Shallow M6.2 earthquake hits south of Panama
A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.2 hit south of Panama at 14:50 UTC on March 21, 2025. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth.
Central Texas under Critical Fire Weather Outlook
A Critical Fire Weather Outlook has been issued for over 93 240 km² (36 000 square miles) of central Texas on Friday, March 21, 2025, with gusty winds and low humidity expected to create dangerous fire conditions for approximately 1.5 million residents.
Major eruption at Lewotobi Laki-laki volcano ejects ash to 16.2 km (53 000 feet) a.s.l., Indonesia
A major eruption took place at Indonesia’s Lewotobi Laki-laki volcano on March 20, 2025, ejecting ash up to 16.2 km (53 000 feet) above sea level.
Red Flag Warnings issued across east Florida
A Red Flag Warning has been issued for nearly all of eastern Florida, from Daytona Beach to Miami, on Thursday, March 20, 2025, as wildfires burned over 5 655 (14 000 acres) across the state.
Freeze Warning issued for northern Alabama
A Freeze Warning has been issued for the entirety of Northern Alabama through Friday morning, March 21, 2025, after a strong cold front moved through the Tennessee Valley on March 19, causing temperatures to drop in the region.
Blizzards and tornadoes reported as powerful winter storm sweeps across the Plains and Midwest
A powerful winter storm swept through the Plains and Midwest on March 19, 2025, producing eight reported tornadoes in Illinois and severely disrupting travel. Whiteout conditions led to multiple crashes in Kansas, Iowa, and Nebraska, forcing closures on major highways, including I-70 and I-80.
The Weekly Volcanic Activity Report: March 12–18, 2025
New activity/unrest was reported for 8 volcanoes from March 12–18, 2025. During the same period, ongoing activity was reported for 4 volcanoes.
Evacuation orders issued as wildfires continue burning through Oklahoma and Texas
Hundreds of homes have been destroyed, and thousands of acres burned as wildfires continue to spread across Oklahoma and Texas on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. Emergency officials have issued new evacuation orders in Oklahoma’s Logan and Pawnee counties, while Texas remains under a widespread burn ban with several large fires still active.
Severe flash floods hit Townsville after heaviest rains in 27 years, Australia
Severe flash floods hit north Queensland on March 19, 2025, after over 300 mm (11.8 inches) of rain fell over parts of the region, inundating homes and roads. The worst affected areas were Ingham and Townsville, where more than a month’s worth of rain fell in just 8 hours.
Petroecuador declares force majeure after worst oil spill in 8 years, Ecuador
Ecuador’s state oil company, Petroecuador, declared force majeure on its Trans-Ecuadorian Pipeline System (SOTE) on March 18, 2025, following a catastrophic oil spill that began on March 13. The spill, caused by a landslide that ruptured the pipeline, has contaminated the Esmeraldas River, affecting over 500 000 residents who are now experiencing a severe water crisis. The landslide was triggered by heavy rains and severe weather conditions across the country that have claimed 20 lives as of March 19.
