Powerful explosive eruption at Sheveluch volcano, Aviation Color Code raised to Red, Russia
A new explosive eruption began at the “300 years of RAS” lava dome at Sheveluch volcano, Kamchatka, Russia at 11:45 UTC on August 17, 2024.
Very strong M7.0 earthquake hits off the coast of Kamchatka, Russia — hazardous tsunami waves possible
A very strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M7.0 hit off the coast of Kamchatka, Russia at 19:10 UTC on August 17, 2024. The agency is reporting a depth of 50 km (31 miles). EMSC is reporting M7.0 at a depth of 51 km (32 miles).
Devastating floods in Chad’s desert province of Tibesti claim at least 54 lives
Severe flooding caused by heavy torrential rains from August 9 to 14, 2024 has devastated Chad’s northern province of Tibesti, leaving at least 54 people dead.
Major forest fire in Izmir, Turkey forces evacuations as flames threaten residential areas
A rapidly spreading forest fire in Izmir, Turkey, is forcing evacuations as flames approach residential areas. Local authorities reported that strong winds and difficult terrain are hindering firefighting efforts, with the fire still raging in multiple locations since it broke out late Thursday, August 15, 2024, in the Karşıyaka district.
Hurricane “Ernesto” expected to hit Bermuda with dangerous storm surge and flash flooding
Bermuda is bracing for potentially life-threatening conditions as Category 2 Hurricane “Ernesto” approaches the island, bringing strong winds, dangerous storm surges, and severe flooding starting Friday, August 16, 2024.
Severe storm, torrential rains hit parts of Spain, causing widespread floods
Torrential rains have swept across parts of Spain, including the Balearic Islands, on Thursday, August 15, 2024, causing widespread flooding, evacuations, and flight cancellations. The Spanish Emergency Military Unit (UME) confirmed on August 15, that it had been deployed to Mallorca to assist with the crisis.
Japan narrowly avoids catastrophic impact as rare Typhoon “Ampil” skirts the Tokyo region
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued warnings for fierce winds, high waves, and potential landslides as Typhoon “Ampil” grazed the country on August 16, 2024. The storm, currently located off the Pacific coast, has prompted evacuation orders for over 340 000 residents and led to significant disruptions in transportation and power supply.
Increased volcanic gas emissions detected from new vent at White Island volcano, New Zealand
White Island’s volcanic activity has intensified with increased gas emissions from a new vent, confirmed during a monitoring flight on August 14, 2024. GeoNet reported the findings on August 16, noting that while volcanic ash concentrations have risen, the likelihood of impact on the mainland remains very low.
Strong and shallow M6.1 earthquake hits Taiwan
A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.1 hit near the east coast of Taiwan at 23:35 UTC on August 15, 2024. The agency is reporting a depth of 14 km (22.5 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth.
2024 sees Southern California’s highest M4+ earthquake count since 1988, return to long-term average
Since 1932, Southern California has averaged 10 – 12 M4 earthquakes annually. However, in the last 20 years, this number dropped to around 5 per year. In 2024, with 13 M4s already recorded, the region is seeing a return to its long-term average. Southern California is experiencing a significant increase in seismic activity this year,…
