Severe dust storm engulfs Ouargla, Algeria, reducing visibility to near zero
Strong winds and dense sand clouds struck Ouargla, Algeria, on May 14, 2025, reducing visibility to near zero, halting traffic, and forcing road closures.
I’m a science journalist and researcher at The Watchers, contributing to the Epicenter edition, where I cover peer-reviewed scientific research and emerging discoveries across Earth and space sciences. With a background in astronomy and a passion for environmental science, I’ve worked in shark and coral conservation in Fiji, conducting reef and shark-behavior research, contributing to mangrove restoration, and earning PADI Open Water and Coral Reef Certifications. I bring a blend of scientific rigor and storytelling to illuminate the discoveries shaping our planet and beyond.
Severe hailstorm damages 12 360 ha (30 550 acres) of crops in Valencia and Castellón, Spain
A severe hailstorm damaged 12 360 ha (30 550 acres) of crops in the provinces of Valencia and Castellón, with estimated losses of €7.6 million. Vineyards, almonds, olives, and citrus crops were heavily affected, particularly in the Utiel-Requena region.
Jet fuel leak in Pennsylvania contaminates drinking water and prompts investigations
A jet fuel leak from Sunoco Pipeline’s Twin Oaks Pipeline in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, confirmed on January 31, 2025, has contaminated at least 38 private wells, prompting lawsuits and investigations. The leak, undetected for months, was first reported by residents in 2023.
Massive hailstorm in Beijing shatters windshields, causes traffic and flight chaos
A severe hailstorm struck Beijing on May 13, 2025, producing hailstones up to 4 cm (1.6 inches) in diameter that caused widespread vehicle damage, disrupted traffic, and led to flight cancellations. The storm triggered multiple alerts from the Beijing Meteorological Observatory and impacted 13 districts.
Mass Velella stranding covers beaches in Ventura County, California
Thousands of Velella velella, also known as by-the-wind sailors, washed ashore on beaches in Ventura County, California, from late April to early May 2025. The mass stranding, driven by onshore winds and warm ocean conditions, reflects seasonal oceanographic changes along the California coast.
Search underway for meteorite fragments after bright fireball over Western Australia
Search efforts are underway in Western Australia’s Wheatbelt region following a bright green-white fireball that streaked across the sky at 05:57 local time (AWST) on May 11, 2025.
Rare surface rupture captured in newly released video of 2025 M7.7 Myanmar earthquake
Newly surfaced security camera footage from the March 28, 2025, M7.7 earthquake near Mandalay, Myanmar, shows a rare surface rupture along the Sagaing Fault. The footage captures the ground visibly splitting and shifting laterally, offering a very rare, ground-level view of a strike-slip fault in motion.
Destructive storms hit southern and western France
Powerful thunderstorms swept across France on May 10 and 11, 2025, causing widespread flooding, hail damage, and disruptions in the regions of Occitanie and Nouvelle-Aquitaine. While no fatalities were reported, the storms caused significant property damage, agricultural losses, and transport disruptions across several departments.
Flash floods sweep through Shuilong as heavy rains hit Guangdong, China
Heavy rainfall from May 8 to 11, 2025, triggered flash floods in Shuilong Village, China’s Guangdong Province, damaging homes and crops and forcing evacuations. No casualties were reported, but over 3 221 people were preemptively evacuated across the province.
Bryce Fire in Arizona rapidly spreads to 1 170 ha (2 900 acres)
The Bryce Fire near Fort Thomas, Arizona, has burned 1 172 ha (2 896 acres) and remains 25% contained as of May 11, 2025. No structures have been reported damaged, but pre-evacuation notices have been issued for nearby residents.
