M6.0 earthquake hits central Peru at intermediate depth
A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.0 hit central Peru at 10:22 UTC on May 17, 2025, at a depth of 92 km (57 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth.
Tornado hits St. Louis metro area, leaving 5 dead and causing widespread damage
A destructive tornado struck the St. Louis metropolitan area, Missouri, on May 16, 2025, killing at least five people and injuring dozens, according to city officials. The storm caused significant damage to infrastructure and homes, with over 5 000 properties affected. At least seven storm-related deaths were reported across multiple states on May 16, with some reports mentioning at least 10 fatalities.
High-level eruption at Sheveluch volcano, Russia
A strong eruption began at Sheveluch volcano, Kamchatka, Russia, around 18:00 UTC on May 16, 2025, producing a plume of ash and sulfur dioxide up to 12.2 km (40 000 feet) above sea level, according to the Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC). The Aviation Color Code remains at Orange.
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.
Camp Mabry breaks 100-year-old record as early-season heatwave grips south-central Texas
Camp Mabry broke a 100-year-old daily heat on Thursday, May 15, 2025, as an early-season heat wave caused multiple daily heat records to break across south-central Texas. The heat wave is forecast to continue through the weekend into the next week, with some areas expected to see the highest May temperatures on record.
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.
State of Emergency declared in Mayville after tornado outbreak in Wisconsin
Tornadoes struck parts of the Midwest on Wednesday, May 15, 2025, causing widespread damage across Wisconsin. The city of Mayville declared a State of Emergency after severe damage was reported in its southern areas, where multiple buildings and homes were either damaged or destroyed.
Ashfall blankets Kagoshima City after eruption at Sakurajima volcano, Japan
Three eruptions were recorded at Sakurajima volcano in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan, on May 15, 2025, with ash plumes reaching heights over 4 200 m (13 800 feet) above sea level. Ashfall was reported in Kagoshima City, reducing visibility on city roads.
The Weekly Volcanic Activity Report: May 7–13, 2025
New activity/unrest was reported for five volcanoes from May 7 to 13, 2025. During the same period, ongoing activity was reported for 20 volcanoes.
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.
