Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

No magnitude 5+ earthquakes have been reported so far today.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the eastern Pacific Ocean: Hurricane Adrien is located about 445 mi...715 km ssw of the southern tip of Baja California with maximum sustained winds...100 mph...155 km/h. Present movement...wnw or 300 degrees at 7 mph...11 km/h.

Tropical Storm Beatriz is located about 100 mi...165 km wsw of Acapulco Mexico and about 270 mi...435 km se of Manzanillo Mexico with maximum sustained winds...60 mph...95 km/h. Present movement...nw or 305 degrees at 13 mph...20 km/h.

NewsBytes:

South Africa - The death toll from torrential storms that struck KwaZulu-Natal has risen to at least seven people. The trail of destruction destroyed 70 homes and left over 150 people homeless. Disaster management teams are still on the ground to check if there are more casualties. Meanwhile, communities are now trying to salvage what's left and rebuild from the ruins. Meanwhile the main road connecting South Africa to Namibia has been washed away by a flooding Orange River at Vioolsdrift. The road is expected to remain closed for some time to effect repairs.

Environment

Global Temperature Extremes

The week's hottest temperature was 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius) in Bahawalnagar. Pakistan.

The week's coldest temperature was minus 99 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 73 degrees Celsius) at Vostok, Antarctica.

Temperatures were tabulated from the more than 10,000 worldwide synoptic weather stations. The United Nations World Meteorological Organization sets the standards for weather observations, and provides a global telecommunications circuit for data distribution.

Disease

El Niño Pathogens

The strengthening El Niño ocean warming in the tropical Pacific threatens a resurgence of tropical disease, according to the World Health Organisation. The agency’s director general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, warns that the weather phenomenon “could increase transmission of dengue and other so-called arboviruses, such as Zika and chikungunya.”

That’s because they are carried by mosquitoes, which thrive in the warmer weather El Niño is predicted to bring to parts of the world. Increases in mosquito-borne disease are already occurring from South America to Southeast Asia. Peru has just seen its worst dengue outbreak on record, putting the country’s health care system under increased stress.

Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity - Ongoing Activity for the week of 21 June - 27 June 2023

Ahyi - Mariana Islands (USA) : Unrest at Ahyi Seamount possibly continued during 21-27 June. One small hydroacoustic signal coming from the direction of the seamount was detected by pressure sensors on Wake Island (2,270 km E) during 23-24 June. Data from the sensors on Wake Island stopped transmitting at 0414 on 24 June though no signals were detected by sensors on Saipan during the rest of the week. No surface activity was visible in satellite images.

Aira - Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported ongoing activity at both Minamidake Crater and Showa Crater (Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) during 19-26 June. Very small eruptive events occasionally occurred at Minamidake and incandescence was observed at night. An explosion at Showa at 0438 on 22 June produced an ash plume that rose 600 m above the crater rim and drifted E and ejected blocks 500-800 m from the vent. Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 1,400 tons per day on 22 June.

Cotopaxi - Ecuador : IG reported that moderate eruptive activity continued at Cotopaxi during 20-27 June. Several gas-and-ash emissions rose as high as 900 m above the summit and drifted S, SW, and W during 21-22 June. During 22-23 June gas plumes with low amounts of ash rose less than 200 m above the summit and drifted SW. Additional gas-and-steam emissions during 23-26 June rose as high as 500 m above the summit and drifted to the S and SW. Weather clouds often prevented direct observations.

Ebeko - Paramushir Island (Russia) : KVERT reported that moderate activity at Ebeko was ongoing during 15-22 June. According to volcanologists in Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island, about 7 km E) explosions during 16-17, 20, and 22 June generated ash plumes that rose as high as 3.5 km (11,500 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE and SE. A thermal anomaly was identified in satellite images on 22 June; weather clouds obscured views on the other days.

Fuego - South-Central Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that 1-6 explosions per hour were recorded at Fuego during 21-27 June, generating daily ash plumes that rose as high as 1.1 km above the crater rim and drifted as far as 30 km S, SW, W, and NW. The ash plumes were described as dense during 22-23 June and mostly gas with diffuse ash during 24-26 June. The explosions occasionally triggered weak-to-moderate avalanches that descended multiple ravines. Minor ashfall was reported on all days, except 21 June, in areas downwind including La Soledad (7 km N), El Porvenir (8 km SE), Panimanché I and II (8 km SW), Morelia (9 km SW), Santa Sofía (12 km SW), Yucales (12 km SW), Finca Palo Verde (10 km WSW), Sangre de Cristo (8 km W), and Yepocapa (9 km WNW). Lahars descended the Ceniza (SSW) ravine on 21 June and the El Jute (ESE) ravine on 23 June.

Great Sitkin - Andreanof Islands (USA) : AVO reported that slow lava effusion likely continued at Great Sitkin during 20-26 June. Minor seismicity was ongoing, and a few small earthquakes were recorded during 25-26 June. Elevated surface temperatures were identified in satellite images during 20-21 June and minor steaming was visible in satellite and webcam views during 25-27 June; weather clouds sometimes obscured webcam and satellite views on the other days.

Karangetang - Sangihe Islands : PVMBG reported that dense white gas-and-steam plumes from Karangetang were visible rising as high as 150 m and drifting in multiple directions during 21-27 June. Webcam images published in the reports on 21, 25, and 27 June showed incandescence at Main Crater (S crater) and from material on the flanks of Main Crater.

Lewotolok - Lembata Island : PVMBG reported that the eruption at Lewotolok continued during 21-27 June. Emissions mainly consisted of white steam-and-gas plumes that rose as high as 800 m above the summit and drifted W and NW; white-and-gray ash plumes rose as high as 800 m above the main crater and drifted W and NW during 22-23 June. Incandescence was visible at the summit during 24-26 June, and a webcam image taken at 2257 on 25 June showed incandescent ejecta at the summit.

Merapi - Central Java : BPPTKG reported that the eruption at Merapi (on Java) continued during 16-22 June and seismicity remained at elevated levels. The SW lava dome produced 116 lava avalanches that traveled as far as 1.8 km down the SW flank (upstream in the Bebeng and Boyong drainages). Morphological changes to the SW lava dome were due to continuing collapses of material.

Nevado del Ruiz - Colombia : Servicio Geológico Colombiano’s (SGC) Observatorio Vulcanológico y Sismológico de Manizales reported that the eruption at Nevado del Ruiz continued during 20-27 June and was characterized by gas, steam, and ash emissions, and variable seismic activity. The number of seismic events related to fluid movement, emissions, and rock fracturing fluctuated throughout the week; seismicity was highest at the beginning of the week and notably high during 22-23 June with the most intense seismicity recorded since the current period of elevated activity began on 24 March. Earthquakes occurred at distances of 1-8 km from Arenas crater at depths of 1-6 km. A period of continuous ash emissions in the afternoon of 20 June was visible in webcam images. Ashfall was reported in Manizales. Ash emissions on 21 June rose as high as 1.3 km above the crater rim, drifted WNW, and continued to rise to as high as 4 km above the summit. Incandescence from the crater was visible coincident with pulsating ash emissions during 20-23 June. Gas, steam, and ash plumes rose as high as 1.8 km and drifted NW during 24-27 June. Minor ashfall was reported in the municipalities of Villamaría (28 km NW) and Manizales (28 km NW) on 22 and 25 June respectively. The Alert Level was lowered to Yellow, Level III (the second level on a four-level scale) on 27 June. SGC noted that monitoring data was more stable in recent weeks; earthquake magnitudes were overall lower, the locations were more random, and the patterns did not indicate magma movement. Additionally, thermal anomalies at the lava dome were less intense, ash emissions had decreased, and gas emissions remained relatively stable.

Popocatepetl - Mexico : CENAPRED reported that ongoing activity at Popocatépetl during 20-27 June included 14-66 daily steam-and-gas emissions, sometimes containing minor amounts of ash. Seismic activity was characterized as daily periods of high-frequency events and variable amplitude tremors, volcano-tectonic earthquakes (2235 and 2329 on 21 June, 1520 and 2134 on 26 June), 15 minutes of low-amplitude harmonic tremor during 21-22 June, and both minor and moderate explosions. Small bursts of incandescent ejecta from the crater were observed during the night of 20 June. Minor ashfall was reported in Cuernavaca (66 km W), state of Morelos, during 20-21 June. At 0312 on 22 June a moderate explosion ejected incandescent ballistic material as far as 1.5 km from the crater and generated an ash plume that rose 2 km above the crater. Minor amounts of fell in Hueyapan (16 km SSW), state of Morelos, during 21-22 June. Minor explosions at 0405 and 0745 on 23 June produced ash plumes that rose 500 m; the first explosion ejected incandescent material short distances from the crater. Ashfall was reported in the municipalities of Ozumba (19 km W), Tepetlixpa (21 km W), Juchitepec (29 km WNW), and Amecameca (19 km NW), all within the State of México. A minor explosion was recorded at 0809 on 27 June.

Reventador - Ecuador : IG reported that the eruption at Reventador was ongoing during 20-27 June. Seismicity was characterized by 7-30 daily explosions, long-period earthquakes, harmonic tremor, and tremor associated with emissions. Weather clouds often hindered visual observations, though crater incandescence was visible on most nights and early mornings, and from the S-flank lava flow on 21-22 June. During 21-23 June ash emissions rose as high as 1 km above the crater and drifted to the NE, W, and NW. During 23-26 June gas-and-ash emissions rose as high as 1 km above the crater and drifted to the W and NW.

Rincon de la Vieja - Costa Rica : OVSICORI-UNA reported that the level of the water lake in Rincón de la Vieja’s summit crater declined during 30 May-21 June based on drone footage. A small phreatic eruption occurred at 0607 on 22 June. Several small phreatic eruptions were recorded overnight during 25-26 June. A small event at 0547 on 26 June produced a steam-and-gas plume that rose 1.5 km above the crater rim. Another small event at 0308 on 27 June produced a gas-and-steam plume that rose more than 1 km, though weather clouds and darkness obscured views.

Santa Maria - Southwestern Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that the eruption at Santa Maria’s Santiaguito lava dome complex continued during 20-27 June, with effusion of lava flows, explosions, and avalanches. Dome growth sometimes produced avalanches and short pyroclastic flows that traveled down the S, SW, and W flanks. Weak and moderate explosions were recorded daily. Explosions also triggered dome collapses, resulting in weak and moderate debris avalanches that descended the flanks in many directions. Incandescence at the crater and along lava flow margins was visible during most nights and early mornings. During 20-21 June ash-and-gas plumes rose 800 m and drifted W and SW. On 23 June a lahar descended the Río Cabello de Ángel, a tributary of the Nimá I and Samalá rivers on the E flank. The lahar consisted of a mixture of fine volcanic material, water, volcanic blocks up to 1 m in diameter, and tree trunks and branches.

Semeru - Eastern Java : PVMBG reported that the eruption at Semeru continued during 21-27 June. White-and-gray or white-to-brown ash plumes of variable densities generally rose as high as 1 km above the summit and drifted in multiple directions; emissions were not visible on 25 June, a partly cloudy day. A webcam image showed incandescent material at the summit and on the flanks at 0145 on 23 June. According to Info Semeru (a local news source) a pyroclastic flow traveled 5 km down the SE flanks at 1910 on 26 June. PVMBG reported that at the same time a gray-to-brown ash plume rose 1.5 km above the summit and drifted NE and E, and a webcam image showed incandescent material descending the flank.

Sheveluch - Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that the eruption at Sheveluch was ongoing during 15-22 June. Intense fumarolic activity at the active crater was likely associated with growth of the lava dome. A thermal anomaly over the active crater area was identified in satellite images during 16, 18-19, and 22 June.

Suwanosejima - Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : JMA reported that the eruption at Suwanosejima's Ontake Crater continued at low levels during 21-27 June. At 1521 on 25 June an eruptive event produced an ash plume that rose 1.3 km above the crater rim and drifted to the N, and ejected a large block 100 m from the crater. At 0036 on 27 June an ash plume rose 1.2 km and drifted N, followed by another at 0909 that rose 1.8 km and drifted E.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.3 earthquake hits the Tasman Sea. New Zealand.

5.2 earthquake hits Caraga, Philippines.

5.1 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.

5.0 earthquake hits Tajikistan.

5.0 earthquake hits Fiji.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the eastern Pacific Ocean: Hurricane Adrien is located about 440 mi...710 km wsw of manzanillo mexico maximum sustained winds...85 mph...140 km/h present movement...wnw or 285 degrees at 8 mph...13 km/h.

Tropical Depression Two-E is located about 155 mi...250 km sw of Puerto Angel Mexico and about 210 mi...335 km sse of Acapulco Mexico with maximum sustained winds...35 mph...55 km/h. Present movement...nw or 310 degrees at 14 mph...22 km/h.

NewsBytes:

Chile Floods Hit Bee Populations - Extreme weather events in Chile, including major recent floods and wildfires earlier this year, are devastating colonies of the humble bee, a key pollinator for crops of avocados and almonds in one of the global south's key food producing countries. Heavy rainfall in the last week has caused floods that have blocked off roads and prompted evacuations in the center of the country in what has been described as the worst weather front in a decade. That follows major fires at the start of the year. Chile's bee population, hit hard in recent years by drought, is important for pollinating many of the South American country's export crops including cherries, blueberries and apples, part of a multi-billion dollar food industry. Over 3,000 beehives were affected last week alone in heavy rains in Chile's south-central region.

Wildfires

Wildfires - Arizona, USA

More than 1100 people remain evacuated from their homes in the US state of Arizona as firefighters determine if a containment line will hold up in windy conditions. Crews successfully dug a containment line overnight around the brush fire in the city of Scottsdale which has burned 10 square kilometres and threatened about 100 homes. The blaze broke out on Tuesday afternoon local time and quickly grew, fuelled by grass and brush. One secondary structure has been destroyed by the fire, but no injuries have been reported.

Disease

Dengue Fever - Peru

In a follow-up on the dengue fever situation in Peru, health authorities reported an additional 14,885 cases the week ending June 17, bringing the total for 2023 to 161,471. This compares to the 43,899 cases reported during the same period in 2022.

Dengue Fever - Laos

In a follow-up on the dengue fever situation in Laos, the Center of Information and Education for Health under the Lao Ministry of Health reports 6,488 total cases through June 27 including the first death of the year.

Gonorrhea - Netherlands

According to the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), more sexually transmitted infections (STIs) were reported in 2022 as compared to 2021. Of all STIs, the increase in gonorrhea was greatest in 2022. With 10,600 diagnoses, this is an increase of 33% compared to 2021, when there were 7,964 cases.

Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity - New Activity for the week of 21 June - 27 June 2023

Klyuchevskoy - Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a minor Strombolian eruption began at Klyuchevskoy at 2323 on 22 June and a bright thermal anomaly was visible in satellite images.

Kuchinoerabujima - Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : JMA reported that the number of volcanic earthquakes increased at Kuchinoerabujima. A total of 100 shallow volcanic earthquakes were recorded during 17-26 June with most epicenters located near Furudake Crater and some located near Shindake Crater (just N of Furudake). Sulfur dioxide emissions were low, and typical white emissions rose 100-500 m above Shindake on 13 and 25 June. No changes at the geothermal area on the W flank of Shindake were observed during a field inspection during 19-20 June.

Lokon-Empung - Sulawesi : PVMBG reported continuing daily emissions at Lokon-Empung during 21-27 June. The plumes had variable densities, rose as high as 300 m above the crater rim, and were white on most days; plumes were described as white and gray on 21 June.

Mayon - Luzon (Philippines) : PHIVOLCS reported that eruptive activity continued at Mayon during 20-27 June. Slow aseismic lava effusion few a growing lava dome in the summit crater and fed lava flows that advanced down the Mi-isi (S) and Bonga (SE) drainages. Previously reported maximum lava flow lengths of 2.5 km along the Mi-isi and 1.8 km along the Bonga drainages were revised on 24 June to 1.3 km and 1.2 km, respectively; by 27 June the Mi-isi flow was 1.6 km long. The dome remained unstable and produced incandescent rockfalls and pyroclastic density currents (PDCs, or pyroclastic flows). The collapse material traveled as far as 3.3 km away from the crater. Daily steam-and-gas emissions rose as high as 800 m above the crater and drifted SW, WSW, and W. Average daily measurements of sulfur dioxide emissions fluctuated between 507 and 925 tonnes per day. Each day, seismic stations recorded 241-339 rockfall events and 1-17 PDC events, each lasting up to five minutes. On 26 June PHIVOLCS released an advisory due to increased seismic activity and ground deformation, noting that the number of volcano-tectonic earthquakes increased during the week; there were two during 20-21 June, two during 23-24 June, and 107 during 26-27 June. The increased seismicity was accompanied by a sharp increase in ground tilt on the SW part of the volcano. The Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC) reported that as of 1600 on 27 June, the increased unrest had affected a total of 41,488 people and displaced a total of 20,138 people from 26 barangays within the province of Albay.

Ubinas - Peru : Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP) reported that a new eruption began at Ubinas on 22 June after three days on increased seismicity. The seismic network recorded a total of 315 volcano-tectonic earthquakes with a maximum magnitude of 1.8 and 281 long-period earthquakes. The eruption began at 0011 on 22 June with a minor ash plume rising 1 km above the crater rim and drifted E based on seismicity and webcams. During 23-25 June IGP reported a total of 402 volcano-tectonic earthquakes with a maximum magnitude of 1.9 and 865 long-period earthquakes. Sporadic diffuse ash emissions continued during this period that rose as high as 1.5 km above the crater rim. On 23 June the Buenos Aires VAAC reported that diffuse ash plumes were visible in satellite images rising to 6.4 km (21,000 ft) a.s.l., or about 700 m above the summit, and drifting NE and NW. At 1500 they noted that continuous steam emissions occasionally accompanied by diffuse ash puffs were visible in webcam images. On 24 June small diffuse ash puffs were visible in webcam and satellite images rising 6.4-7 km (21,000-23,000 ft) a.s.l., or 700-1,300 m above the summit, and drifting NW. On 25 June continuous gas emissions with sporadic diffuse ash puffs were visible in webcam images, though the ash was too diffuse to be detected in satellite images. IGP noted that no notable deformation nor thermal anomalies were detected.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

No magnitude 5+ earthquakes have been reported so far today.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the eastern Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm Adrien is located about 335 mi...540 km sw of Manzanillo Mexico with maximum sustained winds...65 mph...100 km/h. Present movement...w or 270 degrees at 9 mph...15 km/h.

NewsBytes:

South Africa - One death has been reported in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal after a tornado and heavy downpours swept through parts of the city. A herdsman from Zwelisha was swept away by rapidly rising waters, and has not been found. Two people have been hospitalised for minor injuries after the extreme weather event hit the Durban north area, including the Inanda township.

Global Warming

Deforestation Surges

An area of tropical forest the size of Switzerland was lost last year as tree losses surged, according to new research. It means that a political pledge to end deforestation made at COP26 by world leaders is well off track. Some 11 football pitches of forest were lost every minute in 2022, with Brazil dominating the destruction.

But a sharp reduction in forest loss in Indonesia shows that reversing this trend is achievable.

Wildlife

Mice Plague

Adult albatrosses on a remote island are being attacked and eaten by an aggressive invasive species — mice.

Invasive mice have been wreaking havoc on the ecosystem of Marion Island — located about halfway between South Africa and Antarctica — for decades, chowing down on native invertebrates and the chicks of many seabirds that breed there. But the latest discovery is the first time they've been documented attacking adult albatrosses on the island. Researchers found the bodies of eight adult wandering albatrosses that had died within weeks of each other.

Disease

Plague - Colorado, USA

Montezuma County Public Health has identified a human case of plague in a Montezuma County resident. The case in under investigation.

Leptospirosis, Typhoid - Fiji

In Fiji, the Eastern Division is currently experiencing a leptospirosis outbreak in Kadavu Medical Subdivision as of June 22. Since the beginning of the outbreak, there have been 29 confirmed cases, 42 hospital admissions, and 1 death. Consequently, a red alert for leptospirosis is added. Leptospirosis is a disease spread by animal urine..

As of 22 June 2023, 32 cases of typhoid have been reported in the Northern Division. Since the beginning of the outbreak, there have been 18 cases reported in Macuata, 11 cases reported in Bua and 3 cases in Cakaudrove Subdivision. Consequently, a red alert for typhoid fever is added.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.3 earthquake hits Tonga.

5.2 earthquake hits Tonga.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

There are no current active tropical storm systems.

NewsBytes:

China - At least three people have died, seven people are missing and around 900 others have been relocated to safer places due to flash floods and landslides in China on Tuesday, according to local media. The flash floods and landslides were caused by heavy rainfall in the uninhabited areas of the Wenchuan county of southwestern Sichuan province.

Global Warming

Mountain Peak Collapses

Part of a Swiss mountain's summit has collapsed, sending more than 3.5 million cubic feet (100,000 cubic meters) of rock crashing into the valley below. The incident was likely a result of thawing permafrost — and scientists have warned similar events are to be expected as climate change causes ancient frozen ground to degrade.

The main peak of Fluchthorn lost approximately 330 feet (100 m). It fell in the western area of the peak, in the Futschöl Valley. The middle peak, which stands at 11,145 feet (3,397 m) is now the highest point of the Fluchthorn — meaning the mountain is now around 60 feet (19 m) shorter than it was before.

Environment

Wind and solar power overtakes coal for the first time ever in the US

Wind and solar sources produced a combined 252 terawatt-hours in the first five months of 2023, compared with coal's output of 249 TWh, data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) seen by E&E News has revealed. This marks the very first time that renewable energy has outperformed coal without including hydroelectric power in the count.

The milestone is a consequence of the continuing decline of coal usage in the U.S., as coal facilities shut down and are replaced by renewable energy and natural gas energy sources. At its peak in 2007, coal accounted for 49.9% of the U.S.'s energy production. However, fossil fuels still dominate the U.S.'s power generation. Natural gas is still the largest source of power in the country, accounting for about 39% of US electricity in 2022.

Disease

Bird Flu - Poland

According to Poland’s Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO), results from testing on samples taken from dead cats from Lublin and Poznań became available: On June 26, 11 samples were tested at the National Veterinary Institute in Puławy, of which 9 gave a positive result for H5N1 influenza.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.1 earthquake hits northern Sumatra, Indonesia.

5.0 earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.0 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

There are no current active tropical storm systems.

NewsBytes:

Romania - The Department for Emergency Situations in Romania reports that emergency crews have found the body of a person reported missing following severe flash flooding in Arad County. A short period of heavy rain triggered flooding in Arad County in the west of the country on 25 June 2023. Vehicles were swept away and homes flooded. Roads were left strewn with downed trees, mud and flood debris. Residents of flooded homes moved to higher floors for safety.

Mexico - One person has died and another is missing after flash floods in the state of Chiapas in Mexico following heavy rain. Almost 150 mm of rain fell in the state capital Tuxtla Gutiérrez in 24 hours to 25 June 2023, according to figures from Servicio Meteorológico Nacional (SMN) in Mexico. The previous day heavy rain fell in areas north of the city, with Ostuacán recording over 100 mm in 24 hours to 24 June. The heavy rain triggered severe flooding in the city of Tuxtla Gutiérrez overnight 23 to 24 June 2023. Roads were swamped with flood water up to 1 metre deep in some areas, with dozens of homes inundated. The force of the floods left around 25 vehicles stranded.

Chile - Heavy rainfall brought by a frontal system has impacted wide areas of Chile since 23 June 2023. Disaster authorities report at least 2 people have died and 6 are missing, while thousands have been displaced or left isolated. Since the start of the severe weather on 23 June, San José de Maipo in Santiago Metropolitan Region recorded 126.4 mm of rain. Retiro in Maule Region recorded 156.6 mm and Concepción in Biobío Region recorded 97.6 mm.

Kosovo - Two people have died in tragic circumstance following flash floods in western Kosovo. A short burst of torrential rain caused flash flooding in the municipality of Peja on 24 June 2023. The Hydrometeorological Institute of Kosovo reported 54.6 mm of rain fell in just over 1 hour during the evening of 24 June. This amount of rainfall in such a short period inevitably caused flooding, in particular in urban areas, the Institute said.

Ghana - At least 8 people have died as a result of flooding in several regions of Ghana over the last few days. Flooding affected parts of Greater Accra, Western and Ashanti Regions of Ghana after heavy downpours that began on 21 June 2023. Roads were blocked and traffic severely disrupted in Greater Accra on 21 June. Parts of Ga South Municipality were cut-off. Areas of Ga East Municipal District were also particularly badly affected. In Western Region, around 50 homes were damaged in Ahanta West Municipal District after flooding occurred also on 21 June. During the following days the Bonsa River broke its banks in Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipal district, causing severe hardship for residents. Food, material possessions and homes have been damaged or destroyed.

Wildfires

Wildfires - Canada

Montreal air quality presently ranks worst in the world as officials urge people to stay indoors. Thick, smoky air blanketed many parts of Quebec on Sunday as more than 110 wildfires raging in the northern parts of the province set more communities on high alert for new evacuation orders. Environment Canada issued smog warnings for wide swaths of the north, south and west of the province, including Montreal, Quebec, Laval, Longueuil and Trois-Rivières.

Disease

Monkeypox - Los Angeles, USA

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) is alerting residents and health care providers about a concerning increase in mpox cases, with six new cases reported in Los Angeles County in the past week, up from an average of less than one case per week during the preceding four weeks.

Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever - Iraq

The Iraqi Ministry of Health reported that more than 250 cases of Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) and more than 35 deaths have been recorded in all governorates of the country, since the beginning of 2023.

Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever - Pakistan

In the week ending June 17, a total of 35 new cases of CCHF (11 cases were confirmed positive by PCR and one was confirmed by Elisa) and no new associated death were reported. According to the World Health Organization, a total of 359 cases were reported from 27 provinces since the beginning of 2023.

Dengue Fever

Bangladesh - In a follow-up on the dengue fever outbreak in Bangladesh this year, health officials have reported some 2,000 hospitalizations over the past week. After reporting 399 additional dengue hospitalizations Saturday, the total for the country since the beginning of the year has reached 7,238, up from 5,231 one week ago. Three additional dengue fatalities bring the country total to 45.

Sri Lanka - Current situation Sri Lanka’s National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) reports in an update today that the number of dengue cases reported in the country has risen to 47,964. 50% of cases are reported from the Western Province.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

6.1 earthquake hits south of Tonga.

Two 5.4 earthquakes hit south of Tonga.

5.3 earthquake hits the Izu Islands off Japan.

5.0 earthquake hits the Izu Islands off Japan.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Atlantic Ocean: Tropical Storm Cindy is located about 430 mi...695 km ne of the Lesser Antilles with maximum sustained winds...50 mph...85 km/h. Present movement...nw or 320 degrees at 21 mph...33 km/h.

NewsBytes:

India - The flood situation in Assam remained grave on June 24 with over 4.88 lakh people affected so far, an official report said. Major rivers remained in spate across the State with the meteorological department warning of more rainfall and thunderstorm in different parts. The Brahmaputra was flowing over the danger level in Nematighat (Jorhat). The water level of the Puthimari and Pagladiya rivers have breached the red mark in Kamrup and Nalbari districts respectively. Two persons have been killed in floods this year so far. A car was washed away after a river was flooded due to heavy rains in Haryana's Panchkula on Sunday morning. The driver of the car was rescued and was admitted to a hospital.

Wildlife

Bird Flu - Denmark

Highly pathogenic bird flu has affected several Danish hooded gull colonies across the country. It is estimated that at least 3,000 adult hooded gulls have so far died from the disease. Mass deaths among Danish hooded gulls have been recorded throughout the country since May, and it has been confirmed in many cases that the gulls are infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza virus.

It is the serious highly pathogenic bird flu virus H5N1, and deaths have currently been recorded in six hooded gull colonies in several different places in the country. Similar situations with infection are also seen in other Northern European countries.

Wildfires

Wildfires - Canada

Officials in northwestern Quebec have ordered residents of two villages near the Ontario border to leave their homes as a wildfire continues to spread in the area. Residents of the villages of Val-Paradis and Beaucanton, home to around 340 people, were given an hour and a half to evacuate on Friday night due to the approach of a nearby fire. Since Thursday, more than 6,000 people have been ordered to leave their homes in northwestern Quebec due to heavy smoke from the fires. There are more than 110 fires burning in the province and 25 are considered out of control.

Disease

Schistosomiasis - Brazil

Schistosomiasis is present in most Brazilian states, but mainly in the Northeast and Southeast regions. The states of Alagoas, Bahia, Pernambuco, Rio Grande do Norte, Paraíba, Sergipe, Espírito Santo, Maranhão and Minas Gerais are endemic, with established transmission.

Between January 2010 and October 2022, more than 10.7 million tests were performed in these endemic areas of Brazil, with the detection of S. mansoni eggs in 410,654 (3.8%) of the stool samples examined. There were also 23,333 (0.2%) results with severe infections, with 17 or more eggs detected. In the same period, 2,389 hospitalizations and 6,130 deaths were recorded, representing an average of 472 deaths per year.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.6 earthquake hits Tonga.

5.5 earthquake hits Hokkaido, Japan.

5.5 earthquake hits Fiji.

Two 5.2 earthquakes hit the northern mid-Atlantic ridge.

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

5.1 earthquake hits the northern mid-Atlantic ridge.

5.0 earthquake hits central Peru.

5.0 earthquake hits the northern mid-Atlantic ridge.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Atlantic Ocean: Tropical Storm Bret is located about 45 mi...70 km nne of Aruba and about 125 mi...200 km ene of nthrn tip of Quajira pnsula Colombia with maximum sustained winds...45 mph...75 km/h. Present movement...w or 270 degrees at 18 mph...30 km/h.

Tropical Storm Cindy is located about 675 mi...1090 km e of the Lesser Antilles with maximum sustained winds...60 mph...95 km/h. Present movement...wnw or 300 degrees at 15 mph...24 km/h.

NewsBytes:

Nigeria -At least 116 houses and numerous vehicles have been submerged following flash floods that hit Trademore Estate in Abuja. The rain which started around 9 am on June 23 caused a traffic jam as residents were trapped in their houses. No loss of life has been reported yet.

Germany - Storms and heavy rain across a large swath of Germany flooded roads and forced the closure of some major railway routes on Friday, but there was no immediate word of any injuries. In the western city of Duisburg, the fire service said it rescued several people from cars that got stuck on flooded streets. Shops were flooded and streets inundated in the northern city of Braunschweig, and there were similar reports from Kassel. In Hattersheim, near Frankfurt, trees fell on houses and cars. Germany's national railway operator, Deutsche Bahn, said that the main line between Hamburg and Berlin was closed because of storm damage, as was a major north-south route between Kassel and Goettingen.

Global Warming

Shutting Down Fossil Fuels - Financial Impact

Shutting down fossil fuels will have negligible financial impact on ‘vast majority’, study finds. Scaling down fossil fuels would have hardly any financial impact on the vast majority of people, new research reveals. Oil and gas companies are the single biggest driver of global heating.

But opponents of the renewable transition often claim that cutting down fossil fuel production will be hugely expensive - and hit ordinary people in the pocket. New research sends this argument up in smoke. According to a study published in Joule journal this week, the clean transition will have a marginal financial impact on ordinary people while impacting only the super rich. The ‘losers’ of the clean energy transition are the super-wealthy - and what they stand to lose is still just a fraction of their overall wealth.

Wildlife

Orca Attacks on Boats Spread

An orca has attacked a yacht off the coast of Scotland, U.K. — the first time this behavior has been recorded beyond Portuguese and Spanish waters. One expert believes it's a sign the boat-ramming behavior may have "leapfrogged" to a different orca population.

Iberian orcas, a small and endangered population of about 39 animals, have sunk three boats in the last 18 months and damaged over 100 more by ramming into boats and ripping off their rudders. Some experts think an adult female named White Gladis may have survived a traumatic event — such as a boat collision or entrapment in a fishing net — that flipped a behavioral switch and triggered the first attacks.

The behavior appears to be spreading through social learning, with orcas imitating each other and reproducing acts they deem advantageous or interesting in some way. Experts suspect the attacks are linked to human activities at sea. Fishing, noise pollution and boat traffic.

Mass Fish Die-Off

Climate change may have stimulated a plankton bloom that caused thousands of dead fish to wash up along a roughly 4 kilometer (2.5 mile) stretch of beach in Thailand’s southern Chumphon province on Thursday, an expert said. According to local authorities, plankton blooms happen once or twice a year and typically last two to three days.

This month, thousands of dead fish washed up on beaches in Texas, and experts are warning of algal blooms along the British coast as a result of rising sea temperatures.

In Southern California, hundreds of dolphins and sea lions have been washing up on beaches dead or sick, amid a toxic algal bloom. While California’s algal blooms were caused more by strong coastal upwelling than high temperatures, scientists say climate change likely to increase toxic algal blooms, as some thrive in warm water.

“Whether it’s Australia and places like the Great Barrier Reef or even places around England which are experiencing quite bad marine heatwaves at the moment, it’s really going to be detrimental to those local ecosystems,” said Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick, a climate scientist with the University of New South Wales in Australia.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5,1 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.

5.0 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Atlantic Ocean: Tropical Storm Bret is located aabout 115 mi...185 km w of St. Vincent and about 420 mi...670 km e of Curacao with maximum sustained winds...60 mph...95 km/h. Present movement...w or 270 degrees at 18 mph...30 km/h.

Tropical Storm Cindy is located about 990 mi...1595 km e of the Lesser Antilles with maximum sustained winds...45 mph...75 km/h. Present movement...wnw or 285 degrees at 15 mph...24 km/h.

Environment

Earth's Axis Shifts

Humans pumped enough water out of the ground between 1993 and 2010 that its redistribution on the surface caused Earth’s poles to shift by about 1 metre. Scientists say that is equivalent to the polar shift brought on by the melting of Greenland’s ice cap during the same period.

Clark Wilson and colleagues of the University of Texas at Austin say other factors also cause the planet to wobble like a top by several metres each year, due to the natural redistribution of water from season to season. “There are a number of things contributing to polar drift, and they all add up,” said Wilson. He points to rising sea levels due to climate change as another factor.

War Fallout

Russia’s war on Ukraine is deepening the world’s climate crisis at a time when greenhouse gas emissions are higher than ever before. A research group led by Dutch emissions expert Lennard de Klerk says that it is not only the actual conflict fueling higher emissions, but also gas leaks such as the sabotaged Nord Stream pipeline, the rerouting of international flights and the migration of refugees. “We didn’t expect the emissions of war would be so significant, and it’s not only the warfare itself that contributes to the emissions, but it’s also the future reconstruction,” said de Klerk.

Wildlife

Illegal Shark Fin Harvesting - Brazil

Federal authorities in Brazil seized more than 63,200 pounds (28,700 kilograms) of shark fins on Monday (June 19) in what may be the world's largest-ever confiscations of illegal shark fins, according to officials at Ibama, a federal agency under Brazil's Ministry of the Environment.

Shark finning is the practice of cutting off a live shark's fin and, usually, throwing the rest of the shark back into the ocean. These fins are sold mostly to Asian countries, where they are used in traditional Chinese medicine or served as a delicacy in shark fin soup, and can fetch up to $591 per kilogram ($1,313 per pound) in the market. Though shark fishing is currently banned across Brazil, some fishers still illegally catch these apex predators in certain areas, Ibama officials said.

End of Whaling in Iceland?

Iceland’s government announced it is suspending this year’s whale hunt in the North Atlantic until at least the end of August because it may violate the main goals of the country’s Animal Welfare Act. The move follows an outcry over video clips that document a whale’s agony after it was hunted and harpooned for five hours.

The license of Iceland’s lone remaining whaling company, Hvalur, expires this year, which could mean the hunt that goes back for centuries could be finally coming to an end. Demand for whale meat has plummeted in recent years, while whale-watching tours have thrived.

Wildfires

Wildfires - Ontario, Canada

Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry fire crews continue to battle three stubborn wildfires north of Massey while the restricted fire zone remains in place across the entire province

The largest of those fires, Sudbury 17, was confirmed June 4 and continues to burn 5,857 hectare of forest three kilometres west of Madawanson Lake and 0.5 kilometres east of Pilot Lake. Multiple crews are committed to the fire, which is not under control.

Sudbury 10 was confirmed on June 2. Measuring 1,370 hectares and located three kilometres west of Fox Lake and five kilometres east of Acheson Lake, it is also not under control.

The third fire, Sudbury 19, was confirmed on June 4. It is a 459-hectare wildland fire located south of Shakwa Lake and a kilometre west of Lower Shakwa Lake. It is under control.

Environment

Global Temperature Extremes

The week's hottest temperature was 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius) in Nok Kundi, Pakistan.

The week's coldest temperature was minus 83 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 64 degrees Celsius) at Vostok, Antarctica.

Temperatures were tabulated from the more than 10,000 worldwide synoptic weather stations. The United Nations World Meteorological Organization sets the standards for weather observations, and provides a global telecommunications circuit for data distribution.

Disease

Cholera - Ethiopia

Since the last update in May, the cholera outbreak in Ethiopia keeps spreading with a significant increase of cases. As of 20 June 2023, 11,407 cholera cases – of whom 22 per cent are children under five – were reported.

Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity - Ongoing Activity for the week of 14 June - 20 June 2023

Ahyi - Mariana Islands (USA) : Unrest at Ahyi Seamount possibly continued during 13-20 June. A few small hydroacoustic signals coming from the direction of the seamount were detected by pressure sensors on Wake Island (2,270 km E) during 16-17 June. No surface activity was visible in satellite images.

Aira - Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported ongoing activity at both Minamidake Crater and Showa Crater during 13-19 June. Ash plumes from Showa were recorded at 1412 on 16 June that rose 1.3 km above the rim and drifted S, with another at 0710 on 17 June that rose up to 1 km and drifted E. Crater incandescence was observed at Minamidake crater during the night of 18 June.

Cotopaxi - Ecuador : IG reported that moderate eruptive activity continued at Cotopaxi during 13-20 June. Small gas-and-steam emissions rose as high as 200 m above the crater rim and drifted W and SW during 13-14 and 17 June. Several gas emissions with minor ash content rose 100 m on 15 June, and several seismic signals possibly indicating similar emissions were detected on 16 June. Gas-and-ash plumes rose 500-700 m on 18 June. Gas-and-steam plumes with minor ash content rose 100-700 m and drifted W and SW during 19-20 June.

Ebeko - Paramushir Island (Russia) : KVERT reported that moderate activity at Ebeko was ongoing during 8-15 June. A thermal anomaly was identified in satellite images throughout the week. According to volcanologists in Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island, about 7 km E), explosions during 8-9 and 11-13 June generated ash plumes that rose as high as 4 km (11,500 ft) a.s.l. and drifted both NE and SE.

Fuego - South-Central Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that 1-6 explosions per hour were recorded at Fuego during 14-20 June, generating daily ash plumes that rose as high as 1.1 km above the crater rim. The explosions were often accompanied by avalanches, shock waves, and minor rumbling sounds. The ash plumes drifted 10-30 km W 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), Ceylon, El Porvenir (8 km ENE), Sangre de Cristo (8 km WSW), Yepocapa (8 km NW), La Rochela, San Andrés Osuna, and Finca Palo Verde.

Great Sitkin - Andreanof Islands (USA) : AVO reported that slow lava effusion continued at Great Sitkin during 14-20 June. The thick lava flow remained confined to the summit crater, and several small earthquakes were recorded daily. Elevated surface temperatures were observed during periods of clear satellite views during 16-17 June; weather clouds obscured webcam and satellite views on the other days.

Karangetang - Sangihe Islands : PVMBG reported that dense white gas-and-steam plumes from Karangetang were visible rising as high as 75 m and drifting in multiple directions during 14-20 June. Weather clouds obscured views at times on 14, 16, and 18 June. Webcam images published in the reports showed incandescence at Main Crater (S crater) and from material on the flanks of Main Crater at 0007 on 17 June and 0440 on 18 June.

Krakatau - Sunda Strait : PVMBG reported that daily white gas-and-steam plumes rose as high as 200 m above Krakatau’s summit during 14-20 June. At 0822 on 19 June a dense white-to-gray ash plume rose 1.5 km and drifted SE.

Lewotolok - Lembata Island : PVMBG reported that the eruption at Lewotolok continued during 14-20 June. White-and-gray ash plumes rose as high as 400 m above the summit and drifted W and NW during 15 and 17-18 June; white steam-and-gas emissions were visible on the other days. Strombolian explosions at the summit crater were visible in webcam images at 2242 on 14 June, 2137 on 17 June, and 2213 on 18 June.

Merapi - Central Java : BPPTKG reported that the eruption at Merapi (on Java) continued during 9-15 June and seismicity remained at elevated levels. The SW lava dome produced 119 lava avalanches that traveled as far as 2 km down the SW flank (upstream in the Bebeng drainage). Morphological changes to the SW lava dome were due to continuing collapses of material.

Popocatepetl - Mexico : CENAPRED reported that ongoing activity at Popocatépetl during 14-20 June included 39-180 daily steam-and-gas emissions, sometimes containing minor amounts of ash. According to the Washington VAAC, daily ash plumes rose to maximum altitudes of 5.8-6.7 km (19,000-22,000 ft) a.s.l., or up to 1.3 km above the summit, and drifted generally drifted S, SW, and W, causing ashfall in local communities. At 0337 on 17 June CENAPRED noted a moderate explosion that ejected ballistic material as far as 2.5 km from the crater. Minor ashfall was reported in Hueyapan (16 km SSW), Tetela del Volcán (18 km SW), Yecapixtla (29 km SW) and Ayala (47 km SW) in Morelos, as well as Amecameca (18 km NW) and Atlautla (16 km W) in the State of Mexico during 14-15 June. Minor ashfall during 15-16 June was reported in Amecameca, Ayapango (21 km NW), Chalco (37 km NW), Ecatzingo (15 km SW), Temamatla (30 km NW), Tepetlixpa (20 km W), Tlalmanalco (26 km NW) and Tenango del Aire (28 km NW) in the State of Mexico. Reports of minor ashfall came from Ixtapaluca (42 km NW), Valle de Chalco (44 km NW), La Paz (50 km NW), Nezahualcóyotl (56 km NW), Amecameca, Atlautla, Ayapango, Cocotitlan (34 km NW), Chalco, Ecatzingo, Temamatla, Tenango del Aire, Tepetlixpa and Tlalmanalco in the State of Mexico during 16-17 June. Minor ashfall during 18-19 June was again reported in Tepoztlan (49 km W), Cuernavaca (63 km WSW), Ocuituco (24 km SW), Cuautla (43 km SW), Atlatlahucan (30 km SW), Jiutepec (59 km SW) and Emiliano Zapata (62 km SW), Morelos; Ixtapaluca, La Paz, Valle de Chalco, Nezahualcóyotl (54 km NW), Chicoloapan (48 km NW), Atlautla, Ecatzingo, Tonatico in the State of Mexico. Seismicity included periods of low-to-moderate amplitude, high-frequency tremor for 274-567 minutes each day, three volcano-tectonic earthquakes of M 1.2-1.5 were recorded during 15-16 June, and 19 minutes of low-amplitude, harmonic tremor during 16-17 June.

Sabancaya - Peru : Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP) reported moderate levels of activity at Sabancaya during 12-18 June with a daily average of 18 explosions. Gas-and-ash plumes rose as high as 1.5 km above the summit and drifted SE, E, and NE. Five 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).

Sangay - Ecuador : IG reported a high level of activity at Sangay during 13-20 June and the seismic network recorded 327-2,190 daily explosions. Gas, steam, and ash plumes were occasionally observed in IG webcam images or described in Washington VAAC volcanic activity notifications, though weather clouds sometimes prevented observations. Ash-and-gas plumes rose as high as 1.8 km above the summit and drifted W during 13-15 June. Gas-and-steam plumes rose less than 1 km during 16-17 June. Ash plumes rose as high as 1.2 km and drifted W on 18 June. Incandescence at the summit was visible in webcam images. Overnight during 18-19 June the lava flow on the SE flank was incandescent and pyroclastic material descended the SE flank as far as 500 m several times. During 19-20 June several ash-and-gas emissions rose as high as 550 m above the summit and drifted SW. Incandescence at the summit was visible multiple times. Minor ashfall was reported in Llagos parish, Chunchi (73 km SW) on 20 June.

Semeru - Eastern Java : PVMBG reported that the eruption at Semeru continued during 14-20 June. White-and-gray ash plumes rose 100-700 m and drifted N, NW, W, and S during 16 and 18-20 June; emissions were not observed on the other days.

Stromboli - Aeolian Islands (Italy) : INGV reported ongoing activity at Stromboli during 12-18 June. The Strombolian activity was centered at two vents in Area N (one each at craters N1 and N2), within the upper part of the Sciara del Fuoco, and from four vents in Area C-S (South-Central Crater) in the crater terrace. Low- and medium-intensity explosions at a rate of 3-7 per hour from Area N2 ejected mainly coarse material (bombs and lapilli), sometimes mixed with ash, up to 150 m above the vents. Sporadic explosive activity at N1 ejected mainly ash mixed with smaller amounts of coarse material. Low- to high-intensity explosions averaged 8-14 per hour from the three vents in sector S2 (Area C-S), ejecting a mix of coarse material and ash; weak spattering was sometimes observed. Weak emission of gas sometimes accompanied explosive events.

Suwanosejima - Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : JMA reported that the eruption at Suwanosejima's Ontake Crater continued during 14-19 June. A total of 526 volcanic earthquakes, 26 explosions, and 18 eruptive events were recorded by seismic monitoring stations throughout the week; activity was most notable during 15-16 June with totals of 164 volcanic earthquakes and 10 explosions. Ash plumes were observed daily; the tallest plumes rose 2 km above the crater rim on 15 and 16 June. Continuous emissions during 0936-1355 on 16 June rose as high as 2 km and drifted SE and SW. Some events ejected large volcanic blocks up to 400 m from the crater during 14-18 June. Incandescent ejecta from explosions during the nights of 18-19 June were sometimes visible in webcam images. Occasional ashfall and rumbling noises were reported in Toshima village (3.5 km SSW).

Taal - Luzon (Philippines) : PHIVOLCS reported continuing low-level unrest at Taal during 13-20 June characterized by elevated seismicity, upwelling in the lake, and sulfur dioxide gas emissions. There were 20-38 daily volcanic earthquakes recorded during 13-17 June and a total of 11 recorded during 19-20 June. There were 2-46 daily periods of tremor, each lasting 2-67 minutes long. Daily white steam-and-gas plumes (sometimes voluminous) rose as high as 3 km above the lake and drifted NE, NW, and SW; voggy conditions were reported during 16-17 June. Upwelling gasses and hot fluids in the lake were visible during 14-17 June. Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 7,643 and 2,177 tonnes per day on 15 June and 19 June, respectively.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.2 earthquake hits south of Tonga.

5.2 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.

5.1 earthquake hits Tonga.

5.1 earthquake hits the Ryukyu Islands off Japan.

5.0 earthquake hits near the south coast of Myanmar.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Atlantic Ocean: Tropical Storm Bret is located about 200 mi...320 km e of Barbados with maximum sustained winds...70 mph...110 km/h. Present movement...w or 280 degrees at 15 mph...24 km/h.

Tropical Depression Four is located about 1395 mi...2240 km e of the Lesser Antilles with maximum sustained winds...35 mph...55 km/h. Present movement...w or 280 degrees at 12 mph...19 km/h.

NewsBytes:

India - The flood situation in Assam deteriorated suddenly in the last 24 hours as the number of flood-affected population crossed 1 lakh for the first time this year, reports Kangkan Kalita. In the past 24 hours, 85,000 more people have been hit by the first wave of floods that has affected 20 districts and sub-divisions across the state as on Wednesday evening. The Assam State Disaster Management Authority in its evening flood bulletin, said 1,19,830 were facing deluge, of whom 48,967 are women and 17,652 children.

Global Warming

Antarctic Sea Ice

Antarctica may be in serious trouble. Satellite images show that the amount of sea ice floating around the pristine polar continent remains far below long-term averages despite the south polar region moving into its peak winter period.

Researchers at the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) observed with trepidation in late 2022 and early 2023 as satellite images revealed that sea ice attached to the coast of Antarctica had been disappearing month after month at a pace never seen before. And they continued to observe as this sea ice failed to sufficiently replenish after the colder months arrived. As of mid-June 2023, sea ice extent in Antarctica was about 0.9 million square miles (2.28 million square kilometers) below the average from 1981 to 2010 for that part of the year, according to the U.K. weather authority Met Office, and about 0.4 million square miles (1.15 million square km) below the previous June record low from 2019.

Wildfires

Wildfires - Pine Bark Beetle

We are learning more about what is fuelling record-breaking Canadian wildfires. Dry conditions amplified by a lack of normal snowpack and spring rainfall left millions of acres susceptible to fire across the country, but it is a small pest that is also to blame. Pine bark beetle infestations in forests have left dead trees and combustible residue on the ground.

Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity - New Activity for the week of 14 June - 20 June 2023

Kilauea - Hawaiian Islands (USA) : HVO reported that the eruption on the floor of Kilauea’s Halema'uma'u Crater continued during 14-20 June. Activity was characterized by effusion primarily from the vent on the SW wall of the crater, circulation within the crater lakes, slow rise of the crater floor, eruptive tremor, and elevated sulfur dioxide levels (4,500-6,300 tonnes per day). Lava flows from vents at the base and top of a cone on the SW wall of Halema'uma'u entered the lava lake in the far SW portion of the crater; intermittent spattering from the cone was visible at night. Other eruptive vents within the SW lava lake (previously dome fountains) had ceased by 13 June. The surface of the SW lava lake slowly rose about 0.5 m per day during 13-15 June. Additionally, lava circulation continued within the central basin. At 0800 on 15 June the top of the SW wall cone collapsed, leading to nearly constant spattering from the top vent and a change in activity from the base vent. The central basin level has been dropping relative to the rising crater floor (due to lava accumulation underneath), allowing several flows from the SW lava lake to cascade into the basin. By 16 June, renewed activity on the SW wall was producing vigorous fountaining to at least 10 m high with some higher spatters, with lava flowing into the SW lake. This activity continued into 19 June as the crater floor continued to rise, circulation in central basin slowed, and flows from the base of the SW wall cone changed paths. Around 1600 on 19 June activity rapidly declined, shown by a drop in the SW lake surface, decreased seismicity, and a transition to inflationary tilt from the deflationary trend of the previous two days. Seismic activity remained low and on 20 June HVO reported that the eruption had paused.

Lokon-Empung - Sulawesi : In a press release PVMBG reported increased emissions at Lokon-Empung on 13 June with dense white plumes rising 400 m above the rim of Tompaluan Crater and drifting S; a total of 12 earthquakes indicating emissions were recorded by the seismic network. The emissions were followed by a period of continuous tremor during 1835-2100. White steam-and-gas emissions of variable densities rose as high as 500 m and drifted N, W, and S during 14-20 June. During 2023 white emissions generally rose 20-150 m above the crater rim and seismicity was generally dominated by 1-2 daily shallow volcanic earthquakes.

Mayon - Luzon (Philippines) : PHIVOLCS reported that lava-dome extrusion at Mayon’s summit crater continued during 14-20 June, generating frequent lava flows and pyroclastic density currents (PDCs, or pyroclastic flows), and additional evacuations. Sulfur dioxide emissions ranged from 149-193 tonnes per day (t/d) during 13-14 June, rising to 826-1,004 t/d during 15-18 June (above normal baseline values of 500 t/d), and then dropping to 389 t/d on 19 June. The total number of rockfalls ranged from 265-309 events per day, resulting from partial collapses of the growing lava dome and lava flows. PDCs were recorded during 13-14 June (7), 14-15 June (3), 15-16 June (13), 16-17 June (9), 17-18 June (11), 18-19 June (5), and 19-20 June (2); each event lasted 2-6 minutes based on seismic signals. Lava flows remained active, with debris collapses throughout the week sending material into the Mi-Isi (S) and Bonga (SE) drainages. By 20 June lava flows reached 2.5 km down the Mi-Isi and 1.8 km down the Bonga drainages, and debris flows extended 3.3 km from the crater. Ashfall during 15-16 June was reported in the communities of Buga (36 km W), Nabonton (9 km W), Ligao (16 km W), Purok 7 (12 km S), and San Francisco (11 km SW). The Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC) reported that by 20 June there had been 38,975 people affected, 20,139 displaced, and 18,749 taking shelter in 28 evacuation centers across Albay.

Rincon de la Vieja - Costa Rica : OVSICORI-UNA reported that small phreatic explosions continued at Rincón de la Vieja during 14-19 June and gas-and-steam emissions were sometimes continuous. There were 1-3 daily events during 14-16 and 18 June; most were not observed due to darkness. A small event at 1804 on 18 June produced a steam-and-gas plume that rose 2 km above the crater rim.

Ubinas - Peru : Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP) reported that seismicity at Ubinas had been increasing since mid-May, and that during 1-18 June fumarolic plumes rose 500 m above the crater rim.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.7 earthquake hits Fiji.

5.3 earthquake hits the southern mid-Atlantic ridge.

5.3 earthquake hits south of Tonga.

5.0 earthquake hits southern Iran.

5.0 earthquake hits Tonga.

5.0 earthquake hits near the south coast of western Honshu, Japan.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Atlantic Ocean: Tropical Storm Bret is located about 645 mi...1040 km e of the Windward Islands with maximum sustained winds...60 mph...95 km/h. Present movement...w or 280 degrees at 16 mph...26 km/h.

NewsBytes:

UK - Heavy rainfall sparked chaos across Britain. Downpours flooded schools and forced them to shut while commuters faced traffic jams and cancelled trains on roads and railways - as Met Office issues warning for more thunderstorms.

Ireland - Parts of Dublin and Kerry were hit with severe flooding on Tuesday. In Killarney a huge thunderstorm and heavy rainfall this afternoon has resulted in heavy flooding and power outages in Killarney - the third Kerry town to experience major floods in the past days. Parts of Dublin experienced severe flooding after a sudden downpour of rain just before 12pm. Large parts of Dublin 12 and Dublin 8 were affected by spot flooding and a number of manholes burst open.

Global Warming

Warming stripes: The international symbol of climate change

It’s a simple image, with a simple message. The Earth is warming — fast! Since the 1800s global surface temperature, which includes land and the ocean surface, has increased by an average of 2 degrees F. Land areas are warming at about double that rate.

When Professor Ed Hawkins of the University of Reading (UK) first created the warming stripes in 2018 the idea was to quickly communicate the speed and degree to which our planet was warming. The cool blue to warm red is an eye-catching and compelling visual.

Wildlife

Orca Stranding

A strange and rare group of orcas has stranded on a beach in Chile — the first event of its kind in 67 years and only the second ever recorded. The nine Type D orcas were found on a beach in Chile, with a necropsy of one female showing it was a healthy adult, with no signs of human involvement in its death.

The orcas (Orcinus orca) belong to the "Type D" sub-group — a distinct group of orcas native to the Southern Hemisphere. Type D orcas are so different from other orcas that some scientists suggest they might actually be a completely separate species.

Environment

Heat Wave - India

A searing heatwave has swept through two of the most populous states in India, hospitalising hundreds and killing nearly 170 people. Temperatures hit 43.5 degrees Celsius in some areas earlier this month, according to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).

Hospitals are overwhelmed and morgues filled to capacity, AP reports. Officials are now investigating the deaths and how many were directly caused by the soaring temperatures.

Nature - Images

Interesting Images

Lightning

The photographer combined individual images collected over a 50-minute period during an intense thunderstorm in Turkey.

Disease

Dengue Fever - Peru

Peru health officials report 146,586 dengue cases through June 10 this year, a 241 percent increase compared to the same period in 2022 (42,959). This is the worst dengue outbreak the country has ever experienced.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

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

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

5.5 earthquake hits Kapulauan Batu, Indonesia.

5.3 earthquake hits south of Tonga.

5.2 earthquake hits Halmahera, Indonesia.

Two 5.- earthquakes hit the Kuril Islands.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Atlantic Ocean: Tropical Storm Bret is located about 1130 mi...1815 km e of the southern Windward Islands with maximum sustained winds...40 mph...65 km/h. Present movement...w or 280 degrees at 17 mph...28 km/h.

Wildlife

Flamingos Forced to Move

Last year, the vast Fuente de Piedra lagoon near Málaga was home to thousands of pairs of pink flamingos. The migrating birds descend annually on the saltwater wetlands to hatch their chicks, creating one of the largest colonies of the wading birds in Europe. This year however, only a few dozen adults have been spotted in the waters as a long drought has dried up the lagoon forcing the birds to settle elsewhere.

Another national park in southern Spain is also in crisis. The Donana nature reserve of marshes, streams and sand dunes supports a rich ecosystem of flora and fauna. But water over-exploitation and drought are imperilling the wildlife. Controversy has arisen over the use of the wetlands’ water sources to irrigate nearby farms. Farmers in the surrounding Huelva area have been called out for illegally using the lagoons to water their strawberry crops.

Wildfires

Wildfires - North Carolina, USA

An ongoing wildfire at the Green Swamp Game Land in Supply is causing smoke, road closures and air quality issues in the area. As of Monday, June 19, the wildfire’s estimated size is 614 acres to 15,642 acres with containment at 52 percent. The Forest Service says that the acreage has decreased because of more accurate measurement data from the field. Firefighters are continuing mop-up operations along the fire perimeter, mitigating snags, extinguishing smoldering pockets and monitoring for spot fires.

Disease

Dengue Fever

Bangladesh - Bangladesh’s Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) reported more than 300 dengue fever cases and two deaths in the past 24 hours, bringing the total cases in the country through June 19 this year to 5,231 and 36 deaths.

Laos - Laos health authorities report 4,869 total dengue fever cases from the beginning of the year through June 18.

Taiwan - In a follow-up on the local dengue transmission in Taiwan, the Taiwan CDC reports there are now eight local cases, all in Tainan City.

Chikungunya - Thailand

Thailand health officials report 485 chikungunya cases through the first week of June, a 282 percent increase compared to the period in 2022 when 127 cases were reported.

Japanese encephalitis - Philippines

Health officials in Iloilo province, in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines report 14 laboratory-confirmed cases of Japanese encephalitis (JE), including four deaths, from Jan. 1 to June 3 this year.

Anthrax - Vietnam

Since the beginning of June, three anthrax cases have been reported in Sin Ho district, Lai Chau province in northwestern Vietnam. The three anthrax patients were all in Chan Nua commune, Sin Ho district, Lai Chau province. All three people participated in slaughtering and eating dead buffalo meat suspected of having anthrax.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

6.4 earthquake hits the Gulf of California.

6.0 earthquake hits south of Africa.

5.8 earthquake hits Tonga.

5.6 earthquake hits south of Tonga.

5.4 earthquake hits near the south coast of Myanmar.

5.4 earthquake hits Vanuatu.

5.3 earthquake hits south of Panama.

5.2 earthquake hits Tonga.

5.2 earthquake hits the Gulf of California.

Three 5.1 earthquakes hit south of Fiji.

5.1 earthquake hits Tonga.

5.1 earthquake hits Antofagasta, Chile.

5.1 earthquake hits Norfolk Island, Australia.

5.1 earthquake hits Hokkaido, Japan.

5.0 earthquake hits the Philippine Islands.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

There are no current active tropical storm systems.

NewsBytes:

Nepal - Two people were killed and 28 are missing after major flooding and landslides caused by monsoon rains in eastern Nepal, authorities said. Roads and bridges have been damaged, making it difficult for rescuers to access affected areas. Forecasters warned that the rain would continue for days and issued alerts over river water levels. Monsoon rains from June to September are usually challenging for the South Asian country.

Global Warming

Swiss Voters Back Green Energy

Voters in Switzerland have backed a new climate bill designed to cut fossil fuel use and reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The government says the country needs to protect its energy security and the environment, as glaciers melt rapidly in the Swiss Alps. The law will require a move away from dependence on imported oil and gas towards the use of renewable sources.

In Sunday's referendum 59.1% of voters backed the green energy proposals. Opponents had argued the measures would push up energy prices.

Hot Seas Around UK

Some of the most intense marine heat increases on Earth have developed in seas around the UK and Ireland, the European Space Agency (Esa) says. Water temperatures are as much as 3 to 4C above the average for this time of year in some areas, according to analysis by Esa and the Met Office. The sea is particularly warm off the UK's east coast from Durham to Aberdeen, and off north-west Ireland.

Scientists warn that intense heat like this can kill fish and other sea life, sometimes on a huge scale. The warm sea around the UK comes as air and ocean surface temperatures worldwide have been spiking sharply in recent months. Global sea surface temperatures for both April and May were the highest ever recorded in Met Office data that goes all the way back to 1850.

Scientists are not sure why we are seeing this record heat in the waters around the UK and across the North Atlantic, but they say climate change is certainly playing a crucial role.

Wildlife

Ocean Treaty

The world's first international treaty on the high seas, set to be adopted by the United Nations on Monday, contains landmark tools for the conservation and management of international waters. International waters - outside the jurisdiction of any single state - cover more than 60% of the world's oceans.

Ocean ecosystems create half the oxygen humans breathe and limit global warming by absorbing much of the carbon dioxide emitted by human activities. Once adopted, the UN treaty will go into force 120 days after 60 countries have ratified it. The final version to be voted on has not yet been published.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.8 earthquake hits Tonga.

5.7 earthquake hits Samoa.

5.6 earthquake hits northwest of the Kuril Islands.

5.6 earthquake hits south of Fiji.

5.3 earthquake hits Tonga.

5.3 earthquake hits Ecuador.

5.2 earthquake hits Hokkaido, Japan.

5.2 earthquake hits Tonga.

5.0 earthquake hits Alaska.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

There are no current active tropical storm systems.

NewsBytes:

South Africa - The death toll has risen to 14, with at least 100 people still missing. The floods have caused widespread damage to homes and businesses, and many people have been left homeless. The floods began on Monday, June 13, and have continued to batter the Western Cape province. The heavy rains have caused rivers and streams to overflow, and roads and bridges have been washed away. The floods have also caused landslides, which have further damaged infrastructure and homes. The South African government has declared a state of disaster in the Western Cape. Citrusdal has been cut off from the rest of the world after heavy floods caused a sinkhole on the R303 close to the Olifants River. The damage to power lines has left various areas without electricity and water infrastructure is also said to be under severe pressure, leaving little to no water in some areas, while hundreds of people are said to be displaced.

Greece - Streets and houses were flooded, trees fell and cars were swept away in Thessaloniki as the city was afflicted by bad weather on Saturday, June 17. Stormy weather hit most of the country, in the latest wave of unseasonable weather witnessed in Greece this summer. A Romanian tourist lost his life in the sea on Lefkada island and a canyoning instructor was recovered dead from a gorge on Mount Olympus.

Brazil - A winter storm slammed the southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul with torrential rain on Friday, killing 11 people, leaving 20 missing and prompting a helicopter search and rescue for victims wading in flooded neighborhoods, the authorities said. The storm system that struck the country was an extra-tropical cyclone. Such storms have cold air at their core and are typically associated with cold fronts, meteorologists with the National Weather Service said.

Global Warming

Cheap Fix to Global Warming Gains Support

Countries are starting to get more serious about slashing avoidable methane emissions from fossil fuel production.

For example, if all the gas that's leaked or vented by Turkmenistan's energy sector was salvaged and burned instead and the EU rules take effect, the combined measures would have roughly the same short-term climate effect as wiping out roughly 290 million tons of CO2 each year, equivalent to the annual emissions of Taiwan, the 21st worst polluter.

Halting methane that is intentionally released or accidentally leaked from coal mines or natural gas and oil production is some of the lowest hanging fruit in the fight against climate change because minimizing those emissions is often as simple as upgrading infrastructure and making it more efficient.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

6.3 earthquake hits Tonga.

5.6 earthquake hits Hokkaido, Japan.

5.5 earthquake hits Tonga.

5.3 earthquake hits France.

5.3 earthquake hits south of Panama.

5.2 earthquake hits the Babuyan Islands, Philippines.

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

5.1 earthquake hits Tonga.

5.0 earthquake hits Tonga.

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

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

There are no current active tropical storm systems. 

NewsBytes:

Florida, USA - Life-threatening flash flooding swept across swaths of Pensacola, Florida early Friday morning as deadly severe thunderstorms dumped several inches of rain and brought a possible tornado, leaving one person dead and parts of the region buried under feet of water. Flash Flood Emergencies covered over 100,000 people, stretching from Pensacola through Warrington and Myrtle Grove as spotter reports to the National Weather Service indicated flooded roads and homes with waters still rising in some areas. The NWS estimates some areas have received 8-15 inches of rain over just several hours.

Serbia and Bosnia - Days of torrential downpours have caused flooding in Serbia and Bosnia, forcing authorities to declare a state of emergency in many areas on Friday, with the rain not expected to let up for another day. In Serbia, 1,300 rescuers and 22 boats were deployed to evacuate dozens of people in various locations. Near the southwestern city of Kraljevo, a river tore away a bridge. In central Serbia, rescuers had to evacuate 12 people from their homes in Kragujevac due to the Lepenica river bursting its banks, while 22 people were rescued from a village near the town of Jagodina. Smaller rivers also burst their banks, cutting roads and power lines.

India - A severe flash flood struck Sikkim amid heavy rains, with about 3,000 tourists estimated to be stranded in the affected areas due to closure of highways. The Pegong area in North Sikkim has been particularly affected, leading to the complete closure of National Highway no 10. The torrential rains have also led to landslides in parts of the state, which further exacerbated the situation. Lachung and Lachen. The flood situation has worsened in Assam in Lakhimpur, Dhemaji and Dibrugarh districts. Total number of flood-affected population has gone up to 30,000. Due to incessant rains, Urban areas of Kamrup, Cachar and Nalbari districts too remain waterlogged. Lakhimpur district was badly hit by excess rains in the hills of Arunachal Pradesh. Erosion caused by Brahmaputra and its tributaries has flooded riverside areas in several districts.

Global Warming

World Breaks Temperature Record

The EU-funded Copernicus Climate Change Service says that for the first time, global warming has breached the 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold. The start of June saw global surface air temperatures rise 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels for the first time. In the summer temperatures higher than 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels have been observed before but only in the northern hemisphere winter and spring months until now.

“Global-mean surface air temperatures for the first days of June 2023 were the highest in the ERA5 data record for early June by a substantial margin,” the Copernicus unit said, noting that some of the data go back as far as 1950. Temperatures have since dipped, but experts say the short surge in early June marked a new global heat record for the month and indicates more extremes ahead as the planet enters an El Niño phase that could last years.

Wildlife

El Niño Starves Seabirds

Hot ocean currents caused by El Niño, not avian flu, were behind the deaths of pelicans, seagulls and other wild birds, tests suggest. When hundreds of birds were found dead along Mexico's Pacific coast earlier this year, experts immediately suspected avian flu.

Mexico’s Agriculture Department said yesterday (15 June) that tests on the dead birds revealed they had died of starvation, not flu. “According to autopsies carried out by veterinarians and specialised biologists, it was found that the animals died of starvation,” the department said.

Warming surface water in the Pacific caused by El Niño can drive fish into deeper, cooler water, making it harder for birds to find food, preventing sea birds from catching food, the department said. Most of the dead birds were Sooty Shearwaters, seagulls and pelicans. They died in states ranging from Chiapas, on the border with Guatemala, all the way north and west to Baja California.

Wildfires

Wildfires - North Carolina, USA

The Pulp Road Fire in Brunswick County reached 3,500 acres today and was still at zero percent containment. The 15,000-acre preserve where it’s burning crosses Brunswick and Columbus counties and is designated a National Natural Landmark.

Disease

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever - Afghanistan

In a follow-up on the Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) outbreak in Afghanistan this year, the World Health Organization reports two new lab confirmed cases of CCHF, including one death in Kabul during the week ending June 10. This brings the total CCHF cases to 111 since the beginning of the year, while the death toll has reached six cases from 13 provinces.

Chickenpox - Paraguay

The Paraguay General Directorate of Health Surveillance has reported several chickenpox outbreaks this year, which are common at this time of year, currently showing a slight increase in cases. So far in 2023, 326 cases of chickenpox have been recorded in the country, up from 275 cases reported during the same period in 2022.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the North Indian Ocean: Tropical cyclone 02a (Biparjoy), located approximately 125 nm southeast of Karachi, Pakistan is tracking northeastward at 06 knots. This is the final warning for this system.

NewsBytes:

India - Wind-driven rain pelted the shores of western India and southern Pakistan as Cyclone Biparjoy pushed into the coast with the potential for a significant storm surge and flash floods from heavy rain. The two nations had moved 173,000 people to shelters ahead of the cyclone, and preparations were made to provide water and maintain communications after the storm passed. Pakistan’s southern province in Sindh, devastated by floods last summer, lies in the cyclone’s path.

Wildlife

Cricket Invasion

Residents and businesses in northeastern Nevada are battling an invasion of Mormon crickets that is blanketing the landscape. The infestation is sliming roadways and hampering transportation.

“Just to get patients into the hospital we had people out there with leaf blowers, with brooms, at one point we even had a tractor with a snowplow on it just to push the piles of crickets and move them on their way,” one resident told reporters. Mormon crickets are not true crickets but are instead short-winged katydids that resemble fat grasshoppers that cannot fly.

Environment

Breathing Plastic

New research shows that we may be breathing in 16 bits of microplastic pollution every hour, equivalent to the plastic in a credit card being inhaled within a week. Medical experts warn that such tiny particles pose a significant health risk to humans and wildlife as they contain chemicals and toxic pollutants.

“For the first time, in 2022, studies found microplastics deep in human airways, which raises the concern of serious respiratory health hazards,” said lead researcher Mohammad S. Islam of the University of New South Wales. Microplastics seem to collect mostly in the nasal cavity and back of the throat, doctors say.

Environment

Global Temperature Extremes

The week's hottest temperature was 118.0 degrees Fahrenheit (48 degrees Celsius) in Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia.

The week's coldest temperature was minus 92.0 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 69 degrees Celsius) at Vostok, Antarctica.

Temperatures were tabulated from the more than 10,000 worldwide synoptic weather stations. The United Nations World Meteorological Organization sets the standards for weather observations, and provides a global telecommunications circuit for data distribution.

Disease

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever - Brazil

The Ministry of Health confirms the occurrence of three deaths from Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) in Campinas/São Paulo, referring to an outbreak in the municipality. Until the end of the morning of this Wednesday (June 14), the Health Department of the State of São Paulo was waiting for laboratory confirmation of a possible fourth death from the disease in the region. In Brazil, this year, 53 cases of the disease have already been confirmed, of which eight resulted in deaths.

Dengue Fever - Sri Lanka

In a follow-up on the dengue fever outbreak in Sri Lanka this year, since the beginning of 2023, the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) in Sri Lanka has reported 44,540 total dengue cases of which more than 2,000 were reported in the last week.

Malaria - South Korea

From January 1 – June 10, the number of malaria patients totaled 173, an increase of 120 (3.3 times) compared to the previous year (53). 137 cases are considered domestic, while 36 cases are classified as imported.

Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity - Ongoing Activity for the week of 7 June - 13 June 2023

Aira - Kyushu (Japan), : JMA reported ongoing activity at both Minamidake Crater and Showa Crater during 5-12 June. Eruptive events at Showa were recorded at 0211, 0352, 0440, and 1436 on 5 June and generated ash plumes that rose as high as 1.5 km above the crater rim and sometimes drifted E and SE. Explosions at Minamidake produced ash plumes that rose 1.5 and 2.5 km above the crater rim at 0012 on 5 June and 1401 on 7 June, respectively, and ejected blocks 500-700 m from the vent. Ash-and-gas emissions were continuous with plumes rising as high as 1.5 km and then declining to 800 m during 1401-1505 on 7 June, and drifting SE. Since the volcano is so active, JMA noted that only emissions above a certain threshold of density and height get reported; at 1505 the emission characteristics declined to below that threshold.

Cotopaxi - Ecuador : IG reported that moderate eruptive activity continued at Cotopaxi during 6-13 June. Seismic activity was mainly characterized by long-period earthquakes and tremors associated with daily emissions; one volcano-tectonic event was recorded during 6-7 June. Small gas-and-steam emissions rose as high as 300 m above the crater rim during 6-9 June. A small lahar was detected by the seismic network on 8 June and descended the NW flank. Several daily ash-and-gas emissions were visible during 10-13 June and were continuous during part of 12 June. The plumes rose 200-600 m above the crater rim and drifted NW, W, and SW.

Ebeko - Paramushir Island (Russia) : KVERT reported that moderate activity at Ebeko was ongoing during 1-8 June. A thermal anomaly was identified in satellite images during 2, 4, and 7-8 June. According to volcanologists in Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island, about 7 km E) explosions during 5-8 June generated ash plumes that rose as high as 3.5 km (11,500 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE and SE.

Great Sitkin - Andreanof Islands (USA) : AVO reported that slow lava effusion continued at Great Sitkin during 6-13 June, producing a thick lava flow confined to the summit crater. Seismicity remained low. Steam emissions were visible in satellite images during 7-8 June and slightly elevated surface temperatures were identified on 8 June; weather clouds prevented satellite and webcam observations on the other days.

Karangetang - Sangihe Islands : PVMBG reported that daily white gas-and-steam plumes from Karangetang were visible rising as high as 200 m and drifting W, NW, and NE during 7-13 June. Webcam images published in the daily reports showed incandescence at Main Crater (S crater) and from material on the flanks of Main Crater at 2225 on 7 June and 2051 on 9 June.

Krakatau - Sunda Strait : PVMBG reported that multiple dense ash plumes were visible rising above Krakatau’s summit during 8-11 June. On 8 June at 0746 a gray ash plume rose 500 m and drifted SW, and at 1537 a dark-gray ash plume rose 1 km and drifted SW. At 0746 on 9 June gray plume rose 800 m and drifted SW; a dark gray ash plume at 0846 rose 3 km and drifted SW. At 0423, 1431, and 1750 on 10 June gray ash plumes rose 1.5-3.5 km and drifted NW. A webcam image showed incandescent material being ejected above the crater at 0455. At 0030 on 11 June a dense gray ash plume rose 2 km and drifted NW. A webcam image about a half an hour later, at 0102, showed incandescent material being ejected above the crater. Diffuse white gas-and-steam plumes rose just 50 m during 12-13 June.

Lewotolok - Lembata Island : PVMBG reported that the eruption at Lewotolok continued during 7-13 June. Daily white-and-gray ash plumes rose as high as 700 m above the summit and drifted SW, W, and NW.

Merapi - Central Java : BPPTKG reported that the eruption at Merapi (on Java) continued during 2-8 June and seismicity remained at elevated levels. The SW lava dome produced 99 lava avalanches that traveled as far as 2 km down the SW flank (upstream in the Bebeng drainage). Morphological changes to the SW lava dome due to continuing collapses of material were evident in webcam images.

Nyiragongo - DR Congo : The Observatoire Volcanologique de Goma (OVG) reported that the eruption at Nyiragongo continued during 5-11 June and sulfur dioxide levels in the emissions remained low. Crater incandescence and gas emissions were visible at 1800 on 10 June

Reventador - Ecuador : IG reported that the eruption at Reventador was ongoing during 6-13 June. Seismicity was characterized by explosions, long-period earthquakes, harmonic tremor, and tremor associated with emissions. Though weather clouds hindered visual observations of emissions during 6-7 June, several explosions overnight ejected incandescent material onto the flanks; some of the material rolled down the E flank. During 7-10 June several steam-and-ash emissions rose as high as 1 km above the crater rim and drifted W. Crater incandescence was visible during overnight hours and incandescent blocks sometimes rolled 400-500 m down the flanks. Crater incandescence was visible overnight during 11-13 June. Weather conditions prevented views on 11 June. Gas-and-ash plumes rose 600-800 m and drifted W during 12-13 June.

Semeru - Eastern Java : PVMBG reported that the eruption at Semeru continued during 7-13 June. A dense gray ash plume rose 500 m above the summit and drifted SW at 0534 on 8 June. White-and-gray ash plumes rose 300-400 m above the summit and rifted W and SW at 1214 on 8 June, 0942 on 9 June, and 0653 on 10 June.

Sheveluch - Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that the eruption at Sheveluch was ongoing during 1-8 June. Intense fumarolic activity at the active crater was likely associated with growth of Karan lava dome. A daily thermal anomaly over the active crater area was identified in satellite images.

Suwanosejima - Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : JMA reported that the eruption at Suwanosejima's Ontake Crater continued, though monitoring parameters had been showing a declining trend. Blocks had not been ejected more than 1 km from the crater after 15 February and the number of explosions had decreased since March. GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems) deformation measurements did not indicate accumulating magma beneath the W part of the island and the number volcanic earthquakes in that area was low. Eruptive activity during 7, 9-10, and 12 June generated ash plumes that rose 1-1.5 km above the crater rim and drifted in multiple directions. An explosion at 1803 on 7 June produced an ash plume that rose 1.4 km and drifted E. Explosions were recorded at 0230 on 9 June and 1758 on 10 June, though details of any emissions were unknown.

Taal - Luzon (Philippines) : PHIVOLCS reported continuing low-level unrest at Taal during 6-13 June characterized by elevated seismicity, upwelling in the lake, and sulfur dioxide gas emissions. Volcanic tremor located at shallow depths along the Daang Kastila fissure was continuous with almost 166 hours recorded during 2-9 June; periods of volcanic tremor also took place 4-7 times each day during 9-12 June, each lasting 2-97 minutes. There were 1-11 volcanic earthquakes recorded on most days. Upwelling gasses and hot fluids in the lake continued to be visible almost daily, and voluminous white steam-and-gas plumes that rose as high as 3 km above the lake drifted NW, E, and SSE. Daily sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 2,941-6,884 tonnes per day. The steam-and-gas plumes produced voggy conditions in the caldera during 6-9 June, prompting an advisory to the public to be issued on 7 June.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

6.2 earthquake hits Mindoro in the Philip[pines.

Two 5.6 earthquakes hit the Kermedec Islands.

5.0 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.