Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity - Ongoing Activity for the week of 12 April - 18 April 2017

Bagana | Bougainville (Papua New Guinea) : Based on analyses of satellite imagery and model data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 16-17 April ash plumes from Bagana rose to altitudes of 1.8-2.1 km (6,000-7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted N, SE, and S.

Bezymianny | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that during 7-14 April lava continued to advance down the NW flank of Bezymianny's lava dome. A thermal anomaly was identified in satellite images daily. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange.

Bogoslof | Fox Islands (USA) : Increased seismicity at Bogoslof was recorded by stations on nearby islands starting around 1501 on 15 April, prompting AVO to raise the Aviation colour Code to Orange and the Volcano Alert Level to Watch. The seismic activity subsided a few hours later; there was no evidence of renewed eruptive activity from infrasound, lightning, or satellite data during 15-18 April.

Colima | Mexico : On 14 April the Centro Universitario de Estudios e Investigaciones de Vulcanologia - Universidad de Colima reported that during the previous week seismic data revealed 48 high-frequency events, 30 long-period events, 3.3 hours of tremor, 10 landslides, and two explosions.

Dukono | Halmahera (Indonesia) : Based on analyses of satellite imagery, wind model data, and notices from PVMBG, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 12-18 April ash plumes from Dukono rose to an altitude of 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted S, SW, W, and N.

Ebeko | Paramushir Island (Russia) : KVERT reported that during 7-14 April several explosions at Ebeko were observed by residents of Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island) about 7 km E. Ash plumes rose as high as 2.6 km (8,500 ft) a.s.l. Minor amounts of ash fell in Severo-Kurilsk on 12 April. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).

Etna | Sicily (Italy) : INGV reported that the effusive eruption from a vent in the saddle between Etna's Southeast Crater (SEC) - New Southeast Crater (NSEC) cone complex ended during 8-9 April. During 10-11 April lava effused from a vent located at the S base of the SEC. The lava flow traveled SE and flowed several hundred meters down the W wall of the Valle del Bove. In the evening of 13 April short-lived explosive activity occurred at a vent at the S flank of the SEC cone at about 3,200 m elevation. That vent and another at 3,150 m elevation produced lava flows for a few hours. Lava also effused from the vent at the S base of SEC, 3,010 m elevation, during 13-14 April, traveling SE and down the W wall of the Valle del Bove on top of the flows from 10-11 April.

Kilauea | Hawaiian Islands (USA) : During 12-18 April HVO reported that the lava lake continued to rise, fall, and spatter in Kilauea’s Overlook crater. Webcams recorded incandescence from long-active sources within Pu'u 'O'o Crater, from a vent high on the NE flank of the cone, and from a small lava pond in a pit on the W side of the crater. The 61G lava flow, originating from a vent on Pu'u 'O'o Crater's E flank, continued to enter the ocean at Kamokuna. A growing lava delta is building where the lava enters the water. Surface lava flows were active above the pali.

Nevado del Ruiz | Colombia : Servicio Geológico Colombiano’s (SGC) Observatorio Vulcanológico y Sismológico de Manizales reported that at 1822 on 14 April a seismic event at Nevado del Ruiz was recorded, associated with a gas-and-ash emission recorded by the webcam that rose almost 1.2 km above the crater. The Alert Level remained at III (Yellow; the second lowest level on a four-colour scale).

Nevados de Chillan | Chile : The Buenos Aires VAAC reported that on 17 April a webcam recorded the ejection of incandescent material from Nevados de Chillán, and a possible ash plume that rose to 3.7 km (12,000 ft) a.s.l.

Sabancaya | Peru : Observatorio Vulcanológico del Sur del IGP (OVS-IGP) and Observatorio Vulcanológico del INGEMMET (OVI) reported that during 10-16 April seismicity at Sabancaya increased compared to the previous week, with an average of 37 explosions recorded per day. Ash plumes rose as high as 3 km above the crater rim (13 April) and drifted more than 40 km NW and SE. The Buenos Aires VAAC reported that on 17 April ash plumes rose to an altitude of 7.9 km (26,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SE. The next day ash emissions were recorded by the webcam. The Alert Level remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).

Sheveluch | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that during 7-14 April lava-dome extrusion onto Sheveluch’s N flank was accompanied by strong fumarolic activity, dome incandescence, ash explosions, and hot avalanches. Satellite images showed a daily thermal anomaly over the dome, and an ash plume that drifted 82 km SW on 10 April. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).

Sinabung | Indonesia : Based on PVMBG observations, satellite images, and wind data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 12-15 and 17 April ash plumes from Sinabung rose to altitudes of 3-4.6 km (10,000-15,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted W, SW, and E.

Turrialba | Costa Rica : OVSICORI-UNA reported a passive ash emission from Turrialba on 16 April. An event at 0751 on 17 April generated a plume with minor ash content that rose 500 m above the crater and drifted SW. A diffuse plume consisting of gas and sometimes ash rose 1 km above the crater and drifted W on 18 April.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

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

5.1 Earthquake hits the Kuril Islands.

5.0 Earthquake hits the Ryukyu Islands off Japan.

5.0 Earthquake hits Jujuy, Argentina.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the North Atlantic Ocean: Subtropical Depression One is located about 730 mi...1170 km WSW of the Azores with maximum sustained winds...35 mph...55 km/h. Present movement...N or 350 degrees at 14 mph...22 km/h.

NewsBytes:

Uganda - Heavy rains that have pounded some parts of the eastern region since mid-March on Monday washed away three bridges on the Mbale-Tirinyi road, leaving one person dead. Hundreds of stranded motorists had to find alternative routes after unseasonable rainfall hit the villages for nearly three hours.

Colombia - Flooding and mudslides in central Colombia have killed at least 11 people, the Red Cross said Wednesday, causing alarm in a country still recovering from recent mudslides that killed hundreds. At least 20 people are missing after torrential rains lashed the city of Manizales, officials said, raising fears the death toll could soar as it did earlier this month in the southern city of Mocoa.

Global Warming

Antarctic meltwater lakes threaten sea levels - study

Antarctic meltwater lakes are far more common than once thought and could destabilise glaciers, potentially lifting sea levels by metres as global warming sets in, scientists said on Wednesday.

Most vulnerable are the massive, floating ice shelves that ring the Antarctic continent and help prevent inland glaciers from sliding toward the sea, they reported in the journal Nature.

Antarctica holds enough frozen water to push up global oceans by tens of metres.

Meltwater pooling on the surface of ice shelves can suddenly drain below the surface, fracturing the ice with heat and pressure, studies have shown.

Rising temperatures are eroding ice shelves - which can be hundreds of metres thick and extend hundreds of kilometres over ocean water - on two fronts, scientists say.

From above, warmer air and shifting winds remove snow cover, exposing the bedrock ice underneath. Because ice has a darker, blueish tint, it absorbs more of the Sun's radiation rather than reflecting it back into space.

But the main damage to ice shelves comes from ocean water eroding their underbellies.

Normally, that erosion is compensated by the accumulation of fresh snow and ice from above.

But oceans in recent decades have absorbed much of the excess heat generated by global warming, which has lifted average global air temperatures by 1°C since the mid-19th century.

Temperatures in Earth's polar regions have risen twice as fast during the same period. On the Antarctic Peninsula - which juts north toward South America - they have shot up by 3.5°C in just the last 50 years.

Disease

Italy - Measles Outbreak Update

In a follow-up on the measles outbreak in Italy, health officials have reported 1603 measles cases since the beginning of the year through Apr. 16, according to the Ministero della Salute today.

Nigeria - Meningitis Outbreak Update

The meningococcal meningitis numbers keep piling up in parts of Nigeria as officials now put the case count at 8,057 suspected cases and 745 deaths as of Monday, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity - New Activity for the week of 12 April - 18 April 2017

Aira | Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that a very small eruption at Minamidake summit crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) occurred on 16 April. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a 5-level scale).

Ibu | Halmahera (Indonesia) : Based on ground and satellite observations, PVMBG and the Darwin VAAC reported that during 12-13 and 17 April ash plumes from Ibu rose 1.5-1.8 km (4,900-5,900 ft) a.s.l. and drifted S and SW.

Kambalny | Southern Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that observers in the South Kamchatka Sanctuary noted an ash plume from Kambalny rising to an altitude of 7 km (23,000 ft) a.s.l. on 9 April. Ash plumes identified in satellite images drifted 50 km NE on 9 April and about 170 km SE the next day. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange.

Manam | Papua New Guinea : RVO reported that incandescence from both Manam's Southern Crater and Main Crater fluctuated in intensity during 1-15 April, and incandescent material was occasionally ejected from the craters. RSAM values averaged around 100. On 15 April RSAM values fluctuated, with a peak of 450 at 0600 and other peaks throughout the day, though with RSAM values not as high. RVO interpreted the high RSAM values as changes in seismicity from discrete low-frequency earthquakes, to sub-continuous volcanic tremor, and then to continuous volcanic tremor.

During 0300-0800 on 16 April RSAM values were high (peaking at 400); there were no reports of associated anomalous eruptive activity, though RVO noted communication problems. Based on RSAM data, a small-to-medium eruption began between 1400 and 1600 on 16 April. Seismicity was initially erratic, and peaked at about 0030 and 0100 on 17 April. A Dugulava village resident (S side of island) briefly viewed the eruption and reported that incandescent material was ejected from the crater and fell into the N and SW valleys. Rumbling and roaring was also heard. Activity decreased around 0600 and remained low until the next day. Strong Strombolian activity at Southern Crater was observed at about 1300 on 18 April, and roaring and rumbling was heard. Dense and dark ash clouds rose a few hundred meters above the crater rim and drifted NW. Two small pyroclastic flows descended the SE and SW valleys, terminating at about 1 km a.s.l. At about 1500 Strombolian activity subsided, coinciding with a very loud explosion. Activity fluctuated though was low until 2100, and then afterwards light-gray ash plumes rose above the crater. White-to-gray ash plumes rose above Main Crater during 17-18 April, and small ejections of material occurred about every five minutes.

Poas | Costa Rica : OVSICORI-UNA reported that a strong 40-minute phreatic eruption from an area in between the lava dome and the hot lake at Poás was recorded on 12 April starting at 1830. An eruption column consisting of water, altered rocks, sediments, and gases was produced; the height of the column could not be determined due to poor visibility. Ash fell around the crater and to the NW in Bajos del Toro. A water-level increase of 2 m in the Desague River, with headwaters at the S part of the crater, was noted. According to news articles the National Emergency Committee (CNE) evacuated residents living near the Desague River. The Poás Volcano National Park closed the next day.

At 1546 on 13 April an eight-minute-long eruption produced a plume that rose 500 m above the crater rim. The event rendered a webcam on the N rim inoperable. Events at 0758 (strong) and 1055 on 14 April generated plumes of an unknown height. A 10-minute-long event which began at 0810 on 15 April again produced a plume of unknown height. Frequent (2-3 events per hour) small short-lived phreatic eruptions were recorded by seismographs during 15-16 April. A plume that rose 500 m followed an eruption at 0946 on 16 April. Later that day, at 1350, an event generated a plume that rose 1 km. A news article reported that boulders as large as 2 m in diameter fell in an area 30 m away from a tourist trail, breaking a water pipe. Rocks also damaged fences and concrete floors in viewing areas. Small, frequent, and short-lived phreatic eruptions continued to be recorded through 18 April. A video posted by a news outlet showed an explosion ejecting incandescent material.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

6.0 Earthquake hits northern Peru.

There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries, though the quake could be felt strongly as far away as Colombia and Ecuador.

6.0 Earthquake hits Fiji.

5.1 Earthquake hits North Island, New Zealand.

5.0 Earthquake hits northern Peru.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

There are no current tropical storms.

NewsBytes:

Singapore - Flash floods blanketed several parts of Singapore on Tuesday afternoon, with water submerging vehicles up to mid-tyre level.

Peru - The death toll from flooding and mudslides plaguing Peru since the start of the year has risen to 113 people, including five killed last weekend, officials have said. The natural disasters, which scientists blame on a climate phenomenon called “coastal El Nino,” have also left more than 178,000 people homeless, the National Centre for Emergency Operations said in its latest update yesterday. Another one million people’s homes have been partly damaged, and more than 2,500 kilometres of roads have been destroyed.

Nature - Images

Interesting Images

Thousands of spiders spun a web "blanket" that covered a field in New Zealand.

Disease

Qatar reports 2nd MERS case in a month

Health officials in Qatar have reported an additional Middle East Respiratory syndrome (MERS) case in 2017 in a 25-year-old patient, according to a news release. This is the second case reported in Qatar in less than a month and the 20th case since the coronavirus was first detected in 2012.

Pakistan Chikungunya Tally

The number of suspected cases of chikungunya in the Karachi area has eclipsed 1,000 since Dec. 2016, according to the Pakistan Ministry of National Health Services. Between 19 December 2016 and 30 March 2017, a total of 1018 suspected cases of chikungunya have been reported in various districts in Karachi. No deaths have been reported so far.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.1 Earthquake hits the Kashmir-India border.

5.0 Earthquake hits Antofagasta, Chile.

5.0 Earthquake hits the Hindu Kush, Afghanistan.

5.0 Earthquake hits Kamchatka, Russia.

5.0 Earthquake hits Vanuatu.

5.0 Earthquake hits Tonga.

Global Warming

Climate change causes huge Canadian river to vanish in four days

Slims River in Canada is no more as the water that once fed it now flows south, not north.

A river disappeared in just four days after a melting glacier retreated so much that it opened up an alternative route to the sea.

Such dramatic changes are known in the geological record but this is believed to be the first time in 350 years that an entire river has vanished.

The Kaskawulsh glacier in Canada has retreated about a mile up its valley over the past 100 years, researchers reported in the journal Nature Geoscience. Until last spring, it sent meltwater into the Slims River, which eventually flowed north to the Bering Sea.

However the glacier shrank back so much that the water was able to join the Kaskawulsh River, which flows south into the Gulf of Alaska. And that saw the Slims River turn into a long thin lake and gradually start to dry up.

Space Events

Lyrid meteor shower 2017

From now until 25 April, stargazers who observe the night sky may be able to get a good view of the Lyrid meteor shower. The best time to spot the dusty comet trail however will be on April 22, just before dawn.

The Lyrid meteor shower is among the oldest to have been recorded. Lyrids have been observed for more than 2,600 years. They are pieces of debris from the periodic Comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher which can be seen from Earth each year from mid-April, as the planet runs into the stream of debris from the comet.

Comet Thatcher orbits the sun about once every 415 years. Its most recent closest approach to the sun was in 1861 and it won't be back until 2276.

A typical Lyrid meteor shower produces 15 to 20 meteors per hour but in some years, the shower intensifies. Up to 100 meteors an hour can then be seen. This is called an "outburst" and astronomers usually struggle to predict when they occur.

Disease

Niger - hepatitis E outbreak

Officials with the Niger Ministry of Health notified the World Health Organization (WHO) of a hepatitis E outbreak in the eastern part of the country.

Dengue deaths top 1000 in the Philippines in 2016

For the second year in a row, the Philippines reported more than 200,000 dengue fever cases, according to the Department of Health, National Epidemiology Centre, Philippines.|

After reporting 200,415 suspected cases of dengue, including 598 deaths in 2015, health officials on the archipelago report 211,108 suspected cases of dengue reported in 2016, including 1019 deaths.

Measles prompts travel advisory for Belgium, Italy and Germany

Measles has been reported in increased numbers in several European counties, most notably Romania. In addition to Romania, Belgium, Italy and Germany has been affected by measles into 2017. This has prompted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to issue new travel notices for the above countries.

In Belgium, through Mar. 31, Wallonia reported 266 measles cases. The outbreak affects all provinces of Wallonia, with the exception of the province of Luxembourg. All age groups are affected and 53% of cases are over 15 years. Most of the cases were not vaccinated or did not know their vaccination status. Nearly 40% were hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

In Italy, since the beginning of 2017 and as of 4 April 2017, Italy reported 1,333 cases of measles, with 131 cases among healthcare workers. The cases are reported from 19 of the 21 regions in Italy. A majority of the cases (93%) are from Piedmont, Lazio, Lombardy, Tuscany, Abruzzi and Sicily. Most of the cases are above 15 years and 88% of the cases were not vaccinated.

According to the German National Public Health Institute, since the beginning of 2017 and as of 12 March 2017, Germany reported 272 cases. In the same period in 2016, Germany reported 18 cases.

Nigeria - Meningitis - Update

In a follow-up on the meningococcal meningitis outbreak in several Nigerian states, the number of suspected cases has increased by another 1000 and the death tally has topped 600, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). Health officials put the officials numbers at a total of 5,695 suspected cases.

Leprosy in Florida, USA - Update

In a follow-up to the number of leprosy, or Hansen’s disease cases in Florida in 2017, Florida state health officials have reported five additional confirmed cases since late February, bringing the total to seven.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.7 Earthquake hits Vanuatu.

5.6 Earthquake hits Antigua and Barbuda.

5.1 Earthquake hits Vanuatu.

5.0 Earthquake hits south off Fiji.

5.0 Earthquake hits Antigua and Barbuda.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the north Indian Ocean: Tropical cyclone 01b (Maarutha) has dissipated.

NewsBytes:

Quebec, Canada - Hydro-Meteo teams are on high alert throughout Quebec as flood risks remain alongside multiple waterways. Very high levels of water were observed in the St. Lawrence River, as well as on the Outaouais, Mille Iles and Prairies rivers and the Deux Montagnes Lake. There were other areas of concern in the Eastern Townships, Lanaudiere, Beauce and Quebec City regions due to rain and milder temperatures than usual, which has melted more snow than expected.

Global Warming

Mysterious crack appears in one of Greenland’s largest glaciers

The first photographs of a new and ominous crack in Greenland’s enormous Petermann Glacier were captured by a NASA airborne mission Friday.

The NASA pictures make clear that a significant new rift has opened near the center of the glacier’s floating ice shelf — an unusual location that raises questions about how it formed. Moreover, this crack is not so distant from another much wider and longer crack that has been slowly extending toward the shelf’s center from its eastern side wall. The two cracks are clearly visible in this image taken from the aircraft: Oblique photo of a portion of the new rift, near bottom center, on Petermann Glacier’s floating ice shelf and an older curved rift from the flank of the shelf, near top center.

If the two cracks were to intersect, then a single break would run across more than half of the ice shelf. That might, in turn, cause the piece to begin to break away.

Space Events

Large Asteroid to Pass Close By Earth April 19

An asteroid as big as the Rock of Gibraltar will streak past Earth on April 19 at a safe but uncomfortably close distance, according to astronomers. “Although there is no possibility for the asteroid to collide with our planet, this will be a very close approach for an asteroid this size,” NASA said in a statement.

Dubbed 2014-JO25 and roughly 650 metres (2,000 feet) across, the asteroid will come within 1.8 million kilometres (1.1 million miles) of Earth, less than five times the distance to the Moon. It will pass closest to our planet after having looped around the Sun. 2014-J25’s will then continue on past Jupiter before heading back toward the centre of our Solar System.

Disease

Syphilis in Brazil

Government officials in the Federal District in Brazil say the syphilis situation has reached epidemic status and the exact reason for the rise is still unknown. In 2016 alone, 1,288 cases were reported in the federal capital.

Foot and Mouth Disease in Algeria

Following the outbreak of the disease in Algeria, Morocco immediately took preventive measures to protect the national herd, the office pointed out in a statement, adding that these measures include the strengthening of health surveillance of the national livestock population, in particular in border areas. A monitoring unit was set up to ensure the daily monitoring of the disease and its evolution in neighboring countries, the source said, adding that no case of FMD has been detected in Morocco.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.7 Earthquake hits the South Indian Ocean

5.1 Earthquake hits Mindanao in the Philippines.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the north Indian Ocean: Tropical cyclone 01b (Maarutha), located approximately 333 nm south of Chittagong, Bangladesh, is tracking northeastward at 09 knots over the past six hours.

NewsBytes:

Iran - At least 35 people have died and eight are reported missing after heavy rains triggered flash floods in north-west Iran. Four provinces have been battered by torrential downpours. Ajab Shir and Azar Shahr in East Azerbaijan are said to be the worst hit. The death toll could rise, with more rain forecast for the region.

Philippines - Seven are confirmed dead while 2 others are missing due to nonstop rains and heavy flooding in parts of Cebu. Six of the casualties were from Carmen, Cebu where 73 houses were washed out due to nonstop rains.

Wildlife

Brazil’s response to a huge yellow fever outbreak: Kill the monkeys

A yellow fever outbreak is tearing through Brazil leaving thousands dead in its wake — thousands of monkeys, that is. Not only are monkeys susceptible to yellow fever, but local residents have begun pre-emptively killing monkeys, incorrectly assuming that they help spread the disease.

As the epidemic advances, rural towns are littered with monkey corpses falling from trees, terrifying villagers. One town in the southern state of Minas had to close down a park after 38 dead monkeys were found in its premises.

But, contrary to local lore, these primates don’t transmit the disease. In fact, they play a crucial role in preventing its spread. A dead monkey is often the first sign yellow fever has reached a new town, which can serve as an alarm bell for authorities directing vaccination campaigns. It’s a warning sign that allows health officials to monitor the disease before it hits humans.

Scientists are calling the monkey killings an environmental disaster. Howler monkeys have been hit the hardest, with more than 1,000 killed since January. As the disease spreads north, scientists are particularly worried about the endangered brown howler monkeys, which have already started to become infected and face the threat of extinction.

Disease

H7N9 avian influenza in China

The Chinese National Health and Family Planning Commission reported on 14 additional human cases of avian influenza A(H7N9), including two deaths.

TB Outbreak on Batam Island

About 1,969 people are suspected of contracting tuberculosis or TB, and 860 people have been tested positive for TB in Batam Island. Based on provisional data, 726 of the 860 patients tested positive for TB are undergoing treatment that lasts for six months. Difficulties arise when patients feel better after two weeks and stop taking the medication, often resulting in a relapse.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

6.3 Earthquake hits Antofagasta, Chile.

5.4 Earthquake hits Antofagasta, Chile.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the western Pacific Ocean: Tropical depression 02w (Two), located approximately 373 nm east-southeast of Manila, Philippines, is tracking west-northwestward at 08 knots.

NewsBytes:

Indonesia - Hundreds of residents of flood prone areas in Cipinang Melayu in East Jakarta took shelter in higher places on Tuesday evening, hours after the nearby Sunter Reservoir overflowed because of heavy rain. The inundation was 1.5 meters deep on Tuesday night.

Indonesia - Flash floods in Indonesia's western province of Aceh have left two dead and one missing while damaging hundreds of houses. Heavy downpours on Thursday led to flooding in two districts, said the National Board of Disaster Management. Scores of people were evacuated, and rescuers have started emergency relief efforts.

Uruguay - Almost 1,700 people have been evacuated in Uruguay’s Artigas Department amid heavy flooding. The total number of people displaced in that department currently stands at 1,675. Of this total, 645 have been evacuated and 1,030 have self-evacuated. The level of the Cuareim (Quarai) River continues to fall, currently the water is at 8.8 meters (about 29 feet), almost 3 meters (10 feet) less than the Wednesday level. All the people who have been evacuated amid flooding, which started as heavy rains caused the river to burst its banks, are currently housed at 15 temporary shelters.

Environment

Two billion people drinking contaminated water: WHO

Dramatic improvements are needed in ensuring access to clean water and sanitation worldwide, the World Health Organisation said on Thursday, warning that nearly two billion people currently use faecal-contaminated water. Hundreds of thousands of people die each year because they are forced to drink contaminated water.

"Today, almost two billion people use a source of drinking-water contaminated with faeces, putting them at risk of contracting cholera, dysentery, typhoid and polio," Maria Neira, who head's WHO's public health department, said in a statement.

"Contaminated drinking-water is estimated to cause more than 500 000 diarrhoeal deaths each year and is a major factor in several neglected tropical diseases, including intestinal worms, schistosomiasis and trachoma," she added.

Disease

Duck Plague in Mesquite, Texas, USA

The City of Mesquite has confirmed that more than 50 duck deaths at various Mesquite parks during the past few weeks is being caused by a duck virus also known as Duck Enteritis Virus, aka duck plague. The public is not at risk, as the disease is shared only between ducks and other waterfowl. This disease will run its course among the ducks, as there are no effective treatments available.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.8 Earthquake hits Fiji.

5.5 Earthquake hits the southern Mid-Atlantic ridge.

5.3 Earthquake hits the Philippines.

5.2 Earthquake hits Djibouti.

5.0 Earthquake hits western Turkey.

5.0 Earthquake hits Ascension Island.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the western Pacific Ocean: Tropical depression 02w (Two), located approximately 568 nm east-southeast of Manila, Philippines, is tracking west-northwestward at 09 knots.

NewsBytes:

Israel - Heavy rains in the Negev and the Arabah area led to several blocked roads, including the exit from the city of Eilat. On Thursday, heavy storm clouds coming from the south are expected to bring more rains. In the region of kibbutz Neot Smadar next to the Arabah rode, 23 millimeters of rain have fallen so far. In the North, strong showers fell accompanied by hail, especially in the southern region of the Golan Heights and the Sea of Galilee.

Georgia, USA - The National Weather Service (NWS) found a total of 33 tornado tracks in North and Central Georgia for between April 3 - 5. 26 of these tracks occurred on April 3, 2017. The NWS has confirmed 13 tornadoes in Central Georgia on April 3, 2017. The tornado outbreak produced two EF-2 tornadoes, seven EF-1 tornadoes, and four EF-0 tornadoes in Central Georgia. Four tornadoes occurred in Wilkinson County. One tornado was rated an EF-2 that struck Gordon, GA. The other EF-2 tornado pushed through Twiggs, Wilkinson, and Laurens county with maximum winds of 122 mph.

Illinois, USA - Two tornadoes touched down during severe storms Wednesday evening in Clark County: one in Enon and the other six miles west of Springfield. Neither resulted in injuries.

Environment

Atlantic Ocean invades the Arctic

The waters of the Arctic Ocean are becoming increasingly similar to those of the Atlantic as warm currents from the south flow in, according to a new report.

It says the intrusion of the warmer Atlantic currents is also contributing to the accelerated melting of sea ice. The increased Atlantic currents have removed a thick layer of cold surface waters that had previously insulated the polar ice cap, allowing it to thin.

“Rapid changes in the eastern Arctic Ocean, which allow more heat from the ocean interior to reach the bottom of sea ice, are making it more sensitive to climate changes,” said oceanographer Igor Polyakov.

Tree Massacre in Poland

Environmentalists say that changes to a Polish law have led to a “massacre” of trees across the country.

New legislation that went into effect on Jan. 1 removed previous requirements that private landowners who want to cut down trees must apply for permission, pay compensation, plant new trees or even notify authorities about the removal of trees.

“We used to receive around one telephone call a day from people concerned about trees being cut down in their area. But suddenly, we had two telephones ringing all day long,” said Pawel Szypulski of Greenpeace.

Freshly cleared spaces are now being reported around Polish cities and across the countryside.

Wildlife

Hippo’s Poisoned in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe officials have launched an investigation into how 11 hippos died from suspected poisoning along the country’s Mlibizi River.

Environment, Water and Climate Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri told reporters she feared the use of chemicals in agriculture to kill weeds and invading worms could have polluted the waters in which the hippos live and feed.

“So, whatever that is put on the ground ends up in our water,” she said. “It affects our fish, our crocodiles, our hippos, and we are seeing that this is a feature that we ignored in the past.”

Environment

Global Temperature Extremes

The week's hottest temperature was 116.0 degrees Fahrenheit (46.7 degrees Celsius) in Nawabshah, Pakistan.

The week's coldest temperature was minus 99.0 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 72.8 degrees Celsius) at Vostok, Antarctica.

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

Disease

Mumps Outbreak in Texas, USA

Texas health authorities are trying to combat a record-breaking outbreak of mumps that has swept through the state. The Texas Department of State Health Services reported there have been 221 cases of mumps in the state this year, the highest number since 1994 when 234 cases were reported. College students in particular have been among the hardest hit by the virus.

Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity - Ongoing Activity for the week of 5 April - 11 April 2017

Bagana | Bougainville (Papua New Guinea) : Based on analyses of satellite imagery and wind model data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 6-9 April ash plumes from Bagana rose to an altitude of 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE, E, S, and W.

Bezymianny | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that during 1-6 April lava continued to advance down the NW flank of Bezymianny's lava dome. A thermal anomaly was identified in satellite images daily. The Aviation Colour Code remained at Orange.

Bogoslof | Fox Islands (USA) : On 5 April AVO reported that the Aviation Colour Code for Bogoslof was lowered to Yellow and the Volcano Alert Level was lowered to Advisory based on the absence of detected activity at the volcano for the past three weeks; the last large explosion occurred on 8 March. No significant volcanic activity was detected in seismic, infrasound, or satellite data during 6-11 April.

Chirinkotan | Kuril Islands (Russia) : Based on Tokyo VAAC data, SVERT reported that on 7 April an ash plume from Chirinkotan rose to an altitude of 5 km (16,400 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE. The Aviation Colour Code remained at Yellow (on a four-Colour scale).

Cleveland | Chuginadak Island (USA) : AVO reported that no significant volcanic activity at Cleveland was detected in seismic, infrasound, or satellite data since an explosion occurred on 24 March. The Aviation Colour Code was lowered to Yellow and the Volcano Alert Level was lowered to Advisory on 5 April.

Colima | Mexico : On 7 April the Centro Universitario de Estudios e Investigaciones de Vulcanologia - Universidad de Colima reported that during the previous week the seismic data revealed 38 high-frequency events, 23 long-period events, 2.4 hours of tremor, 18 landslides, and two low-intensity explosions. The sulfur dioxide flux was as high as 640 tons/day.

Dukono | Halmahera (Indonesia) : Based on analyses of satellite imagery, wind model data, and notices from PVMBG, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 5-11 April ash plumes from Dukono rose to altitudes of 1.8-2.1 km (6,000-7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE, SE, and S.

Ebeko | Paramushir Island (Russia) : KVERT reported that during 4-6 April several explosions at Ebeko were observed by residents of Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island) about 7 km E. Ash plumes rose as high as 4 km (13,100 ft) a.s.l. Minor amounts of ash fell in Severo-Kurilsk on 6 April. The Aviation Colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-Colour scale).

Etna | Sicily (Italy) : INGV reported that the eruptive episode that began on 15 March from a vent in the saddle between Etna's Southeast Crater (SEC) - New Southeast Crater (NSEC) cone complex was characterized by Strombolian activity and ash emissions. Lava had traveled down into the Valle del Bove from the W rim; by the afternoon of 18 March almost continuous collapses of parts of the lava flow produced several avalanches of incandescent material which reached the base of the wall. Explosive activity had greatly declined earlier that morning. The collapsing stopped by early the next evening, 19 March, and the lava reached the base of the valley. That lava flow stopped advancing on 20 March though a few lava flows closer to the vent remained active the next few days. On 21 March a new lava flow expanded SSW, but then stopped in the last days of March at an elevation of 2,300 m. A few more lava flows had followed a similar path in early April and then also stopped at the same elevation. Around 28 March a new pit crater had formed on the S part of the pyroclastic cone which had formed around the SEC-NSEC saddle vent. Strong glow form the pit crater was observed at night.

Fuego | Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that during 6-11 April explosions at Fuego generated ash plumes that rose as high as 850 m above the crater rim and drifted as far as11 km W, SW, and S. Ashfall was reported in areas downwind including Panimaché I and II (8 km SW), Morelia (9 km SW), and Santa Sofía (12 km SW). Rumbling from the explosions was sometimes heard. During 10-11 April incandescent material was ejected 100-150 m above the crater, generating minor avalanches in the area of the cone.

Kilauea | Hawaiian Islands (USA) : During 5-11 April HVO reported that the lava lake continued to rise, fall, and spatter in Kilauea’s Overlook crater. Webcams recorded incandescence from long-active sources within Pu'u 'O'o Crater, from a vent high on the NE flank of the cone, and from a small lava pond in a pit on the W side of the crater. The 61G lava flow, originating from a vent on Pu'u 'O'o Crater's E flank, continued to enter the ocean at Kamokuna from the end of the lava tube, about 20 m above the water. A growing lava delta was an estimated 25 m out from the base of the sea cliff by 10 April. Surface lava flows were active above the pali and on the coastal plain.

Klyuchevskoy | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that during 1-4 April explosions at Klyuchevskoy generated ash plumes that rose to altitudes of 5-6 km (16,400-19,700 ft) a.s.l. Satellite images showed a thermal anomaly over the volcano during 1-2 and 4 April, and ash plumes that drifted 400 km in multiple directions. No explosions were recorded after 4 April; the Aviation Colour Code was lowered to Yellow on 10 April.

Nevado del Ruiz | Colombia : Servicio Geológico Colombiano’s (SGC) Observatorio Vulcanológico y Sismológico de Manizales reported that during 4-11 April seismicity at Nevado del Ruiz continued to indicate unrest. Signals indicating fracturing rock slightly increased in both size and number as compared to the previous week. During 10-11 April a period of short-duration and very low energy drumbeat signals were recorded, indicating rising magma. Water vapor and gas continued to be emitted. Gas, steam, and ash plumes rose 1.5 km above the crater rim on 10 April and drifted NW. Thermal anomalies were identified on 4, 6, and 7 April. The Alert Level remained at III (Yellow; the second lowest level on a four-Colour scale).

Nevados de Chillan | Chile : The Buenos Aires VAAC reported that on 6 and 8 April a webcam recorded ash emissions rising from Nevados de Chillán and dissipating quickly. On 6 April the emissions rose as high as 4 km (13,000 ft) a.s.l. Minor ash emissions were observed on 10 April.

Pacaya | Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that incandescence from Pacaya’s Mackenney cone was visible at night and at dawn during 6-11 April. Weak explosions accompanied by rumbling was sometimes noted.

Sabancaya | Peru : Observatorio Vulcanológico del Sur del IGP (OVS-IGP) and Observatorio Vulcanológico del INGEMMET (OVI) reported that during 3-9 April seismicity at Sabancaya declined compared to the previous week, with an average of 27 explosions recorded per day. Ash plumes rose as high as 3.2 km above the crater rim (on 8 April) and drifted more than 40 km NW and NE. Ashfall was reported in Pinchollo (20 km N), Maca, and Chivay. The Buenos Aires VAAC reported that diffuse ash plumes drifted 100 km E on 9 April. Intermittent ash emissions during 10-11 April rose as high as 7 km (23,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SE. The Alert Level remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-Colour scale).

Sheveluch | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that during 1-6 April lava-dome extrusion onto Sheveluch’s N flank was accompanied by strong fumarolic activity, dome incandescence, ash explosions, and hot avalanches. Satellite images showed a daily thermal anomaly over the dome, and ash plumes that drifted 20 km SE on 3 April. The Aviation Colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-Colour scale).

Sinabung | Indonesia : Based on PVMBG observations and wind data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 7 and 9-11 April ash plumes from Sinabung rose to altitudes of 3.4-8.2 km (11,000-27,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted E, SE, and WNW.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.4 Earthquake hits Coquimbo, Chile.

5.4 Earthquake hits Mindanao in the Philippines.

5.3 Earthquake hits the southern Mid-Atlantic ridge.

5.1 Earthquake hits the Ryukyu Islands off Japan.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

No current tropical storms.

NewsBytes:

New Zealand - Less than a week after severe floods caused by Cyclone Debbie, residents of the North Island are preparing for the arrival of another storm system, ex-Tropical Cyclone Cook. An active frontal system has already brought more than 60mm of rain to the northern half of the South Island. This represents almost one month's worth of rain in a typical April. In the coming hours, Cook's remnants will make their presence felt across the North Island.

Canada - A series of intense rain storms forced waves further up the beaches near Toronto than seen in decades past. Several old buildings were saved by local residents who built sand and rock berms to protect against the flood waters.

Wildlife

Cyclone Debbie Demolishes Great Barrier Reef

As severe bleaching wreaks havoc on the coral, the Great Barrier Reef has had to deal with another devastating blow — Cyclone Debbie.

Fierce 260kph winds tore through the Whitsunday Islands before making landfall at Airlie Beach, and news.com.au went underwater to see the destruction first hand.

The once dazzlingly beautiful coral has been reduced to rubble by the cyclone, the diverse life that dived between its delicate fronds wiped out, with bloodied pieces of dead fish lying on the seabed.

Branches have snapped off and huge pieces of coral lifted up and thrown aside as Debbie raged through the reef.

Wildfires

Wildfires - Florida, USA

Firefighters are battling wildfires from the top of Florida near the Georgia line to Miami-Dade County in the south as the governor declared a state of emergency Tuesday.

Wildfires are burning on a total of more than 23,800 acres (9,600 hectares) of land and have destroyed 19 homes, authorities said. Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam said this is the most active wildfire season since 2011, with some 107 fires statewide.

Disease

Melbourne, Australia: Legionnaires’ Disease

The Victoria Department of Health and Human Services has recently identified five cases of Legionnaires’ disease (Legionella pneumophila, serogroup 1) involving individuals who have spent time in the eastern half of Melbourne’s Central Business District (CBD) and/or Southbank. All five required treatment in hospital.

Tonga: Typhoid

The Tonga Ministry of Health has reported eleven typhoid cases since January, including five cases from the village of Veitongo. This has prompted health officials to temporarily ban kava drinking in public halls in an effort to get the outbreak under control.

Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity - New Activity for the week of 5 April - 11 April 2017

Aira | Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that an explosion from the Minamidake summit crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) at 1004 on 4 April generated an ash plume that rose 1.2 km above the crater rim. During field work later that day, scientists observed ashfall in Sakurajima Koike-cho in Kagoshima (3 km NW). The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a 5-level scale).

Banda Api | Indonesia : PVMBG reported that seismicity at Banda Api had been increasing since the beginning of March, though during 1-4 April seismic patterns were similar to those recorded before an eruption in 1988. The Alert Level was raised to 2 (on a scale of 1-4); visitors and residents were warned not to approach Banda Api within a 1-km radius of the summit area.

Cerro Azul | Isla Isabela (Ecuador) : IG reported that deformation data showed continued inflation after 20 March, indicating that the volume of the magma intrusion below Cerro Azul's SSE flank had increased. Seismicity decreased after 25 March possibly signifying a halt in the intrusion.

Dempo | Indonesia : Observers at the PVMBG Dempo observation post reported that during January and February no plumes rose from Dempo's crater, and during 1 March-4 April diffuse white plumes rose no higher than 50 m above the crater. Seismicity increased from 21 March to 4 April. The Alert Level was raised to 2 (on a scale from 1-4) on 5 April. Visitors and residents were advised not to approach the craters within 3 km.

Ibu | Halmahera (Indonesia) : Based on ground observations, PVMBG reported that during 7-8 April ash plumes from Ibu rose to an altitude of 1.7 km (5,500 ft) a.s.l. and drifted N. During 10-11 April ash plumes rose to altitudes of 1.5-1.6 km (4,900-5,200 ft) a.s.l. and drifted S.

Kambalny | Southern Kamchatka (Russia) : Based on satellite data, KVERT reported that Kambalny was quiet on 1 April. Explosions on 2 April generated ash plumes that rose to an altitude of 7 km (23,000 ft) a.s.l., and then minor ash emissions occurred at least through 6 April. Ash plumes drifted 200 km E and SE during 2-4 April, and a thermal anomaly was identified in satellite images during 3-4 April. The Aviation Colour Code remained at Orange.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.6 Earthquake hits Mindanao in the Philippines.

5.5 Earthquake hits the Philippines.

5.3 Earthquake hits the Philippines.

5.1 Earthquake hits Atacama, Chile.

5.1 Earthquake hits the Philippines.

5.0 Earthquake hits the Philippines.

5.0 Earthquake hits the State of Yap, Micronesia.

Wildlife

Butterflies are 'failing to cope' with climate change - UK

Butterflies are “failing to cope” with climate change and the pollution of the British countryside, experts have warned after a disastrous year saw population declines in 40 out of 57 species.

The UK Butterfly Monitoring Survey found it had been the fourth-worst year overall with six species – the heath fritillary, grizzled skipper, wall, grayling, white-letter hairstreak and white admiral – all suffering their most dramatic declines in the 41 years since records began.

Sixteen species saw increases with one remaining about the same, the annual survey found.

The survey has run since 1976 and involves thousands of volunteers collecting data through the summer. Last year a record 2,507 sites were monitored across the UK.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

No current tropical storms.

NewsBytes:

Texas, USA - San Marcos, Texas, flooded on Tuesday, April 11, after receiving record rainfall. Vehicles were stranded and nearly submerged when trying to traverse the floodwaters. Severe weather was not just isolated to the San Marcos-Austin area. At least 32 water rescues were reported in Killeen, and one person is missing in Fort Hood after a vehicle was swept off the road.

Arkansas, USA - Storms moving across parts of South Arkansas early Tuesday touched off flash flooding. Before the flooding there were wind damage reports in other parts of South and Central Arkansas from earlier storms Monday night.

Disease

Yellow Fever in Brazil - Update

Since the beginning of the yellow fever outbreak in Brazil in December 2016, health officials have reported 2,210 cases of yellow fever, with 604 being laboratory confirmed. Of this number, 302 deaths were recorded of which 202 were confirmed. The case fatality rate (CFR) is 33 percent among confirmed cases.

France reports anthrax outbreak

On Monday, France reported to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) about an anthrax outbreak on a Germainvilliers, Haute-Marne farm in northeastern France. Anthrax was confirmed by the ANSES National laboratory for Animal health, Maisons-Alfort.

Twelve cattle died, out of the 467 susceptible on the farm between 1st and 2nd of April 2017. A history of anthrax case dating back 2013 was reported on the same farm. Non-vaccinated bovines on the farm were immediately treated with antibiotic therapy and no other death has been reported ever since.

Officials say the source of the anthrax is suspected to be the result of fodder coming from a previously infected field. Investigation is ongoing.

Nepal - Kala-azar Outbreak

A Kala-azar outbreak at Raiterkhor in Ishworpur Municipality of Sarlahi district has led to the death of a woman and hospitalisation of 13 villagers.

Kala-azar, also known Visceral Leishmaniasis or black fever, is the second largest parasitic killer in the world, after malaria, taking lives of 20,000 people annually, according to the WHO.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.7 Earthquake hits the Philippines.

5.1 Earthquake hits Fiji.

5.1 Earthquake hits the Philippines.

5.1 Earthquake hits Vanuatu.

5.0 Earthquake hits the Banda Sea.

5.0 Earthquake hits the Izu Islands off Japan.

5.0 Earthquake hits the Philippines.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the South Pacific Ocean: Tropical cyclone 16p (Cook), located approximately 170nm south of Noumea, New Caledonia, is tracking south-southeastward at 12 knots.

Formation of a significant tropical cyclone is possible within 120 nm either side of a line from 9.8S 132.0E to 12.2S 129.5E north of Darwin Australia within the next 12 to 24 hours.

NewsBytes:

South Africa - Flash floods caused by overnight rainfall in parts of the central Karoo in the Western Cape, have caused havoc on the roads. A woman is missing after a vehicle she was travelling in was swept away.

Global Warming

US scuppers G7 joint statement on climate change

All countries except the US wanted to issue a joint declaration reaffirming the group’s commitment to the global climate agreement adopted by virtually every country in Paris in December 2015.

However, Rick Perry, US energy secretary, told his counterparts that Washington was still reviewing its policies and “reserves its position on this issue”, according to a “chair summary” of what the gathering discussed.

This meant it was not possible to sign a joint statement, said Carlo Calenda, Italy’s economic development minister and the host of the gathering, which ended on Monday.

Disease

Measles in Europe: Romania and Italy hit hardest

In a follow-up on the measles outbreaks among several countries in Europe, European health officials say outbreaks continue to occur in EU/EEA countries, and there is the risk of spread and sustained transmission in areas with susceptible populations.

The countries hardest hit are Romania and Italy. Poor vaccination coverage is huge problem.

Romania - Between 1 January 2016 and 31 March 2017, Romania reported 4,025 cases of measles, including 18 deaths. Infants and young children are the most affected population. Some of the previous and ongoing measles outbreaks in other EU countries have been epidemiologically linked to the current outbreak in Romania.

Italy - Since the beginning of 2017 and as of 4 April 2017, Italy reported 1,333 cases of measles, with 131 cases among healthcare workers. The cases are reported from 19 of the 21 regions in Italy. A majority of the cases (93%) are from Piedmont, Lazio, Lombardy, Tuscany, Abruzzi and Sicily. Most of the cases are above 15 years and 88% of the cases were not vaccinated.

Elephantiasis outbreak in Uganda

Since 2015, health officials in Uganda have received reports of increasing numbers of people suffering from elephantiasis, a debilitating disease characterized by severe swelling in the limbs.

The disease is typically caused by infection with parasitic worms, transmitted through certain mosquito species. But an investigation by the country's Ministry of Health has revealed a new root cause: volcanic soil.

The region's soil comes from volcanic rocks formed more than 2.5 million years ago, and irritant minerals in remaining volcanic soil can cause itching, pain and eventual swelling and scarring after prolonged exposure.

Officials believe the current epidemic has been happening silently for more than 30 years.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.6 Earthquake hits Samar in the Philippines.

5.0 Earthquake hits south of Java, Indonesia.

5.0 Earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.

Global Warming

Great Barrier Reef 'cooking and dying' as seas heat up

More than two-thirds of the coral in Australia's Great Barrier Reef is experiencing "shocking" amounts of bleaching, new aerial surveys have revealed.

Reefs of of Lizard Island before and after bleaching

Back-to-back bleaching events in 2016 and 2017 have devastated a 1,500 km (900 miles) stretch of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Australian scientists told CNN Monday. Before 2016 there had only been two bleaching events along the Great Barrier Reef in the past two decades, in 1998 and 2002.

Last year's bleaching event, the worst on record, mainly affected the north of the reef, while the recent damage has mostly impacted the middle sections. The bottom third of the reef is now the only section that has escaped significant bleaching.

A temperature rise of only one or two degrees above the maximum average for up to "three or four weeks” is enough to push corals out of their comfort zone. When it's so hot for this extended period of time the corals don't just bleach, they cook and they die very quickly.

Mature staghorn coral near Lizard Island, after coral bleaching (February) and then after death when it has been consumed by seaweed (April).

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the South Indian Ocean: Tropical cyclone Ernie (tc) 15s, located approximately 660 nm west-northwest of Learmonth, Australia, is tracking west-southwestward at 12 knots.

In the South Pacific Ocean: Tropical cyclone 16p (Cook), located approximately 109 nm north of Noumea, New Caledonia, is tracking south-southwestward at 11 knots.

Formation of a significant tropical cyclone is possible within 120 nm either side of a line from 7.8s 133.0e to 11.3s 130.2e north of Darwin Australia within the next 12 to 24 hours.

Wildfires

Wildfires - Florida, USA

A massive brush fire in western Broward County scorched 6,800 acres before finally being contained this morning as dry conditions threaten more uncontrolled burns.

The so-called “Holiday” fire threatened multiple structures and caused the evacuation of Mach’s Fish Camp, but no buildings ultimately burned, said Scott Peterich, a wildfire mitigation specialist for the Everglades District, which includes Palm Beach County.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.4 Earthquake hits west of Macquarie Island.

5.2 Earthquake hits south of Panama.

5.0 Earthquake hits Atacama, Chile.

5.0 Earthquake hits Albania.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the South Indian Ocean: Tropical cyclone Ernie (tc) 15s, located approximately 470 nm northwest of Learmonth, Australia, is tracking west-southwestward at 08 knots.

In the South Pacific Ocean: Tropical cyclone 16p (Cook), located approximately 225 nm north of Noumea of Noumea, New Caledonia, is tracking southwestward at 07 knots.

Cyclone Cook is tracking towards southern Vanuatu and New Caledonia, with forecasts of damaging winds and torrential rains. The category two cyclone was expected to strengthen into a tropical cyclone as it headed toward New Caledonia on Monday and Tuesday. Weather Watch warned it could continue southeast to hit New Zealand with rains "heavy enough to cause even further serious flooding", adding to Bay of Plenty's woes after record flooding.

NewsBytes:

Victoria, Australia - Hundreds of trees have been brought down and thousands of homes are without power as strong winds and heavy rain lash Victoria. Energy provider Powercor reported 14,055 homes without power at 8.30pm on Sunday, while AusNet had 170 customers disconnected. A severe weather warning is in place for Victoria's central and southwest, and the flood risk is expected to contract to the state's east, particularly in East Gippsland.

Disease

Meningitis C outbreak in Nigeria - Update

As of April 5, Nigerian health officials have reported a total of 3,959 meningococcal meningitis cases (181 confirmed) with 438 deaths, including two in the largest city, Lagos.| This is up from 2,997 cases with 336 deaths on Apr. 3.

Tibet - Bird Flu

The first human H7N9 avian influenza case has been confirmed in the Tibet Autonomous Region, according to an official statement.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.7 Earthquake hits Mindoro in the Philippines.

5.3 Earthquake hits Mindoro in the Philippines.

5.1 Earthquake hits north of Severnaya Zemlya, Russia.

5.0 Earthquake hits Mindoro in the Philippines.

5.0 Earthquake hits Fiji.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the South Indian Ocean: Tropical cyclone Ernie (tc) 15s, located approximately 435 nm north-northwest of Learmonth, Australia, is tracking south-southwestward at 02 knots.

In the South Pacific Ocean: Tropical cyclone 16p (Sixteen), located approximately 441 nm north-northeast of Noumea of Nadi, New Caledonia, is tracking west-southwestward at 04 knots.

NewsBytes:

India - Six people were killed and two were reported missing in India's northern region of Kashmir on Friday, after heavy rain and snowfall swept the region, setting off avalanches and turning mountain rivers into raging torrents. Snowfalls triggered multiple avalanches, defence spokesman Rajesh Kalia told Reuters. "A post in Batalik sector was buried," he added. "Two out of five soldiers have been rescued. A rescue operation for three soldiers was in progress and three bodies have been recovered."

Disease

Ethiopia Declares Another Diarrhoea Outbreak

Ethiopia has declared an outbreak of acute watery diarrhoea, also known as AWD, in the country's Somali region, where people are already struggling to cope with a persistent drought. The World Health Organization said on Friday that 16,000 cases of AWD had been recorded in the region since January.

Ethiopian officials insist on describing the outbreak as one of AWD, not cholera, which has similar symptoms. On Monday, a woman who spoke to the press saying that she had lost five relatives to cholera and that hundreds of people were suffering from the disease was reportedly arrested by Ethiopian authorities. She was released Wednesday.

In neighbouring Somalia, government officials have reported more than 13,000 cases of cholera and 300 deaths since January. WHO said cholera cases were five times greater than what the country experienced last year.

China - Bird Flu

The Chinese National Health and Family Planning Commission announced 14 additional human cases of avian influenza A(H7N9), including one death, were recorded from March 31 to April 6.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.2 Earthquake hits near the coast of southern Peru.

5.2 Earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.

5.1 Earthquake hits near the east coast of Kamchatka, Russia.

5.0 Earthquake hits south of Tonga.

5.0 Earthquake hits near the east coast of Kamchatka, Russia.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the South Indian Ocean: Tropical cyclone Ernie (tc) 15s, located approximately 467 nm north-northwest of Learmonth, Australia, is tracking southward at 05 knots.

In the South Pacific Ocean: Tropical cyclone 14p (Fourteen), located approximately 455 nm northwest of Nadi, Fiji, is tracking southwestward at 04 knots.

NewsBytes:

Indonesia - At least four people have been confirmed dead and more than 30 others are missing after a landslide struck Indonesia's Java island. The landslide was 1.5 kilometres long and engulfed farmers harvesting ginger in Banaran village in East Java province's Ponorogo district.

New Zealand - Jet boats and tractors have been used to help rescue around 2,000 people in a New Zealand town after a river burst through a concrete levee, flooding hundreds of homes and businesses. Authorities declared a state of emergency after the levee failed in the town of Edgecumbe on the North Island. New Zealand has been drenched in recent days by the remnants of Cyclone Debbie, which flooded parts of Australia's east coast last week. The rains also affected the town of Kaikoura, where access roads were closed due to mudslides. Access to the town has been reduced since a powerful earthquake last November brought down hillsides and closed the main northbound route.

Georgia, South Carolina - USA - Suspected tornadoes were reported in Georgia and South Carolina, and damaging winds, thunderstorms and flooding pummelled the Southeast Wednesday. In Sumter County, Ga., a suspected tornado up to a mile and a half wide was spotted in the afternoon. A large tornado touched down around noon in rural Stewart in rural southwest Georgia, toppling trees and power lines. In Johnston, S.C., several buildings were damaged, and trees and power lines were down in a possible tornado.

Wildlife

Outback Rush

Vast numbers of coastal birds have flocked to Western Australia’s northern desert region after record rains filled some lakes to their highest levels in 30 years.

After noticing in satellite images how much the Outback had been transformed by torrential January rains, wildlife experts launched an aerial survey that found tens of thousands of birds had flown across the country to nest around the new inland sea. One lake was hosting about 90,000 birds.

The coastal birds may not breed for years during dry times in the interior, but appear to have an uncanny ability to sense major rainfall events in the Outback.

Environment

Global Temperature Extremes

The week's hottest temperature was 116.0 degrees Fahrenheit (46.7 degrees Celsius) in Linguere, Senegal.

The week's coldest temperature was minus 101.0 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 73.9 degrees Celsius) at Vostok, Antarctica.

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

Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity - Ongoing Activity for the week of 29 March-4 April 2017

Ambrym | Vanuatu : The Wellington VAAC reported that a low-level ash emission from Ambrym was identified in satellite images on 3 April.

Bagana | Bougainville (Papua New Guinea) : Based on analyses of satellite imagery and model data, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 29 March an ash plume from Bagana rose to an altitude of 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SW. On 31 March a NOTAM (notice to airmen) and pilot report suggested that an ash plume rose to an altitude of 2.1 km though ash was not identified in mostly clear satellite images. An ash plume observed on 2 April rose to an altitude of 2.1 km and drifted almost 40 km E.

Bezymianny | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that during 24-31 March lava continued to advance down the NW flank of Bezymianny's lava dome. A thermal anomaly was identified daily in satellite images. The Aviation Colour Code remained at Orange.

Bogoslof | Fox Islands (USA) : AVO reported that no significant volcanic activity at Bogoslof was detected in seismic or infrasound data during 29 March-4 April, and satellite views were often obscured by clouds or showed nothing noteworthy. Weakly elevated surface temperatures were identified in satellite images during 28-29 March. The Aviation Colour Code remained at Orange and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Warning.

Chirinkotan | Kuril Islands (Russia) : Based on Tokyo VAAC satellite data, SVERT reported that on 31 March an ash plume from Chirinkotan rose to an altitude of 7 km (23,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 165 km NE. The Aviation Colour Code was raised to Yellow (on a four-colour scale) on 2 April.

Cleveland | Chuginadak Island (USA) : AVO reported that no significant volcanic activity at Cleveland was detected in seismic or infrasound data during 29 March-4 April, and satellite views were often obscured by clouds. The Aviation Colour Code remained at Orange and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Warning.

Colima | Mexico : On 31 March the Centro Universitario de Estudios e Investigaciones de Vulcanologia - Universidad de Colima reported that during the previous week the seismic data revealed 45 high-frequency events, 33 long-period events, 2.5 hours of tremor, 11 landslides, and two low-intensity explosions. The sulphur dioxide flux was 360 tons/day, an increase compared to the week before.

Dukono | Halmahera (Indonesia) : Based on analyses of satellite imagery, wind model data, and notices from PVMBG, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 29 March-4 April ash plumes from Dukono rose to altitudes of 1.8-2.1 km (6,000-7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted in multiple directions.

Ebeko | Paramushir Island (Russia) : KVERT reported that during 24-31 March several explosions per day at Ebeko were observed by residents of Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island) about 7 km E. Ash plumes rose to altitudes of 1.5-3.4 km (4,900-11,200 ft) a.s.l. Minor amounts of ash fell in Severo-Kurilsk on 26 March. The Aviation Colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).

Fuego | Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that activity at Fuego increased on 1 April, with the beginning of a new effusive eruption, the third one in 2017. Explosions occurring an average of 10 per hour generated shock waves that vibrated local structures. An ash plume rose an estimated 1.3 km and drifted 10 km W, SW, and S; weather clouds hindered observations. Later that day lava fountains rose 100-300 m high and fed lava flows that traveled 400 m down the Trinidad (S) and Las Lajas (SE) drainages. The effusive phase lasted about 16 hours, ending on 2 April, with lava flows stopping as far as 3 km, and expanding into the Santa Teresa (W) drainage. Ash plumes drifted as far as 80 km W, causing ashfall in areas downwind including Atitlan Lake, Chicacao, Mazatenango, Retalhuleu, and El Palmar. On 4 April explosions generated ash plumes that rose 750 km and drifted S, and avalanches pf material descended the Ceniza drainage.

Kilauea | Hawaiian Islands (USA) : During 29 March-4 April HVO reported that the lava lake continued to rise, fall, and spatter in Kilauea’s Overlook crater. Webcams recorded incandescence from long-active sources within Pu'u 'O'o Crater, from a vent high on the NE flank of the cone, and from a small lava pond in a pit on the W side of the crater. The 61G lava flow, originating from a vent on Pu'u 'O'o Crater's E flank, continued to enter the ocean at Kamokuna from the end of the lava tube, about 20 m above the water. National Park Service officials estimated that the lava delta was about 40 m wide and 100 m long. Surface lava flows were active above the pali, and small, short-lived breakouts occurred on the coastal plain.

Klyuchevskoy | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that during 27-30 March explosions at Klyuchevskoy generated ash plumes that rose to an altitude of 7 km (23,000 ft) a.s.l. Satellite images showed a thermal anomaly over the volcano during the previous week, and ash plumes that drifted 300 km in multiple directions. The Aviation Colour Code remained

Lokon-Empung | Sulawesi (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that on 25 March six climbers between the ages of 15 and 20 climbed to Lokon-Empung's Tompaluan Crater, into the restricted area, where one of the climbers fell into the crater and died. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4). Residents and tourists were reminded not to approach the crater within a radius of 1.5 km.

Reventador | Ecuador : During 28 March-4 April IG reported a high level of seismic activity including explosions, long-period earthquakes, harmonic tremor, and signals indicating emissions at Reventador. Although cloud cover often prevented visual observations, activity was noted almost daily. During 28 March-3 April steam, gas, and ash plumes rose as high as 1.3 km above the crater rim and drifted SW and NE. Incandescence from the crater was sometimes visible during the night. Incandescent blocks rolled 1 km down the flanks on 1 April, and 1.6 km down the SW flank on 3 April. A small lava flow was observed traveling 1.6 km down the SW flank on 3 April.

Sabancaya | Peru : Observatorio Vulcanológico del Sur del IGP (OVS-IGP) and Observatorio Vulcanológico del INGEMMET (OVI) reported that during 27 March-2 April there were an average of 41 explosions recorded per day. The number and magnitude of hybrid events decreased while long-period events increased. Ash plumes rose as high as 4.8 km above the crater rim and drifted more than 40 km NW, N, and SW. Ashfall was reported in Pinchollo (20 km N) and Cabanaconde (22 km NW). Overall activity increased compared to the precious week. The Alert Level remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).

Sheveluch | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that during 24-31 March lava-dome extrusion onto Sheveluch’s N flank was accompanied by strong fumarolic activity, dome incandescence, ash explosions, and hot avalanches. Satellite images showed a daily thermal anomaly over the dome, and ash plumes that drifted 20 km SW on 24 and 26 March. The Aviation Colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).

Sinabung | Indonesia : Based on PVMBG observations, satellite data, and wind data, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 29 March an ash plume from Sinabung rose to altitudes of 4.6 km (15,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted ESE.

Suwanosejima | Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : Based on JMA notices and satellite-image analyses, the Tokyo VAAC reported that on 1 April an explosion at Suwanosejima generated a plume that rose to an altitude of 1.8 km (6,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted E

Turrialba | Costa Rica : OVSICORI-UNA reported that ash-and-gas plumes from Turrialba rose 500 m above the crater during 31 March-1 April. Ashfall was reported at the Juan Santamaría airport, 48 km W. Ash plumes rose 500 m at 1700 on 2 April, and 200 m at 0601 on 4 April.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.4 Earthquake hits Vanuatu.

5.3 Earthquake hits the Andaman Islands off India.

5.2 Earthquake hits Greece.

5.2 Earthquake hits the Carlsberg ridge.

5.1 Earthquake hits northeastern Iran.

5.1 Earthquake hits the Pagan region in the North Mariana Islands.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the South Indian Ocean: Tropical cyclone (tc) 15s (Fifteen), located approximately 572 nm north-northwest of Learmonth, Australia, is tracking south-southwestward at 04 knots.

In the South Pacific Ocean: Tropical cyclone 14p (Fourteen), located approximately 366 nm south of Pago Pago, is tracking east-southeastward at 02 knots.

Disease

Nigeria meningitis outbreak update

In a follow-up on the meningitis outbreak in Nigeria that began in Zamfara state in December 2016, as of Apr. 3, a total of 2,997 meningococcal meningitis cases with 336 deaths have been reported with 146 of cases being laboratory confirmed, according to The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

Human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus – China

On 31 March 2017, the National Health and Family Planning Commission of China (NHFPC) notified WHO of 17 additional laboratory-confirmed cases of human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus in mainland China.

Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity - New Activity for the week of 29 March-4 April 2017

Aira | Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported very small eruptions at Minamidake summit crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) during 28-29 March. Based on JMA notices and satellite-image analyses, the Tokyo VAAC reported that on 4 April an ash plume rose to an altitude of 8 km (26,200 ft) a.s.l. and drifted W. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a 5-level scale).

Ibu | Halmahera (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that an eruption at Ibu at 0058 on 29 March generated an ash plume that rose to an altitude of 1.8 km (5,800 ft) a.s.l. and drifted N. Another event at 0757 on 3 April produced an ash plume that rose to an altitude of 1.7 km (5,500 ft) a.s.l. and drifted S. Seismicity on both days was characterized by events indicating explosions and avalanches.

Kambalny | Southern Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that the eruption that began at Kambalny at 2110 on 24 March continued through 31 March. Observers reported that explosions generated ash plumes that rose 5-6 km (16,400-19,700 ft) a.s.l. Satellite images showed ash plumes drifting 2,000 km W, SW, S, and SE during 24-30 March. The Aviation Colour Code remained at Orange.

Nevados de Chillan | Chile : The Buenos Aires VAAC reported that on 3 April a webcam recorded a strong ash puff from Nevados de Chillán rising to an altitude of 4.9 km (16,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifting E.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

6.1 Earthquake hits northeastern Iran.

The shallow temblor damaged at least four villages near its epicentre in the Sefid Sang district, a remote mountainous area home to 5,000 people, located about 80 kilometres (50 miles) southeast of Mashhad. At least two people were reported to have died in the earthquake.

5.6 Earthquake hits the Kazakhstan-Xinjiang border.

5.5 Earthquake hits the Andreanof Islands in the Aleutian Islands.

5.5 Earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.

5.3 Earthquake hits Mindoro in the Philippines.

5.3 Earthquake hits the Andreanof Islands in the Aleutian Islands.

5.3 Earthquake hits the south Atlantic Ocean.

5.2 Earthquake hits Mindoro in the Philippines.

5.1 Earthquake hits Guam.

5.1 Earthquake hits the Andreanof Islands in the Aleutian Islands.

5.1 Earthquake hits Mindoro in the Philippines.

5.0 Earthquake hits Botswana.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

There are no current tropical storms.

NewsBytes:

New Zealand - Heavy rain has caused flooding, slips, power cuts and road closures in the North Island. Whanganui and Rangitikei declared local states of emergency on Tuesday. About 200 homes in low-lying areas of Whanganui were evacuated. MetService forecaster Georgina Griffiths said the worst of the weather appeared to be over in Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Taranaki and Whanganui. Heavy rain was expected in Wellington and, later, the top of the South Island.

Wildlife

Scientists ‘Breathalyze’ Killer Whales

Unfortunately for biologists, it's not really possible to get wild killer whales to come in for a checkup. But to test the health of orcas, you can apparently give the creatures a breathalyzer.

That's what a group of scientists did with an endangered population of orcas, known as southern resident killer whales, in the Salish Sea.

Over the course of a few years, scientists snuck up on surfacing killer whales and held out a long aluminium pole topped with a petri dish. The researchers positioned the dish just above each whale's blowhole so that it would catch any microbes let out by the whale as it exhaled.

The researchers captured microbes spurting out of the whales' blowholes. Results showed that the species carries some of the same pathogens that cause disease in humans, including Salmonella and staph bacteria. The whales also carried some fungi, like Phoma, which is usually found in soil.

These animals are long-ranging, and as they migrate along the coast, they are exposed to agricultural runoff and urban discharge, which may introduce a variety of microbes into the water.

Disease

Malaria in Burundi: 2 million cases in first three months

On March 13, the Burundi government declared a malaria outbreak and the data on the outbreak shows the cases continue to mount in the East African country. According to the Ministry of Health (MOH), the cumulative number of malaria cases reported during the first 10 weeks of 2017 is 1,960,620 with 869 deaths.

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) – Saudi Arabia

Between 23 February and 16 March 2017 the national IHR focal point of Saudi Arabia reported 18 additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) including two fatal cases. Four deaths among previously reported MERS cases were also reported.

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) – Qatar

On 21 March 2017 the national IHR focal point of Qatar reported one additional case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV).

Zika in US pregnant women

Of the 250 pregnant women who had confirmed Zika infection in 2016, 24 – or about 1 in 10 of them – had a foetus or baby with Zika-related birth defects, according to a new Vital Signs report from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Measles in Nova Scotia

Thirteen measles cases have now been confirmed in the province, all believed to be linked in this most recent outbreak. All of the cases currently confirmed have been linked in some way – primarily with people having been in the same location as someone who was infected with measles.

Leprosy: Rare case reported in Iowa

Leprosy is still found in the United States where a couple hundred cases are reported annually mostly from Florida, Texas, Louisiana and California. It is not an infectious disease you see everyday in Woodbury County, Iowa, or in Iowa generally.

Leishmaniasis outbreak reported in Cameroon

The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) of Cameroon reported in mid-February cases of acute fever and rash syndrome of unknown etiology being reported from the Far North and North regions of the country.

The major clinical manifestations of the illness included skin rash, persistent fever, malnutrition, anemia, hepato-splenomegaly and adenopathy. Laboratory results by the Centre Pasteur of Cameroon in Yaoundé have since shown this illnesses were due to cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Retrospective investigation indicated that 48 cases with similar clinical features including 17 deaths (case fatality rate of 35.4%) had been registered between January 2016 and 24 March 2017.

Space Events

Car-Sized Asteroid Buzzes Earth

Asteroid 2017 GM was first observed by the Mount Lemmon Survey in Arizona on April 3, 2017. On April 4, it came within 10,100 miles from Earth. Gianluca Masi (Virtual Telescope Project) and Michael Schwartz (Tenagra Observatories. Ltd) captured an image of the space rock a few hours prior to closest approach.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

6.5 Earthquake hits Botswana.

5.1 Earthquake hits the Hindu Kush, Afghanistan.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

There are no current tropical storms.

NewsBytes:

Nepal - At least two people died in landslide in Chitwan along Muglin-Narayangadh road section. The landslide buried nine vehicles, including five motorbikes.

India - Drought in Karnataka - The Krishnaraja Sagara Dam, which stores water from the Cauvery river, is hitting its dead storage level, a 15-year low. Dead storage is when the remaining volume of water is below the level of the lowest outlet; it cannot be accessed under normal operating conditions. The authorities have said summer crops cannot be irrigated. A new crisis is brewing, after 2016 the worst drought year for Karnataka in four decades. The Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Cell says all major reservoirs in the state are near their dead storage. The government is now focused on providing drinking water, at the cost of standing crops. Almost 75 per cent of the minor irrigation tanks have dried up in the state. Groundwater levels are 80 per cent lower than what they used to be 10 years ago. Currently, drinking water is being transported to 600 villages. In urban areas, 400 wards are depending on tankers for drinking. There is a huge scarcity of fodder as well, and this will impact the kharif, rabi and summer crops.

Disease

Mozambique cholera outbreak

The cholera outbreak in Mozambique has now reached 1400 cases since January. The bulk of the cases have been reported from Maputo city and province (398), Nampula (296) and 537 in Tete province. Three deaths have been reported in this current outbreak.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.3 Earthquake hits the Panama-Costa-Rica border.

5.2 Earthquake hits the Mid-Indian ridge.

5.1 Earthquake hits South Africa.

5.1 Earthquake hits Sumatra, Indonesia.

5.0 Earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.0 Earthquake hits the Dominican Republic.

5.0 Earthquake hits Chitinskaya Oblast, Russia.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

There are no current tropical storms.

NewsBytes:

Australia - Expected flood levels in the central Queensland city of Rockhampton have been revised down, with the Fitzroy River only expected to reach 9 metres on Wednesday. Three men still missing, one near Mackay, one in the south Burnett and one in the Gold Coast hinterland. 588 homes uninhabitable in north Queensland. 21,000 without power, 400 poles down. In Logan and Scenic Rim 76 flooded homes uninhabitable, that number could rise to 300. 1,600 customers without power.

Disease

Zimbabwe typhoid outbreak

The Zimbabwean health ministry says at least 10 people have died and more than 1,800 have been infected with typhoid fever since the outbreak began in October last year, according to an Eyewitness News report Thursday. Just in the past week, 86 cases have been documented, including one fatality.

Chernobyl Radiation Possible Cause of Rare Cancer

When 10 people in New York City developed a very rare form of eye cancer over just a 4-year period, doctors were puzzled. The cancer, called vitreoretinal lymphoma, had been diagnosed in the U.S. only a handful of times over the previous 20 years.

It was interesting that six of the 10 patients had lived near Chernobyl at the time of the disaster. Four of the patients had lived in Ukraine, one patient had lived in Poland and one patient had lived in the country of Moldova, according to the case report.

The Chernobyl disaster is considered the worst nuclear power plant accident in history: On April 26, 1986, an explosion occurred at the plant in Ukraine, leaking massive amounts of cancer-causing radiation into the atmosphere.

Based on data from the New York State Cancer Registry, it was found that statistically, there should be only one case of vitreoretinal lymphoma in New York state in a 4-year period. So to find 10 cases in New York City alone in that same time period was certainly "unanticipated," and represented a cluster.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.1 Earthquake hits near the coast of northern Peru.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

There are no current tropical storms.

NewsBytes:

Colombia - Hours of heavy rains overnight caused rivers to burst their banks, flooding homes with mud in Putumayo province. A torrent of debris surged through the city of Macoa near Colombia’s southern border with Ecuador around midnight, catching many residents off guard asleep in their homes and leaving little time to escape. Many of the city’s streets were left an unrecognizable plane of rocks, wooden planks and mud. The number of people killed in Colombia after a surge of mud and water from three overflowing rivers swept through a small city has risen to 203.

Australia - Thousands of residents in Rockhampton are being urged to evacuate as the town braces for its worst flood in almost a century. The Premier has confirmed more than 500 homes have already been left “uninhabitable” in north and central Queensland. The Bureau of Meteorology confirmed the Logan River peaked at Waterford last night and that it remains at major flood levels in Eagleby today, although the river has started to ease today as the clean-up effort begins. Significant moderate to major flooding was today occurring along the Logan River downstream of Yarrahapini. The death toll has risen to 3.

Disease

Portugal reports hepatitis A outbreak

Earlier this month, European health officials reported on a several hepatitis A outbreaks linked to adult men who have sex with men (MSM). One of the 13 countries affected is Portugal, where since January, 105 hepatitis A cases were reported, according to Portuguese media.

Nigeria: Meningitis outbreak grows

According to Nigerian health officials, the meningococcal meningitis outbreak in the country has now claimed 328 lives to date, mostly affecting states in the part of Nigeria which fall within the African Meningitis Belt. Reports of vaccine shortages from affected areas have also been received.

Italy measles outbreak

In a follow-up on the measles outbreak in Italy this year, the number of cases reported to date in 2017 already surpasses the total number reported in the country in all of 2016. 1,010 individuals contracted the disease in the country this year, while in all of 2016 there were 844 infections.

The massive increase in measles has been blamed on the growing number of people who do not believe in vaccination.

Of this total, 90% of the patients were not vaccinated. The balance still indicates that 57% of cases occurred in the age range between 15 and 39 years, while 6% reached babies under one year, that is, when the vaccine can not yet be administered.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.3 Earthquake hits Coquimbo, Chile.

5.3 Earthquake hits Reykjanes Ridge.

5.2 Earthquake hits the Kuril Islands.

5.1 Earthquake hits Guatemala.

5.1 Earthquake hits the Bouvet Islands.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

There are no current tropical storms.

NewsBytes:

Australia - Flooded rivers were still rising Saturday in two Australian states with two women dead and four people missing after torrential rains in the wake of a powerful tropical cyclone Debbie. Queensland police warned that the Logan River, which runs through Beenleigh south of Brisbane, would only hit peak flood levels during the afternoon while further north the city of Rockhampton was also facing a serious threat. Rockhampton, with a population of over 80,000 on the Fitzroy River, was expected to suffer flood levels not seen for a century and Stewart urged residents in low-lying areas to leave.

Wildlife

Manatee No Longer Listed as Endangered

Florida’s growing manatee population is a “dramatic turnaround” from the 1970s, the federal government said as it officially removed the aquatic creatures from the endangered list.

The West Indian manatee will now be considered threatened — a marker of progress in the species’ recovery.

Environmental and animal groups decried Thursday’s announcement from the US Fish and Wildlife Service, saying it is premature and comes without a firm long-term recovery plan.

Officials have said that the “downlisting” does not change federal and state protections for the animals, which were put on the endangered list in March 1967. They say the move shows various partners have worked to increase the population numbers and protect habitat.

The action came about a month after Florida officials said that for the third straight year, spotters counted more than 6,000 manatees.

By contrast, just a few hundred manatees were counted in the 1970s, officials said.

Disease

China: Avian flu

The China National Health and Family Planning Commission reported today that 17 additional human cases of avian influenza A(H7N9), including three deaths, were recorded from March 24 to 30.

Wildlife

Japan kills 333 whales in annual Antarctic hunt

A Japanese whaling fleet returned to port Friday after an annual Antarctic hunt that killed more than 300 of the mammals as Tokyo pursues the programme in defiance of global criticism.

The fleet set sail for the Southern Ocean in November, with plans to slaughter 333 minke whales, flouting a worldwide moratorium and opposition led by Australia and New Zealand.

The fleet consisted of five ships, three of which arrived in the morning at Shimonoseki port in western Japan, the country's Fisheries Agency said.

In a press release, the mission was described as "research for the purpose of studying the ecological system in the Antarctic Sea".

But environmentalists and the International Court of Justice (IJC) call that a fiction and say the real purpose is simply to hunt whales for their meat.

Japan also caught 333 minke whales in the previous season ending in 2016 after a one-year hiatus prompted by an IJC ruling, which said the hunt was a commercial venture masquerading as science and ordered Tokyo to end it.

Under the International Whaling Commission (IWC), to which Japan is a signatory, there has been a moratorium on hunting whales since 1986.

Tokyo exploits a loophole allowing whales to be killed for "scientific research" and claims it is trying to prove the population is large enough to sustain a return to commercial hunting. But it also makes no secret of the fact that whale meat ends up on dinner tables and is served up in school lunches.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.5 Earthquake hits Minahasa, Sulawesi, Indonesia.

5.4 Earthquake hits Chiapas, Mexico.

5.4 Earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.

5.1 Earthquake hits New Britain, Papua New Guinea.

5.1 Earthquake hits near the east coast of Kamchatka.

5.0 Earthquake hits Tonga.

5.0 Earthquake hits New Britain, Papua New Guinea.

5.0 Earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.