Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.5 Earthquake hits the Sichuan-Gansu border region, China.
5.3 Earthquake hits near the east coast of Kamchatka.
5.2 Earthquake hits eastern Uzbekistan.
5.0 Earthquake hits the Mariana Islands.
5.0 Earthquake hits off the east coast of North island, New Zealand.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the North Atlantic Ocean: Tropical Storm Maria is located about 505 mi…815 km SSE of Cape Race Newfoundland with maximum sustained winds…60 mph…95 km/h. Present movement…ENE or 70 degrees at 32 mph…52 km/h.
Post tropical Cyclone Lee is located about 745 mi…1195 km NNW of the Azores with maximum sustained winds…50 mph…85 km/h. Present movement…NE or 50 degrees at 51 mph…81 km/h.
Newsbytes:
Malaysia – Continuous heavy downpour brought flood to several villages in Penampang as water levels at the main Moyog river rose and spilled over into 13 low lying villages. Several schools were affected and hundred of families were forced to evacuate.
Interesting Images
Polar Bear Picnic
Hundreds of hungry polar bears were treated to a whale of a buffet last week when the carnivores descended on a whale carcass on the coast of Russia’s Wrangel Island.
Wildfires – California, USA
A trio of wildfires that threatened at least 100 homes on California’s Central Coast appeared to be easing Friday night. But some canyon houses remained at risk, officials said.
A half-dozen small fires that erupted along a road Friday afternoon merged into three blazes that burned 300 acres of thick manzanita, chaparral, grass and oak. Winds pushed the flames close to Lompoc neighborhoods, and about 900 people were told to evacuate.
Chikungunya – Italy
As of 26 September, 183 cases have been notified to the Lazio Region of Italy, which includes the coastal areas of Anzio and Latina as well as the city of Rome. Of the notified cases, 109 are confirmed and 74 additional cases are being investigated (all with an epidemiological link to the Lazio Region). Three more confirmed cases have also been notified from other areas with a travel history to Anzio.
Iran – Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever
In a follow-up on the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) outbreak in Iran since March, officials report the number of cases have surpassed 120 in the past six months from 13 different provinces. Of this total, eight deaths have been recorded since March.
Madascar – Plague
In an update on the plague situation in Madagascar, in the past five weeks 104 cases have been reported, with half (52) cases being pneumonic plague, according to a World Health Organization (WHO) update. Of the 104 cases, 20 were fatal for a case-fatality rate on more than 19 percent.
Bangladesh – Acute Watery Diahhroea, Cholera
Red Crescent mobile clinics in Cox’s Bazar are treating an increasing number of people with acute watery diarrhoea, raising concerns about a possible outbreak of disease among the estimated 480,000 people who have fled Myanmar’s Rakhine state in recent weeks.
Red Crescent Society volunteers and staff have provided purified water to more than 30,000 people. They are also building latrines and showers to improve sanitation and safeguard the security and dignity of women and girls, but the needs outpace the delivery of services.
900 000 vaccines have been despatched to the affected areas.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.6 Earthquake hits offshore Chiapas, Mexico.
5.5 Earthquake hits the Bonin Islands off Japan.
5.1 Earthquake hits south of Fiji.
5.1 Earthquake hits south of the Kermedec Islands.
5.0 Earthquake hits off the coast of Chiapas, Mexico.
5.0 Earthquake hits the Fox Islands in the Aleutian Islands.
5.0 Earthquake hits off the coast of Central America.
5.0 Earthquake hits the Sulu Archipelago in the Philippines.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the North Atlantic Ocean: Tropical Storm Maria is located about 350 mi…560 km NNE of Bermuda and about 510 mi…825 km S of Halifax Nova Scotia with maximum sustained winds…60 mph…95 km/h. Present movement…E or 85 degrees at 21 mph…33 km/h.
Hurricane Lee is located about 810 mi…1305 km NE of Bermuda and about 1375 mi…2215 km W of the Azores with maximum sustained winds…75 mph…120 km/h. Present movement…NE or 40 degrees at 25 mph…41 km/h.
UK Smog Alert
A combination of polluted air blowing in from continental Europe and toxic air around London has created unhealthful levels of air pollution around the British capital. London’s mayor ordered an emergency air quality alert due to the hazardous smog.
“The shocking and illegal state of London’s filthy air means once again I am triggering a high air pollution alert today under my new comprehensive alert system,” said Sadiq Khan.
The government has come under increased pressure to improve the United Kingdom’s air quality.
A Criminal Killing
Conservation groups in Germany expressed outrage when the first wild bison to be seen in the country for more than two centuries was killed after a local official ordered hunters to shoot it.
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) says it will file charges against the official, calling the killing of the animal by the river Oder near the eastern town of Lebus a criminal offense.
“After more than 250 years a wild bison had been spotted again in Germany, and all the authorities could think to do is shoot it,” said WWF board member Chris Heinrich.
It’s believed the bison wandered into Germany from a national park in neighboring Poland.
Japan’s Annual Whale Hunt Ends
Japan’s whaling fleet ended its disputed scientific whaling season in the North Pacific after killing a total of 177 of the marine mammals.
Three ships that sailed in June returned with 43 minke whales and 134 sei whales.
Japan’s Fisheries Ministry says it is trying to prove the whale population has recovered enough to allow commercial hunting.
Global Temperature Extremes
The week’s hottest temperature was 118 degrees Fahrenheit (47.8 degrees Celsius) in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
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.
Disfiguring Disease Outbreak
Cases of a flesh-eating bacterium that causes leprosy-like symptoms are spreading in southeastern Australia, prompting calls for more government funding to combat the outbreak.
The Buruli ulcer is typically found in parts of Africa and was named after the Ugandan village where many cases emerged in the 1960s. It was first identified in patients of Australia’s Victoria state during the 1930s.
Paul Johnson of Melbourne’s Austin Hospital told AFP that the recent outbreak appears to have emerged in possums on the Bellarine Peninsula south of Melbourne. He says humans are contracting it through direct contact with the native marsupials or through biting insects.
Plague spreading in Madagascar
In a follow-up on the plague outbreak in Madagascar, the Ministry of Public Health now reports that the plague epidemic is affecting 17 districts in the country, according to local media.
The report states that the case count is nearing 100 since August 1. Five fatalities have been reported. Both pneumonic and bubonic plague cases are being reported.
Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – Ongoing Activity for the week of 20 September-26 September 2017
Aira | Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that 29 events at Showa Crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) detected during 19-22 September sometimes produced plumes that rose 1.8 km. At 0445 on 24 September an eruption plume rose 1 km. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a 5-level scale).
Bezymianny | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that during 15-22 September lava continued to flow down the W flank of Bezymianny’s dome, and incandescence from the dome was visible at night. A thermal anomaly was identified in satellite images during 15-19 September. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).
Bogoslof | Fox Islands (USA) : AVO reported that during 20-26 September nothing significant was observed in partly to mostly cloudy satellite images of Bogoslof, and no activity was detected in seismic or infrasound data. Weakly elevated surface temperatures were identified in satellite images during 22-23 September, indicating ongoing unrest. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Watch.
Cleveland | Chuginadak Island (USA) : AVO reported that during 20-24 September nothing significant was observed in satellite images and web camera views of Cleveland, and nothing noteworthy was detected in seismic or infrasound data. Minor steaming was noted during 22-24 September. A three-minute-long explosion that began at 1747 on 25 September was detected by seismic and infrasound sensors. Satellite data 30 minutes later suggested that a volcanic cloud likely containing ash rose to 4.6 km (15,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted S. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Watch.
Dukono | Halmahera (Indonesia) : Based on analyses of satellite imagery, wind model data, and notices from PVMBG, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 20-26 September ash plumes from Dukono rose to an altitude of 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted in multiple directions.
Ebeko | Paramushir Island (Russia) : Based on observations by volcanologists in Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island), about 7 km E of Ebeko, explosions during 15-17 September generated ash plumes that rose 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. Minor amounts of ash fell in Severo-Kurilsk on 16 and 18 September. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).
Karymsky | Eastern Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a weak thermal anomaly over Karymsky was identified in satellite images during 15-16 September. An ash cloud rose 7 km (23,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted for about 100 km NE on 19 September. The Aviation colour Code was raised to Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).
Kilauea | Hawaiian Islands (USA) : During 20-26 September 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 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. Surface lava flows were active above and on the pali, and on the coastal plain. During 23-24 September a short-lived breakout above the ocean entry disrupted the ramp and produced a brief “firehose” of lava.
Klyuchevskoy | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that during 16-17 September a weak thermal anomaly at Klyuchevskoy was identified in satellite images. KVERT noted that the last time ash was emitted from the volcano was on 7 September; the Aviation colour Code was lowered to Yellow (the second lowest level on a four-colour scale).
Langila | New Britain (Papua New Guinea) : Based on analyses of satellite imagery and wind model data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 22-23 September ash plumes from Langila rose 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NNW.
Nevados de Chillan | Chile : Servicio Nacional de Geología and Minería (SERNAGEOMIN) Observatorio Volcanológico de Los Andes del Sur (OVDAS) reported that a phreatic explosion at Nevados de Chillán’s Volcán Arrau dome complex was recorded by a webcam on 21 September. An explosion ejected gas and tephra on 23 September. The Alert Level remained at Yellow, the middle level on a three-colour scale, and the public was reminded not to approach the craters within a 3-km radius.
Pacaya | Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that during 21-22 September Strombolian explosions at Pacaya’s Mackenney cone ejected material as high as 100 m above the crater rim. During 23-24 September the seismic network recorded Strombolian explosion signals.
Sabancaya | Peru : Observatorio Vulcanológico del Sur del IGP (OVS-IGP) and Observatorio Vulcanológico del INGEMMET (OVI) reported that explosive activity at Sabancaya increased; there was an average of 45 explosions recorded per day during 18-24 September. The earthquakes were dominated by long-period events, with fewer signals indicating emissions and hybrid events. Gas-and-ash plumes rose 3.5 km above the crater rim and drifted no more than 40 km E and SE. The MIROVA system detected seven thermal anomalies. The report warned the public not to approach the crater within a 12-km radius.
Sheveluch | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Sheveluch was identified daily in satellite images during 15-22 September. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange.
Sinabung | Indonesia : Based on observations by PVMBG, webcam and satellite images, and model data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 22-23 September ash plumes from Sinabung rose 3.4-4 km (11,000-13,000 ft) a.s.l. and sometimes drifted E and SE. On 25 September ash plumes rose 6.4 km (21,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted ESE.
Turrialba | Costa Rica : OVSICORI-UNA reported that events at Turrialba at 1112 on 25 September and 0910 on 26 September generated plumes that rose 300 m above the crater rim and drifted NW.
Ulawun | New Britain (Papua New Guinea) : Based on analyses of satellite imagery and model data, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 25 September a minor ash plume from Ulawun rose 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted WSW.
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.3 Earthquake hits the Maug Islands in the North Mariana Islands.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the North Atlantic Ocean: Tropical Storm Maria is located about 275 mi…440 km ENE of Cape Hatteras North Carolina and about 470 mi…755 km NW of Bermuda with maximum sustained winds…70 mph…110 km/h. Present movement…ENE or 60 degrees at 8 mph…13 km/h.
Hurricane Lee is located about 445 mi…715 km E of Bermuda and about 1735 mi…2795 km W of the Azores with maximum sustained winds…110 mph…175 km/h. Present movement…N or 360 degrees at 09 mph…15 km/h.
Newsbytes:
Japan – The Kanto region was hit by heavy rain Thursday morning, prompting the Meteorological Agency and local authorities in Chiba, Kanagawa and Shizuoka prefectures to issue warnings for floods and mudslides. The city of Futtsu, Chiba, received roughly 100 mm of rain in an hour up to 6:20 a.m., with some houses being flooded and a mudslide causing Route 127 to be partly closed. In an hour up to 5:40 a.m., 87 mm of rainfall, a record high amount since it started compiling the data, was reported in Miura, Kanagawa Prefecture, according to the agency. The municipal governments of Kamogawa and Minamiboso in Chiba issued an evacuation advisory to nearly 2,600 of their residents, while some local trains in Chiba stopped operation.
India – Monsoon floods are essential to the ecosystem of the Kaziranga National Park. Its vast grasslands, wetlands and lakes are annually revitalised by the Brahmaputra overflow. However, the 2017 floods have caused a severe crisis for the wildlife. If the 2016 floods were considered ‘the worst to hit Kaziranga in a decade’, the floods this year were probably the worst in 30 years. Over 85 percent of the park was inundated, displacing thousands of animals. Hundreds of animals – including tigers, rhinos, elephants, wild buffaloes and hog deers – have died in the past two months.
Giant Rodent: 18-Inch Rat Species Discovered
A rare new species of rat — up to four times the size of the rodents that populate American cities — has been identified in the Solomon Islands.
The discovery marks the first time in 80 years that a new rat species has been found in the archipelago in the South Pacific.
Earth Report 