At least nine dead after severe flooding and landslides hit KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa
At least nine people died following devastating floods and landslides in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa from February 19 to 22, 2025.
Rishika holds a Master’s in International Studies from Stella Maris College, Chennai, India, where she earned a gold medal, and an MCA from the University of Mysore, Karnataka, India. Previously, she served as a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India. During her tenure, she contributed as a Junior Writer for Europe Monitor on the Global Politics website and as an Assistant Editor for The World This Week. Her work has also been published in The Hindu newspaper, showing her expertise in global affairs. Rishika is also a recipient of the Women Empowerment Award at the district level in Haryana, India, in 2022.
Eruption risk increases as magma accumulation reaches critical volume at Svartsengi, Iceland
Magma accumulation beneath Svartsengi has reached a critical volume, matching the levels observed during the last eruption on November 20, 2024. A volcanic eruption could occur at very short notice, potentially within days or weeks, according to the IMO. The IMO has revised its hazard assessment which remains in effect until February 25.
Atka volcano alert levels raised after brief eruption, Alaska
A small explosive event was recorded at the Atka volcanic complex in the Aleutian Islands, U.S., at 19:26 LT on February 20, 2025 (04:26 UTC on February 21). The Aviation Color Code has been raised to Orange and Alert Level to Watch.
One dead as heavy rains and thunderstorms hit Sao Paulo, Brazil
Severe weather conditions developed across Greater São Paulo, Brazil between February 18 and 19, 2025, resulting in severe floods that left at least one person dead.
Eruption risk persists as magma accumulation surpasses 90% of pre-November levels at Svartsengi, Iceland
Magma accumulation beneath Svartsengi is nearing the critical threshold, with over 90% of the volume recorded before the last eruption on November 20, 2024, increasing the likelihood of a dike intrusion and possible eruption. Seismic activity remains steady, and land uplift continues.
The Weekly Volcanic Activity Report: February 12–18, 2025
New activity/unrest was reported for 7 volcanoes from February 12 to 18, 2025. During the same period, ongoing activity was reported for 15 volcanoes.
Emergency escape port planned in Santorini, schools remain closed as intense earthquake swarm continues in Greece
Schools in Santorini, Ios, Anafi, and Amorgos will remain closed at least until February 21, 2025, as the Greek government prepares for another meeting to assess seismic risks in the Aegean Sea near Santorini. Over 1 300 earthquakes were recorded with a magnitude above 3.0 in the sea area near Anydros since the beginning of the month, with the strongest reaching M5.3. The government also announced plans to build an emergency escape port in Santorini in addition to the new port under development.
Virginia requests Expedited Major Disaster Declaration after severe winter storms, U.S.
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin formally requested an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration from President Donald J. Trump on February 16, following severe winter storms that caused flooding, infrastructure damage, and, power outages.
Eight people rescued on Mount Etna as lava spectators cause traffic jams, Italy
Emergency teams rescued eight tourists who got lost on Mount Etna on Monday, February 17, 2025, amid heavy crowds and traffic congestion caused by visitors eager to witness the ongoing volcanic eruption.
Twin M5.1 earthquakes hit Santorini area, Ios becomes fourth island under state of emergency, Greece
Ios became the fourth island in the Aegean to be placed under a state of emergency on February 15, following the trend set by Santorini on February 6, Amorgos on February 12, and Anafi on February 13, due to the ongoing seismic activity in the region since late January 2025. On January 18, two M5.1 quakes were registered between Santorini and Amorgos, shaking the area with enough intensity to be felt across multiple islands.
