The Weekly Volcanic Activity Report: May 8 – 14, 2024
New activity/unrest was reported for 8 volcanoes from May 8 to 14, 2024. During the same period, ongoing activity was reported for 11 volcanoes.
Coldest early May on record in European Russia
The first ten days of May in the European part of Russia may be recognized as the coldest on record, according to Roman Vilfand of the Russian Hydrometeorological Center. Cold air masses from the Arctic Ocean caused temperatures to drop significantly, affecting not only Russia but also Turkey with severe weather.
Late-season Kona low to strike Hawaii with severe weather
A Kona low forming north of Hawaii is expected to bring heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and flash flooding to the islands beginning Tuesday evening, May 14, 2024. The event comes after a weekend of heavy rains flooded major roads in Windward Oahu and triggered landslides on May 13.
Florida and Georgia brace for severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall
Strong to severe thunderstorms are expected to move east on May 14, 2024, affecting northern Florida and southern Georgia with damaging winds and heavy rainfall. Additionally, heavy to excessive rainfall is expected over northern Florida, potentially leading to flash flooding. Another wave of heavy rainfall is forecast to impact parts of eastern Texas and the Lower Mississippi Valley later this week, and rain falling on saturated soils will likely cause additional flash flooding.
Rapidly spreading Canadian wildfires force thousands to evacuate, degrade air quality in U.S.
Multiple wildfires burning in British Columbia and Manitoba have forced thousands of people to evacuate and spread hazardous smoke into the northern United States, prompting air quality alerts.
Massive dust storm engulfs Mumbai, killing at least 14 and injuring 74
A catastrophic dust storm swept through Mumbai, India, on Monday, May 13, 2024, beginning at 15:00 local time and persisting for more than two hours. The storm claimed the lives of at least eight individuals and injured over 60 others, wreaking havoc across the city.
Ibu volcano alert level at second-highest after strong eruptions, Indonesia
Eruptive activity at Indonesia’s Ibu volcano in North Maluku province intensified over the past couple of days, leading to a strong eruption at around 00:12 UTC on May 13, 2024, with a thick column of ash rising up to 6.4 km (21 000 feet) above sea level.
Destructive cold lava flow on Indonesia’s Marapi volcano kills 50, leaves 27 missing
Heavy monsoon rains falling over Indonesia’s Sumatra island on Saturday, May 11, 2024, caused a destructive lahar to descend the slopes of Marapi volcano, killing 37 people and leaving at least 17 others missing.
Strong M6.4 earthquake hits near the coast of Chiapas, Mexico
A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.4 hit near the coast of Chiapas, Mexico at 11:39 UTC (06:39 LT) on May 12, 2024. The agency is reporting a depth of 75 km (46 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth.
Thousands of homes destroyed, over 300 dead as flash floods ravage northern Afghanistan
Northern Afghanistan is facing a catastrophic humanitarian crisis following severe flash flooding that began on Friday, May 10, 2024. The latest reports confirm 315 deaths and injuries to over 1 600 people, with Baghlan Province bearing the brunt of the devastation. Authorities fear the death toll will continue rising.
