The Weekly Volcanic Activity Report: September 27 – October 3, 2023
New activity/unrest was reported for 1 volcano from September 27 to October 3, 2023. During the same period, ongoing activity was reported for 21 volcanoes.
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Strong and shallow M6.6 earthquake hits Izu Islands, Japan
A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the JMA as M6.6 hit Izu Islands, Japan at 01:59 UTC on October 5, 2023. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). The USGS is reporting M6.1 at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles); EMSC M6.1 at a depth of 9 km (5.6 miles).
Strong M6.4 earthquake hits near the coast of Mindanao, Philippines
A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.4 hit near the coast of Mindanao, Philippines at 11:21 UTC on October 4, 2023. The agency is reporting a depth of 121.7 km (76 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth.
Severe storms bring giant hail and intense lightning to Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, and Uruguay
Late Tuesday, October 3, 2023, parts of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil and Uruguay were struck by severe weather conditions that included giant hail and intense lightning. The hail ranged from “very large” to “giant”. Damage to homes, buildings, and infrastructure has been reported, although official estimates are not yet available. Further adverse weather conditions are forecasted for Wednesday.
Devastating flash flood in Sikkim’s Lachen Valley leads to widespread damage, 100 deaths and 76 missing, India
A glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) triggered a rapid surge in water levels along the Teesta River basin in Sikkim, India at approximately 01:30 LT on Wednesday, October 4, 2023. The water levels soared to heights of 5 – 6 m (15 – 20 feet), resulting in significant infrastructure damage, at least 8 fatalities, and more than 60 individuals reported missing.
Strong and shallow M6.2 earthquake hits Nepal, leaving homes destroyed, 17 injured and 1 missing
A strong and shallow earthquake registered by India’s National Center for Seismology as M6.2 hit Nepal at 09:21 UTC (15:06 local time) on October 3, 2023. The agency is reporting a depth of 5 km (3.1 miles). USGS and EMSC are reporting M5.7 at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). The quake was preceded by M4.6 and followed by M3.6, M3.1, M3.5, M4.3, M3.9 and M3.0 by 14:00 UTC.
High-level eruption at Shishaldin volcano, Alaska
An ash cloud from Shishaldin Volcano reaching 12 km (40 000 feet) above sea level was observed in satellite data at 13:50 UTC on October 3, 2023.
Strong M6.3 earthquake hits Izu Islands, Japan
A strong earthquake registered by the JMA as M6.3 hit Izu Islands, Japan at 11:38 UTC on October 3, 2023. The agency is reporting a depth of 40 km (25 miles). The USGS is reporting M6.1 at a depth of 11.9 km (7.4 miles); EMSC M6.1 at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles).
Japan experiences hottest September on record
Japan experienced its warmest September on record in 2023, with a national monthly temperature that was 2.66 °C (4.79 °F) higher than the standard. The record-breaking temperatures were particularly pronounced in the eastern and western regions of the country.
Alert Level 3 over Mayon volcano, hazardous eruption within weeks or even days still possible, Philippines
PHIVOLCS maintains Alert Level 3 over the Mayon volcano, which means that it is currently in a relatively high level of unrest, and hazardous eruption within weeks or even days could still be possible.
