Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.2 earthquake hits the Alaska peninsula.
5.3 earthquake hits Kepulauan Batu, Indonesia.
5.1 earthquake hits the Gulf of Aden.
5.1 earthquake hits near the coast of Papua, Indonesia.
5.0 earthquake hits the Pacific-Antarctic ridge.
Glaciers Shrink
A decade of observations from Europe’s Cryosat satellite finds that of the 200,000 or so glaciers on the planet, about 2% of their mass was lost between 2010 and 2020 due to a hotter climate. That amounts to 3 trillion tons of ice melting during the period. Alaska’s glaciers were among the worst affected, with about 5% of the total ice volume in the region melting in 10 years.
In many regions, glaciers are important sources of water for drinking, agriculture and hydropower.
More than 20% of the world’s population relies on the water that flows from the summer melting of glaciers.
European Heat
Forecasters are warning that years of drought across Europe are causing “feedback loops” for the continent’s climate, foreshadowing another dangerously hot and dry summer ahead. Hot, arid conditions in the next few months would mean crop losses and waterways so low that river transport would be snarled and hydroelectric plants would be forced to shut down.
In Spain’s autonomous community of Catalonia, a plague of rabbits starved of fresh grass is also ravaging crops. Officials estimate 250,000 rabbits need to be culled this summer to contain the population. Barcelona faces a water emergency by September if ample rainfall fails to occur from now until the end of summer.
Trump Climate Denial Era Loses Ground to New Normal
A new poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research finds that an overwhelming majority of Americans say they have recently experienced at least one extreme weather event, with many blaming climate change. The poll conducted in mid-April also finds that about half of the country’s adults became more concerned about the changing climate during the past year even though many remain unsure of their individual role in causing it. Types of severe weather that hit the nation once every 82 days in the 1980s are now occurring slightly more than once every two weeks.
Global Insect Decline
The global decline of insect populations has become increasingly evident in recent years, with not just a decrease in individual insect numbers but also a collapse in insect diversity. A special issue of the journal Biology Letters has been published to provide a comprehensive understanding of the causes and consequences of this alarming trend.
The experts concluded that the primary drivers of the worldwide insect decline are land-use intensification, climate change, and the spread of invasive animal species due to human trade. Ecosystems deteriorated by humans are more susceptible to climate change and so are their insect communities.
Additionally, invasive species can more easily establish themselves in habitats damaged by human activity, displacing native species. As a result, while many insect species decline or become extinct, a few others, including invasive species, thrive and increase. This decreases diversity among insect communities across habitats. Specialized insect species suffer the most from these changes, while more generalized species tend to survive. The consequences of this development are far-reaching and generally detrimental for ecosystems.
Diphtheria - Nigeria
In a follow-up on the diphtheria outbreak in Nigeria, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reports from 14 May 2022 to 9 April 2023, 1439 suspected cases have been reported, of which 557 (39%) have been confirmed, including 73 deaths among the confirmed cases (case fatality ratio of 13%).
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.3 earthquake hits New Ireland, Papua New Guinea.
5.3 earthquake hits Vanuatu.
5.3 earthquake hits near the south coast of Papua, Indonesia.
5.2 earthquake hits Mindoro in the Philippines.
5.2 earthquake hits the Sumbawa region, Indonesia.
5.1 earthquake hits the Balleney Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits west of Macquarie Island.
5.0 earthquake hits the Nicobar Islands, India.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are no current tropical storm systems.
NewsBytes:
Arizona, USA - Many residents of Chinle in northeastern Arizona lost their homes when rain and water from snowmelt inundated their community last week. Part of the Navajo Nation, Chinle was suffering from drought when the floodwaters came. Parts of Arizona and the Southwest experienced record snowfall during the winter. For example, the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, which lies west of Chinle, broke its snowfall record after receiving more than 250 inches of snow.
Lassa fever - Nigeria
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a travel notice for Nigeria as an ongoing Lassa fever outbreak has been reported in 26 states this year. From the beginning of the year through April 16, Nigeria health officials report 877 confirmed Lassa fever cases, including 152 deaths among the confirmed cases.
Meningitis - Nigeria
The World Health Organization reports: From 1 October 2022 to 16 April 2023, a total of 1686 suspected cases, 532 confirmed cases and 124 deaths (CFR: 7%) have been reported from 81 local government areas (LGAs) in 22 out of 36 administrative states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), in Nigeria.
Chikungunya - Paraguay
From the beginning of the chikungunya outbreak in Paraguay in October 2022 to date , 77,790 cases of confirmed and probable chikungunya have been registered in the country. In the last three weeks, 5,836 cases of chikungunya were identified in the country, mostly concentrated in Central (25%), Asunción (23%) and Alto Paraná (10%).
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity - Ongoing Activity for the week of 19 April - 25 April 2023
Ahyi - Mariana Islands (USA) : On 26 April both the Aviation Color Code and the Volcano Alert Level for Ahyi Seamount were lowered to Unassigned because signs of unrest had decreased, and no indication of submarine volcanic activity had occurred for at least four weeks. Observations of discolored water near the seamount were last identified in satellite images in late March 2023, and underwater activity based on acoustic signals had been negligible since early April 2023.
Aira - Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported ongoing eruptive activity at Minamidake Crater during 17-24 April, with crater incandescence visible nightly. Two eruptive events on 17 April produced ash plumes that rose 1-1.5 km and drifted S. That same day sulfur dioxide emissions were somewhat high at 1,900 tons per day. Very small eruptive events occasionally occurred during 21-24 April.
Ambae - Vanuatu : Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department (VMGD) reported that at 0730 on 19 April a plume consisting of steam, sulfur dioxide gas, and ash rose 695 m above Ambae’s summit and drifted E and SE, based on an image from a webcam located 22 km NE on the NE tip of Ambae Island, in Saratamata.
Cotopaxi - Ecuador : IG reported ongoing moderate eruptive activity at Cotopaxi during 18-25 April. Cloudy weather sometimes prevented webcam and satellite views, but daily emissions of steam-and-gas rising as high as 1.5 km were seen in webcam images. Small ash-and-gas emissions were visible during 21-22 April. An ash plume first seen at 0953 on 24 April rose up to 3 km above the summit and drifted NE. Later that afternoon and evening ash-and-gas emissions rose 350 m and drifted N. At 1600 the seismic station recorded a small secondary lahar that descended the Cutzalao/Agualongo drainage on the SW flank.
Ebeko - Paramushir Island (Russia) : KVERT reported that moderate activity at Ebeko was ongoing during 13-20 April and a thermal anomaly was identified in satellite images during 14-15 April. According to volcanologists in Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island, about 7 km E), and satellite data, explosions during 14-16 April generated ash plumes that rose as high as 3.5 km (11,500 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 104 km NE. Weather clouds prevented satellite views on the other days of the week.
Fuego - South-Central Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that 4-12 explosions per hour were recorded at Fuego during 18-25 April, generating daily ash plumes that rose as high as 1 km above the crater rim and drifted as far as 65 km SW, S, SE, and E. Ashfall was recorded each day in areas downwind including Morelia (9 km SW), Panimaché I and II (8 km SW), La Rochela, Santa Sofía (12 km SW), San Andrés Osuna, Ceilan, Finca La Asunción, Ceylon, El Zapote (10 km S), Aldeas, El Rodeo and other nearby communities. Daily block avalanches descended multiple drainages including the Santa Teresa, Ceniza (SSW), Seca (W), Trinidad (S), Taniluyá (SW), Honda, Las Lajas (SE), and El Jute (ESE), and often reached vegetated areas. Daily shock waves rattled structures in communities around the volcano and rumbling was often heard. Explosions ejected incandescent material as high as 350 m above the summit on most days. During 22-23 April the avalanches remobilized ash deposits causing a plume that rose 100 m and drifted S and SE. On 23 April lahars in the Ceniza drainage carried branches, tree trunks, and blocks 30 cm to 1.5 m in diameter.
Great Sitkin - Andreanof Islands (USA) : AVO reported that lava continued to slowly erupt at the summit of Great Sitkin during 19-25 April. Weather clouds often obscured satellite and webcam views during most of the week. Seismicity was low, and during 21-22 April only a few small events were detected. Satellite data last acquired on 14 April showed that the thick lava continued to expand towards the E and remained confined to the summit crater.
Karangetang - Sangihe Islands : PVMBG reported that the effusive eruption which began around 1700 on 8 February at Karangetang’s Main Crater (S crater) produced lava flows and lava avalanches that traveled as far as 2 km down the SW and S flanks in drainages leading to the Beha, Batang, Timbelang, Batuawang, and Kahetang rivers. Effusion ended on 1 April and avalanches of material were no longer detected. Seismic signals indicating effusion decreased and by 6 April were no longer being detected. Incandescence at both Main Crater and Crater II (N crater) was visible at night during 1-25 April. White gas plumes were seen rising as high as 200 m above the summit and drifted in multiple directions; weather clouds sometimes prevented views.
Katmai - Alaska : AVO reported that during the morning of 23 April, strong NW winds in the vicinity of Katmai and the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes dispersed unconsolidated ash up to 1.8 km (6,000 ft) a.s.l. to the SE across Shelikof Strait to Kodiak Island. The ash was originally deposited during the Novarupta-Katmai eruption in 1912.
Lewotolok - Lembata Island : PVMBG reported that the eruption at Lewotolok was ongoing during 19-25 April. On 19, 21, and 23 April white-and-gray plumes rose 200-700 m and drifted E, NE, N, and NW. White steam-and-gas plumes of variable densities were seen during 20, 22, and 24-25 April rising as high as 500 m above the summit and drifting SW, W, and NW. Crater incandescence was visible in webcam images posted with the reports during 21-22 April.
Merapi - Central Java : BPPTKG reported that the eruption at Merapi (on Java) continued during 19-25 April and seismicity remained at high levels. The SW lava dome produced more than 80 lava avalanches that traveled as far as 2 km down the SW flank (upstream in the Bebeng and Boyong drainages). Morphological changes to the SW lava dome were evident in webcam images due to continuing collapses of material.
Reventador - Ecuador : IG reported that the eruption at Reventador was ongoing during 19-25 April. Seismic activity was not characterized due to technical problems. Steam, gas, and ash plumes were observed in IG webcam images and described in Washington VAAC advisories on most days; weather conditions occasionally prevented views. The plumes rose as high as 1.6 km above the summit and drifted E, SE, W, and SW. Crater incandescence was visible at night during 20-21 April.
Sabancaya - Peru : Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP) reported moderate levels of activity at Sabancaya during 17-23 April with a daily average of 31 explosions. Gas-and-ash plumes rose as high as 2.5 km above the summit and drifted NW, W, SW, and S. Six thermal anomalies originating from the lava dome in the summit crater were identified in satellite data.
Santa Maria - Southwestern Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that the eruption at Santa María’s Santiaguito lava-dome complex continued during 18-25 April. Effusion from the Caliente dome complex fed lava flows that descended the San Isidro and Zanjón Seco drainages on the W and SW flanks; the main lava flow was 4.3 km long and remained active. Incandescence from the dome and the lava flows was frequently visible at night. Daily avalanches descended multiple flanks of the dome and were also occasionally generated from the lava-flow front and margins. Daily weak or weak-to-moderate explosions recorded by the seismic network generated ash plumes that rose as high as 1 km above the complex and drifted mainly S and SW. During 18-19 April ash fall was reported in Finca El Faro (6.7 km S). On 21 April quiet rumbling sounds were barely heard on nearby farms.
Semeru - Eastern Java : PVMBG reported that the eruption at Semeru continued during 18-25 April and frequent Volcano Observatory Notices for Aviation (VONAs) describing ash emissions were issued through the week. On 19 April at 0710 and 0829 dense white-and-gray ash plumes rose 800-1,000 m above the summit and drifted S. On 20 April at 0616, 0619, 0805, and 0902 white-and-gray variable density ash plumes rose 300-1,000 m and drifted N and NW. At 0534 on 21 April a white-to-brown ash plume rose 600 m and drifted NE and at 0640 a dense white-and-gray ash plume rose 700 m and drifted SW. On 23 April at 0448, 0553, 0643, and 0731 gray ash plumes of variable densities rose 400-1,000 m and drifted SE, S, SW, and W. On 25 April at 0519, 0710, and 0756 dense gray ash plumes rose 500-800 m and drifted NW, W, and SW.
Semisopochnoi - Aleutian Islands (USA) : AVO reported that low-level unrest continued at Semisopochnoi during 18-25 April. Daily periods or bursts of tremor and occasional low-frequency earthquakes were detected during the week. Small explosions were detected in seismic and infrasound data during 18-19 and 24-25 April. Cloudy weather prevented webcam and satellite views on most days. Possible recent ash deposits on Mount Young’s crater rim were visible in clear webcam images during 22-23 April, and steam emissions from the active N crater were visible during 22-25 April.
Suwanosejima - Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : JMA reported that the eruption at Suwanosejima's Ontake Crater continued during 17-24 April. No explosions were recorded, but eruptive activity produced periodic ash plumes and ejected blocks as far as 300 m from the vent. On 17 April ash plumes rose 1-1.5 km above the crater rim and drifted E and SE, and on 18 April an ash plume rose 2 km and drifted N. Ashfall was reported in Toshima village (3.5 km SSW) during 17-21 April. On 23 April an ash plume rose 1.1 km and drifted SW.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.3 earthquake hits south of Fiji.
5.7 earthquake hits near the southern coast of Papua, Indonesia.
5.6 earthquake hits south of Fiji.
5.6 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.5 earthquake hits south of Fiji.
5.1 earthquake hits Nepal.
5.1 earthquake hits south of Fiji.
5.0 earthquake hits the mid-Indian ridge.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are no current tropical storm systems.
NewsBytes:
USA - Snowmelt continues to cause floods along the Mississippi and in California. Record winter snowfall across northern Minnesota, which quickly melted in a spell of unprecedented spring heat, is dramatically swelling waterways along the upper Mississippi River basin. Major flood stages, the second highest on record in some spots, stretch from Minnesota and Wisconsin to Iowa and Illinois. In Stillwater, Minn., the water level along the St. Croix River, which feeds the Mississippi, is forecast to be the seventh highest on record as the city endures persistent floodwaters. Meanwhile in California, the National Park Service is closing most of Yosemite Valley, as the Merced River is expected to reach flood levels Thursday night.
Sudden Spike in Ocean Temperatures
The world's oceans have suddenly spiked much hotter and well above record levels in the last few weeks, with scientists trying to figure out what it means and whether it forecasts a surge in atmospheric warming.
Some researchers think the jump in sea surface temperatures stems from a brewing and possibly strong natural El Nino warming weather condition plus a rebound from three years of a cooling La Nina, all on top of steady global warming that is heating deeper water below. If that's the case, they said, record-breaking ocean temperatures this month could be the first in many heat records to shatter.
From early March to this week, the global average ocean sea surface temperature jumped nearly two-tenths of a degree Celsius (0.36 degree Fahrenheit), according to the University of Maine's Climate Reanalyzer, which climate scientists use and trust. That may sound small, but for the average of the world's oceans — which is 71% of Earth's area —to rise so much in that short a time, “that's huge,” said University of Colorado climate scientist Kris Karnauskas. “That's an incredible departure from what was already a warm state to begin with.”
Plastic Pollution
An algae that commonly grows beneath Arctic sea ice now contains 10 times as many microplastic particles as the seawater it lives in. Researchers from Germany’s Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research made the discovery after collecting samples of the Melosira arctica algae.
They found that because the algae has a slimy, sticky texture, it collects microplastic particles from the atmosphere before it dies and collects into clumps.
The increased weight causes those clumps to sink straight down, “as if in an elevator to the seafloor.” Since the algae is an important food source for many sea creatures, the plastic pollution could eventually contaminate much of the Arctic marine food web.
Fish Rescue
Spain has endured 36-consecutive months of below-average rainfall. The drought led to unusual scenes at the River Onyar yesterday. Fish had to be rescued from a drought-shrivelled river in Spain yesterday as the country bakes under abnormally high temperatures.
In the northeastern city of Girona, officials used small electric shocks to stun native fish in the River Onyar before scooping them into plastic bags. The animals were transferred to the Ter River 10 kilometres away, which has significantly higher water levels.
Global Temperature Extremes
The week's hottest temperature was 117.0 degrees Fahrenheit (47 degrees Celsius) in Matam, Senegal.
The week's coldest temperature was minus 95.0 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 70 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.
Syphilis - Japan
Japan’s National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID) reports 4,086 syphilis cases through April 19. Tokyo has reported the most cases with 1,072, followed by Osaka with 516 cases and Hokkaido with 269. Japan reported more than 5,000 syphilis cases three years straight and two consecutive years with more than 6,000 cases.
Monkeypox - Japan
Japan’s National Institute of Infectious Diseases in Tokyo reports that the total monkeypox, or mpox cases in the country has topped 100, reporting 102 cases through April 19. The latest case, not included in the national total above, was reported in Kanagawa Prefecture on April 21, the second case for the prefecture.
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever _ Senegal
The Ministry of Health of Senegal has reported a confirmed case of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever on 21 April 2023 in a 35-year-old male patient. The patient died.
Volcano Discovery
More than 19,000 previously uncharted undersea volcanoes, or seamounts, have been discovered using radar sensors aboard orbiting satellites. Oceanographers at the Scripps Institution of Oceanology and a Chungnam National University colleague made the discoveries by deriving the locations of the seamounts from the gravitational pull they exert on the ocean’s surface, which radar can detect. Many seamounts are rich in rare-earth minerals and provide a habitat for many forms of marine life. The new mapping could help determine deep-sea currents and prevent future submarine collisions with seamounts.
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity - New Activity for the week of 19 April - 25 April 2023
Bezymianny - Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a daily thermal anomaly from continuing lava effusion at Bezymianny was identified in satellite images during 14-20 April. Gas-and-steam emissions were visible and occasional collapses from the growing lava dome produced avalanches of hot 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 18-25 April and was characterized by gas, steam, and ash emissions, thermal anomalies at the lava dome in Arenas Crater, and elevated seismicity. Seismic signals indicating rock-fracturing events were located 1-3 km W, SW, NE, and E of Arenas Crater and below the crater, at depths of 0.4-6.2 km. The largest event, a M 1.7, was recorded at 1735 on 24 April and was located 4.1 km E of the crater, at a depth of 3.2 km. The event was felt by residents in the Lagunilla river canyon. Additionally, signals indicating fluid movement fluctuated in intensity and were associated with daily gas-and-steam emissions, sometimes containing ash, that rose as high as 1.8 km above the crater rim. At 0711 on 18 April an ash plume rose 1.8 km above the crater rim and drifted SE, causing ashfall in the municipality of Anzoátegui, Tolima. At 2235 on 19 April and at 2248 on 21 April ash plumes rose 1.8 km and drifted SSE. Gas emissions with possible ash rose as high as 1.3 km and drifted SW and E during 20-21 April. Pulsating ash emissions were seen in webcam images during 23-25 April.
Rincon de la Vieja - Costa Rica : OVSICORI-UNA reported that phreatic eruptions, detected seismically but often with observed emissions, continued to occur at Rincón de la Vieja during 18-25 April. Several eruptive events recorded during 18-21 April produced gas-and-steam emissions that rose as high as 1.5 km above the crater rim. A strong eruptive event at 1550 on 21 April generated a dense plume of material that rose 500 m above the crater rim and then collapsed, producing a pyroclastic flow and lahars on the N flank. A steam-and-gas plume with minor ash content rose 4-5 km above the crater rim. Strong tremor levels and near-continuous gas emissions were recorded after the event. That same day OVSICORI-UNA noted that during the previous week sulfur dioxide emissions were 221 tons per day on average, though emissions spiked to close to 5,000 tons per day after several of the phreatic events. During 22-24 April nearly continuous gas emissions continued to be visible and strong tremor continued to be recorded by the seismic network. Small phreatic events were recorded at 1904 on 22 April and at 0054 and 0629 on 24 April. Small phreatic events at 2250 on 23 April and 0630 on 24 April produced steam-and-gas plumes that rose no higher than 500 m above the crater rim.
Sheveluch - Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Sheveluch was identified in satellite images during 14-20 April. During 14-15 April ash plumes rose to 6 km (19,700 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 700 km NW. During 17-19 April plumes of unconsolidated ash resuspended from the flanks by wind rose to 4 km (13,100 ft) a.s.l. and drifted as far as 224 km NW. The sulfur dioxide gas portion of the eruption cloud produced during the notable 11-12 April activity continued to drift E; by 21 April the leading edge of the plume was over part of Greenland. T
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.5 earthquake hits the Dodecanese Islands, Greece.
5.4 earthquake hits the Ryukyu Islands, Japan.
5.2 earthquake hits the Kuril Islands.
5.1 earthquake hits Kepulauan Batu, Indonesia.
5.0 earthquake hits the Ryukyu Islands, Japan.
5.0 earthquake hits Maule, Chile.
5.0 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are no current tropical storm systems.
NewsBytes:
Brazil - Heavy rain since 21 April has caused flooding and landslides in the south of Bahia State in Brazil, forcing thousands to leave their homes. 26 municipalities in Bahi have been impacted by the heavy rainfall. The worst of the damages have occurred in the municipalities of Santa Cruz Cabrália, Ilhéus, Belmonte, Porto Seguro and Itapebi. All five local authorities have declared a state of emergency. Several houses have been destroyed, leaving 74 people homeless, the state government said. A further 9,261 people have been displaced and 9,348 others affected. landslide debris and floodwaters have closed at least 6 major roads.
Drought - Panama Canal
A lack of rainfall has forced the Panama Canal to reduce shipping traffic. The water supply crisis is threatening the future of this important maritime route which links the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Around six per cent of all global maritime shipping passes through the canal, mostly from the US, China and Japan. For the fifth time this drought season, which lasts from January to May, the Panamanian Canal Authority (ACP) has had to limit the largest ships passing through.
Alajuela and Gatun are the two artificial lakes that supply water to the Panama Canal. It requires around 200 million litres of water to flow down a series of tiered locks into the sea in order for each ship to pass through. Rainwater is the source of these reserves that power the locks, which can be up to as much as 26 metres above sea level. The ACP says that from 21 March to 21 April, water levels in Alhajuela fell by seven metres - more than 10 per cent.
Lyme disease - Poland
This year, 2,753 cases of Lyme disease (a 93% increase) and 47 cases (a 236% increase) of tick-borne encephalitis have been confirmed in Poland, according to the latest data on infectious diseases. The covers the period from January 1 to April 15 this year.
Measles - DR Congo
The health situation is still worrying in Sankuru, located in the center of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This province is hit by the measles epidemic which has already killed more than 150 people. Since the beginning of this year, in the space of only 4 months, more than 150 measles-related deaths have been recorded and more than 5,000 cases of the said disease reported in this part of the country.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.8 earthquake hits North Island, New Zealand.
5.8 earthquake hits the west Chile rise.
5.7 earthquake hits the mid-Indian ridge.
5.2earthquake hits North Island, New Zealand.
5.0 earthquake hits the Bougainville region, Papua New Guinea.
5.0 earthquake hits the Yellow Sea.
Natural Buffer
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the natural wonders of the world. But many of its reef-building corals have been devoured by plagues of toxic crown-of-thorns (COTS) starfish. Scientists fighting to save the Great Barrier Reef have discovered a new secret weapon - a tiny red crab. The red decorator crab - or ‘Schizophrys aspera’ - has a voracious appetite for the juvenile starfish, research from the University of Queensland has shown.
Extinct Lion Spotted in Chad's Sena Oura National Park
A lion has been spotted in a Chad’s Sena Oura National Park - the first sighting in almost 20 years. Researchers previously believed the animals to be extinct in the area, which is close to Chad’s border with Cameroon. The sighting - the first since 2004 - is an early sign that big cat populations in the area could be increasing.
US Supreme Court won't rule on local climate cases - Victory for Activists
Cities and states in the US will be able to sue massive fossil fuel polluters thanks to a Supreme Court decision. As the climate crisis worsens, local governments are taking energy giants to court. Big Oil appealed five of these local cases to America’s Supreme Court. But the court declined to hear them- setting an important precedent for future lawsuits.
"Big Oil companies have been desperate to avoid trials in state courts, where they will be forced to defend their climate lies in front of juries, and today the Supreme Court declined to bail them out," said Richard Wiles, the president of the Center for Climate Integrity.
Leptospirosis - Pacific
Vanuatu - As of 16 April 2023, 7 new Leptospirosis cases were reported between the 31 March to 16 April 2023, bringing the total to 59 leptospirosis cases recorded since the beginning of the year. Of those 52 were laboratory confirmed and 6 clinically diagnosed. A total of 6 death were recorded.
New Caledonia - As of 16 April 2023, 101 Leptospirosis cases were reported since the 01 January 2023 with 6 new cases in April. Since the beginning of the year 2 deaths have been recorded.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.8 earthquake hits Kepulauan Batu, Indonesia.
5.3 earthquake hits near the coast of Ecuador.
5.1 earthquake hits the Nicobar Islands, India.
5.1 earthquake hits Kepulauan Batu, Indonesia.
5.0 earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.
5.0 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits south of Alaska.
5.0 earthquake hits Mindanao in the Philippines.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are no current tropical storm systems.
NewsBytes:
Mississippi River, USA - Mississippi River flooding reaching record-high levels, still rising along western Wisconsin. With the river expected to crest later this week, floodwaters have already shut down roads, parks in river communities. he Mississippi River hit major flood stage in La Crosse and other communities over the weekend, setting up for record-setting crests expected later this week. To the south, the river near Prairie du Chien crossed into major flood stage at 22 feet on Monday. It's currently forecast to crest at 24.4 feet this weekend, which would be the second-highest on record and one foot shy of the 1965 record.
Californian Condors Die of Avian Influenza
On April 7, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) was publicly confirmed as the cause of mortality for three California condors found in northern Arizona
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service reports as of April 17, 2023, 20 condors have died in the Arizona-Utah flock; HPAI has been confirmed for 10 of those condors. Eight birds were captured and brought in for supportive care. Four of those condors died shortly thereafter and are included in the total of 20 deceased birds. Four condors are still receiving supportive care and have shown improvement.
To date, the virus has not been detected in the other condor populations in California or Baja California, Mexico.
Monkeypox - South Korea
The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 10 additional confirmed monkeypox, or Mpox patients without overseas travel history. This brings the total cases to 30 in the country.
Dengue Fever - Brazil
Brazil’s second most populous state, Minas Geraia, has topped more than a quarter million probable dengue cases and more than 100,000 confirmed cases through April 24. According to data from the State Department of Health of Minas Gerais (SES-MG), the state has registered 235,331 probable cases of dengue. Of this total, 102,537 cases were confirmed.
Marburg Virus - Tanzania
On 21 March 2023, the Ministry of Health in Tanzania declared an outbreak of Marburg virus disease. As of 16 Apr 2023, nine cases and six deaths (CFR 66.7%) have been reported. All cases were reported from the Bukoba Rural district in Kagera Region. A total of 212 contacts, of which 206 have completed their monitoring period. This is Tanzania’s first ever MVD outbreak.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
7.2 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.
5.8 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.5 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.4 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.
5.3 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.
5.2 earthquake hits the Bonin Islands, Japan.
5.1 earthquake hits Luzon, Philippines.
5.0 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are no current tropical storm systems.
NewsBytes:
Kenya - Several parts of the coastal city of Mombasa were flooded on Saturday after a heavy downpour. The heavy downpour started in the wee hours and continued for the better part of Saturday. The downpour left many roads and streets flooded.
Wildfires - North Carolina, USA
Air quality across much of eastern North Carolina has reached unhealthy levels in several coastal counties as a 55-square-mile wildfire burns the Croatan National Forest, the state Department of Environmental Quality said Saturday.
Elsewhere Wilwfire activity was reported in several states in the Southern, Eastern, Southwest and Rocky Mountain areas. This week, 54 new large fires were reported. Wildland firefighters firefighters and support personnel continue to work toward containment goals on 20 large fires that have burned 14,812 acres in 11 states.
Chagas Disease - Mexico
The Yucatan Ministry of Health reports a 157 percent increase in Chagas disease through April 1, reporting 18 cases during this period, up from seven during the same period in 2022. At the national level there are 211 confirmed cases of this condition, which is present in 24 states. The increase is 34.4 percent compared to 2022 when 157 were reported.
Avian Flu - Chile
There are already 4,347 specimens of common sea lions, Humboldt penguins, chungungos and smaller cetaceans that have been stranded dead on the coasts of our Chile this year, mainly in the north. The epidemiological situation of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) by H5 subtype of Eurasian lineage has continued to spread and now 2 Chilean dolphins recently confirmed as positive for Avian Influenza, one in the Maule region and another in Ñuble.
Marburg Virus - Equatorial Guinea.
The Health Ministry of Equatorial Guinea reports an additional confirmed Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) case in Bata, bringing the total confirmed cases nationally to 17 and the 11th confirmed case in Bata. The number of MVD deaths in confirmed cases has risen to 12 (CFR 70.5%).
Chikungunya - Paraguay
The general director of Health Surveillance in Paraguay announced a decrease in chikungunya cases in the past three weeks, noting the country saw just 6,808 cases (down from more than 10,000 cases in the previous report).
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
Two 5.8 earthquakes hit Kepulauan Batu, Indonesia.
5.2 earthquake hits Kepulauan Batu, Indonesia.
5.2 earthquake hits Luzon, Philippines.
5.1 earthquake hits Tonga.
5.0 earthquake hits Luzon, Philippines.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are no current tropical storm systems.
NewsBytes:
California, USA - The relentless downpour from this year's record rainfall in California has caused a long-dormant lake to reemerge after being bone dry for generations. And now farmers, residents and officials who live around Tulare Lake are scrambling to save their land, protect their homes and salvage their livelihood as waters continue to creep inland. The central California lake, which is fed by the rivers and streams running down from the Sierra Nevada, was once the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River. But in the 1880s, the water was diverted to be used by farmland and the lake dried up. Farmers would cultivate the dried-up land for crops and cattle, and the region grew into the largest dairy-producing county in the nation. Flooding from this year's winter storms, which left record snowfall in the California mountains and later excess water from the melting, has deluged Tulare and Kings counties, leaving streets and properties under several feet of water, sending residents, farmers and livestock scrambling.
Dengue Fever - Argentina
In a follow-up on the dengue fever outbreak in Argentina, The Argentina National Ministry of Health reports 56,324 cases of dengue in the country through April 15, of which 51,634 acquired the infection in Argentina. This is an increase of more than 15,000 cases in one week.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.2 earthquake hits the Banda Sea.
5.5 earthquake hits the central Mediterranean Sea.
5.4 earthquake hits the Banda Sea.
5.2 earthquake hits eastern New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.
5.0 earthquake hits northern Peru.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Northwest Pacific Ocean: Tropical storm 01w (Sanvu), located approximately 576 nm east-southeast of Andersen AFB, Okinawa, Japan, is tracking westward at 08 knots.
NewsBytes:
Angola - Heavy rain caused damages and flooding in several provinces of Angola from early April 2023. Strong winds were also reported in some areas. As of 21 April, at least 20 people had lost their lives, many of them children. Damage to houses has left hundreds of families homeless. Some of the worst damage occurred in Luanda Province, which includes the capital city of Luanda. Five people lost their lives after heavy rain and storms from 12 to 13 April. Two people were reported missing. More than 300 trees were downed around 1,200 homes flooded. Heavy rain and storms struck again from 18 to 19 April. Around 1,700 homes were flooded or damaged by the rain in the municipalities of Viana, Belas and Cazenga. Five people died, including 2 people following the collapse of houses and three who were swept away by floods. All the victims were children.
Earth Day
Last year, records for sea level rise, glacier melt, and temperatures were broken, the World Meteorological Agency (WMO) warns in a new report. In the State of the Global Climate 2022 report released ahead of Earth Day, the UN agency highlighted the concerning trends marking the progression of climate change. These include Europe shattering records for glacier melt in 2022 and sea ice in Antarctica dropping to the lowest level on record in February 2022. On top of that, the ocean is becoming warmer, with the amount of heat stored at a new record high in 2022.
"We have stored more than 90 per cent of the excess heat that we have brought to the planet in the ocean and we have again broken new records in ocean heat content which is, for example, giving more energy for tropical storms, cyclones, hurricanes, and typhoons," Petteri Taalas, secretary-general of the WMO said at a press conference. The rate of global sea rise has also doubled since 1993, reaching a new record high as well.
Globally, the last eight years have been the warmest recorded since 1850 with temperatures at 1.15 degrees Celsius above the 1850-1900 average. But despite the continued broken records and advance of climate change, there were record high concentrations in 2021 of the three main greenhouse gasses, carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide, the report added.
Drought in East Africa, record-breaking rainfall in Pakistan, and heatwaves in China and Europe affected tens of millions of people and cost billions of euros in damage. Climate and weather-related conditions have led to more internal displacement, too. The worst drought in 40 years in the Horn of Africa resulted in population displacement as did heavy storms in Syria and record rainfall in Pakistan where flooding affected more than 30 million people.
From the air we breathe to the water we drink to the soil that grows our food – humanity's health depends on the health of Mother Earth, Humanity depends on Nature.
Wildfires - Nepal
With the onset of dry season, wildfires have been rampant in Baglung district. Bushfires have engulfed five national and 17 community forests destroying around 450 hectares of forest area
Scientists invent 'shape-shifting' antibiotic to fight deadly superbugs
The spread of drug-resistant "superbugs" — including bacteria that have evolved to thwart even the most potent antibiotics — represents an ever-growing threat to public health. Now, scientists have invented a new type of antibiotic that can take down these germs by rapidly rearranging its atoms and thus changing its shape.
To make the new antibiotic, the researchers used "click chemistry" — highly efficient chemical reactions that can quickly and reliably "click" different chemical building blocks together, like the two halves of a seat-belt buckle. The team's new antibiotic essentially clicks together an existing antibiotic called vancomycin with a molecule called bullvalene, whose atoms can easily swap positions and thus arrange themselves in more than a million possible configurations. The scientists have yet to test the drug on humans or other mammals.
Monkeypox - Asia
Hong Kong - A total of three imported Mpox cases and one import-related case have been recorded since September last year.
Taiwan - The Taiwan CDC announced this week 15 new confirmed cases of monkeypox (Mpox) in the country (13 local cases and 2 imported cases).
South Korea - The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that 2 additional patients (#19, #20) have occurred since the 18th Mpox confirmed case in Korea on April 18.
Japan - The Japan National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID) reports 98 cumulative monkeypox cases in 2023 as of April 12. Tokyo accounted for 80 of the cases, followed by eight in Osaka.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.9 earthquake hits the Moluccan Sea.
Two 5.4 earthquakes hit Tonga.
5.2 earthquake hits the mid-Indian ridge.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Northwest Pacific Ocean: Tropical storm 01w (Sanvu), located approximately 156 nm north-northeast of Oroluk, is tracking north-northwestward at 02 knots.
Sandstorms
Windstorms raging across the Gobi Desert, which borders China and Mongolia, sent out an unhealthful cloud of yellow dust that brought misery and disruption to life in parts of China, South Korea and Japan. The seasonal haze worsens air pollution and puts people at greater risk of respiratory disease due to the tiny dust particles that are small enough to become lodged deep in lung tissues. Chinese meteorologists say the Gobi sandstorms have occurred more frequently since the 1960s due to increasingly hotter temperatures and lower precipitation in the desert region.
Global Temperature Extremes
The week's hottest temperature was 114.0 degrees Fahrenheit (47.8 degrees Celsius) in Matam, Senegal.
The week's coldest temperature was minus 92.0 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 68 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.
Bird Flu Mutation
A sample of the virus responsible for avian influenza that was isolated from a Chilean man suffering from the disease shows the pathogen has two genetic mutations that make it more able to reproduce in human cells. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that the risk to the public remains low and the collected samples did not contain other genetic changes that would be necessary for the H5N1 strain to spread easily among humans.
Bird flu has been responsible for the deaths or culling of untold millions of wild birds and farmed poultry around the world during the past three years. University of Maryland researchers say the current strain is so highly pathogenic that it is “wiping out” wild bird populations like never observed before.
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity - Ongoing Activity for the week of 12 April - 18 April 2023
Aira - Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported ongoing eruptive activity at Minamidake Crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) during 10-17 April, with crater incandescence visible nightly. Very small eruptive events occasionally occurred during 10-14 April. Two eruptive events on 17 April produced ash plumes that rose as high as 1.5 km and drifted S.
Aniakchak - Alaska Peninsula, Alaska : On 13 April AVO issued an Information Statement about the ongoing unrest at Aniakchak. Measurements of the earthquake rate in the ongoing swarm were disrupted by a partial network outage that began on 4 March and reduced the ability to detect smaller earthquakes. Earthquake activity continued to be above background levels with a M 3.3 on 6 April as the largest recent event. In addition to the earthquake swarm, high rates of deformation were detected in radar data. A zone of uplift centered within the W side of the caldera was first detected between 4 and 27 February. The ground uplift rates were about 4 cm per week during February-March and about 3 cm per week during 23 March-4 April. These uplift rates are at the high end of those observed for restless volcanoes worldwide. Seismic and deformation data suggested that magma was intruding beneath the caldera at a depth of 3-4 km below sea level. AVO noted that unrest at calderas such as Aniakchak sometimes lasts for many months or even years and could be variable . If an eruption were to occur, it could be after a period of months or years and would likely be preceded by additional signals that would allow AVO to provide advance warning. Aniakchak has a local monitoring network consisting of six seismometers, a web camera, and an infrasound sensor, as well as with satellite remote sensing data and regional infrasound and lightning networks. AVO recently installed an additional seismic station and web camera in Port Heiden, 26 km NW.
Asamayama - Honshu (Japan) : JMA reported that minor inflation on Asamayama's W flank persisted during 10-17 April. The daily number of shallow volcanic earthquakes was 40-80 during 10-14 April and around 40 during 14-17 April. Sulfur dioxide emissions were high at 700 tons per day on 14 April.
Cotopaxi - Ecuador : IG reported that eruptive activity at Cotopaxi was ongoing during 11-18 April, though cloudy weather often prevented webcam and satellite views. A small secondary lahar descended the Agualongo drainage on the SW flank on 11 April. Ash-and-gas plumes on 12 April rose as high as 1.5 km above the crater rim and drifted W and SW. Muddy water in a drainage on the NW flank was visible on 15 April. Daily gas-and-steam emissions were visible during 13-18 April, rising as high as 300 m and drifted W.
Dukono - Halmahera : PVMBG reported that the eruption at Dukono was ongoing during 12-17 April. Daily dense white-and-gray ash plumes rose as high as 400 m above the summit and drifted E. No ash plumes were reported by PVMBG on 12 April, but according to the Darwin VAAC an ash plume rose to 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l., or about 900 m above the summit, and drifted E.
Ebeko - Paramushir Island (Russia) : According to the Tokyo VAAC a possible ash plume at Ebeko was visible in a satellite image at 0920 on 14 April rising to 2.4 (8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE. The plume had dissipated by 1120. Another plume from a possible eruption was identified in satellite images at 1300, rising to 3.7 (12,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifting N. The plume was no longer visible or had dissipated by 1720. At 1452 on 16 April an ash plume rose to 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE.
Fuego - South-Central Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that 4-13 explosions per hour were generally recorded at Fuego during 11-18 April, generating daily ash plumes that rose as high as 1.1 km above the crater rim and drifted as far as 30 km SW, S, SE, and E. Daily ashfall was recorded in areas downwind including Morelia (9 km SW), Panimaché I and II (8 km SW), Santa Sofía (12 km SW), El Porvenir (8 km ENE), La Rochela, San Andrés Osuna, Ceylon, Finca La Asunción, El Zapote (10 km S), Alotenángo (8 km ENE), and other areas to the N and NE. Daily block avalanches descended multiple drainages including the Ceniza (SSW), Seca (W), Trinidad (S), Taniluyá (SW), Honda, Las Lajas (SE), and El Jute (ESE), and often reached vegetated areas. Daily shock waves rattled structures in communities around the volcano and rumbling was often heard. Explosions ejected incandescent material as high as 350 m above the summit on most days.
Great Sitkin - Andreanof Islands (USA) : AVO reported that lava continued to slowly erupt at the summit of Great Sitkin during 11-17 April, producing a thick lava flow that expanded mostly to the E. Seismicity was low, and during 11-13 April only a few small events were detected. Elevated surface temperatures were identified in satellite images during 16-17 April, and steam emissions were visible in webcam views during 17-18 April. Weather clouds often obscured satellite and webcam views during most of the week.
Ibu - Halmahera : PVMBG reported that the eruption at Ibu continued during 12-18 April. White-and-gray plumes of variable densities rose as high as 800 m above the summit and drifted NE, S, SW, and NW.
Karangetang - Sangihe Islands : Webcam images of Karangetang captured in the PVMBG daily reports periodically showed small areas of incandescence at the summit craters during 11-17 April.
Lewotolok - Lembata Island : PVMBG reported that the eruption at Lewotolok was ongoing during 12-17 April. White steam-and-gas plumes of variable densities were seen on most days rising as high as 700 m above the summit and drifting NE, E, and SE. On 13, 15, and 17 April white-and-gray plumes rose as high as 500 m and drifted NW, NE, E, and SE.
Merapi - Central Java : BPPTKG reported that the eruption at Merapi (on Java) continued during 7-13 April and seismicity remained at high levels. The SW lava dome produced 132 lava avalanches that traveled as far as 2 km down the SW flank (upstream in the Bebeng and Boyong drainages). Morphological changes to the SW lava dome were evident in webcam images due to continuing collapses of material.
Rincon de la Vieja - Costa Rica : OVSICORI-UNA reported that small phreatic eruptions, often in association with observed emissions, occurred at Rincón de la Vieja during 11-17 April. A small phreatic eruption on 11 April consisted of several pulses of activity recorded during 0653-0700 and at 0743. Gas-and-steam plumes rose 500 m above the crater rim. A small phreatic event was recorded late in the evening. An event at 0450 on 12 April produced a gas-and-steam plume that rose 500 m and another was recorded at 1920 with no visual observations reported. Gas-and-steam emissions from a phreatic event were seen at 0632 on 13 April; an event was recorded at 1826 with no visual observations reported. At 0936 on 14 April an event produced a gas-and-steam plume that rose as high as 2 km and was seen from Curubandé. The event was preceded by a swarm of long-period earthquakes five hours prior to the eruption; sediments were possibly ejected from the crater lake and deposited on the crater floor. A small phreatic eruption at 0647 on 16 April ejected material out of the crater and produced a gas-and-steam plume that rose 2 km. A smaller emission rose 500 m at 0957 and at 2235 an event generated a plume that rose 500 m. At 1237 on 17 April a phreatic event produced a plume that rose 1.5 km above the crater rim and a brief event was recorded at 0722 on 18 April.
Sabancaya - Peru : Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP) reported moderate levels of activity at Sabancaya during 10-16 April with a daily average of 41 explosions. Gas-and-ash plumes rose as high as 2.5 km above the summit and drifted NW, W, SW, and S. Six thermal anomalies originating from the lava dome in the summit crater were identified in satellite data.
Santa Maria - Southwestern Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that the eruption at Santa María’s Santiaguito lava-dome complex continued during 12-18 April. Effusion from the Caliente dome complex fed lava flows that descended the San Isidro and Zanjón Seco drainages on the W and SW flanks; the main lava flow was 4.3 km long and remained active. Incandescence from the dome and the lava flows was frequently visible at night. Avalanches down the N, E, S, and SW flanks of the dome were sometimes generated from the lava-flow front and margins. Daily weak or weak-to-moderate explosions were recorded by the seismic network and on most days the explosions generated ash plumes that rose as high as 1 km above the complex and drifted mainly E, S, and SW. Weak rumbling was barely heard on nearby farms during 16-17 April. Residents were reminded to stay at least 6 km away from the complex.
Semeru - Eastern Java : PVMBG reported that the eruption at Semeru continued during 12-18 April and daily Volcano Observatory Notices for Aviation (VONAs) describing ash emissions were issued through the week. At 0747 on 12 April a dense white-to-gray plume rose 600 m above the summit and drifted N. On 13 April at 1135 a gray-to-brown ash plume rose 400 m and drifted NE, at 1249 a dense gray ash plume rose 500 m and drifted N and NE, and at 1709 a dense white-to-gray ash plume rose 600 m and drifted E. At 0529 on 14 April a white-to-brown ash plume rose 500 m and drifted S. White-to-gray ash plumes at 0606 and 0731 on 15 April rose 600-700 m and drifted N and NE. At 0551 on 16 April a dense white-to-gray ash plume rose 1 km and drifted N. On 17 April at 0614 a medium-density white-to-brown ash plume rose 700 m and drifted S and at 0847 a white-to-gray ash plume rose 600 m and also drifted S. At 0540 and 0708 on 18 April dense white-to-gray ash plumes rose 500-600 m and drifted S and W.
Semisopochnoi - Aleutian Islands (USA) : AVO reported that low-level unrest continued at Semisopochnoi during 12-18 April. No eruptive activity was observed, though some weak seismicity was recorded. Cloudy weather often prevented webcam and satellite views during most of the week.
Suwanosejima - Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : JMA reported that the eruption at Suwanosejima's Ontake Crater continued during 10-17 April. Eruptive activity produced ash plumes during 12-14 and 17 April that rose as high as 1.5 km above the crater rim and drifted NW, S, SE, and E. Large blocks were ejected as far as 500 m from the vent. Crater incandescence was visible nightly.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.5 earthquake hits off the coast of Central America.
5.3 earthquake hits off the east coast of Kamchatka, Russia.
5.1 earthquake hits off the coast of Central America.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Northwest Pacific Ocean: Tropical depression 01w (One), located approximately 63 nm north-northwest of Pohnpei, is tracking northward at 13 knots.
NewsBytes:
Utah, USA - Utah Governor on Wednesday declared a state of emergency as the exceptionally heavy snowfall this season is melting and has created dangerous flooding that’s spurring landslides, avalanches and other hazardous conditions.
Europe's Hottest Summer Ever
A new Europe-wide report on climate change confirms the region experienced extreme weather in every season in 2022.
Hetwaves causing wildfires sent emissions soaring to levels not seen for fifteen years. The Mediterranean countries were particularly hard hit by both extreme heat and extreme drought. Tthe precipitation records and the soil moisture records show that the majority of the Mediterranean countries were much drier than average and in terms of the affected area, over 63% of rivers were below average discharge. Many riverbeds and lagoons lay exposed and parched.
Winter storms and floods were followed by scorching temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius and low rainfall and sporadic heatwaves through the year led to wildfires in France, Slovenia and Greece. Europe experienced its hottest summer ever in 2022.
Dengue Fever - Paraná state, Brazil
According to the Arboviruses Report, which corresponds to the seasonal period of the disease that started on July 31, 2022, the State has 12 deaths, with 21,406 confirmed cases and 140,570 notifications. More than 56,000 cases have already been discarded. The report reveals that 310 municipalities had confirmed cases and 253 registered autochthonous, where the disease is contracted in the city of residence.
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity - New Activity for the week of 12 April - 18 April 2023
Bezymianny - Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that the eruption at Bezymianny intensified to a significant explosive phase starting from 1738 on 7 April and ending before 0906 on 8 April (local times). Based on webcam and satellite data ash plumes rose 10-12 km (32,800-39,400 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 2,800 km E. Notable amounts of ash fell at the Apakhonchich station. A daily thermal anomaly from continuing lava effusion was identified in satellite images during 8-14 April.
Nevado del Ruiz - Colombia : Servicio Geológico Colombiano’s (SGC) reported that the eruption at Nevado del Ruiz continued during 11-18 April and was characterized by gas, steam, and ash emissions, thermal anomalies at the lava dome in Arenas Crater, and elevated seismicity. Seismic signals indicating rock-fracturing events continued to be located 2-6 km SW of Arenas Crater at depths of 2-4 km, though on 12 and 16 April signals were also located in the NE sector of the volcano at depths of 0.5-5 km. The number of daily events fluctuated through the week. Additionally, signals indicating fluid movement fluctuated in intensity and were associated with daily ash emissions. On 11 April ash-and-gas plumes rose as high as 2.5 km above the crater rim and drifted SW and NW, causing ashfall in the municipalities of Villamaría (Caldas) and Filandia (Quindío). Ash-and-gas plumes that rose as high as 1.8 km drifted SW and NW on 12 April, and 1.5 km high plumes drifted SW on 13 April. During 0759-1113 on 14 April and from 1515 on 14 April to 1257 on 15 April seismicity activity intensified and corresponded to continuous ash emissions that rose as high as 1.5 km and drifted SW. These emissions were visible from the municipalities of Murillo and Manizales. Later that day gas-and-ash plumes rose to 1.6 km and drifted NW. According to a news article 87 people had self-evacuated after the government called for the voluntary evacuation of around 2,500 families on 5 April.
Sheveluch - Central Kamchatka (Russia) : According to KVERT a significant eruption at Sheveluch began at 0110 on 11 April, local time. During the most intense phase of activity ash plumes possibly rose as high as 15.8 km (52,000 ft) a.s.l., a significant sulfur dioxide signature was detected in the plume, pyroclastic flows traveled notable distances, and ash-and-lapilli-fall impacted residents. Strong explosions continued during the morning of 12 April. At 0730 on 12 April satellite images showed ash plumes rising to 8 km (26,200 ft) a.s.l., though parts of the large ash plume generated earlier extended 600 km SW and 1,050 km ESE. The explosions weakened by 1710 when ash plumes were only rising to 4.5 km (14,800 ft) a.s.l. and drifting ESE; at 1801 KVERT issued a Volcano Observatory Notice for Aviation (VONA) lowering the Aviation Color Code to Orange. By 2310 ash extended as far as 3,000 km E. KVERT noted that ash deposits in Klyuchi were as deep as 8.5 cm, and ashfall was reported in Kozyrevsk, Maiskoye, Atlasovo, Lazo, and Esso during 10-12 April. According to news sources, the ash-and-gas plumes drifted E toward the Aleutian Islands and reached the Gulf of Alaska by 13 April, causing flight disruptions. More than 100 flights involving Alaska airspace were cancelled due to the plume. Flight cancellations were also reported in NW Canada (British Columbia) during 13-14 April. Alaskan flight schedules were mostly back to normal by 15 April, with only minor delays and far fewer cancellations; a few cancellations continued to be reported in Canada. On 13 April Kamchatka Volcanological Station (KVS) volcanologists inspected pyroclastic flow deposits that had stopped about 600 m from the Klyuchi-Ust-Kamchatsk federal highway. They walked about 1 km through deep snow (1 m) covered in 6 cm of ash and noted that some parts of the deposits were hot. Steam rose from downed smoldering trees. One picture showed a large block lodged high up in a bare tree. They also noted that the pyroclastic flow deposits were thin with very few large fragments, different from previous flows from Sheveluch. Clearing weather on 15 April revealed that most of the previous lava-dome complex was gone and there was a new crater 1 km in diameter from which voluminous steam-and-gas plumes were rising. Evidence suggested that there had been a directed blast to the SE, and pyroclastic flows traveled more than 20 km.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.2 earthquake hits New Britain, Papua New Guinea.
5.2 earthquake hits Guerrero, Mexico.
5.0 earthquake hits Kepulauan Mentawai, Indonesia.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Northwest Pacific Ocean: Tropical depression 01w (One), located approximately 127 nm south of Pohnpei, is tracking west-northwestward at 09 knots.
India Most Populous State
India is on its way to become the world’s most populous country, overtaking China with almost 3 million more people in the middle of this year, data released by the United Nations showed. The report estimates India’s population at 1.4286 billion against 1.4257 billion for China this year. The United States is a distant third, with an estimated population of 340 million.
Drought in Spain
Barcelona is facing water shortages as Spain experiences one of its worst droughts in decades. In the northeast of Spain, Catalonia’s 7.7 million residents are suffering the effects of 32 months of drought. Lack of rainfall is particularly bad in Barcelona where reservoirs are now running dry. The region saw similar severe water shortages between 2003 and 2008 but now periods of drought are becoming more frequent and more intense.
Wildfires - Canada
An early-season wildfire burning near Ashcroft, B.C., has prompted the Ts’kw’aylaxw First Nation to issue an evacuation alert for members living on the Pavilion Reserve #1. The fire has been classified as 'out of control'.
As of Tuesday, the wildfire service was tracking 35 active fires, though just four were classified as “out of control.”
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.5 earthquake hits southern Sumatra, Indonesia.
5.4 earthquake hits Dominica, Leeward Islands.
5.2 earthquake hits Antigua and Barbuda.
5.2 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.
5.2 earthquake hits south of the Kermedec Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits Java, Indonesia.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are currently no tropical storm systems.
NewsBytes:
Ukraine - The State Emergency Service in Ukraine reported several rivers have broken their banks causing flooding in 8 regions of the country. As of 16 April, flooding had affected a total of 950 households across the oblasts (regionsWide areas of agricultural land have been flooded, including 7,198 hectares in Kamin-Kashirskyi and Kovelskyi in Volyn Oblast and 3,065 hectares in Rivne region.) of Volyn, Dnipropetrovsk, Kyiv, Rivne, Poltava, Cherkasy, Chernihiv and Zhytomyr.
Wildfires - Spain
A huge plume of smoke rose above the Spanish town of Llanca, some 17km (10.5 miles) south of the French border village of Cerbere, which experienced similar fires on Sunday. Huge clouds of smoke were seen behind the mountains on the Spanish side of the border as trains and roads connecting both countries were shut, authorities said. Some districts in southern France have already introduced water restrictions and the country's geological institute has warned low groundwater reserves could herald an even worse drought this summer.
Monkeypox - South Korea
The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported three additional monkeypox, or Mpox cases over the weekend, bringing the total cases to 13.
Cholera, Measles - DR Congo
In Haut-Katanga province in southern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), provincial Health authorities said a total of 563 cases of cholera including 23 deaths were recorded October 2022 to early April 2023.
Meanwhile, in the central part of the country, more than 700 cases of measles including 13 deaths have been recorded in 19 health zones in Kasai-Oriental province since January.
Marburg Virus - Equatorial Guinea
In a follow-up on the Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) outbreak in Equatorial Guinea, the World Health Organization reported yesterday that there is now 15 laboratory-confirmed and 23 probable cases since the declaration of the outbreak on 13 February 2023. Among the laboratory confirmed there are 11 deaths (Case Fatality Ratio 78.6%.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.5 earthquake hits south of Fiji.
5.6 earthquake hits the Solomon Islands.
5.6 earthquake hits near the east coast of Kamchatka, Russia.
5.2 earthquake hits southeast of the Loyalty Islands.
5.2 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.
5.1 earthquake hits south of the Kermedec Islands.
5.1 earthquake hits the Kuril Islands.
5.0 earthquake hits New Britain, Papua New Guinea.
5.0 earthquake hits New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.
5.0 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.
Bats in Decline - USA
More than half of North America’s bat species are likely to diminish significantly as climate change, disease and habitat loss take their toll, scientists warned Monday. A report by experts from the U.S., Canada and Mexico said 81 of the continent’s 154 known bat types “are at risk of severe population decline” in the next 15 years.
Bats give U.S. agriculture a $3.7 billion annual boost by gobbling crop-destroying insects, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Some are plant pollinators. Bats also serve as prey for other animals, including hawks, owls and weasels.
Millions have died since 2006 from a fungal disease called white-nose syndrome, which attacks bats when hibernating and creates fuzzy spots on their muzzles and wings. It causes them to wake early from hibernation and sometimes fly outside. They can burn up winter fat stores and eventually starve. Eight U.S. bat species are listed as endangered, or on the brink of extinction.
Interesting Images
Ethereal Spiral
A mystifying swirl of light recently appeared in the night sky above Alaska, briefly outshining a vibrant auroral display. The bizarre spiral appeared above Alaska on April 15. An ethereal whirlpool of light recently appeared in the night sky above Alaska, briefly stealing the limelight from a strong auroral display. But the bizarre, spiral-shaped object had nothing to do with the dancing polar lights.
Instead, the luminous vortex was just the latest example of what astronomers have nicknamed "SpaceX spirals," which are becoming an increasingly common sight for stargazers across the globe. These spirals form when rocket fuel, which is ejected from the fast-spinning upper stages of Falcon 9 rockets, gets frozen in space. These frozen swirls then reflect sunlight back towards Earth, which makes them visible to stunned onlookers on the ground.
Malaria - Costa Rica
In a follow-up on the malaria outbreak situation in the Huetar Caribbean Region of Costa Rica, the Health Surveillance Directorate of the Ministry of Health reports a total of 115 positive cases of malaria in the Huerta Caribe region, with a total of 60 cases in Pococí, 51 in the canton of Limón, two in Matina, one in Guácimo and one case in Siquirres.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.4 earthquake hits Vancouver Island, Canada.
5.3 earthquake hits the Gulf of California.
5.2 earthquake hits Papua, Indonesia.
5.2 earthquake hits Mindanao in the Philippines.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Southern Hemisphere: In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone 18s (Ilsa), located approximately 341 nm east-northeast of Learmonth, Australia, is tracking southeastward at 13 knots.
NewsBytes:
Iran - The Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) reported heavy rain and flash floods in several provinces in the north and west of Iran after heavy rain on 12 April 2023. Heavy rain and flooding have also affected areas of neighbouring Iraq. Heavy rain began on 12 April 2023. As of 13 April IRCS reported flooding in West Azarbaijan, Kermanshah, Ilam, Qazvin and Lorestan Province. At least three people have lost their lives as a result of the flooding. Fatalities were reported in Bukan, West Azerbaijan (1), Mehran, Ilam Province (1) and Alamut in Qazvin Province (1).
Florida, USA - Torrential rain of over 25 inches (635 mm) fell in 24 hours in Fort Lauderdale in South Florida, USA, triggering flash floods. Stranded cars littered the streets around Fort Lauderdale, the City of Dania Beach and surrounding parts of Broward County. As of early 13 April, Fort Lauderdale Police reported at least 8 roads in the city were still impassable. The City of Dania Beach also declared a State of Emergency, and officials urged residents to stay off the streets.
Philippines - Disaster authorities report 5 people have died and 1 is missing after flooding and storms in southern regions of the Philippines. A Low-Pressure Area (LPA) brought heavy rainfall to Davao and Soccsksargen Regions from 09 April 2023. In the Davao Region, flooding and storms occurred in Davao City, Digos City, Magsaysay and Santa Cruz in Davao del Sur Province. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRMMC) reported 5 people died from lightning strikes in Digos City. Eight homes were destroyed and 2 were damaged. In total 1,538 people from 318 households were affected. Almost 350 people were displaced and moved to evacuation centres.
Super El Niño
Recent projections from climate models indicate the expected warming of the tropical Pacific Ocean later this year could become a “super” El Niño, which could increase the risk of catastrophic global weather events. Climate experts had already said the ocean warming could also push Earth’s temperatures to the highest levels ever recorded.
Seven climate models project that sea-surface temperatures will pass the El Niño threshold by August.
“The really big ones reverberate all over the planet with extreme droughts, floods, heat waves and storms. If it happens, we’ll need to buckle up,” said senior Australian climate specialist Catherine Ganter.
Rising Sea Levels
Two recent studies reveal that sea levels along the U.S. Gulf Coast and the southern Atlantic coast have risen nearly 5 inches over the past 12 years, nearly double the global average. The increase is accelerating faster than predicted, with scientists warning that it threatens tens of millions of homes in the southern U.S. with worsening floods during the decades ahead.
The rise is also causing high-tide flooding to occur in the region twice as often as at the beginning of this century. One study in the Journal of Climate reveals that damage and fatalities from recent hurricanes across the south have been more acute due to the higher sea levels.
Wildfires - Wisconsin, USA
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) fire crews and local agencies are on the scene of a roughly 2,980-acre wildfire in Monroe County, which is 46% contained.
"Wing" Men
A new study suggests that the males of disease-carrying mosquito species hover around humans, even though they don’t bite them, so they have better chances of “picking up” the females, which do bite.
Using human volunteers, University of Melbourne researchers tested to see whether male mosquitoes were attracted to the same people as the bloodthirsty females. They found they indeed were, but with weaker preferences. “We can’t say for certain that male mosquitoes evolved this trait specifically to gain a mating advantage, but it’s a strong possibility,” said researcher Perran Ross.
Global Temperature Extremes
The week's hottest temperature was 114.0 degrees Fahrenheit (47.8 degrees Celsius) in N’Guigmi, Niger.
The week's coldest temperature was minus 94.0 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 70 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.
Malaria - Costa Rica
According to data from the Health Surveillance Directorate of the Ministry of Health, as of April 13 of this year, a total of 105 positive cases of malaria have been identified in the Huerta Caribe region.
Rabies - Philippines
From the beginning of the year through March 18, the Philippines has reported 73 human rabies cases/deaths.
Monkeypox - Japan
In Japan, 8 cases were reported in 2022, but 98 cases were reported in 2023 (as of April 11), of which 97 are presumed to have occurred in the country because there is no history of overseas visits. The incidence increased from mid-February, and since March, more than 10 cases have been reported every week. In addition, in the case of Taiwan, 4 patients were reported in 2022, but 21 patients were reported in 2023 (as of 4/11), and cases of infection in the country have been confirmed since mid-February.
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity - Ongoing Activity for the week of 5 April - 11 April 2023
Aira - Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported ongoing eruptive activity at Minamidake Crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) during 3-10 April, with crater incandescence visible nightly. Very small eruptive events occasionally occurred. Sulfur dioxide emissions were high at 2,700 tons per day on 4 March.
Cotopaxi - Ecuador : IG reported that eruptive activity at Cotopaxi was ongoing during 4-11 April. Gas, steam, and ash plumes visible in webcam images and reported by the Washington VAAC during 4-6 and 8 April rose 200-800 m above the summit and drifted E, SE, S, and SW. Minor ashfall was reported in Mulaló (9.5 km WSW) and San Agustín (10 km W). Gas-and-steam plumes rose 300 m and drifted S and SE on 7 April. On 10 April ash plumes rose 1-1.5 km and drifted W, SW, and SE. Weather clouds prevented visual observations on the other days.
Ebeko - Paramushir Island (Russia) : KVERT reported that moderate activity at Ebeko was ongoing during 30 March-6 April and a daily thermal anomaly was identified in satellite images. According to volcanologists in Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island, about 7 km E) explosions during the week generated ash plumes that rose as high as 4 km (13,100 ft) a.s.l. and drifted in various directions. Ash plumes drifted 12 km E and SW on 3 and 6 April.
Fuego - South-Central Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that 4-12 explosions per hour were generally recorded at Fuego during 4-11 April, generating ash plumes that rose as high as 1.1 km above the crater rim and drifted as far as 20 km W, SW, and S. Weather clouds sometimes prevented views. Daily ashfall was recorded in areas downwind including Morelia (9 km SW), Panimaché I and II (8 km SW), Santa Sofía (12 km SW), El Porvenir (8 km ENE), La Rochela, San Andrés Osuna, Siquinala, Ceylon, Finca La Asunción, and Finca Palo Verde. Daily block avalanches descended multiple drainages including the Ceniza (SSW), Seca (W), Trinidad (S), Taniluyá (SW), Honda, Las Lajas (SE), and El Jute (ESE), and often reached vegetated areas. Daily shock waves rattled structures in communities around the volcano and rumbling was often heard. Explosions ejected incandescent material as high as 350 m above the summit each day.
Great Sitkin - Andreanof Islands (USA) : AVO reported that lava likely continued to slowly effuse at the summit of Great Sitkin during 5-11 April, producing a thick lava flow. Seismicity was low, and during 9-10 April only a few events were detected. A satellite radar image on 2 April showed that the lava flow was mostly expanding to the E and slowly to the S into the summit crater ice field. Elevated surface temperatures were identified in satellite images during 4-6 April. Weather clouds obscured views during 7-10 April.
Karangetang - Sangihe Islands : Webcam images of Karangetang captured in the PVMBG daily reports periodically showed small areas of incandescence at the summit Main Crater (S crater) and on the flanks during 4-10 April.
Katmai - Alaska : AVO reported that on 8 April strong winds in the vicinity of Katmai and the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes blew unconsolidated ash SE across Shelikof Strait to Kodiak Island at an altitude up to 2.4 km 8,000 ft) a.s.l. The ash was originally deposited during the Novarupta eruption in 1912.
Krakatau - Sunda Strait : PVMBG reported that daily white steam-and-gas plumes rose as high as 200 m above Anak Krakatau’s summit during 5-11 April. White-and-black plumes rose as high as 300 m above the summit and drifted NE on 9 April.
Lascar - Northern Chile : SERNAGEOMIN reported that during the last two months activity at Láscar had declined to low levels, based on seismological, geodetic, geochemical, and remote sensing data, though remained above baseline. The volume of the lava dome remained unchanged, seismicity was low including small numbers of volcano-tectonic and tornillo-type events, sulfur dioxide gas emissions were low, and tephra was absent from emissions.
Lewotolok - Lembata Island : PVMBG reported that the eruption at Lewotolok was ongoing during 5-11 April. White steam-and-gas plumes were seen on most days rising as high as 500 m above the summit and drifting in multiple directions. According to the Darwin VAAC an ash plume rose to 1.8 km (6,000 ft) a.s.l., or about 370 m above the summit, on 6 April and drifted N. On 7 April white-and-gray plumes of variable densities rose 100-400 m and drifted SE and W; similar plumes on 9 April rose 200-350 m and drifted NE and E.
Merapi - Central Java : BPPTKG reported that the eruption at Merapi (on Java) continued during 31 March-6 April and seismicity remained at high levels. The SW lava dome produced 79 lava avalanches that traveled as far as 1.8 km down the SW flank (upstream in the Bebeng and Boyong drainages). One pyroclastic flow traveled 1.1 km down the SW flank, upstream of the Bebeng drainage. Morphological changes to the SW lava dome were evident in webcam images due to continuing collapses of material.
Nishinoshima - Izu Islands : JMA reported that at 1050 and 1420 on 11 April ash plumes from Nishinoshima rose 1.9 km above the crater rim and drifted NW and W.
Santa Maria - Southwestern Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that the eruption at Santa María’s Santiaguito lava-dome complex continued during 4-11 April. Daily explosions produced gas, steam, ash plumes that rose as high as 1 km above the complex and drifted sometimes as far as 8 km W, SW, and S; during 8-9 April the plumes drifted W and rose as high as 1.8 km. Rumbling was barely audible on nearby farms during 8-9 April. Effusion from Caliente dome fed lava flows that slowly descended the San Isidro and Zanjón Seco drainages on the W and SW flanks. Incandescence from the dome and the lava flows was visible nightly and some early mornings. Block avalanches from the dome, and from both the ends and sides of the flows, descended the S, SW, and W flanks were reported almost daily.
Semeru - Eastern Java : PVMBG reported that the eruption at Semeru continued during 5-11 April and a few Volcano Observatory Notices for Aviation (VONAs) were issued through the week. At 0559 on 8 April a dense white-to-brown plume rose 800 m above the summit and drifted NE. About an hour and a half later, at 0732, a white-to-gray plume rose 600 m and drifted N. At 0635 and 2218 on 10 April variable white-and-gray plumes rose 500-800 m and drifted N and NE. At 0535 on 11 April a dense white-and-gray plume rose 500 m and drifted N.
Semisopochnoi - Aleutian Islands (USA) : AVO reported that low-level unrest continued at Semisopochnoi during 5-11 April. An extensive low-altitude steam plume drifted more than 400 km during 4-6 April and was likely related to volcanic emissions but did not appear to contain ash. Several small explosions were detected on 5 April, and periods of seismic tremor and local earthquakes were recorded during 5-6 April, but seismicity was quiet during the rest of the week. Clouds obscured webcam and satellite views during 7-10 April.
Suwanosejima - Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : JMA reported that the eruption at Suwanosejima's Ontake Crater continued during 3-10 April. Eruptive activity produced ash plumes that rose as high as 1.6 km above the crater rim and drifted mainly SE, E, and N. Large blocks were ejected as far as 300 m from the vent. Crater incandescence was visible at night during 3-7 April and one explosion was detected during 7-10 April.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.4 earthquake hits the Owen Fracture Zone.
5.2 earthquake hits the Nicobar Islands, off India.
5.1 earthquake hits the South Indian Ocean.
5.0 earthquake hits south of Fiji.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone 18s (Ilsa), located approximately 394 nm northeast of Learmonth, Australia, is tracking south-southwestward at 06 knots.
Smoke Pollution - Thailand
Thailand's Chiang Mai was ranked the world's most polluted city on Friday, with authorities urging people to work from home to avoid the hazardous air. Smoke from forest fires and farmers burning crop stubble has blanketed the popular tourist destination in recent weeks.
Thailand has been choking on heavy air pollution since the start of the year, caused in part by seasonal agricultural burning. Nearly two million people have needed hospital treatment for respiratory conditions caused by air pollution this year, according to the public health ministry.
Wildfires - New Jersey, USA
A fast-moving wildfire in southern New Jersey grew to nearly 4,000 acres in under 24 hours as record springtime heat has set in across the Northeast. The Jimmy’s Waterhole Fire had already burned more than half the average acres burned in New Jersey in an entire year. About 170 structures in the Manchester Township area were evacuated Tuesday night, but all residents have since been allowed to return home.
Chikungunya - Paraguay
According to the Paraguay Ministry of Health, in the past three weeks, 13,847 chikungunya cases were reported. Since the beginning of the outbreak in October 2022 to date, 67,880 confirmed and probable cases of chikungunya have been recorded countrywide. All regions of the country are registering cases of chikungunya currently.
Bird Flu - China
A woman in China recently died of H3N8, a subtype of bird flu that has only infected three known people to date, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported(opens in new tab) Tuesday (April 11). All three human cases of H3N8 have been reported in China.
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity - New activity for the week 5 April - 12 April 2023
Ambae - Vanuatu : The cone in Ambae’s Lake Voui continued to produce emissions consisting of steam, volcanic gases, and ash that drifted downwind during 5-7 April, based on reports from Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department (VMGD) and Wellington VAAC notices. On 5 April low-level intermittent plumes of gas and ash rose as high as 2.5 km above the crater rim and drifted W and SW. A loud explosion followed by a dark ash emission was possibly reported. Webcam images from 2100 showed incandescence above the crater and reflected in the clouds. Intermittent emissions of gas-and-steam and gas-and-ash were visible on 7 April. Plumes rose an estimated 3 km above the crater rim and drifted E. Webcam images during 0107-0730 on 7 April showed continuing ash emissions.
Bezymianny - Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported an ongoing eruption at Bezymianny generally characterized by gas-and-steam emissions and occasional collapses of hot material from the flanks of the summit lava dome. A thermal anomaly over the summit persisted in satellite images during 31 March-6 April. Diffuse ash plumes drifted as far as 550 km E during 2 and 5-6 April. On 6 April volcanologists at the Kamchatka Volcanological Station (KVS) traveled to the Apakhonchich station to assess Bezymianny, take aerial photos, and install monitoring equipment. They observed frequent collapses of the crater rim and ash plumes that drifted NE towards Apakhonchich. KVERT stated that at 1326 local time on 7 April a satellite image showed an ash plume drifting 150 km E at altitudes of 5.5-6 km (18,000-19,700 ft) a.s.l. A satellite image from 1600 local time that same day showed an ash plume extending as far as 230 km ESE. KVERT noted that ash emissions were intensifying, likely caused by hot avalanches from a growing lava dome. On 7 April KVS volcanologists traveled to Ambon to collect ash. They reported that a notable eruption began at 1730 local time, and within 20 minutes a large ash plume had risen to 10 km and drifted NW. KVERT reported that the strong explosive phase began at 1738 local time. Based on webcam and satellite data ash plumes rose 10-12 km (32,800-39,400 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SE. Explosions were clearly audible at 20 km distance and were heard for 90 minutes, according to KVS. Significant amounts of ash fell at the Apakhonchich station, and the snow turned gray. The volcanologists had returned to KVS by the evening, and they were covered in ash. Ashfall continued until the morning of 8 April. In a Volcano Observatory Notice for Aviation (VONA) issued at a 0906 on 8 April, KVERT stated that the strong eruptive phase was over.
Nevado del Ruiz - Colombia : Servicio Geológico Colombiano’s (SGC) reported that the number of daily events detected by the seismic network at Nevado del Ruiz fluctuated during 3-8 April but declined overall. Earthquakes were generally located 2-5 km SW of Arenas Crater at depths of 3-4 km. On 9 April SGC noted that daily counts of events were no longer going to be posted in their daily reports and instead the focus will be on the location of the earthquakes. Gas emissions had also decreased in density. That same day Gestión del Riesgo de Desastres (UNGRD) reported that 2,000-2,500 families had been identified as living in high-risk areas and requested that local authorities expedite a preventive evacuation; families that had evacuated were staying with family and friends and not in evacuation shelters. During 3-11 April the earthquakes were associated with daily emissions of gas-and-steam and gas-and-ash plumes. Ash-and-gas plumes rose as high as 1.5 km above the crater rim on 3 April and drifted NW and SW. During 6-7 April several pulsating ash emissions were observed in webcam images and by residents of La Cabaña (Murillo, Tolima). The emissions rose as high as 1.5 km and drifted SE and NE. Webcam images and La Cabaña residents again saw ash emissions on 10 April, rising as high as 1.8 km and drifting E and NE. Thermal anomalies from Arenas Crater were periodically visible through the week.
Sheveluch - Central Kamchatka (Russia) : On 28 March the Kamchatka Volcanological Station (KVS) reported that activity had increased at Sheveluch during the previous few days. Incandescence at the summit of the lava dome was constant and the focus of activity shifted from the E side to the NE side. KVERT reported that the ongoing eruption was generally characterized by explosions, hot avalanches, lava-dome extrusion, and strong fumarolic activity. A daily thermal anomaly was identified in satellite images during 30 March-6 April. Satellite images showed an ash plume drifting 250 km E and SE. Seismic data around 0054 local time on 11 April indicated a significant increase in activity, as reported by the Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences (IVS FEB RAS). According to the Tokyo VAAC the ash plume had risen to 15.8 km (52,000 ft) a.s.l. by 0110 and was drifting NW. By 0158 the plume extended over a 75 x 100 km area. KVS reported that significant pulses of activity occurred at around 0200, 0320, and then a stronger phase started around 0600. Video of the rising plume was taken at around 0600 from near Békés (3 km away) by Levin Dmitry, who reported that a pyroclastic flow traveled across the road behind him as he left the area. Ashfall began in Klyuchi (45 km SW) at 0630, and the large black ash plume had blocked the daylight by 0700. A large ash plume had risen to 10 km (32,800 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 100 km W. According to IVS FEB RAS the cloud was 200 km long and 76 km wide by 0830, and was spreading W at altitudes of 6-12 km (19,700-39,400 ft) a.s.l. KVS reported that at about 0930 the plume drifted over Kozyrevsk (112 km SW) and turned the day to night. Almost constant lightning strikes in the plume were visible and sounds like thunderclaps were heard until about 1000. The sky lightened up in Kozyrevsk at about 1030; residents in Klyuchi reported continuing darkness and ashfall at 1100. As the day went on the light had a reddish-brown hue due to the ash in the atmosphere. In some areas ashfall was 6 cm deep and some residents reported dirty water coming from their plumbing. At 1150 an ash cloud 400 km long and 250 km wide was spreading W at altitudes of 5-20 km (16,400-65,600 ft) a.s.l., according to IVS FEB RAS. KVERT issued a VONA at 1155 noting that ash had risen to 10 km and that it had extended 340 km NNW and 240 km WSW. According to Simon Carn about 0.2 Tg of sulfur dioxide in the plume was measured in a satellite image acquired at 1343. A satellite image at 1748 showed ash plumes rising to 8 km (26,200 ft) a.s.l. and drifting 430 km WSW and S, based on a VONA. Residents of Klyuchi measured ashfall as thick as 8.5 cm, according to the Kamchatka Branch of Geophysical Services (KBGS; Russian Academy of Sciences). In a VONA issued at 0748 on 12 April KVERT stated that strong explosions were continuing. Ash plumes from explosions rose to 8 km and drifted ESE. The larger ash cloud continued to drift and had extended 600 km SW and 1,050 km ESE. IVS FEB RAS scientists photographed the terminal part of a pyroclastic flow that had traveled 19 km SSE the day before, which had stopped a few hundred meters from a bridge on the road between Kliuchi and Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.4 earthquake hits New Britain, Papua New Guinea.
5.2 earthquake hits Mindanao in the Philippines.
5.0 earthquake hits near the east coast of Kamchatka, Russia.
Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone 18s (Ilsa), located approximately 192 nm northwest of Broome, Australia, is tracking southwestward at 05 knots.
EU agrees to push for worldwide phaseout of fossil fuels at COP28
European Union countries have agreed to push for the global phaseout of fossil fuels at COP28. Faced with climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution and the fallout of Russia’s attack on Ukraine, the EU says that our dependence on fossil fuels leaves us vulnerable.
Market volatility and geopolitical risk as well as the environmental and climate impacts of emissions-spewing fossil fuels are all grave concerns. The EU will systematically promote and call for a global move towards energy systems free of unabated fossil fuels well ahead of 2050.
Wildfires - South Korea
On Tuesday, a wind-swept wildfire ripped through the South Korean coastal city of Gangneung, destroying about 100 homes and forcing hundreds of residents and tourists to evacuate.
From early Tuesday, typhoon-class strong winds with an instantaneous maximum speed reaching 30 metres per second blew over Gangneung, 168 km east of Seoul, and other east coast areas of Gangwon province. The fire rapidly spread to the district's residential areas due to gusty winds, burning about 100 houses so far, according to the city's fire officials. No casualties have been reported yet.
Malaria - Costa Rica
Health officials in Costa Rica are reporting an outbreak of malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum in Limón province on the east coast of the country. As of April 7, 2023, the Ministry of Health, through the Health Surveillance Directorate, reports a total of 60 cases of falciparum malaria.
Marburg Virus - Equatorial Guinea
The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea reported an additional confirmed Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) case, bringing the number of confirmed cases to 15. In addition, another fatality has been reported, bringing that total to 11. Including the 20 probable cases (all fatal), 31 total deaths have been reported.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.1 earthquake hits Vanuatu.
5.1 earthquake hits New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.
5.0 earthquake hits the Molucca Sea.
