The Weekly Volcanic Activity Report: October 9 – 15, 2024
New activity/unrest was reported for 3 volcanoes from October 9 – 15, 2024. During the same period, ongoing activity was reported for 17 volcanoes.
Spurr volcano alert raised after increased seismicity and ground deformation, Alaska
A gradual increase in volcanic unrest was observed at Spurr volcano in Alaska over the past couple of months, prompting the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) to increase the Volcano Alert Level to Advisory and the Aviation Color Code to Yellow on October 16, 2024. Spurr is located about 120 km (75 miles) west of Anchorage.
81 people still missing in North Carolina, Helene now third deadliest mainland U.S. hurricane since 1950
Nearly three weeks after Hurricane “Helene” made landfall, North Carolina is still searching for 81 missing people amid mounting fatalities, with over 131 deaths reported in the state as of October 16. With a total of 261 fatalities, Helene is now the third deadliest mainland U.S. landfalling hurricane since 1950.
Tropical Depression “Al-Sayyal” brings 2 years worth of rain to Oman in 24 hours
The Al-Sayyal tropical depression dropped 215 mm (8.46 inches) of rain in the state of Sur in Oman during 24 hours between October 15 and 16, 2024; equivalent to what Jeddah receives in 5 years. Several regions were flooded on due to the continuous downpour since Monday, October 14.
Deep M5.9 earthquake hits Hindu Kush, Afghanistan
A deep earthquake registered by the USGS as M5.9 hit the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan at 18:56 UTC (23:26 LT) on October 16, 2024. The agency is reporting a depth of 203 km (126 miles).
Red Flag Warning issued for parts of central and northeastern Nevada
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning across parts of central and northeastern Nevada, effective from 11:00 LT to 20:00 LT on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, warning of dangerous fire weather due to strong winds and low humidity.
Red Flag Warning issued as Bay Area prepares for fire weather conditions, California
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a red flag warning for the Bay Area due to fire weather from 11 pm (6 am UTC) Thursday, October 17, 2024 to 5 pm (12 am UTC) Saturday, October 19, 2024.
Severe floods affect over 130 000 people, claim 3 lives in Sri Lanka
Severe flooding in Sri Lanka following last week’s torrential rains has left three people dead, injured two, and affected over 134 000 residents, with Colombo and Gampaha among the hardest-hit areas.
Very strong shaking after shallow M6.0 earthquake hits Turkey
A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.0 hit Turkey at 07:46 UTC (10:46 LT) on October 16, 2024. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth.
Floods in Sahara could profoundly alter weather forecasts in the future
Heavy rainfall on September 6 and 7, 2024, brought more than a year’s worth of precipitation to parts of Morocco, resulting in 11 deaths and 9 missing persons. While the influx of water provided temporary relief by replenishing lakebeds and aquifers, Morocco’s meteorology chief noted that the presence of water in the Sahara could significantly impact future weather forecasts.
