Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.8 earthquake hits the west Chile rise.

5.3 earthquake hits Tonga.

5.2 earthquake hits northern Sumatra, Indonesia.

5.1 earthquake hits Java, Indonesia.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Atlanic Ocean: Potential Tropical Cyclone 15 is located about 160 mi...255 km sse of Kingston Jamaica and about 415 mi...665 km se of Grand Cayman with maximum sustained winds...40 mph...65 km/h. Present movement...w or 270 degrees at 12 mph...19 km/h.

In the Northwest Pacific Ocean: Tropical storm 26w (Nalgae), located approximately 291 nm northwest of Manila, Philippines, is tracking north-northwestward at 07 knots.

Tropical storm 27w (Twenty-seven), located approximately 101 west of Angur, is tracking west-southwestward at 13 knots.

Newsbytes:

Philippines - Disaster authorities in the Philippines report dozens of people are dead or missing after heavy rain from Tropical Storm Nalgae (known as Paeng in the Philippines) triggered flooding and landslides. A total of 379 incidents of flooding and 60 landslides were reported across the country as a result of heavy rain brought by Tropical Storm Nalgae. Over 40,000 people were pre-emptively evacuated before the storm hit. As of 30 October, a total of 364,746 people were displaced across the country, with many staying in 2,125 evacuation camps. The storm has impacted the lives of 932,077 across 46 provinces in 14 regions. As of 30 October, 37 fatalities had been confirmed and a further 11 reports were awaiting validation. Four people were confirmed missing and reports of 18 others missing were awaiting validation.

Global Warming

Battle of the Alps - Water Woes

A battle is brewing around Europe's rooftop over the planet's most precious resource.

The crystal-clear waters from the Alps could become increasingly contested as the effects of climate change and glacier melt become more apparent. Italy wants them for crop irrigation in the spring and summer. Swiss authorities want to hold up flows to help hydroelectric plants rev up, when needed.

For the first time in four years, government envoys from eight Alpine countries — big, small and tiny — were meeting under a grouping known as the Alpine Convention, which was set up 30 years ago to help coordinate life, leisure and the limited resources from Europe's most celebrated peaks to discuss shrinking water supplies.

96% of humans feel global warming

Whether they realized it or not, some 7.6 billion people - 96 percent of humanity - felt global warming's impact on temperatures over the last 12 months, researchers have said.

People in tropical regions and on small islands surrounded by heat-absorbing oceans were disproportionately impacted by human-induced temperature increases to which they barely contributed.

Among the 1,021 cities analyzed between September 2021 and October 2022, the capitals of Samoa and Palau in the South Pacific have been experiencing the most discernible climate fingerprints, the researchers said in the report. Lagos, Mexico City and Singapore were among the most highly exposed major cities, with human-induced heat increasing health risks to millions.

Environment

One third of Sierra Nevada forest wiped out by drought and fires

The Sierra Nevada region of California covers nearly 27 million acres of forests that provide habitat for thousands of animal species and is home to dozens of species of conifers, including native redwoods (the world’s tallest trees), sequoias (the world’s widest trees), or Great Basin bristlecone pines (the world’s longest living trees).

Now, a team of scientists from the University of California, Berkeley, has found that, from 2011 to 2020, a combination of devastating wildfires, droughts, and drought-related bark beetle infestations killed a staggering 30 percent of forests in the Sierra Nevada mountain range between Lake Tahoe and Kern County.

Disease

Cholera - Lebanon

Still less than a month since the first cholera case was reported in Lebanon, the first such case in nearly thirty years, the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) updated the situation on Saturday: As of October 29, 1,409 cumulative (suspected and confirmed) cholera cases have been reported, which includes 381 confirmed cases.

Dengue Fever

Bangladesh - In a follow-up on the dengue fever situation in Bangladesh in 2022, the country’s Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) reported 1020 additional cases Saturday, bringing the total cases to 37,151 year to date. In October alone, 21,059 cases have been reported so far with two days left. The death toll has increased to 136.

India - 150 people are getting positive every day. With the end of the monsoon, seasonal diseases started increasing rapidly in Rajasthan.

Measles - Angola

The number of cases of children with measles continues to increase in Angola. In the last three weeks alone, health authorities have recorded more than 2,000 new cases of the disease.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.4 earthquake hits Vanuatu.

5.3 earthquake hits New Britain, Papua New Guinea.

5.2 earthquake hits near the coast of central Peru.

5.2 earthquake hits the Solomon Islands.

5.1 earthquake hits Oruro, Bolivia.

5.1 earthquake hits Samoa.

5.1 earthquake hits near the coast of central Peru.

5.1 earthquake hits South Island, New Zealand.

5.0 earthquake hits Chiapas, Mexico.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Northwest Pacific Ocean: Tropical depression 26w (Nalgae), located approximately 225 nm west-northwest of Manila, Philippines, is tracking west-southwestward at 13 knots.

Disease

Cholera - Philippines

Earlier this week, health officials with the Tacloban City Health Office reported some 192 hospitalizations due to cholera, including four fatalities.

Syphilis - Japan

Japan health authorities have reported the syphilis case count for 2022 as of this month has topped 10,000, a first since such records have been kept. Officials put the total nationwide figure to 10,141 as of October 23.

Ebola - Uganda

Latest numbers In an update on the Ebola disease caused by Sudan ebolavirus (SUDV) in Uganda, as of October 26, a total of 115 confirmed and 21 probable cases, including 32 confirmed and 21 probable deaths (CFR among confirmed cases: 27.8%) have been reported. Overall, 15 cases with four deaths have been reported among healthcare workers.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.8 earthquake hits near the coast of central Peru.

5.6 earthquake hits near the coast of central Peru.

5.3 earthquake hits near the coast of central Peru.

Two 5.2 earthquakes hit near the coast of central Peru.

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

5.1 earthquake hits Taiwan.

5.0 earthquake hits Fiji.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Northwest Pacific Ocean: Tropical depression 26w (Nalgae), located approximately 48 nm south-southeast of Manila, Philippines, is tracking west-northwestward at 08 knots.

Newsbytes:

Philippines - Flash floods and landslides set off by torrential rains left at least 47 people dead, including in a hard-hit southern Philippine province, where as many as 60 villagers are feared missing and buried in a deluge of rainwater, mud, rocks and trees, officials said Saturday. At least 42 people were swept away by rampaging floodwaters and drowned or were hit by debris-filled mudslides in three towns in Maguindanao province from Thursday night to early Friday.

Wildfires

Wildfires - Spain

Dozens of wildfires raged in northern Spain on Friday after unusually high temperatures hitting 30 Celsius (86F) in some areas a day earlier turned vegetation into dry fuel, adding to mounting concerns about changing weather patterns in Europe. In the Basque Country, Asturias and Cantabria about 40 blazes were reported, according to regional emergency services.

Disease

Cholera - Lebanon

On October 6, Lebanon health authorities reported the first confirmed cholera case in the country since 1993. As of October 27, officials reported an additional 182 cumulative cases, bringing the total to 1095–this includes 368 confirmed cases. The cholera death toll has risen to 15.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.4 earthquake hits the Kuril Islands.

5.3 earthquake hits east of North island, New Zealand.

5.2 earthquake hits the Kuril Islands.

5.2 earthquake hits near the north coast of New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.

5.0 earthquake hits Hokkaido, Japan.

Environment

Massive 'proton aurora' blasted a 250-mile-wide hole in Earth's ozone layer

When a blast of solar energy slammed into Earth in June 2015, the resulting rain of particles tore a 250-mile-wide (400 kilometers) hole into the upper ozone layer, new research has found.

Fortunately, the ozone hole only appeared in Earth's mesosphere — a high layer of the atmosphere that extends from about 31 to 53 miles (50 to 85 km) over Earth — and did not extend down to the much more important ozone layer in the stratosphere, which protects Earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, the researchers found.

Still, the ozone depletion in the mesosphere was far greater than researchers previously thought possible — and future events like this could alter climate patterns in lower layers of the atmosphere, all the way down to Earth's surface.

Plastic Pollution

Greenpeace claims that about 95% of plastics used in U.S. households are not being recycled and wind up in landfills. The environmental advocacy group says it is not entirely due to the lack of recycling efforts, but that only a few types of plastic are actually recyclable.

The sorting and collection of plastic items deposited in bins is also problematic, according to Greenpeace. It says a significant portion of the debris is contaminated with toxic materials. Because plastic containers and wraps are so cheap and easy to use, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development estimates their global use and resulting waste could triple by 2060.

Global Warming

CO2 and methane in our atmosphere reach record levels

Atmospheric levels of the three main greenhouse gases warming our planet - carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide- all reached new record highs in 2021, according to a new report from the UN’s World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

CO2 concentrations last year reached 415.7 parts per million (ppm), methane 1908 ppm, and nitrous oxide 334.5 ppm. These values constitute, respectively, 149 per cent, 262 per cent and 124 per cent of pre-industrial levels before human activities started disrupting the natural balance of these gases in the atmosphere.

After COVID-related lockdowns in 2020, global CO2 emissions have rebounded, primarily from fossil fuel and cement production.

Of the total emissions from human activities during the 2011–2020 period, about 48 per cent accumulated in the atmosphere, 26 per cent in the ocean and 29% on land.

Experts warn that there is concern that the ability of land ecosystems and oceans to act as sinks may become less effective in future, thus reducing their ability to absorb carbon dioxide and act as a buffer against larger temperature increases. In some parts of the world, previously carbon-absorbing land has started to emit the gas back to the atmosphere.

Environment

Global Temperature Extremes

The week’s hottest temperature was 43.0 degrees Celsius (109 degrees F) at Victoria River, Northern Territory, Australia.

The week’s coldest temperature was minus 63.0 degrees Celsius (-81 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.

Disease

Covid-19

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

Dengue Fever - Vietnam

Vietnamese health authorities reported nearly 12,000 dengue fever cases in the past week, bringing the cumulative total to 270,278 to date. The country death toll has risen to 108.

Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity - Ongoing Activity for the week 19 October - 25 October 2022

Aira - Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that four eruptive events and seven explosions at Minamidake Crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) were recorded during 17-24 October. Volcanic plumes rose as high as 2.4 km above the crater rim and large blocks were ejected as far as 1.3 km from the vent. Incandescence at the crater was visible nightly.

Ebeko - Paramushir Island (Russia) : KVERT reported that moderate activity at Ebeko was ongoing. According to volcanologists in Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island, about 7 km E) explosions during 13-16 and 18 October generated ash plumes that rose to 4 km (13,100 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SE. Ashfall was reported in Severo-Kurilsk on 13 October and a thermal anomaly was identified in satellite images during 15-16 October.

Great Sitkin - Andreanof Islands (USA) : AVO reported that slow lava effusion continued at Great Sitkin during 19-25 October along with low levels of seismicity. Slightly elevated surface temperatures were identified in satellite images during 21-22 October.

Home Reef - Tonga Ridge : The Tonga Geological Services reported that the eruption at Home Reef that began on 10 September was over. Satellite-based measurements showed that the island had not changed in size since 28 September, remaining at 268 m N-S, 283 m E-W, and 15-18 m high. A thermal anomaly was last observed on 17 October.

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 19-25 October entering the lava lake and flowing onto the crater floor. The active part of the lake remained at a steady level all week.

Krakatau - Sunda Strait : PVMBG reported that multiple ash plumes were visible rising from Anak Krakatau during 24-25 October. Webcam views showed that at 1757 on 24 October a dense black ash plume rose about 150 m above the summit, and at 2111 a dense gray-to-black ash plume rose 150 m and drifted E. Dense gray-to-black ash plumes were visible on 25 October at 0727, 0956, and 1711 rising 150-200 m above the summit and drifting NE. An eruptive event was recorded at 1845 by the seismic network; a webcam photo showed incandescent material being ejected above the crater rim.

Lewotolok - Lembata Island : PVMBG reported that the eruption at Lewotolok continued during 18-25 October. Daily white emissions rose as high as 600 m above the summit and drifted in multiple directions. During 22-23 October white-and-gray plumes rose as high as 500 m and drifted W.

Merapi - Central Java : BPPTKG reported that the eruption at Merapi continued during 14-20 October and seismicity remained at high levels. The SW lava dome produced as many as five minor lava avalanches that traveled up to 1.8 km down the Bebeng drainage on the SW flank. No significant morphological changes to the central and SW lava domes were evident in drone photographs.

Pavlof - Alaska Peninsula, Alaska : AVO reported that a minor eruption at a vent on Pavlof’s upper E flank was ongoing during 18-25 October and nearly continuous seismic tremor was recorded. Multiple daily explosions were detected in seismic and infrasound data. Sequences of small explosions during 18-20 October were accompanied by incandescence near the summit in webcam views. Webcam images from the afternoon of 20 October showed a new dark flow of lava and debris extending about a third of the way down the E flank. Elevated surface temperatures were identified in satellite images on almost all days.

Reventador - Ecuador : IG described the ongoing eruption at Reventador as moderate during 18-25 October. Daily seismicity was characterized by 9-45 explosions, 2-67 long-period earthquakes, 4-25 signals that indicated emissions, and during 20-25 October there were 2-6 periods of harmonic tremor. Gas, steam, and ash plumes, observed almost daily with webcams or reported by the Washington VAAC, rose as high as 1.3 km above the summit and drifted SW, W, and NW. Weather clouds sometimes prevented visual observations. Crater incandescence was occasionally visible and the lava flow on the NE flank was active. Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 52-83 tons per day during 19-23 October.

Sangay - Ecuador : IG reported a high level of activity at Sangay during 18-25 October. Daily seismic counts ranges were 230-734 explosions, 39-86 tremor events indicating emissions, and 1-2 lahar events; 10-23 long-period events were recorded during 22-23 October. Daily ash-and-gas plumes were identified in IG webcam images and/or visible in satellite images according to the Washington VAAC. Plumes generally rose as high as 2.1 km above the volcano and drifted NW, W, and SW. Almost daily thermal anomalies were identified in satellite images, though weather clouds sometimes prevented views. Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 363-1,716 tons per day during 18-25 October. Incandescence at the summit and from a new lava flow on the SE flank was visible during 18-19 October; incandescence from lava-flow activity continued to be periodically visible the rest of the week.

Semeru - Eastern Java : PVMBG reported that the eruption at Semeru continued during 19-24 October. Eruptive events at 0454 and 0633 on 20 October, 0451 on 21 October, 0634 on 23 October, and 0554 on 24 October produced ash plumes that rose 500 m above the summit and drifted mainly S and W.

Sheveluch - Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that the ongoing eruption at Sheveluch was characterized by explosions, hot avalanches, and lava-dome extrusion during 14-20 October. A daily thermal anomaly was identified in satellite images.

Suwanosejima - Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : JMA reported that the eruption at Suwanosejima's Ontake Crater continued during 17-24 October. Crater incandescence was visible nightly. A total of 119 explosions during 17-21 October produced eruption plumes that rose as high as 2 km above the crater rim and ejected blocks as far as 800 m from the vent. Occasional rumbling noises and ashfall were reported in Toshima village (3.5 km SSW). Only one explosion was reported during 21-24 October. Plumes rose as high as 1.5 km and blocks were ejected as far as 200 m from the vent. Ashfall was reported in Toshima village.

Whakaari/White Island - North Island (New Zealand) : On 26 October GeoNet reported continuing unrest at Whakaari/White Island characterized by persistent gas-and-steam emissions and intermittent, minor, passive ash emissions during the previous two weeks. Sulfur dioxide gas emissions were low, averaging around 217 tonnes per day when measured during an overflight on 7 October. During an observation overflight on 19 October scientists saw gas-and-steam plumes rising from several vents on the NW and W sides of the lake. The temperature of the emissions was 145 degrees Celsius, slightly less than the 165 degrees measured on 5 October.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.4 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.

5.1 earthquake hits the Owen Fracture Zone.

5.0 earthquake hits offshore Guerrero, Mexico.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Northwest Pacific Ocean: Tropical depression 26w (Nalgae), located approximately 545 nm east-southeast of Manila, Philippines, is tracking westward at 07 knots.

Disease

Ebola - Uganda

35 days since the declaration of the ebola outbreak in Uganda, 109 cases have been confirmed with Ebola, of whom 30 succumbed, 34 were successfully treated and 45 are under treatment.

Yellow Fever - Niger

In September and October 2022, the Institut Pasteur in Dakar confirmed four yellow fever cases from Niger, including one death.

Plague - Tibet

The National Health Commission reported a recent pneumonic plague case in Shannan, Tibet Autonomous Region. The patient developed symptoms on 24 September and passed away the following day.

Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity - New Activity for the week 19 October - 25 October 2022

Alaid - Kuril Islands (Russia) : KVERT reported that the eruption at Alaid was ongoing during 14-20 October. An intense thermal anomaly was identified in satellite images during 13-16 and 20 October; weather clouds obscured views on the other days. Explosive activity during 13-16 October generated ash plumes that rose as high as 6.5 km (21,300 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 360 km E and SE.

Bezymianny - Central Kamchatka (Russia) : Activity at Bezymianny increased during 22-23 October characterized by incandescence at the summit, sometimes strong fumarolic activity, and an increasing temperature of a thermal anomaly identified in satellite images. A strong explosive phase commenced and by 2340 local time on 23 October satellite images showed ash plumes rising to 10 km (32,800 ft) a.s.l. and drifting 10 km ENE. The Aviation Color Code was raised to Red. By 1005 local time on 24 October the phase was over, and the Aviation Color Code was lowered to Orange. Satellite images showed gas-and-steam plumes drifting NE and an intense thermal anomaly. The ash plumes from the day before had drifted as far as 1,915 km NE.

Cotopaxi - Ecuador : IG reported minor eruptive activity at Cotopaxi. A low-amplitude tremor signal recorded by the seismic network from 1950 on 21 October to 0040 on 22 October was associated with gas-and-ash emissions. The emissions were not visible due to darkness and weather conditions, but minor ashfall and a sulfur odor was reported by mountaineers in the Refugio José Rivas, 2 km N of the summit crater; the mountaineers evacuated. The Washington VAAC reported that during 2150-2200 on 21 October ash plumes rose to 7.6-8.5 (25,000-28,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE based on information from IG and the Guayaquil MWO, satellite images, and webcam views. The ash had dissipated by 0410 on 22 October. A second ash plume was identified in webcam and satellite images rising to 7 km (23,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifting W at 0700 on 22 October. Ash was no longer visible by 1250. IG noted that following the end of the tremor signal seismicity declined and plumes of gas-and-steam rose as high as 1 km above the summit and drifted W. Weather conditions at the volcano improved on 23 October and a layer of dark gray ash on the volcano, deposited the previous two days, became visible. Based on seismic data and media reports, small secondary lahars generated from the melted glacier beneath the ash deposit, were recorded during 1115-1300 and traveled short distances down the flanks. Weather clouds frequently prevented views of the volcano during 24-25 October, though steam emissions rising 200 m above the summit and drifting W were visible during a break in the cloud cover the morning of 25 October.

Kerinci - Central Sumatra : PVMBG reported that white-and-brown or gray plumes from Kerinci rose as high as 750 m above the summit and drifted NE and NW during 18-24 October.

Langila - New Britain (Papua New Guinea) : The Darwin VAAC reported that on 20 October an ash plume from Langila rose 2.7 km (9,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW. The plume had dissipated within 5 hours.

Mauna Loa - Hawaiian Islands (USA) : HVO reported continuing unrest at Mauna Loa during 19-25 October. The seismic network detected 10-46 daily small-magnitude (below M 3) earthquakes 3-5 km beneath Mokua’weoweo caldera and 6-8 km beneath the upper NW flank of Mauna Loa. Data from Global Positioning System (GPS) instruments at the summit and flanks showed continuing inflation, though data from tiltmeters at the summit did not show significant surface deformation over the past week. A M 3.1 earthquake was recorded at 2035 on 23 October at a depth of 4 km beneath Mokua’weoweo caldera.

Popocatepetl - Mexico : CENAPRED reported that there were 27-62 steam-and-gas emissions, sometimes containing minor amounts of ash, rising from Popocatépetl each day during 19-25 October. Weather clouds often prevented visual observations of activity. The seismic network recorded daily periods of tremor lasting from 16 minutes to 10 hours and 35 minutes. One or two daily volcano-tectonic earthquakes were recorded. During 20-23 October daily periods of low-amplitude, high-frequency events varied between two hours and 19 minutes to five hours, and periods of harmonic tremor lasted from 11 minutes to five hours and 35 minutes. A small explosion was recorded at 0039 on 25 October. According to a news article a small new lava dome, about 60 m in diameter, had been growing on the crater floor since 7 October.

Taal - Luzon (Philippines) : PHIVOLCS reported continuing unrest at Taal during 18-25 October. Daily white steam emissions rose as high as 3 km above the lake and drifted NE, NW, and SW. Upwelling gasses and hot fluids in the lake were periodically visible. Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 6,702 tonnes per day on 20 October. The seismic network recorded 0-6 daily volcanic earthquakes and a few periods of volcanic tremor during 20-23 October. Webcam images showed increased activity during 21-22 October with 29 small phreatomagmatic bursts from a vent on the NE part of the lake, each lasting 1-5 minutes long. Some of the events produced 200-m-tall steam-rich plumes and very, short, dark ash plumes that immediately collapsed back into the water. Not all events generated detectable signals in the seismic and infrasound records. Ash plumes rose to 600 m (2,000 ft) a.s.l. on 21 October and drifted W according to the Tokyo VAAC. Two small phreatomagmatic bursts, each lasting 6-7 minutes long were recorded during 22-23 October. Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 1,403 tonnes per day on 24 October. Ground deformation measurements continued to show slight inflation in the western half of the caldera and deflation in the eastern half.

Villarrica - Central Chile : On 25 October SERNAGEOMIN reported that activity at Villarrica had been gradually increasing. Both the number and amplitude of long-period earthquakes increased during the month, and further increased the last week. Continuous tremor increased slightly. Webcams showed persistent gas emissions rising 460 m above the crater rim, and ash plumes drifting downwind on 2 and 23 October. Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 535 (plus or minus 115) tonnes per day, peaking at 1,273 tonnes per day on 13 October. These values were within normal levels and were lower than in September. Crater incandescence increased in both frequency and intensity, consistent with reports from POVI and other collaborators, and likely indicated periodic Strombolian activity. On 14 October satellite images showed the active lava lake covering an area of 36 square meters in the E part of the crater floor. A partial collapse (less than 300 square meters) of the inner SSW crater rim was also evident. POVI reported that lava fountaining and Strombolian explosions were visible in webcam images at 1917 on 18 October. The most intense thermal anomaly over the crater since September 2019 was detected in satellite images on 23 October, and crater incandescence was visible in webcam images. That same day tourists described seeing splashes of lava ejected from a depth of 80 m and hearing loud degassing sounds. Deposits of ejected tephra were visible around the crater rim and on the upper flanks on 24 October, and intense crater incandescence was visible in images on 25 October.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

6.6 earthquake hits Luzon in the Philippines.

Two 5.2 earthquakes hit Hokkaido, Japan.

5.1 earthquake hits Tonga.

5.1 earthquake hits Northern California.

5.0 earthquake hits Santa, Argentina.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

There are no current tropical storm systems.

Newsbytes:

Bangladesh - A cyclone roared into the Bangladesh coast on Tuesday, killing at least 15 people, destroying houses, uprooting trees and disrupting road, power and communication links, officials said. Mass evacuations before Cyclone Sitrang made landfall on the west coast helped save lives, but the full extent of the casualties and damage would only be known after communications were fully restored.

Global Warming

Earth on Track to Warm Above 2C Despite Climate Action

Government plans to cut greenhouse gas emissions aren’t enough to avoid catastrophic global warming, with the planet on track to heat up between 2.1 and 2.9 degrees Celsius by the end of the century compared to pre-industrial times, according to a new report from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Despite some progress in the last year, governments need to do more by 2030 to ensure that the global temperature increase is below 2C and ideally closer to 1.5C — the goal set in the Paris Agreement reached in 2015. The UNFCCC reached its conclusions by analyzing all national climate plans, also known as nationally-determined contributions or NDCs, submitted since 2015.

Wildlife

Climate change threatens emperor penguins with extinction

It is the only animal that dares to breed during the Antarctic winter. It endures gale-force winds and freezing temperatures to lay and protect a single egg.

Now climate change threatens Antarctica’s emperor penguin with extinction, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service declared Tuesday, as melting sea ice upends the habitat it needs to breed, feed and protect itself from predators. The loss of sea ice driven by climate change will put the penguin’s long-term survival in jeopardy.

While sea ice around Antarctica has proved more durable than ice near the North Pole, nearly all emperor penguin colonies in the southern continent would be pushed to the brink of extinction by the end of the century without dramatic cuts to global greenhouse gas emissions.

Disease

Monkeypox - Mexico

The Ministry of Health in Mexico reported today 2,654 confirmed monkeypox cases since the first case was reported on May 28. No deaths have been reported.

Measles

Philippines - Philippines health officials report a 203 percent increase in measles cases in 2022. From January 1 to October 8, 467 cumulative measles cases have been reported. This compares with 154 cases reported during the same period in 2021.

South Africa - In a follow-up on the measles outbreak reported in the Greater Sekhukhune District in Limpopo province, South Africa health officials report an additional four measles cases detected, increasing the total number of measles cases to seven as of October 21.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

6.4 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.

5.5 earthquake hits the Pagan region, North Mariana Islands.

5.4 earthquake hits Samar in the Philippines.

5.2 earthquake hits Mindanao in the Philippines.

5.1 earthquake hits the Solomon Islands.

5.0 earthquake hits Fiji.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

There are no current tropical storm systems.

Newsbytes:

Australia - Residents of New South Wales are staring down more floods as two weather systems bring increased rainfall to the saturated state. Flooding has hit the town of Moree, with large parts of the farming region under water. Lismore residents in the state’s northern rivers region have been told to prepare to evacuate amid the prospect of a third major flood there this year. Moderate rain is expected along the coast and ranges further south into the state’s mid-north coast but heavy rainfall is no longer expected in the area. Other towns at risk of flooding include Hay, Wentworth, Ballina, Yamba and Maclean.

Disease

Covid-19

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

Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever - Uganda

Health officials in Kaberamaido District in eastern Uganda report its first case of Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever.

Cholera - Lebanon

Lebanon’s health ministry reported in an update Tuesday an additional 48 confirmed cholera cases in the past 24 hours, bringing the new cumulative total to 287 since the first case was reported on October 5, the first case reported in Lebanon since 1993. The cholera death toll in the country is now 11.

Ebola - Uganda

The Uganda Ministry of Health reported 15 additional Ebola disease, caused by Sudan virus, bringing the total confirmed cases in the current outbreak to 90. The death toll remains at 28.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.6 earthquake hits Tonga.

5.4 earthquake hits Mindanao in the Philippines.

5.0 earthquake hits northern Peru.

5.0 earthquake hits southern Xinjiang, China.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the North Indian Ocean: Tropical Cyclone 05B (Sitrang), located approximately 215 nm southwest of Chittagong, Bangladesh, is tracking north-northeastward at 14 knots.

Newsbytes:

Benin - Over 40 people have lost their lives and hundreds of homes have been destroyed by flooding in Benin since September this year. Several rivers including the Mono, Oueme and Niger broke their banks. The situation was worsened by the release of waters from the the Nagbéto dam in Togo. High levels of the Niger river among others have also resulted in widespread flooding in neighbouring countries Niger, where over 160 people have died, and Nigeria, where 1.3 million have been displaced and 603 people have died. Over 73,000 people have been affected and close to 1,400 houses damaged by the waters, including at least 670 that have been completely destroyed. Around 1,328 households have been rendered homeless by the damage or destruction of their homes. Over fifty primary schools and a dozen colleges were also submerged by floods and 11 health centres have been closed. Significant livestock losses were recorded and around 18,769 hectares of crops and farmland flooded.

Colombia - At least one person has died and 2 are missing after flash flooding in the department of Cesar, Colombia overnight 22 to 23 October 2022. Flooding has affected around 4,500 households (around 15,000 to 20,000 people) in the municipality of Bosconia in the north west of the department. The volume of the flood was so strong that it swept away vehicles.

Gabon - Heavy rainfall overnight 20 to 21 October 2022 caused severe damages in the city of Libreville, capital of Gabon. One landslide buried a home in the PK 8 area of the 6th arrondissement of the city. Seven members of the same family died as a result.

Wildfires

Wildfires - Missouri, USA

A wildfire burned about half of the small town of Wooldridge, Missouri Saturday. The fire started from a combine that was harvesting crops and spread into the town pushed by 25 to 35 mph winds with low relative humidity.

Authorities said 23 structures were destroyed or heavily damaged. No one was killed and one person was taken to a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries, but the entire town of 100 people had to be evacuated.

Disease

Ebola - Uganda

Just a few days after the Uganda Ministry of Health (MOH) said the Ebola outbreak is coming under control, the latest update from the MOH show the cumulative confirmed cases have risen to 75, including 28 deaths.

Cholera - Philippines

Philippines health officials reported in an update today that the number of cumulative cholera cases have risen to 3,890 through October 1. This is an increase of 286 percent compared to the same period in 2021 when 1,009 cases were reported.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.4 earthquake hits Antofagasta, Chile.

5.2 earthquake hits New Britain, Papua New Guinea.

5.2 earthquake hits eastern New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.

5.2 earthquake hits the mid-Indian ridge.

5.1 earthquake hits Halmahera, Indonesia.

5.0 earthquake hits Tonga.

5.0 earthquake hits the Kuril Islands.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Hurricane 19e (Roslyn), located approximately 964 nm southeast of San Diego, is tracking northward at 012 knots.

In the Northwest Pacific Ocean: Tropical Depression 25w (Twenty-five), located approximately 233 nm east-southeast ofHong Kong, is tracking westward at 10 knots.

Wildlife

Snow Crabs Disappear

The Bering Sea's snow crab population has been in decline over the last five years, but this season the population has collapsed.

Snow crabs in the Bering Sea once numbered in the billions. But after a recent and massive population crash the crabs have all but vanished from these waters — and they may not be coming back anytime soon.

In 2018, about 3 billion mature snow crabs (Chionoecetes opilio) inhabited the Bering Sea along with roughly five billion immature crabs, the Seattle Times reported(opens in new tab). But by late 2021, those numbers hovered around 2.5 million and 6.5 million, respectively — a loss of nearly eight billion crabs in just three years. In Februarythe Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG) made the difficult decision to cancel the season's snow crab harvest for fear of wiping out the crustaceans altogether.

What caused the snow crab crash? The main culprit was almost certainly human-caused climate change, though unsustainable fishing practices may also have played a role.

Snow crabs thrive in the cold northern waters of the Bering Sea floor. For these crabs, water temperature isn’t just a matter of comfort; it plays a critical role in their lifecycle. As seawater cools, it becomes less salty and less buoyant, causing it to sink to the bottom of the ocean known as the "cold pool. Many fish and other types of marine life avoid the cold pool, but for juvenile snow crabs, it’s a sanctuary. With virtually no predators willing to venture into this layer's frigid waters, young crabs can grow up in peace.

But lately that protection has waned. Record heat waves in 2016, 2018 and 2019 stunted cold pool formation in the Bering Sea, leaving baby crabs vulnerable to predators. What's more, the warmer waters likely sped up the adult crabs' metabolism, causing them to starve.

Wildfires

Wildfires - Tanzania

Hundreds of firefighters are battling a blaze on Africa's highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro.

No one has been harmed in the fire that erupted on Friday. The cause has yet to be established. Dense clouds of smoke as well as winds were making the work difficult for the 320 firefighters at the scene. The fire is burning at an altitude of about 3900 metres.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.5 earthquake hits western Sichuan, China.

5.0 earthquake hits western Alaska.

5.0 earthquake hits Tonga.

5.0 earthquake hits off the east coast of Kamchatka.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Hurricane 19e (Roslyn), located approximately 1128 nm southeast of San Diego, is tracking west-northwestward at 06 knots.

In the Northwest Pacific Ocean: Tropical Depression 25w (Twenty-five), located approximately 686 nm east-northeast of Da Nang, Vietnam, is tracking westward at 07 knots.

Newsbytes:

Indonesia - Heavy rain has triggered floods and landslides in areas of Java and Sulawesi Islands in Indonesia over the last few days. Disaster authorities report at least 4 people have lost their lives, over 30,000 people have been impacted and around 5,000 homes damaged.

Colombia - Storms caused damage and floods in the city of Ibagué in Department of Tolima, western Colombia overnight 19 to 20 October 2022. 1,300 homes were damaged by floods or landslides. Many residents have lost material possessions and the departmental government have distributed relief supplies including mattresses, blankets and food. Several roads outside the city were washed out.

Disease

Dengue Fever - Nepal

Nepal’s Ministry of Health and Population reports as of October 17, a total of 41,743 dengue cases have been identified, with Bagmati province reporting highest number (32494) followed by Lumbini province with (4399). To date, 49 deaths due to dengue are verified.

Cholera - Nigeria

Nigerian health officials reported an additional 1006 suspected cholera cases during the week ending October 2, bringing the cumulative total to 10754 suspected cases through the first nine months of the year. 256 deaths have been reported in 2022 to date with a case-fatality rate of 2.4%.

Monkeypox - Chicago, Illinois, USA

The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) today announced two deaths of Chicago residents caused by this year’s Monkeypox virus (MPV) outbreak. Both individuals had multiple other health conditions, including weakened immune systems.

Ebola - Uganda

Health authorities in Uganda report that the Ebola epidemic is coming under control. On Thursday, the Health Dept reported on additional Ebola case and two new deaths. This brings the cumulative totals to 65 and 27, respectively.

Bird Flu - China

Hong Kong health officials reports today a human case of avian influenza A(H5N6) in the Mainland. The case involves a 3-year-old boy living in Nanning, Guangxi. He is in serious condition. From 2014 to date, 81 human cases of avian influenza A(H5N6) have been reported by Mainland health authorities.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

6.8 earthquake hits south of Panama.

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

5.0 earthquake hits Sulawesi, Indonesia.

5.0 earthquake hits the southwest Indian ridge.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm 19e (Roslyn), located approximately 1245 nm southeast of San Diego, is tracking west-northwestward at 06 knots.

In the Northwest Pacific Ocean: Tropical Depression 25w (Twenty-five), located approximately 359 nm north-northeast of Manila, Philippines, is tracking westward at 14 knots.

Newsbytes:

Philippines - At least 5 people have died after a landslide in Northern Mindanao Region of the Philippines. Earlier heavy rain brought by Typhoon Nesat (known as Neneng in the Philippines) caused flooding and landslides in northern regions of the country. Authorities said Neneng intensified into a Tropical Storm on 15 October 2022 while it accelerated westward over the Philippine Sea east of extreme Northern Luzon. On 16 October Neneng made landfall over Calayan Island, Cagayan, then intensified into a Typhoon as it exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). Disaster authorities reported 117 incidents of flooding in Cagayan Valley (Region 2), as a result of heavy rain from the storm. In total 181,185 people were affected by the storm across the regions of Ilocos (Region 1), Cagayan Valley (Region 2), and Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). Over 3,500 people were evacuated, 279 houses damaged and 2 people injured.

Environment

Plastic Perils

A new U.N. report documents how plastic contaminants are building up in the soil around the world. “We are starting to understand that the buildup of plastic can have wide-ranging impacts on soil health, biodiversity and productivity,” said co-author Elaine Baker of the University of Sydney.

The report warns that as plastic breaks down, it interferes with the ability of plants to absorb water and nutrients in their roots and for water to be stored in the soil. Plastics are used extensively in agriculture, from plastic-coated seeds to protective wraps used over crops to modify soil temperature and prevent weed growth.

Smoke Pollution

A string of wildfires darkened skies Wednesday and Thursday in the Pacific Northwest, where residents of the normally lush, green region experienced the world's worst air pollution. Seattle and Portland, Oregon, were first and second, respectively, in the global ranking of places with the poorest air quality, according to IQAir, a Swiss company that measures air pollution.

The quality was worse than in places like Beijing, New Delhi and Lahore, Pakistan, which more frequently struggle with air pollution.

Wildlife

Wildlife Collapse

Human activities since 1970 have caused animal populations to decline on average by almost 70%, according to a World Wildlife Fund (WWF) report. Researchers working to create the WWF Living Planet Index looked at data from 32,000 populations of more than 5,000 species of mammals, amphibians, reptiles, birds and fish.

They found that in areas rich in biodiversity, such as the Caribbean and Latin America, including the Amazon, animal population loss was as high as 94%. The report points to habitat degradation due to development and farming, exploitation, the introduction of invasive species, pollution, climate change and disease as the main drivers of the wildlife loss.

Bluefish Blitz

Beachgoers on North Carolina’s Outer Banks were startled and amazed by the sight of thousands upon thousands of terrified fish throwing themselves onto an Ocracoke Island beach to escape the sharp teeth of ravenous migrating bluefish.

Social media videos showed the baitfish causing the surf to seemingly boil as they frantically tumbled over each other while tourists watched. Some visitors collected the free fish in buckets for later meals. The Tradewinds Tackle Shop said the “bluefish blitz” went on for a few days.

Environment

Global Temperature Extremes

The week’s hottest temperature was 40.0 degrees Celsius (104 degrees F) at Tillaberi, Niger.

The week’s coldest temperature was minus 70.0 degrees Celsius (-94 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.

Disease

Covid-19

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

Cholera - Lebanon

Lebanon has reported 80 new cases of cholera, which raises the number of registered cases to 169.

Cholera - Haiti

Since the first confirmed cholera cases in Haiti were reported on October 2, after a more than 3 year hiatus, the total keeps creeping higher now at 111 confirmed cases (not including the 12 confirmed cases at the Prison Civile de Port-au-Prince outbreak) through October 17. The total suspected cases have risen to 996.

Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity - Ongoing Activity for the week 12 October -18 October 2022

Aira - Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that 10 eruptive events and four explosions at Minamidake Crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) were recorded during 10-17 October. Volcanic plumes rose as high as 1.7 km above the crater rim and large blocks were ejected as far as 1.7 km from the vent. Incandescence at the crater was visible nightly. No notable changes at the summit were visible during an overflight on 12 October. Sulfur dioxide emissions were characterized as extremely high on 14 October at 4,000 tons per day.

Ebeko - Paramushir Island (Russia) : KVERT reported that moderate activity at Ebeko was ongoing. According to volcanologists in Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island, about 7 km E) explosions generated ash plumes that rose to 4 km (13,100 ft) a.s.l. and drifted E and SE during 7-13 October. Ashfall was reported in Severo-Kurilsk during 6-7 and 13 October.

Great Sitkin - Andreanof Islands (USA) : AVO reported that slow lava effusion continued at Great Sitkin during 11-18 October. Satellite images were mostly cloudy, though continued slow growth of the flow field and steaming from a new flow margin were identified in satellite images on 12 October. Seismicity remained at low levels.

Home Reef - Tonga Ridge : The Tonga Geological Services reported that the last eruptive event at Home Reef occurred at 0209 on 13 October, based on satellite images processed by VOLCAT (Volcanic Cloud Analysis Toolkit) software. A thermal anomaly was identified in satellite images at 0146 on 17 October.

Karymsky - Eastern Kamchatka (Russia) : On 15 October KVERT lowered the Aviation Color Code for Karymsky to Yellow (the second lowest level on a four-color scale), noting that strong explosions were last recorded on 7 August. Though a thermal anomaly continued to be identified in satellite images, the temperature of that anomaly had been decreasing since the explosions. Gas-and-steam emissions persisted, and in recent days snow sometimes covered the volcano.

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 11-18 October entering the lava lake and flowing onto the crater floor. Part of the lake’s surface was continuously active.

Lewotolok - Lembata Island : PVMBG reported that the Strombolian eruption at Lewotolok continued during 11-18 October. White emissions rose as high as 500 m above the summit almost daily and drifted in multiple directions. At 0351 on 14 October an eruptive event produced a dense gray ash plume that rose about 1.2 km above the summit and drifted SW.

Mauna Loa - Hawaiian Islands (USA) : HVO reported continuing unrest at Mauna Loa during 12-18 October. The seismic network detected 22-65 daily small-magnitude (below M 3) earthquakes 3-5 km beneath Mokua?weoweo caldera and 6-8 km beneath the upper NW flank of Mauna Loa. Data from Global Positioning System (GPS) instruments at the summit and flanks showed continuing inflation, though data from tiltmeters at the summit did not show significant surface deformation over the past week. A pair of earthquakes, M 4.6 and M 5, were recorded at 0907 on 14 October. The first one was located S of Pahala, just offshore, at a depth of about 13 km. The second earthquake followed 24 seconds later and was located S of Pahala (beneath Highway 11) at a depth of 7.4 km. The earthquakes were followed by more than 150 aftershocks in the Pahala region over the next two days. Twenty of the aftershocks were greater than M 2.5 and four were M 3-4. HVO noted that the unrest was likely driven by accumulation of new magma 3-8 km beneath the summit.

Mayon - Luzon (Philippines) : PHIVOLCS reported that white steam plumes from Mayon rose no higher than 500 m above the summit and drifted E. Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 301 tonnes per day on 12 October. One volcanic earthquake was detected during 16-17 October. Electronic Distance Measuring (EDM), precise leveling, continuous GPS, and electronic tilt monitoring data showed that the volcano had been slightly inflated, especially on the NW and SE flanks, since 2020.

Merapi - Central Java : BPPTKG reported that the eruption at Merapi continued during 7-13 October and seismicity remained at high levels. The SW lava dome produced as many as seven lava avalanches that traveled as far as 1.5 km down the Bebeng drainage on the SW flank. No significant morphological changes to the central and SW lava domes were evident in drone photographs.

Nevados de Chillan - Central Chile : SERNAGEOMIN reported continuing activity at Nevados de Chillán’s Nicanor Crater during 11-18 October. At 0043 on 12 October a long-period earthquake was recorded and was possibly associated with an emission, but weather clouds prevented visual confirmation. A long-period earthquake at 1504 on 13 October was followed by a dense gray-black ash plume that rose almost 2.3 km and drifted NNE. Pyroclastic flows descended the NNE flank. Another long-period event, at 2108 on 15 October, was followed by the ejection of incandescent material as high as 800 m above the crater rim and as far as 700 m NE onto the flank. Explosions at 1613 on 16 October produced a dense grayish-black ash plume that rose more than 400 m and drifted SE, though weather clouds inhibited views. A pyroclastic flow traveled more than 500 m NNE.

Pavlof - Alaska Peninsula, Alaska : AVO reported that a minor eruption at a vent on Pavlof’s upper E flank was ongoing during 11-18 October and seismic tremor continued. Multiple explosions were recorded in seismic and infrasound data almost daily. Clear webcam views captured very small ash emissions and lava in the immediate vicinity of the vent during 11-14 October, and incandescent rock fragments being ejected from the vent during 13-14 October. Elevated surface temperatures were identified in satellite images on most days during 13-18 October.

Sheveluch - Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that the ongoing eruption at Sheveluch was characterized by explosions, hot avalanches, and lava-dome extrusion during 6-14 October. A daily thermal anomaly was identified in satellite images.

Suwanosejima - Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : JMA reported that the eruption at Suwanosejima's Ontake Crater continued during 10-17 October. A total of 71 explosions produced eruption plumes that rose as high as 2 km above the crater rim and ejected blocks as far as 600 m from the vent. Crater incandescence was visible nightly. Occasional ashfall was reported in Toshima village (3.5 km SSW) during the first half of the week.

Villarrica - Central Chile : POVI posted an 18 October photo of Villarrica showing incandescence above the crater rim and noted that crater incandescence had been visible on clear nights.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.3 earthquake hits Ascension Island.

5.2 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.

5.1 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.

5.0 earthquake hits the Andaman Islands off India.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Tropical Depression 219e (Nineteen), located approximately 1362 nm southeast of San Diego, is tracking westward at 03 knots.

In the Northwest Pacific Ocean: Tropical Depression 23w Nesat), located approximately 102 nm north of De Nang, Vietnam, is tracking northwestward at 04 knots.

Tropical Depression 25w (Twenty-five), located approximately 321 nm south of Kadena AFB, Okinawa, Japan, is tracking west-northwestward at 08 knots.

Disease

Chikungunya - Thailand

Thailand health officials reported 673 chikungunya cases in 39 provinces from the beginning of the year through October 9. This is more than the total cases reported in all of 2021 (671). No deaths have been reported.

Dengue Fever - Panama

In the Health region of San Miguelito, a considerable increase in dengue cases persists in the district through the end of September 2022. Authorities have reported 630 cases and say it is worrying because they are already in the rainy season and the proliferation of Aedes aegypti mosquito breeding sites.

Legionnaires Disease - Vermont, USA

Vermont health officials report investigating a cluster of Legionnaires’ disease in Franklin County. Officials identified five confirmed cases, including one death of an individual in their 70’s, but the source of the infections remains unknown.

Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity - New Activity for the week 12 October -18 October 2022

Alaid - Kuril Islands (Russia) : KVERT reported that the eruption at Alaid was ongoing during 7-14 October and a daily thermal anomaly was identified in satellite images. Explosive activity on 16 October generated ash plumes that rose to 3.7 km (12,100 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 293 km ESE.

Bulusan - Luzon (Philippines) : On 12 October PHIVOLCS raised the Alert Level for Bulusan to 1 (on a scale of 0-5) due to increased seismicity, inflation, and gas emissions. From 0500 on 11 October to 1500 on 12 October the seismic network detected 126 weak earthquakes located at depths of 0-5 km. Most of the events were concentrated beneath the NW flank and summit area and were indicative of rock-fracturing processes. Other data suggested increased hydrothermal activity and unrest including increased temperatures and carbon dioxide emissions at area hotsprings beginning earlier in the year, pronounced inflation of the SW and S flanks that began in September, and a sulfur odor reported by residents of Sitio Talistison in Barangay Mapaso (Irosin) and Barangay San Roque (Bulusan) during 10-11 October. Daily earthquakes totaled 164 during 13-14 October and 79 during 14-15 October; daily counts were 26-32 during 15-18 October. Sulfur dioxide emissions were 302-386 tonnes per day during 15-16 October. P

Chikurachki - Paramushir Island (Russia): KVERT reported that an explosive eruption at Chikurachki began at around 0310 on 16 October. A dense ash plume identified in satellite images rose to 4.5 km (14,800 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 240 km ESE. At 1011 and 1620 that same day ash plumes were visible in satellite images rising as high as 3.5 km (11,500 ft) a.s.l. and drifting ESE; by 1620 ash plumes from the eruption had extended as far as 523 km. KVERT noted that ash emissions were last seen at 0130 on 17 October and a thermal anomaly was visible at 0432.

Grimsvotn - Iceland : Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) reported that the small jökulhlaup at Grímsvötn that began on 10 October had peaked on 16 October and then began to subside. The onset of the jökulhlaup was slower than forecasted, flowing in the Gigjukvisl River at about 300 cubic meters per second by 12 October. The ice sheet had subsided a total of 7 m. A M 2 earthquake was recorded on 13 October just NE of Grímsvötn but did not signal increased seismicity. By 14 October the outflow from the lakes was an estimated 500 cubic meters per second and subsidence has totaled 15 m. Four earthquakes, all under M 2.5, were recorded during 15-16 October.

Kerinci - Central Sumatra : PVMBG reported that white-and-black plumes from Kerinci rose as high as 350 m above the summit and drifted NE during 15-16 October. Two VONAs were posted on 19 October; at 0620 on 19 October an ash plume rose 500 m above the summit and drifted NW, and at 0815 an ash plume rose 700 m and drifted NW.

Nishinoshima - Izu Islands : JMA reported that on 12 October ash plumes from Nishinoshima rose 2.2-3.5 km (7,200-11,500 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW and W.

Stromboli - Aeolian Islands (Italy) : INGV reported that activity had decreased at Stromboli by 16 October following a week that included lava overflows at vent N2 (in Area N, North Crater), a partial collapse of the vent rim, and both pyroclastic and lava flows descending the Sciara del Fuoco. Lava flows continued to effuse from N2 during 10-15 October, though they gradually traveled to shorter distances through the week. Material from the eroded channel of the Sciara del Fuoco and collapses from the lava flows descended the channel, contacted the water and produced steam and ash plumes, and formed a delta of debris. By 15 October lava flows had rebuilt the N2 rim which prevented lava from flowing down the Sciara del Fuoco. Explosive activity at N2 was variable from low levels to intense spattering that culminated into lava fountaining during 10-13 October. The activity abruptly decreased on 14 October, though minor spattering continued. Occasional low-intensity ash emissions were visible during the morning of 16 October and spattering had ceased. Activity at N1 during 10-16 October was characterized by low-intensity explosions ejecting bombs and lapilli less than 80 m high.

Taal - Luzon (Philippines) : PHIVOLCS reported continuing unrest at Taal during 11-18 October. Upwelling gasses and hot fluids in the lake continued to be visible almost daily, and white steam emissions that generally rose as high as 1.5 km above the lake drifted in variable directions. Low-level background tremor and 1-9 daily volcanic earthquakes were recorded during 11-14 October. Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 3,882 tonnes per day on 13 October. Activity increased during 14-15 October with six small phreatomagmatic bursts, each lasting 1-2 minutes long, and 26 volcanic earthquakes. Steam-and-gas plumes rose as high as 2.4 km and drifted NE and SE. Based on SIGMETS (Significant Meteorological statements) issued by the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the Tokyo VAAC reported that during 14-15 October three ash plumes rose as high as 600 m (2,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW. During 15-16 October one phreatomagmatic burst was recorded along with 12 volcanic earthquakes and nine periods of volcanic tremor, each 2-70 minutes long. Six periods of volcanic tremor, totaling almost 4.5 hours, were detected during 16-17 October, and sulfur dioxide emissions were 4,422 tonnes per day on 17 October. Ground deformation measurements continued to show slight inflation in the western half of the caldera and deflation in the eastern half.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.4 earthquake hits Mindanao in the Philippines.

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

5.1 earthquake hits Halmahera, Indonesia.

5.1 earthquake hits northern Qinghai, China.

5.0 earthquake hits south of Fiji.

5.0 earthquake hits the Banda Sea.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Northwest Pacific Ocean: Typhoon 23w (Nesat), located approximately 125 nm east-northeast of Da Nang, Vietnam, is tracking westward at 07 knots.

Tropical Depression 24w (Haitang), located approximately 632 nm northeast of Minami Tori Shima, is tracking northeastward at 25 knots.

Newsbytes:

Venezuela - Roads turn to rivers as flash floods hit Maracay, Venezuela on October 17th 2022. Heavy rain caused the El Castaño river to overflow, flooding low lying areas. The floods come after the state of Aragua in north-central Venezuela reported that at least 22 people have died and 52 were missing after flash floods in the town of Tejerias following floods that started on 10 October.

Global Warming

Ozone Hole Grows for 3rd Year in a Row

The ozone hole that forms yearly over Antarctica has grown for the third year in a row. At nearly 10 million square miles (26.4 million square kilometers), the ozone hole is the largest it's been since 2015.

But despite that growth, scientists say that the hole's size is still on a downward trend overall. "All the data says that ozone is on the mend," Paul Newman, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center's chief Earth scientist, told the Associated Press(opens in new tab).

Disease

Cholera - Lebanon

In a follow-up on the cholera outbreak in Lebanon, the Ministry of Public Health reported 46 new confirmed cases and one additional death, bringing the totals to 89 confirmed cholera cases and three deaths.

Syphilis - Brazil

The Brazil Ministry of Health reports recording 79,587 cases of syphilis, 31,090 cases of syphilis in pregnant women and 12,014 cases of congenital syphilis in the country through June 2022.

Dengue Fever - Vietnam

In a follow-up on the dengue fever situation in 2022 in Vietnam, the Ministry of Health recorded more than 11,000 new cases in the past week nationally, bringing the cumulative total to 258,480.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.6 earthquake hits Coquimbo, Chile.

5.0 earthquake hits Taiwan.

5.0 earthquake hits Tarapaca, Chile.

5.0 earthquake hits the Pagan region, North Mariana Islands.

5.0 earthquake hits Minahasa, Sulawesi, Indonesia.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Northwest Pacific Ocean: Typhoon 23w (Nesat), located approximately 259 nm south-southwest of Hong Kong, is tracking westward at 06 knots.

Tropical Depression 24w (Twenty-four), located approximately 413 nm northeast of Minami Tori Shima, is tracking north-northeastward at 08 knots.

Newsbytes:

Nigeria - The flood situation continues to worsen in Nigeria, in particular for southern areas. As many as 700,000 people have been displaced by flooding in Bayelsa State, according to the state government. Areas along the Niger, Nun and Forcados rivers in the state have all seen severe flooding since early October. Homes, communities and villages have been sacked, and the people are now living as internally displaced persons. A total of 1,302,589 people have been displaced, 2,504.095 people have been affected, 2,407 people have been injured, a total of 82,053 houses have been completely damaged and 121,318 partially damaged. Furthermore 108,392 hectares of farmland have been damaged and 332,327 hectares destroyed, along with many roads and other critical infrastructure.

Sri Lanka - Disaster authorities in Sri Lanka report that severe weather including heavy rain, strong winds and lightning strikes since 12 October 2022 has prompted evacuations and caused 3 fatalities. Sri Lanka’s Department of Meteorology reported more than 125 mm of rain in 8 hours. As of 16 October there were 5,383 people from 1,660 households who had moved to 36 safe locations set up by the government with more than 60 000 people affected.

Wildlife

Thousands of cannonball jellyfish wash ashore

Thousands of globular cannonball jellyfish (Stomolophus meleagris) have washed ashore along a stretch of North Carolina coastline in what is being dubbed a "jellyfish jamboree."

The "large swarm" washed up along the northern edge of Ocracoke Island, one in a chain of islands that makes up the Outer Banks. The sudden influx of these squishy, stinger-less blobs coincides with the presence of red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus), a species of saltwater fish that's currently in the midst of spawning season — the fish’s larvae also happen to be the preferred snack for the jellyfish, according to the post.

Disease

Covid-19

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

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

6.5 earthquake hits off the coast of Central America.

5.1 earthquake hits Seram, Indonesia.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Northwest Typhoon 23w (Nesat), located approximately 223 nm southeast of Hong Kong, is tracking west-southwestward at 08 knots.

Newsbytes:

Vietnam - Further flooding has affected central provinces of Vietnam after heavy rainfall brought by Tropical Storm Sonca. Around 25,000 homes have been flooded and over 14,000 people displaced. Tropical Storm Sonca made landfall in Quang Ngai Province, Vietnam, early 15 October and then tracked westward across the country as the storm dumped heavy rainfall. According to figures from Vietnam’s National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF), in a 24 hour period to 15 October Khe Tre in Thua Thien Hue Province recorded 549 mm. Flood waters in the province of Thua Thien Hue damaged around 19,918 houses, while about 3,575 houses were flooded in Da Nang.

Chad - More flooding has struck in the city of N’Djamena, capital of Chad, following the recent overflow of the Chari river. Flooding has forced hundreds of those living close to the river to leave their homes. The municipality has opened a park to house those displaced by the flood. However many have simply set up temporary camp on roadsides.

Mexico - At least one person has died in Mexico after heavy rainfall brought by the remnants of Tropical Storm Karl. Tropical Storm Karl weakened into a tropical depression late 14 October 2022 as it moved towards Tabasco state in the Gulf of Mexico and into the neighbouring state of Chiapas. The heaviest of the rain fell in Tabasco and Chiapas states. Río de Janeiro in the municipality of Pichucalco in Chiapas recorded 342.4 mm of rain in 24 hours to 15 October. Camoapa in Tabasco recorded 387.9 mm of rain during the same period. Heavy rain triggered several landslides, including one in Tapalapa where roads were closed. Rough seas also caused problems.

Wildfires

Wildfires - British Columbia, Canada

The Heather Creek wildfire, burning in the southeast side of E.C. Manning Park adjacent to Highway 3, is around 14,970 hectares and is considered to be burning out of control by officials.

Wildfires - Washington State, USA

A wildfire fed by gusty winds and low humidity east of Vancouver, Washington, grew rapidly on Sunday, prompting authorities to order evacuations as the blaze sent up a plume of white smoke visible throughout the metropolitan area that Vancouver shares with Portland, Oregon. Dubbed the Nakia Creek Fire, the blaze in eastern Clark County was burning in rugged terrain of brush and timber and had charred an estimated 2,000 acres (780 hectares) by Sunday afternoon.

Disease

Cholera - Haiti

Haiti health authorities have reported 72 total confirmed cholera cases through October 13, including 12 cases linked to the Prison Civile de Port-au-Prince outbreak. The death toll remains unchanged at 36. A total of 696 suspect cases have been reported (including 271 with the prison outbreak).

Ebola - Uganda

On Saturday, Uganda President Museveni imposed a 21-day lockdown on the central Uganda districts of Mubende and Kassanda to contain the Ebola outbreak, which to date has infected 58 and killed 19.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.2 earthquake hits Valparsiao, Chile.

5.2 earthquake hits Kepulauan Barat Daya, Indonesia.

5.0 earthquake hits Guam.

5.0 earthquake hits Mindanao, Philippines.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Northwest Tropical Storm 23w (Nesat), located approximately 301 nm north-northwest of Manila, Philippines, is tracking west-northwestward at 10 knots.

Newsbytes:

Crete - A man died and a woman was missing after their car was carried away in flash floods which hit the north coast of the Greek island of Crete on Saturday, Greek authorities said. The Greek fire brigade said they recovered the man from a vehicle that had been washed into the sea after torrential rain at the village of Agia Pelagia in the region of Heraklion.

Global Warming

Global Warming Impacts Wheat Production

A recent study published in Nature Food has shown that global warming in the Indian Ocean has given rise to a drier climate in Australia. A dry climate is not suitable for wheat production. As a result, wheat production has fallen in Australia. If global warming continues to take place at a similar rate, wheat producers are likely to experience more challenges in wheat cultivation.

The study has found that the change in the climatic pattern due to global warming is known as the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD). If IOD is in a positive phase, there won’t be enough rainfall to produce wheat. A normal weather condition suitable for wheat cultivation can produce up to 2.5 tonnes of wheat per hectare in a year. However, a dry climate driven by positive IOD events could bring down wheat cultivation to 1.5 tonnes per hectare.

Disease

Dengue Fever - Nepal

In a follow-up on the record dengue fever season in Nepal, the country reports a total of 38,918 dengue cases through October 13.

Yellow Fever - DR Congo

Seven suspected cases of yellow fever are reported in the health zone of Kamonia more precisely in the cities of Kamako and Kandjaji, located on the border between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola, in the territory of Tshikapa ( Kasai).

Cholera - Bahamas

The Bahamas Ministry of Health and Wellness reported Thursday a confirmed case of cholera in New Providence, the first case in the country in 5 years.

Cholera - Nigeria

A total of 2187 confirmed cases of cholera have been reported from 31 states and 233 deaths recorded from the 1st of January to the 25th of September 2022.

Dengue Fever - Brazil

The State Department of Health of Mato Grosso do Sul reported an additional 296 confirmed dengue fever cases in the past week. With the update, the State now reaches 16,453 confirmed cases in 2022, including 19 fatalities.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.5 earthquake hits Fiji.

5.2 earthquake hits Tonga.

5.2 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.

5.2 earthquake hits east of the South Sandwich Islands.

5.1 earthquake hits the southwest Indian ridge.

5.1 earthquake hits New Ireland, Papua New Guinea.

5.0 earthquake hits Hawaii.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Atlantic Ocean: Post-Tropical Cyclone Karl is located about 80 mi...125 km w of Ciudad del Carmen Mexico and about 95 mi...155 km ene of Coatzacoalcos Mexico with maximum sustained winds...30 mph...45 km/h. Present movement...sw or 215 degrees at 5 mph...7 km/h.

In the Northwest Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm 21w (Twenty-one), located approximately 642 nm northwest of Wake Island, is tracking northward at 31 knots.

Tropical Storm 22w (Sonca), located approximately 54 nm southeast of Da Nang, Vietnam, is tracking west-northwestward at 17 knots.

Tropical Storm 23w (Nesat), located approximately 291 nm northeast of Manila, Philippines, is tracking westward at 22 knots.

Disease

Cholera - Lebanon

Since our last report on the cholera outbreak in Lebanon, the total cumulative confirmed cases has risen to 34, as of October 14. The death toll remains at one.

Dengue Fever - Philippines

Philippines health officials reported an additional 12,000 + dengue fever cases since our last report–bringing the cumulative total to 172,985 through September 24. The death toll has risen to 528 year to date. Central Luzon reports the most cases.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

6.2 earthquake hits New Ireland, Papua New Guinea.

5.5 earthquake hits the Cook Strait, New Zealand.

5.1 earthquake hits the Chhattisgarh region, India.

5.0 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.

Environment

Methane Surge

A flurry of blasts in late September on undersea gas pipelines connecting Russia to Germany are believed to have caused history’s single largest release of methane into the atmosphere. An expedition rushed to the Nord Stream leaks by Sweden found that methane levels in the Baltic Sea there were about 1,000 times higher than normal.

Methane is a much more powerful, but more short-lived, contributor to global heating than carbon dioxide. It can dissolve in water, but when it reaches the surface, methane transforms back into a gas and is absorbed by the atmosphere. The Kremlin has dismissed accusations that it wrecked the pipelines.

Global Warming

Unbearable Heat

The deepening climate crisis is likely to make many regions of the world so hot within decades that they will become uninhabitable, according to a new report from the United Nations and the Red Cross. This year’s deadly heat in South Asia and Somalia are only previews of what the joint report warns are likely to become regular occurrences due to the failure to curb carbon emissions.

“There are also likely to be levels of extreme heat beyond which societies may find it practically impossible to deliver effective adaptation for all,” the report says. The regions most threatened by the heat are sub-Saharan Africa and the Horn of Africa, as well as southern and southwestern Asia.

Environment

Global Temperature Extremes

The week’s hottest temperature was 43.0 degrees Celsius (109 degrees F) at Skukuza, South Africa.

The week’s coldest temperature was minus 69.0 degrees Celsius (-92 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.

Disease

Covid-19

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

Diphtheria in Migrants - Europe

European health authorities are reporting an increase in diphtheria cases through September this year. As of 26 September 2022, 92 cases of diphtheria among migrants, including a fatal one, have been reported this year by seven European countries – Austria, Germany, United Kingdom, Norway, Belgium, France and Switzerland.

Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity - Ongoing Activity for the week 5 October -11 October 2022

Aira - Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that nine eruptive events and one explosion at Minamidake Crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) were recorded during 3-10 October. Volcanic plumes rose as high as 1.5 km above the crater rim and large blocks were ejected 600-900 m from the vent. Incandescence at the crater was visible nightly.

Bulusan - Luzon (Philippines) : PHIVOLCS issued a special advisory for Bulusan on 7 October, noting that 29 volcanic earthquakes were recorded from 0500 on 6 October until the time the report was issued at 1500 on 7 October. Minor white steam emissions rose from vents in the crater and from NW vents. Data from continuous GPS and radial tilt measurements indicated short-term inflation on the S flanks since April 2022. The inflation and increased seismicity were likely caused by shallow hydrothermal processes.

Ebeko - Paramushir Island (Russia) : KVERT reported that moderate activity at Ebeko was ongoing. According to volcanologists in Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island, about 7 km E) explosions generated ash plumes that rose to 3.5 km (11,500 ft) a.s.l. and drifted E and NE during 29 September-6 October. Ashfall was reported in Severo-Kurilsk on 29 September and 6 October.

Fuego - South-Central Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that 5-10 explosions per hour were recorded at Fuego during 4-10 October, generating ash plumes that rose as high as 1.2 km above the crater rim. The ash plumes drifted as far as 20 km NW, W, SW, and SSW causing almost 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), Los Yucales (12 km SW), Sangre de Cristo (8 km WSW), El Porvenir (8 km ENE), San Pedro Yepocapa (8 km NW), Finca Palo Verde, La Rochela, and Ceilán. Daily shock waves rattled structures in communities around the volcano. Daily block avalanches descended the Ceniza (SSW), Seca (W), Trinidad (S), Taniluyá (SW), Honda, Las Lajas (SE), and El Jute (ESE) drainages, often reaching vegetated areas. Explosions ejected incandescent material as high as 350 m above the summit on some of the days. Lahars resulting from substantial rainfall descended the Las Lajas and El Jute drainages on the ESE flank on 11 October, carrying tree branches, trunks, and blocks as large as 1.5 m in diameter.

Great Sitkin - Andreanof Islands (USA) : AVO reported that continuing slow lava effusion at Great Sitkin was confirmed by a 5 October satellite image and likely continued during 6-11 October. Seismicity remained at low levels, though it slightly increased during 5-6 October. Elevated surface temperatures were identified during 4-8 October; weather clouds prevented webcam and satellite views during 8-11 October.

Home Reef - Tonga Ridge : The Tonga Geological Services reported that daily steam plumes from Home Reef were identified in satellite images during 4-11 October. The Aviation Color Code was raised to Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale) on 5 October. At 0040 on 6 October an ash plume rose as high as 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 5 km SE. Satellite-based measurements showed that the island had not changed in size between 28 September and 10 October, remaining at 268 m N-S and 283 m E-W. The island reached 15-18 m above the water surface, and was steeper on the E half but more gently sloped on the W. The daily emission count variable with about 8-19 events per day during 4-9 October and about 1-3 per day during 10-11 October.

Ibu - Halmahera : PVMBG reported that the eruption at Ibu continued during 4-11 October. Daily gray-and-white ash plumes of variable densities rose as high as 1 km above the summit and drifted in multiple directions.

Karymsky - Eastern Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Karymsky was identified in satellite images on 30 September and during 1-2 and 5-6 October.

Katmai - Alaska : AVO reported that on 9 October strong winds in the vicinity of Katmai and the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes blew unconsolidated ash SE across Shelikof Strait to Kodiak Island at an altitude up to 1.5 km (5,000 ft) a.s.l. The ash was originally deposited during the Novarupta eruption in 1912.

Kilauea - Hawaiian Islands (USA) : HVO reported that by 5 October about 111 million cubic meters of lava had been erupted from the vent in the lower W wall of Kilauea’s Halema`uma`u Crater since the current eruption began on 29 September 2021, raising the crater floor by 143 m. Lava continued to enter the lake during 5-11 October. The active part of the lake stayed at a relatively steady level through the week, varying only slightly.

Lewotolok - Lembata Island : PVMBG reported that the Strombolian eruption at Lewotolok continued during 5-11 October. Daily white emissions rose as high as 500 m above the summit and drifted W, NW, and NE. White-and-gray plumes rose as high 200 m and drifted NW and W during 9-10 October. Webcam images posted with the daily observatory reports often showed incandescence above the crater rim.

Merapi - Central Java : BPPTKG reported that the eruption at Merapi continued during 30 September-6 October and seismicity remained at high levels. The SW lava dome produced as many as five lava avalanches that traveled as far as 1.8 km down the Bebeng drainage on the SW flank, and one that traveled 800 m down the W flank upstream of upstream of Kali Putih. No significant morphological changes to the central and SW lava domes were evident in drone photographs, though both domes continued to grow.

Nevados de Chillan - Central Chile : SERNAGEOMIN reported continuing activity at Nevados de Chillán during 16 September-11 October. Dome 4 in Nicanor Crater grew until mid-September, coincident with thermal anomalies seen in satellite images, which decreased and were not present during the second half of the month. Explosions during 16-30 September and into early October produced ash plumes that generally rose no higher than 1 km above the crater rim. Notably, an explosion on 19 September produced an ash plume that rose 1.1 km and drifted SE, and ejected blocks 500 m from the crater rim. An incandescent ash plume from a second explosion rose 1.7 km and drifted SE, causing ashfall on that flank. The explosions that day partially destroyed the dome. At 1906 on 8 October a long-period earthquake signal was followed by an ash plume that rose 1.7 km and drifted NNE. An explosion at 1926 on October generated a dense ash plume that rose 2.5 km and drifted NNW. Pyroclastic flows traveled short distances down the NNW flank.

Pavlof - Alaska Peninsula, Alaska : AVO reported that a minor eruption at a vent on Pavlof’s upper E flank was ongoing during 4-11 October. Seismic tremor continued. Strongly elevated surface temperatures were identified in satellite images during 5-6 October and incandescence was visible in nighttime webcam images. Discolored snow near the vent was visible in webcam views during the morning of 7 October suggesting low-level explosive activity; a small explosion was recorded at 1503 that same day though cloudy conditions prevented visual confirmation. Two small explosions were detected during 8-11 October. Very small ash emissions and lava near the vent were visible in occasional clear webcam images during 10-11 October.

Rincon de la Vieja - Costa Rica : OVSICORI-UNA reported continuing eruptive activity at Rincón de la Vieja characterized by occasional small phreatic explosions. A small explosion at 1923 on 4 October lasted two minutes but was not visually observed due to darkness and weather conditions. Small gas-and-steam emissions were recorded at 1647 on 8 October and 0940 on 9 October; at least the first emission was seen rising above the crater rim.

Santa Maria - Southwestern Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that the eruption at Santa María’s Santiaguito lava-dome complex continued during 4-11 October. Effusion from Caliente cone fed lava flows that descended the San Isidro and El Tambor drainages on the W and SW flanks. Block avalanches from the dome, and from both the ends and sides of the flows, descended the S, SW, and W flanks. The avalanches sometimes generated minor ash plumes. Incandescence from the dome and the lava flows was often visible at night or during early mornings. Explosions during 6-7 October ejected incandescent material onto all flanks. A sulfur odor was reported in Mirador de Samriaguito. Small explosions were recorded during 9-10 October.

Sheveluch - Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that the ongoing eruption at Sheveluch was characterized by explosions, hot avalanches, and lava-dome extrusion during 29 September-6 October. A daily thermal anomaly was identified in satellite images.

Suwanosejima - Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : JMA reported that the eruption at Suwanosejima's Ontake Crater continued during 3-10 October. A total of 55 explosions produced eruption plumes that rose as high as 2.4 km above the crater rim and occasionally merged into weather clouds. The explosions ejected large blocks as far as 700 m from the vent. Crater incandescence was visible nightly.

Villarrica - Central Chile : POVI reported increased activity at Villarrica on 10 October. A thermal anomaly was identified in satellite images and was the most intense anomaly recorded since January 2021. Incandescence above the crater rim was visible in a webcam image.

Whakaari/White Island - North Island (New Zealand) : On 10 October GeoNet reported continuing unrest at Whakaari/White Island during the previous week based on webcam views, overflights, and satellite images. Very vigorous steam-and-gas plumes were seen rising from the active vent in webcam images though the week. Sometimes minor amounts of ash were included in the plumes from collapses of the vent walls. On 5 October the temperature of the emissions was 165 degrees Celsius and sulfur dioxide gas flux was low at 200-234 tonnes per day, measured during an overflight. Sulfur dioxide emissions had not been detected in satellite images since 18 September.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.1 earthquake hits New Britain, Papua New Guinea.

5.0 earthquake hits east of the Kuril Islands.

5.0 earthquake hits Kepulauan Barat Daya, Indonesia.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Atlantic Ocean: Tropical Storm Karl is located about 250 mi...400 km nne of Veracruz Mexico and about 290 mi...465 km n of Coatzacoalcos Mexico with maximum sustained winds...50 mph...85 km/h. Present movement...stationary.

In the Northwest Pacific Ocean: Tropical depression 21w (Twenty-one), located approximately 399 nm east of Saipan, is tracking east- northeastward at 14 knots.

Newsbytes:

Nigeria - Flooding continues to take its toll on the population of Nigeria, where 500 people have now lost their lives and almost 800,000 have been displaced, according to the latest government figures. Fflooding in the country has now impacted the lives of 1.4 million people and displaced 790,254. Around 500 people have died and 1,546 have been injured. This increase from late September when the national government reported over 300 people had died and 100,000 were displaced by floods across Nigeria.

Vietnam - Heavy rain over the last few days has caused flooding and landslides in parts of Central Vietnam where at least 1 person has died and 2 were reported missing. Some parts of Thua Thien Hue Province recorded more than 850 mm of rain in a 24 hour period. One person died in flood waters in Nui Thanh District, Quang Nam Province, on 10 October 2022. Meanwhile one person was reported missing in floods in Tam Kỳ, the capital city of Quảng Nam Province, where around 1,500 homes were flooded.

Nepal - At least 33 people have died in floods and landslides across western Nepal in the past week. The worst of the monsoon rains hit Karnali province in the north-west, where thousands of residents were evacuated, officials said. Hundreds of homes have been damaged in the avalanches and flooding. At least 22 people are still missing across the province and scores more have injuries. Rescuers have described difficulties in getting to the mountainous region amid continuing rain.