The Weekly Volcanic Activity Report: January 24 – 30, 2024
New activity/unrest was reported for 3 volcanoes from January 24 to 30, 2024. During the same period, ongoing activity was reported for 17 volcanoes
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Violent clashes outside European Parliament amid massive farmer protests
European farmers took the protest near the EU summit in Brussels today, blocking roads with 1 300 tractors and clashing with police. The protests started earlier this month, but demonstrations have now spread across Europe as farmers from Belgium, France, Italy, and Spain demand help with taxes and rising costs. EU leaders acknowledged the crisis, amid calls for action ahead of European Parliament elections.
Strong eruptive activity at Ibu volcano, Indonesia
Eruptive activity at Indonesia’s Ibu volcano continues with strong explosions from the cinder cone within the summit caldera.
Seismic activity and ground deformation surge at Kīlauea’s summit, Hawaii
Increased earthquake activity and signs of magma movement beneath Kīlauea’s summit, detected on January 31, 2024, have prompted the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory to elevate the volcano’s alert level from ADVISORY/YELLOW to WATCH/ORANGE. With over 500 earthquakes recorded since midnight and ground deformation indicating pressurized magma chambers, the risk of an eruption remains high.
Red warnings for extreme wind gusts and avalanches issued as Storm Ingunn approaches Norway
A powerful Atlantic windstorm named Storm Ingunn by the Norwegian Meteorological Institute on January 31, 2024 is now moving over the Faroe Islands with wind gusts of up to 250 km/h (155 mph). While severe gales will affect northern Britain, in Norway, red warnings are in place for extreme wind gusts and avalanches
China issues warning for strongest winter weather since 2009 during Spring Festival travel
Amid the ongoing Spring Festival travel rush, China faces significant weather challenges with the National Meteorological Center issuing a blue alert for heavy snowfall in several provinces.
Record highs in Victoria follow coldest January 12 in 55 years, Canada
Victoria, the capital of the Canadian province of British Columbia, recorded its warmest January 29 ever with 15.3 °C (59.5 °F) at the Gonzales weather station, surpassing the previous record of 13.3 °C (55.9 °F) set in 1931. This record-breaking warmth follows closely on the heels of the coldest January 12 in 55 years.
Slow lava eruption continues at Great Sitkin volcano, Alaska
The Alaska Volcano Observatory reported a continuous slow eruption of lava in the summit crater of Great Sitkin Volcano as of 19:30 UTC on January 30, 2024. The Aviation Color Code remains at Orange and Alert Level at Watch.
S2 – Moderate solar radiation storm following M6.7 solar flare
Following the M6.7 solar flare from Active Region 3559 on January 29, 2024, enhanced proton levels were recorded, with the greater than 10 MeV reaching the S2 – Moderate threshold and greater than 100 MeV peaking at 0.67 pfu.
Record-breaking winds hit parts of northern Norway, causing widespread damage
A powerful storm brought hurricane-force winds to northern Norway on January 29, 2024, tearing down buildings and disrupting transport, while leaving thousands without power.
