Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.3 earthquake hits the Tasman Sea. New Zealand.

5.2 earthquake hits Caraga, Philippines.

5.1 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.

5.0 earthquake hits Tajikistan.

5.0 earthquake hits Fiji.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

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

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

NewsBytes:

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

Wildfires

Wildfires - Arizona, USA

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

Disease

Dengue Fever - Peru

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

Dengue Fever - Laos

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

Gonorrhea - Netherlands

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

Volcanos

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

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

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

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

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

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

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

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

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

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

NewsBytes:

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

Global Warming

Deforestation Surges

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

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

Wildlife

Mice Plague

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

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

Disease

Plague - Colorado, USA

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

Leptospirosis, Typhoid - Fiji

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

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

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.3 earthquake hits Tonga.

5.2 earthquake hits Tonga.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

There are no current active tropical storm systems.

NewsBytes:

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

Global Warming

Mountain Peak Collapses

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

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

Environment

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

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

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

Disease

Bird Flu - Poland

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

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

5.1 earthquake hits northern Sumatra, Indonesia.

5.0 earthquake hits the Santa Cruz Islands.

5.0 earthquake hits the Kermedec Islands.

Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

There are no current active tropical storm systems.

NewsBytes:

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

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

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

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

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

Wildfires

Wildfires - Canada

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

Disease

Monkeypox - Los Angeles, USA

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

Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever - Iraq

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

Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever - Pakistan

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

Dengue Fever

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

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

Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

6.1 earthquake hits south of Tonga.

Two 5.4 earthquakes hit south of Tonga.

5.3 earthquake hits the Izu Islands off Japan.

5.0 earthquake hits the Izu Islands off Japan.