• Flash drought gripped U.S. in October 2024

    A rapidly intensifying flash drought affected much of the U.S. in October 2024, with 45.3% of the country now under moderate to extreme drought. By October 29, drought had spread across nearly every contiguous state, except Alaska and Kentucky, severely impacting the Midwest, South, and East Coast and affecting over 78% of the population.

  • Severe storms spawn tornadoes and flooding across Arkansas and Oklahoma

    A severe line of storms produced multiple tornadoes and widespread flooding across Northwest Arkansas and Northeast Oklahoma on November 4, 2024. The storms primarily impacted cities such as Little Flock, Siloam Springs, and Oklahoma City, causing significant damage to homes and infrastructur

  • Severe flooding in central Vietnam leaves 12 dead, 34 000 homes flooded

    Severe flooding in central Vietnam, triggered by Tropical Storm “Trami” and a sweeping cold front, has killed 12 people, injured seven, and damaged thousands of homes and hectares of crops in Quang Binh Province since late October. Authorities are now cautioning residents about ongoing risks from rising river levels and additional rain expected through mid-November.

  • 58-day state of emergency declared after eruption at Lewotabi claims 9 lives, damages 2 384 homes, Indonesia

    A powerful eruption at Lewotobi volcano on Indonesia’s Flores Island has resulted in at least 9 deaths and forced widespread evacuations, officials confirmed on November 5, 2024. The eruption took place on November 3, plunging nearby villages into darkness as lava, ash, and volcanic debris damaged homes and led to power outages. Authorities have declared a state of emergency, extending assistance to over 10 000 affected residents.

  • Rapidly shrinking Salton Sea raises toxic dust concerns for nearby communities, California

    The Salton Sea, California’s largest inland lake, is receding faster than anticipated, primarily due to water diversions from the Colorado River to urban areas like San Diego. A recent study led by Ryan Sinclair of Loma Linda University, involving community scientists and balloon mapping techniques, has documented shoreline changes, revealing that toxic dust levels could further deteriorate air quality for nearby residents.

  • High-energy explosions and lava flows at Stromboli volcano, Italy

    Stromboli experienced a series of high-energy explosions on November 2 and 3, 2024, starting with an eruption in the northern crater at 14:20 UTC, followed by another in the same area and a third in the central-southern crater. These events caused hot material to slip down the Sciara del Fuoco and initiated an active lava flow from the north crater.