A very strong earthquake registered by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) as M6.9 hit off the west coast of Ogasawara Islands, Japan at 08:35 UTC (17:35 JST) on April 27, 2024. The agency is reporting a depth of 540 km (335 miles). USGS is reporting M6.5 at a depth of 503 km (312 miles), EMSC M6.5 at a depth of 497 km (308 miles).
A destructive tornado outbreak with at least 78 tornadoes impacted the U.S. Plains on Friday, April 26, 2024, leaving a trail of damage and more than a dozen injuries. The outbreak occurred as a part of a multi-day severe weather threat covering over 60 million Americans. The threat of EF2 – EF5 tornadoes will continue into Sunday, April 28.
A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.0 hit Mid-Indian Ridge at 22:23 UTC on April 26, 2024. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles).
Recent studies have exposed a critical risk in Kyrgyzstan, where unstable dams holding approximately 700 000 cubic meters (918 000 cubic yards) of uranium mine tailings threaten to unleash a large-scale nuclear disaster on the Fergana Valley, potentially displacing millions and rendering the region uninhabitable.
A severe weather warning covers the Plains, threatening over 55 million residents with strong tornadoes, hail the size of baseballs, and damaging wind gusts. The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Watch as the region braces for potentially destructive weather through the weekend.
Bangladesh experienced its hottest April in 75 years, with the month marking a prolonged and severe heatwave that led to extensive health emergencies across the nation. According to Dr. Muhammad Abul Kalam Mallik of the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, April 2024 has been the most intense with a record 23 heatwave days, surpassing the combined count of April and May 2019.
Thailand is experiencing a deadly heatwave, with 30 reported fatalities from heatstroke, as of April 25, 2024. The country’s capital, Bangkok, saw the heat index exceed critical levels, reaching over 52 °C (125 °F) on Thursday, exacerbating the public health crisis.
Tel Aviv, Israel witnessed a historical weather event on April 25, 2024, as temperatures soared to a record-breaking 40.7 °C (105.3 °F), surpassing the city’s previous April high of 40.4 °C (104.7 °F) set in 1939. This significant meteorological milestone occurred during a persistent heatwave impacting the region, with the Israel Meteorological Service confirming these figures.
On April 25, 2024, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa reported to Tanzania’s parliament that torrential rains linked to El Nino have resulted in the deaths of at least 155 people, with 236 others injured since January. The severe weather has also led to significant damage to infrastructure and affected over 200 000 people across the country.
Due to severe smoke and ash produced by multiple wildfires, the Secretary of Public Education of Guerrero has announced the suspension of all academic and administrative activities in preschools and primary schools in Acapulco and Chilpancingo for Thursday, April 25, 2024. This decision affects schools in both morning and afternoon shifts and follows recommendations from the state’s environmental authorities.
