Earth.
Hippo Plague
Offspring of the four hippopotamuses brought into Colombia during the 1980s by the late drug cartel boss Pablo Escobar have increased in such numbers that the country has declared them an invasive species.
About 133 descendants of the three animals that allegedly escaped into the wild are now ravaging the ecology and threatening the human population along the banks of the Magdalena River. The new invasive species declaration means Colombia can draft plans to control the hippo population, or even eradicate them.
Reckless Messages
Scientists at Oxford University warn that current efforts to send high-power radio transmissions into space to say “hello” to extraterrestrial intelligences could actually bring Earth under an alien attack.
Several such transmissions have already been made since the 1970s, with some efforts being approved by NASA. But new digital technology means detailed messages that give the planet’s location, its life forms and examples of human knowledge could prove tempting to extraterrestrials. Anders Sandberg told The Telegraph that while chances the messages would be received are slim, any responses might not be what we were hoping for.
Global Temperature Extremes
The week’s hottest temperature was 46.0 degrees Celsius (114.8 degrees F) at Nawabshah, Pakistan.
The week’s coldest temperature was minus 73.0 degrees Celsius (-99.4 degrees F) 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.
Wildfires – USA
New Mexico – The Cooks Peak Fire in Northeast New Mexico 16 miles south of Cimarron has been very active Thursday afternoon, with reports of pyrocumulus clouds topping the large smoke plume blowing off to the east-northeast. The blaze was reported at 4:15 p.m on April 17, 2022. Several ranches are under evacuation orders. The Type 3 Incident Management Team said on Thursday that the fire has burned 21,200 acres.
Arizona – The Tunnel Fire five miles north of the Flagstaff suburbs grew by about 3,000 acres Wednesday to bring the size up to more than 20,500 acres. The wildfire almost tripled in area on Wednesday after burning dozens of structures and forcing thousands to flee their homes in the drought-hit rural area.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Hepatitis – UK
UK health authorities are continuing to investigate a rise in cases of sudden onset hepatitis (liver inflammation) in children aged 10 and under since January 2022, where the usual viruses that cause infectious hepatitis (hepatitis A to E) have not been detected. acAive case finding investigations have identified a further 34 cases since our last update, bringing the total number of cases to 108. All the children affected presented to health services between January 2022 and 12 April 2022. Of the confirmed cases, 79 are in England, 14 are in Scotland and the remainder are in Wales and Northern Ireland. Of these cases, 8 children have received a liver transplant.
Following reports from Europe and the United States recently of acute hepatitis of unknown origin, the Israel Ministry of Health reported Tuesday 12 cases of children that were brought to the attention of the Ministry of Health in recent months in two hospitals which might fit the case definition.
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – New Activity for the week 6 April – 12 April 2022
Aira – Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that very small eruptive events at Minamidake Crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) were recorded during 11-18 April. Crater incandescence was periodically visible at night.
Asosan – Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that no eruptions had been recorded at Asosan after the end of the last eruption in October 2021. Crater incandescence, which had been occasionally visible since December 2021, was absent beginning on 27 February. Deflation began around 27 February but stabilized in April. Observations of the crater from 17 March revealed that it had deepened, compared to pre-eruption conditions, and that water had returned. Sulfur dioxide emissions had increased to 1,600 tons per day on 25 March, but four observations made during 29 March-12 April showed values in the range of 800-1,200 tons per day. Though these values were higher than those measured in September 2021, before the eruption, they represented a decreasing trend. During a field visit on 7 April scientists observed white emissions rising from Nakadake Crater and gray pools of hot water on the crater floor. A hot spring was active on the S side of the pools. The area of the water represented about 40 percent of the crater floor and the water temperature was 71 degrees Celsius.
Dukono – Halmahera : Based on satellite and wind model data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 13-18 April ash plumes from Dukono rose to 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE, E, SE, and S.
Great Sitkin – Andreanof Islands (USA) : AVO reported that slow lava effusion at Great Sitkin continued during 13-19 April, based on high-resolution satellite data. Weather clouds prevented visual observations on most days. Very low seismicity persisted.
Kilauea – Hawaiian Islands (USA) : HVO reported that lava continued to effuse from a vent in the lower W wall of Kilauea’s Halema`uma`u Crater during 12-19 April, entering an active lava lake and flowing onto the crater floor. The surface of the lava lake was active all week, and the height of the lake fluctuated. Flows occasionally overtopped perched levees. At 2315 on 10 April a flow emerged from the S side on the vent that covered areas along the southwest and western margins, and was active through 14 April. Breakouts along the N, NE, and S parts of the crater were visible during 14-19 April.
Lewotolok – Lembata Island : PVMBG reported that the eruption at Lewotolok continued during 12-19 April. Daily white-and-gray ash plumes rose as high as 50-500 m above the summit and drifted W, NW, and E.
Manam – Northeast of New Guinea : The Darwin VAAC reported that on 18 April ash plumes from Manam rose to 13.7 km (45,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted N based on information from RVO, satellite images, and weather models. Ash had dissipated by 1540. At 2000 an ash plume was visible in a satellite image through a break in weather cloud cover drifted NE at an altitude of 4.9 km (16,000 ft) a.s.l. Ash had dissipated by 0830 on 19 April.
Merapi – Central Java : BPPTKG reported that the eruption at Merapi continued during 8-14 April. The volumes of the SW lava dome and the central lava dome were unchanged from the previous week, and seismicity remained at high levels. As many as 112 lava avalanches originating from two areas on the SW dome traveled a maximum of 2 km down the Bebeng drainage on the SW flank.
Pavlof – Alaska Peninsula, Alaska : AVO reported that the eruption at a vent on Pavlof’s upper E flank was ongoing during 12-19 April, though weather conditions sometimes prevented visual observations. Seismic tremor persisted and elevated surface temperatures were identified in satellite images almost daily. Steam emissions were seen rising above the summit in webcam images on 16 April.
Reventador – Ecuador : IG staff observed high levels of activity at Reventador during a field visit from 4 to 7 April, and noted sporadic emissions with moderate ash content. They viewed the volcano with a thermal camera and saw an active lava flow on the upper NNE flank, producing rock avalanches as it advanced. The flow was 1.7-2 km long and effused from a vent about 200 m below the summit on the NNE flank. Two inactive and cooling flows were located adjacent to the active flow. Activity continued to be high during 12-19 April, though cloudy weather conditions frequently prevented visual observations. Steam, gas, and ash plumes, often observed multiple times a day with the webcam or reported by the Washington VAAC, rose as high as 1 km above the summit crater and drifted W and NW. Crater incandescence was visible most nights and early mornings; incandescent material was visible descending the flanks during 13-14 April.
Sangay – Ecuador : IG reported that the eruption at Sangay continued at a high level, with lava flows effusing from the Ñuñurcu, Central, and Norte vents. Explosions originated from a western vent that reactivated in late 2021, and from Central vent. The Norte vent, on the N flank, had opened on 2 December 2021. Activity levels were slightly higher during 4-6 April, characterized by a higher rate of lava effusion and a satellite-detected thermal anomaly at the Norte vent on 4 April, along with a diffuse but continuously-emitted volcanic cloud that rose 1.7 km above the crater rim and drifted up to 650 km W during 5-6 April. Low-frequency tremor was also recorded during 5-6 April. Even though the eruption plume drifted notably farther than average distances recorded during 2019-2022, only minor ashfall was reported in Chauzán San Alfonso (40 km W, in Guamote canton, Chimborazo province). During 12-18 April weather clouds and rain often prevented visual and webcam observations of the volcano, though daily ash-and-gas plumes were identified in satellite images by the Washington VAAC or in webcam views; plumes rose less than 2 km above the volcano and drifted W and NW. Minor ashfall was reported in Chauzán San Alfonso. The seismic network detected signals indicating descending lahars during 12-13 and 15 April.
Semeru – Eastern Java : PVMBG reported that the eruption at Semeru continued during 13-19 April. Daily ash plumes were visible rising 300-400 m above the summit and drifted N and S, even though cloudy weather sometimes prevented visual observations. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4). The public was warned to stay at least 500 m away from Kobokan drainages within 17 km of the summit, along with other drainages originating on Semeru, including the Bang, Kembar, and Sat, due to lahar, avalanche, and pyroclastic flow hazards.
Semisopochnoi – Aleutian Islands (USA) : AVO reported that low-level eruptive activity at Semisopochnoi’s North Cerberus cone continued during 12-19 April. Periods of seismic tremor were detected daily and occasional small explosions were recorded in seismic and regional infrasound data on most days. Weather cloud cover often hindered webcam and satellite views; minor, low-level ash plumes were visible in webcam images during 16-19 April.
Sheveluch – Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Sheveluch was identified in satellite images during 8-15 April, and lava-dome extrusion continued. Explosions on 9 April produced ash plumes that rose as high as 12 km (39,400 ft) a.s.l. and drifted more than 2,000 km NE during 9-10 April. Explosions during 13-14 April generated ash plumes that rose to 6-6.5 km (19,700-21,300 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 80-110 km SW and S.
Suwanosejima – Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : JMA reported that eruptive activity continued to be recorded at Suwanosejima’s Ontake Crater during 11-18 April. One explosion produced an eruption plume that rose as high as 2.7 km above the crater rim. Ashfall was reported in Toshima village (3.5 km SSW) and in other areas as far as 5 km away. No explosions were recorded during 15-18 April, though emissions rose 1.1 km.
Wolf – Isla Isabela (Galapagos) : IG reported that the eruption at Wolf continued during 13-18 April. Lava flows continued to advance towards the coast based on thermal data; satellite images showed minor advancement during 11-16 April and the end of the flow near the coastline.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.9 earthquake hits near the coast of Nicaragua.
6.0 earthquake hits the Philippine Islands.
5.4 earthquake hits Tonga.
5.3 earthquake hits Catamarca, Argentina.
5.3 earthquake hits the Panama-Costa Rica border.
5.2 earthquake hits Tristan de Cunha.
5.2 earthquake hits Kepulauan Talaud, Indonesia.
5.2 earthquake hits the Galapagos Triple Junction.
5.2 earthquake hits the Balleny Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits Mindanao in the Philippines.
5.0 earthquake hits southeast of the Loyalty Islands.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are currently no tropical storms.
Newsbytes:
Argentina – Argentina’s northeastern province of Corrientes has been hit by widespread floods, leaving cattle fields under water and inundating roadways, just months after widespread wildfires ripped through the region and burned important wetlands. The floods began in the last week after torrential rains for about seven days, mainly in the towns of San Luis del Palmar and Ituzaingó, near the provincial capital some 800 kilometers (497 miles) north of Buenos Aires.
Agriculture and Climate Change Combine to Threaten Insects
Climate change and habitat loss from big agriculture are combining to swat down global insect populations, with each problem making the other worse, a new study finds.
While insects may bug people at times, they also are key in pollinating plants to feed people, making soil more fertile and they include beautiful butterflies and fireflies. Scientists have noticed a dramatic drop both in total bug numbers and diversity of insect species, calling it a slow-motion death by 1,000 cuts. Those cuts include pesticides and light pollution.
Big single-crop agriculture that leaves less habitat and leafy food for bugs plus higher temperatures from climate change are huge problems for insects, but a new study in the journal Nature Wednesday based on more than 750,000 samples of 18,000 different species of insects says it’s not just those two threats acting on their own. It’s how habitat loss and climate change interact that really smashes bug populations.
Wildfires – Colorado, USA
Officials say homes and structures have burned in Monte Vista due to a wildfire, which was first reported around 2 p.m. Wednesday afternoon. It is not clear how many people have been evacuated or how many have lost their homes. However, fire crews say they have stopped the spread of the blaze.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Trichinosis – Argentina
In a follow-up on a report earlier this month, health officials from Córdoba province are reporting 46 new cases of trichinosis in different parts of the province.
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – New Activity for the week 13 April – 19 April 2022
Bezymianny – Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that the effusive eruption at Bezymianny continued during 8-15 April, along with incandescence at the lava dome, avalanches descending the SE flank, and steam-and-ash emissions. A daily thermal anomaly over the dome was identified in satellite images.
Edgecumbe – Southeastern Alaska (USA) : AVO stated that a seismic swarm beneath Kruzof Island near Edgecumbe began at about 0200 on 11 April, and by 15 April several hundred earthquakes had been recorded. The number of events was unusual for that volcano. The magnitudes were generally M 1.7 or smaller, though a M 2.8 was detected on 11 April. The events were located at depths of less than 10 km, though the exact locations were difficult to constrain due to the lack of a local seismic network on the island; the closest station was in Sitka, 25 km E. The source of the swarm was unknown, and related either to tectonic processes or volcanic unrest, or a combination of both.
Karymsky – Eastern Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Karymsky was visible in satellite images on 9 and 11-12 April; the volcano was quiet or obscured by clouds on the other days during 8-15 April. Explosions produced ash plumes that rose to 6 km (19,700 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SSW, based on satellite data acquired at 0810 on 20 April, local time. Explosions continued and within an hour produced larger ash plumes that rose 9.8-10 km (32,100-32,800 ft) a.s.l. and drifted almost 30 km NE.
Poas – Costa Rica : OVSICORI-UNA reported that submarine fumaroles in the S part of Poás’s Boca A lake and subaerial fumaroles along the E margins continued to produce low-temperature gas emissions during 13-19 April. The lake water continued to convect, and was light gray in color, since the phreatic explosion that had occurred on 6 April at “Orange Fumarola” located in a fumarolic field along the inner N crater wall. For a period of time on 17 April a gas monitoring station in Coronado measured a higher concentration of sulfur dioxide aerosols, between 8.5 and 17.6 micrograms of gas per cubic meter of ambient air, which was higher than the daily average of 6.7. Some residents reported respiratory discomfort such as sneezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.
Krakatau – Sunda Strait : PVMBG reported that several ash emissions from Anak Krakatau were visible in webcam images and described by observers during 15 and 17-19 April. The ash plumes were variably whitish gray, gray, and black, with all but one characterized as dense. Events at 0327, 1034, and 1837 on 15 April produced ash plumes that rose 0.7-1 km above the summit and drifted SW. Ash plumes at 0925, 1830, and 2215 on 17 April rose 500-800 m above the summit and drifted SW; Strombolian activity produced the ash plume at 1830. On 18 April events at 0358, 0419, 0714, 1246, 1330, and 1558 generated ash plumes that rose as high as 2 km and drifted SW. Ash plumes were visible on 19 April, rising 50-500 m above the summit and drifting SE and NE.
Ruang – Sangihe Islands : PVMBG reported that at least 121 deep volcanic earthquakes at Ruang were recorded during 1-16 April, though the number of those events began to increase on 7 April. No visible changes to the crater were noted, but weather conditions sometimes prevented views. Seismicity significantly changed on 16 April, characterized by 50 deep volcanic earthquakes, two local tectonic earthquakes, and four felt earthquakes.
Ruapehu – North Island (New Zealand) : On 20 April GeoNet reported that elevated unrest at Ruapehu had continued during the previous week. Scientists observed upwelling in the lake over the N vent area and visible sulfur slicks on the lake’s surface during an observation flight. The lake water temperature had stabilized at 37 degrees Celsius and continued to be medium gray in color. The lake observations were within normal ranges for a typical heating cycle. Tremor levels remain elevated, though, representing the longest period of tremor recorded over the previous 20 years.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.9 earthquake hits the Scotia Sea.
5.8 earthquake hits Antofagasta, Chile.
5.7 earthquake hits southeast of the Loyalty islands.
5.3 earthquake hits Mindanao in the Philippines.
5.2 earthquake hits Kepulauan Talaud, Indonesia.
5.2 earthquake hits the southwest Indian ridge,
5.1 earthquake hits Tajikistan.
5.1 earthquake hits Guerrero, Mexico.
5.1 earthquake hits Vanuatu.
5.1 earthquake hits the Scotia Sea.
5.0 earthquake hits south of the Kermedec Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits the Mauritius-Reunion region.
5.0 earthquake hits the Philippine Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits Salta, Argentina.
Mangroves have ‘Superpowers’
Mangroves are valuable tools to fight climate change. They can capture about five times more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than tropical rainforests, pumping it through their roots and straight into the soil where it’s trapped for hundreds of years. But despite all the benefits, mangroves are under constant threat from coastal development, climate change and even humans.
Lyrid Meteor Shower
The Lyrid meteor shower peaks this week, offering a possible opportunity to see a dozen or so meteors an hour streaking across the night sky.
The Lyrids occur each year when Earth’s orbit takes it through the long trail of debris left in the orbit of Comet Thatcher. The shower will reach its maximum at 4 a.m. Coordinated Universal Time (12 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time) on Friday, April 22. The best viewing may come a night or two after the peak, though, as the moon will be on the wane.
Wildfires – Arizona, USA
The Tunnel Fire four miles north of the Flagstaff suburbs was very active Tuesday afternoon, spreading across Highway 89 into Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. Authorities with the Coconino National Forest estimated that by late in the afternoon on Tuesday it had grown to about 6,000 acres.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Monkeypox – DR Congo
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has tallied 1,088 monkeypox cases during the first three months of 2022, according to the latest information from the World Health Organization (WHO).
Plague – DR Congo
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), through April 17 this year, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has reported 56 cases of bubonic plague, including two deaths.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.0 earthquake hits Mindanao in the Philippines.
5.7 earthquake hits Tonga.
5.7 earthquake hits near the east coast of Honshu, Japan.
5.6 earthquake hits the Solomon Islands.
5.3 earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.
5.3 earthquake hits the Balleny Islands.
5.1 earthquake hits Mindanao in the Philippines.
5.0 earthquake hits Mindanao in the Philippines.
5.0 earthquake hits the Solomon Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits Taiwan.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are currently no tropical storms.
Wildfires – Texas, USA
No structures had been lost as of Monday morning in three wildfires that broke out Easter Sunday in the Abilene area. The separate fires burned about 2,000 acres combined, according to a Texas A&M Forest Service spokesman.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.2 earthquake hits Halmahera, Indonesia.
5.1 earthquake hits Minahasa, Sulawesi, Indonesia.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are currently no tropical storms.
Newsbytes:
India – Weeks after the first blow of early flash flood, another flood started inundating crops in a haor in Sunamganj yesterday. This flood was triggered by torrential rains in the country’s north-eastern districts and in India’s Meghalaya. All rivers and canals in the haor area are flowing close to the danger level threatening several thousand hectares of crops.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Cholera – Cameroon
The cholera outbreak in Cameroon has escalated in recent weeks with a more than 3.5-fold increase between weeks 10 and 12 (ending 27 March 2022) and with further geographical spread to more regions. In the past five months, at total of 3,407 cases and 83 deaths (CFR 2.4%) have been reported.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.8 earthquake hits Vanuatu.
5.6 earthquake hits the Biak region, Indonesia.
5.6 earthquake hits the northern mid-Atlantic ridge.
5.3 earthquake hits southeast of the Loyalty Islands.
5.1 earthquake hits offshore O’Higgins, Chile.
5.1 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits the central Mediterranean Sea.
5.0 earthquake hits the Sumbawa region, Indonesia.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are no current tropical storms.
Newsbytes:
South Africa – The death toll from the floods and storms in KwaZulu-Natal Province continues to rise and now stands at 395, with more rain falling over the Eater weekend in affected areas.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Dengue Fever – Singapore
The Singapore National Environment Agency (NEA) reports the number of weekly dengue cases continues to rise sharply, even before the peak dengue season in June. For the first 15 weeks of 2022, officials report 4,493 dengue cases, approximately twice the total reported in the same period last year.
Polio – Israel
The State of Israel is in the throes of a polio outbreak. In the Jerusalem area and the surrounding area – 7 asymptomatic cVDPV3 cases have been reported and one child with paralysis since the index case in early March. All are not vaccinated.
Anthrax – Kazakhstan
Anthrax was detected in two residents of the Tyulkubas district of the Turkestan region.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.4 earthquake hits Vanuatu.
5.4 earthquake hits Antofagasta, Chile.
5.2 earthquake hits near the coast of Nicaragua.
5.1 earthquake hits the Izu islands off Japan.
5.1 earthquake its the South Sandwich Islands.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are currently no tropical storms.
Record Drought – Chile
Chile announced an unprecedented plan to institute water rationing in the capital of Santiago as the country suffers through its 12th consecutive year of drought. “A city can’t live without water,” said Claudio Orrego, the governor of the Santiago metropolitan region. “And we’re in an unprecedented situation in Santiago’s 491-year history where we have to prepare for there to not be enough water for everyone who lives here.”
Rotating water cuts of up to 24 hours could soon be possible for 1.7 million capital residents. He added that the effects of climate change may mean that the trend of less rainfall and mountain snow is here to stay.
Wildfires – New Mexico, USA
The McBride Fire in Ruidoso : The wildfire that has burned more than 200 homes on the edge of a mountain community in the southern part of New Mexico and killed two people was caused when a power line was toppled by strong winds, according to state authorities. The fire has prompted the evacuation of more than 5 000 people. The fire has torched an estimated 9 square miles (23 square kilometers) of forest and grass, and the strong winds that battered the area have left behind toppled trees and down power lines.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.6 earthquake hits northern Qinghai, China.
5.4 earthquake hits southeast of Easter Island.
5.2 earthquake hits Tonga.
5.1 earthquake hits New Britain, Papua New Guinea.
5.0 earthquake hits northern Peru.
5.0 earthquake hits Coquimbo, Chile.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the northwest Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm 02w (Malakas), located approximately 212 nm north of Iwo To, is tracking north-northeastward at 23 knots.
Newsbytes:
South Africa – The death toll from the floods in Kaw-Zulu-Natal Province has risen to 341.
Philippines – The death toll in the Philippines from flooding and landslides caused by Tropical Storm Megi has risen to 115, as search teams found more victims in mud0buried villages.
Methane Surge
Global concentrations of the potent but short-lived greenhouse gas methane soared by a record amount during 2021, according to a new NOAA report. It marked the second consecutive year that methane increased at a record rate, bringing the amount of the gas in the atmosphere to far more than twice the levels seen in pre-industrial times.
Methane is a large contributor to climate change and comes mainly from livestock, agricultural production and trash landfills. But some experts point to leaks from oil and gas production as adding to the recent increase in methane levels. Fortunately, the gas only lasts about nine years in the atmosphere, compared to the tens of thousands of years carbon dioxide lingers.
Locust Plague
Vast swarms of locusts have decimated crops and grassland across southern Namibia in recent weeks and contributed to a deadly traffic accident. A minibus lost control on a slippery stretch of highway where the ravenous pests were keeping warm on the pavement at night. Three of the 17 passengers died in the accident, with several more sustaining injuries. Officials say the slime from locusts crushed by traffic triggered the accident. The country has begun aerial spraying of insecticide to control the swarms.
South Africa has also seen unusually large locust activity across the central and eastern regions, decimating crops and grasslands in their path. Authorities seem unwilling to confirm the extent of the problem, leaving it to local communities to struggle as best they can.
Global Temperature Extremes
The week’s hottest temperature was 47.0 degrees Celsius (116.6 degrees F) at Matam, Senegal.
The week’s coldest temperature was minus 75.0 degrees Celsius (-103 degrees F) 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:
Bird Flu – USA
A new strain of avian influenza detected in February has so far led to the culling of nearly 24 million poultry birds in the United States. The highly contagious strain has been confirmed in at least 24 states, including the country’s largest egg-producing state of Iowa.
Infected migratory birds carry the virus but typically do not become ill. But they can transmit the virus to poultry, especially farmed chickens and turkeys. The outbreak has created supply shortages of eggs and poultry meat during the past few weeks. Health officials say the current strain of the virus appears to pose no significant risk to humans.
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – Ongoing Activity for the week 6 April – 12 April 2022
Aira – Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that incandescence at Minamidake Crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) was visible at night during 4-11 April. Very small eruptive events were recorded on 6 and 9 April.
Dukono – Halmahera : Based on satellite and wind model data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 7-12 April ash plumes from Dukono rose to 2.1-2.4 km (7,000-8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE and NW.
Great Sitkin – Andreanof Islands (USA) : AVO reported that slow lava effusion at Great Sitkin continued during 5-12 April and very low seismicity persisted. The lava flows on the S, W, and N flanks had advanced up to 10 m during 2-8 April, and elevated surface temperatures identified in satellite images during 8-10 April indicated continuing effusion. Steaming from the vent and flow field was occasionally identified in satellite images.
Heard – Kerguelen Plateau : Satellite images of Heard Island’s Big Ben volcano showed thermal anomalies of varying intensity over Mawson Peak (the summit area) and on the NW flank during the previous month. Weather clouds prevented views of the volcano for 11 of the 14 acquisitions during 11 March-13 April. On 11 March a small thermal anomaly at the peak was visible along with a larger anomaly over a vent or multiple vents about 1 km W; the larger anomaly was elongated NE-SW, suggesting a lava flow. Multiple anomalies in the same areas were visible on 31 March and 13 April.
Kadovar – Northeast of New Guinea : Based on satellite and wind model data, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 8 April an ash plume from Kadovar rose to an altitude of 1.5 km (5,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SE.
Karymsky – Eastern Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Karymsky was visible in satellite images on 3 and 5-6 April; the volcano was quiet or obscured by clouds on the other days during 1-8 April.
Katmai – Alaska : AVO reported that on 8 April strong winds in the vicinity of Katmai and the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes blew unconsolidated ash SE towards Kodiak Island at an altitude up to 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. The ash was originally deposited during the Novarupta eruption in 1912.
Kilauea – Hawaiian Islands (USA) : HVO reported that lava effusion from a vent in the lower W wall of Kilauea’s Halema`uma`u Crater continued at variable rates during 5-12 April. Lava from a vent flowed into the active W part of the lava lake, which comprised about 2.3 percent of the total crater floor’s surface, and onto the crater floor. The surface of the lava lake was active all week, and the height of the lake fluctuated. Numerous ooze outs of lava were visible along the lake’s NW, NE, E, and SE margins; a more substantial ooze-out at the N margin was active during 6-7 April. A small outbreak at the W vent was visible overnight during 8-9 April. Just after 2300 on 10 April a flow emerged from the S side on the vent that covered areas along the southwest and western margins through 12 April.
Lewotolok – Lembata Island : The eruption at Lewotolok continued during 5-12 April according to PVMBG. Daily white-and-gray ash plumes with variable densities rose as high as 500 m above the summit and drifted E, NW, and W. Photos posted by PVMBG showed nighttime crater incandescence and incandescent material being ejected.
Merapi – Central Java : BPPTKG reported no significant morphological changes at Merapi’s summit lava dome during 1-7 April. Based on photo analyses, the volume of the SW lava dome was 1.7 million cubic meters while the central lava dome was 2.6 million cubic meters. Seismicity remained at high levels. As many as 144 lava avalanches originating from the SW dome traveled a maximum of 2 km down the Bebeng drainage on the SW flank. A single pyroclastic flow traveled 1.5 km down the SW flank.
Nevado del Ruiz – Colombia : Servicio Geológico Colombiano’s (SGC) reported that at 1713 on 11 April a seismic signal at Nevado del Ruiz was recorded along with an ash, gas, and steam plume. The plume rose almost 3.3 km above the summit and drifted N, causing minor ashfall around the volcano as reported by Parque Nacional Natural Los Nevados staff. It was also visible in webcam images and from the city of Manizales, 28 km NW.
Pavlof – Alaska Peninsula, Alaska : AVO reported that the eruption at a vent on Pavlof’s upper E flank was ongoing during 5-12 April, and seismic tremor persisted. Elevated surface temperatures were identified in satellite images almost daily. Possible minor lava effusion was visible in satellite images on 6 April, and a few small explosions were recorded each day during 6-9 April. Low-level ash emissions were visible in webcam and satellite images during 6-7 April, and satellite images captured ash and pyroclastic flow deposits extending at most 1.5 km from the vent and short lava flows on 9 April. Steam emissions from the vent were visible during 8-10 April.
Rincon de la Vieja – Costa Rica : OVSICORI-UNA reported that a small eruptive event at Rincón de la Vieja was recorded at 0136 on 6 April, though the event was not visible due to poor visibility. Two small phreatic eruptions were recorded on 7 April at 1141 and 1323, based on webcam data. The resulting plumes rose 1,000 m and 500 m above the crater, respectively.
Sabancaya – Peru : Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP) reported moderate levels of activity at Sabancaya during 4-10 April with a daily average of 52 explosions. Gas-and-ash plumes rose as high as 2.5 km above the summit and drifted E, SE, and S. Three 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).
Semeru – Eastern Java : PVMBG reported that the eruption at Semeru continued during 5-12 April. Ash plumes rose 0.4-1 km above the summit during 6 and 8-12 April and drifted N. NW, and SW.
Semisopochnoi – Aleutian Islands (USA) : AVO reported that low-level eruptive activity at Semisopochnoi’s North Cerberus cone continued during 6-12 April. Periods of seismic tremor were detected daily and occasional small explosions were recorded on most days in seismic and regional infrasound data. Partly-to-mostly-cloudy webcam views and occasional satellite images showed daily short-lived ash bursts and more continuous steam emissions. Steam plumes drifted as far as 70 km SW during 6-7 April. A low-level steam plume drifted more than 100 km at altitudes less than 1.5 km (5,000 ft) a.s.l. during 7-8 April. A low-level ash plume drifted up to 80 km WNW on 8 April. Local ash deposits were occasionally visible.
Sheveluch – Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Sheveluch was identified in satellite images during 2-8 April. The lava dome continued to grow and strong fumarolic activity, incandescence, and avalanches accompanied this activity.
Suwanosejima – Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : JMA reported that eruptive activity continued to be recorded at Suwanosejima’s Ontake Crater during 4-8 April. Two explosions produced eruption plumes that rose as high as 3.3 km above the crater rim and ejected blocks as far as 500 m from the crater. Ashfall was reported in Toshima village (3.5 km SSW). No eruptive activity was noted during 9-11 April, though emissions rose 700 m.
Wolf – Isla Isabela (Galapagos) : IG reported that the eruption at Wolf continued during 5-12 April. Minor sulfur dioxide emissions were recorded during 5-6 April. Thermal data captured and mapped on 6 April indicated that lava flows were getting closer to the coast; daily thermal alert counts, as many as around 154, indicated active and advancing lava flows during the rest of the week.
Yasur – Vanuatu : The Wellington VAAC reported that during 9 and 11-12 April ash-and-steam emissions from Yasur were intermittently visible in webcam and satellite images rising 0.9-1.8 km (3,000-6,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifting SE.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.5 earthquake hits south of Tonga.
5.1 earthquake hits Irkutskaya Oblast, Russia.
5.0 earthquake hits the Ryukyu Islands off Japan.
5.0 earthquake hits the southwest Indian ridge.
5.0 earthquake hits the Bouvet Islands.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the northwest Pacific Ocean: Typhoon 02w (Malakas), located approximately 237 nm southwest of Iwo To, is tracking north-northeastward at 13 knots.
Newsbytes:
South Africa – Over 300 people have lost their lives in catastrophic flooding in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Province in South Africa. The government declared a state of disaster in the province after “one of the worst weather storms in the history of our country.” Flooding began after heavy rainfall from 09 April 2022. The rain increased in intensity on 11 April with areas including Margate, Durban, Sezela and Mount Edgecombe all receiving more than 300 mm of rain in 24 hours. The rain caused several rivers including the Amanzimtoti, Umbilo, and Umgeni to overflow, causing widespread damage and destruction in shanty towns and communities along river banks. Full damage assessments are yet to be completed but authorities speculated thousands of houses and shanty homes were damaged or destroyed. Over 200 schools have also been damaged. More rain is forecast.
Global Warming Drove a Deadly Burst of Indian Ocean Tropical Storms
Global warming supercharged one of the most destructive tropical storm seasons on record in the South Indian Ocean, an international science team said on Monday.
In a new study, the researchers focused on deadly rain and flooding from five storms that raked Madagascar and southeastern Africa in quick succession during February and March 2022.
The research by World Weather Attribution showed that human-caused global warming intensified the rain from the tropical systems, and makes such damaging storms in the vulnerable region more likely. The storms killed at least 310 people, destroyed more than 45,000 homes and displaced about half a million people.
Wildfires – New Mexico, USA
The McBride Fire in Ruidoso : Firefighters scouted the drought-stricken mountainsides around the New Mexico village on Wednesday as they looked for opportunities to slow a wind-driven wildfire that a day earlier had burned at least 150 homes and other structures while displacing thousands of residents and forcing the evacuation of two schools.
The Hermits Peak Fire spread nearly four miles to the east on Tuesday, growing to 6,276 acres by Tuesday night according to the Santa Fe National Forest. (Reports from other government sources put it at 7,900 acres.) The fire is 12 miles northeast of Las Vegas, New Mexico.
Wildfires – Colorado, USA
Amid critical fire conditions, two wildfires — the Bent’s Fort Fire and Fort Lyon River Fire — have burned thousands of acres in southern Colorado. Both fires started Tuesday. The Bent’s Fort Fire — also called Bent’s Old Fort Fire — is 2,200 acres and 10% contained as of 9:30 a.m. The Fort Lyon River Fire has burned about 2,400 acres as of 7 a.m. Wednesday.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – New Activity for the week 6 April – 12 April 2022
Bezymianny – Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a daily thermal anomaly over Bezymianny was visible in satellite images during 2-8 April. Strong fumarolic activity, incandescence at the lava dome, and avalanches were also reported.
Poas – Costa Rica : OVSICORI-UNA reported that on 6 April at 0240 a phreatic explosion from a vent called “Orange Fumarola” located in a fumarolic field along the inner N crater wall at Poás generated a plume that rose 500 m above the crater rim. Activity lasted for three minutes. The event caused a small landslide that modified the vent. Some of the material from the landslide was deposited in a narrow strip about 100 m into the Boca A lake. Stirred sediment was visibly moving in convection cells, turning the lake water from green to a uniform milky gray color as the sediment mixed into the water. Subaerial fumarolic vents at the E and S parts of the lake more vigorously emitted gasses following the event and remained at that level at least through 12 April. Convection in the lake also continued. OVSICORI-UNA noted that satellite data acquired the day before the explosion showed a total of 500 tons of sulfur dioxide released from both Poás and Turrialba.
Purace – Colombia : On 29 March Observatorio Vulcanológico y Sismológico de Popayán, Servicio Geologico Colombiano (SGC), reported that the number of earthquakes at Puracé had increased during the previous few weeks, and were characterized by volcano-tectonic (VT) events, indicating rock fracturing, and long-period (LP) and volcanic tremor (TR) events, indicating fluid movement. The number of events notably increased on 28 March, with 479 VT, 183 (LP), and 119 (TR) events in total. The magnitudes of events abruptly increased the next day; the largest event was a M 3.3 recorded at 1214 on 29 March. Two fractures opened on 29 March, each about 40 m long, and produced gas emissions detected by satellite; ash was reported by observers in the area. The fractures were located along Coconucos Volcanic Chain, between Puracé Volcano and Curiquinga Volcano. The Alert Level was raised to Yellow (the second lowest on a four-color scale) on 30 March. Seismicity continued to be elevated through 4 April. The earthquakes were low magnitude, and located about 800 m SE of Puracé and beneath Curiquinga, at depths of 2 km on average. The number of events signifying fluid movement was increasing. GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) geodetic network and DInSAR (Differential Interferometry by Synthetic Aperture Radar) showed inflation on the millimeter scale. Sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide emissions increased, based on satellite and ground-based sampling data, and a fumarole on the N flank of Puracé intensified and produced a strong sulfur odor. Significant unrest continued during 5-11 April. The seismic network recorded a total of 2,077 earthquakes, consisting of 248 VT events, 1,759 LP events, 37 low-energy TR events, and 31 hybrid events. Millimeter-scale inflation persisted, and sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 1,800 tonnes per day.
Ruapehu – North Island (New Zealand) : On 12 April GeoNet reported that unrest at Ruapehu had intensified during the previous week, characterized by increased gas emissions, elevated tremor, and increasing crater lake water temperatures. Tremor levels were elevated but had declined from the peak reached during 6-7 April. Higher levels of gas emissions were confirmed during an overflight on 11 April; a peak carbon dioxide value was the second highest ever recorded at Ruapehu. Lake temperatures continued to slowly climb and reached 38 degrees Celsius. The lake water was gray in color and had area of upwelling over the N vents; sulfur slicks on the lake’s surface were visible. GeoNet noted that temperature and modeled heat input to the lake were within typical ranges for a heating cycle, though the elevated tremor levels and gas emissions suggested that magma was interacting with the geothermal system.
Taal – Luzon (Philippines) : PHIVOLCS lowered the Alert Level for Taal to 2 (on a scale of 0-5) on 9 April, noting a significant decrease in activity during the previous two weeks. Sulfur dioxide emissions were high during the first three weeks of March, peaking at 21,211 tonnes per day on 16 March, but dropped on 3 April to an average of 240 tonnes per day; the flux again decreased to 103 tonnes per day on 8 April, the lowest number recorded since unrest began in 2021. During 26 March-9 April only 86 small-magnitude and imperceptible volcanic earthquakes had been recorded, and by 31 March background tremor associated with shallow hydrothermal activity had ceased. Electronic tilt monitoring on Taal Volcano Island, continuous Global Positioning System (GPS) data, and InSAR analysis of Sentinel-1 satellite data indicated continuing deflation of Taal, particularly on the SE flank. Diffuse plumes from the lake had also decreased in frequency, though they rose 600-900 m above the surface during 10-12 April. Sulfur dioxide emissions were below instrumental detection limits on 11 April.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.3 earthquake hits New Britain, Papua New Guinea.
5.5 earthquake hits Vanuatu.
5.3 earthquake hits the Ryukyu Islands off Japan.
5.0 earthquake hits Namibia.
5.0 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the northwest Pacific Ocean: Typhoon 02w (Malakas), located approximately 479 nm south-southwest of Iwo To, is tracking northeastward at 08 knots.
Newsbytes:
South Africa – At least 45 people have been killed after intensely heavy rainfall in South Africa. Officials said homes have been ravaged and roads swept away in Durban, a coastal city in the east of the country, on Tuesday. The provincial government in KwaZulu-Natal province, which confirmed the number of dead, said the toll could rise further. Disaster management teams were evacuating people in areas hit by mudslides and where buildings had collapsed, officials said. Numerous bridges and other infrastructure has been damaged. South Africa suspended shipping at its main port in Durban after the heaviest rains in more than six decades and resultant flooding damaged roads leading to the harbour. The harbour is a key trade route for South Africa and its landlocked neighbors including Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia.
Wildfires – New Mexico, USA
After the McBride Fire started near McBride Drive in Ruidoso, New Mexico on April 12 it spread very rapidly pushed by winds recorded at the nearby Smokey Bear weather station at 40 mph sustained, gusting at one point to 80 mph to reach 3 000 acres. A mandatory evacuation notice was issued for Moon Mountain, Gavilan Canyon, Hull Road and Paradise Canyon. There are reports of multiple structures having been destroyed.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.2 earthquake hits Taiwan.
5.2 earthquake hits south of Fiji.
5.2 earthquake hits Fiji.
5.0 earthquake hits Tonga.
5.0 earthquake hits Taiwan.
5.0 earthquake hits Fiji.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the northwest Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm 02w (Malakas), located approximately 643 nm southwest of Iwo To, is tracking northward at 04 knots.
Newsbytes:
Philippines – Heavy rainfall from a tropical depression has caused severe flooding, mudslides and landslides in the Philippines, displacing thousands of people and causing at least 20 fatalities. Flooding struck in Davao region after heavy rainfall from 06 April. Authorities said 1,040 families in 22 villages have ben affected. One person died in flooding in Cateel in Davao Oriental province. Two others were reported missing after floods in Monkayo in Davao de Oro province.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Leptospirosis – Brazil
Heavy rains in Petrópolis (Rio de Janeiro) in February has caused cases of leptospirosis to rise dramatically. In the first three months of the year, Petrópolis registered 99 probable cases of the disease, compared to only three notifications in the same period last year.
Malaria – Venezuela
The United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that Venezuela registered 2,796 cases of malaria during the first two epidemiological weeks of 2022.
