The Watchers team and our contributors bring the latest on extreme weather, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, space weather, and all things science. We're all about making sense of the natural world and keeping you informed on what’s happening. Got a tip or a question? Hit us up using the form at newstips!
Several areas of drought-stricken Bolivia received heavy rain over the past couple of days, leading to flooding which claimed lives of at least 4 deaths. As of December 5, national authorities reported that three people have been killed in Cochabamba department. The…
The meteor that exploded over Siberia on Tuesday, December 6, 2016, could be up to 10 – 15 meters (33 – 50 feet) in diameter, Russian News Agency quoted a leading Russian space scientist. "Obviously, the meteorite wasn’t big. Judging by the fact that it…
A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M5.9 hit near the coast of Trinidad and Tobago at 21:42 UTC (17:42 local time) on December 6, 2016. The agency is reporting a depth of 34.8 km (21.6 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.0 at a depth of 40 km (24.8…
A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.5 hit northern Sumatra, Indonesia at 22:03 UTC on December 6, 2016. The agency is reporting a depth of 8.2 km (5 miles). Geoscience Australia is reporting M6.6 at a depth of 20 km (12.4 miles). According…
A very bright meteor exploded above the Republic of Khakassia, Siberia, Russia at 11:35 UTC (18:35 local time) on Tuesday, December 6, 2016, briefly turning night into day. The event was seen for about three to four seconds and was followed by a sonic boom….
Scientists monitoring Mount Bulusan, Philippines warn there is an increased possibility for sudden and potentially deadly phreatic eruption at the volcano. Volcanologist Paul Alanis of the state-run PHIVOLCS, said the changes in Bulusan's sulfur dioxide (SO2)…
A meteor significantly brighter than Venus, and bright enough to be called a fireball, entered Earth's atmosphere above the United Kingdom at 02:23 UTC on December 5, 2016. The United Kingdom Meteor Observation Network (UKMON) reports the meteoroid was just a…
Unprecedented amounts of rain have caused severe flash flooding in parts of southern Spain over the weekend, culminating on Sunday, December 4, 2016. At least two people have been killed. Meteorologists say a massive 200 liters of water per cubic meter fell in just…
A strong and deep earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.3 hit off the coast of Palue, Indonesia at 01:13 UTC on December 5, 2016. The agency is reporting a depth of 526 km (326.8 miles). The epicenter was located 102 km (63.4 miles) N of Ebak (population 0), 194.5…
Central Vietnam has been hit by heavy rainfall since late November 2016, resulting in severe flooding which killed at least 13 people by Sunday, December 4, 2016. The region saw up to 300 mm (11.8) of rainfall in recent days and more is in the forecast. The worst…
