Ecuador is facing a severe energy crisis caused by the worst drought in six decades drastically reducing water levels in reservoirs powering hydroelectric plants that supply over 70% of the nation’s electricity. Since October 23, 2024, power cuts have expanded from 8 to 14 hours per day, impacting cities like Quito, Guayaquil, and Cuenca, and causing economic losses of about $12 million per hour.
At least four people have been reported dead due to Severe Cyclonic Storm “Dana” in the Indian state of West Bengal while over 113 312 ha (280 000 acres) of crops have been submerged in the state of Odisha as of Saturday, October 26, 2024.
Popocatépetl volcano in Mexico has shown increased activity over the past few days, with significant ash and SO2 emissions recorded since October 24. On October 26, volcanic ash cloud was estimated at approximately 9.1 km (30 000 feet) above sea level, extending about 833 km (517 miles) northeast of the summit into the Gulf of Mexico.
The Toulouse VAAC is reporting the detection of a significant volume of gas and volcanic material over Nyamulagira Volcano in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, starting at approximately 11:15 UTC on October 25, 2024. Volcanic ash cloud was observed rising to 4 km (13 000 feet) above sea level at 13:00 UTC. As a result the Aviation Color Code was raised to Red.
A powerful atmospheric river (AR) is expected to bring significant rainfall to the West Coast, particularly affecting Washington and Oregon starting October 25, 2024, and continuing into early October 27. Following this, a second AR may impact the California-Mexico border and parts of the southwestern U.S. on October 28 – 29.
Tropical Cyclone “Dana” swept across the Odisha coast early Friday, October 25, 2024, after making landfall near Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamara, bringing intense winds of up to 120 km/h (75 mph) and rainfall across Odisha and West Bengal. Extremely heavy rainfall is forecast for several regions with Red, Yellow, and Orange warnings in effect for over 100 districts across Odisha, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.
Kristy rapidly intensified into a Category 5 hurricane on the Saffir Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale and peaked at 21:00 UTC on Thursday, October 24, 2024, about 1 565 km (970 miles) SW of the southern tip of Baja California.
New activity/unrest was reported for 6 volcanoes from October 16 – 22, 2024. During the same period, ongoing activity was reported for 27 volcanoes.
A rare landspout outbreak occurred in the United Arab Emirates on the afternoon of Wednesday, October 23, 2024, leading to multiple landspouts forming between Kadra in Ras Al Khaimah and Al Khudaira in Sharjah.
Severe flooding occurred in Baku and surrounding regions after heavy rains began on October 21, 2024 and continued for two days. The downpour overwhelmed drainage systems, flooding streets, homes, and public buildings, with significant disruptions in transportation. Two people were reported dead due to drowning, and property damage was widespread.
