• Series of devastating wildfires hit Texas Panhandle, causing evacuations, temporary closure of critical nuclear weapons facility, U.S.

    ByTeo Blašković

    A series of out-of-control wildfires swept through the Texas Panhandle on February 27 and 28, 2024, prompting tens of thousands of residents to evacuate, causing widespread power outages, and forcing the temporary shutdown of the Pantex Plant, a critical nuclear weapons facility. The disaster, affecting numerous homes and prompting a disaster declaration in 60 counties, saw the Smokehouse Creek Fire rapidly grow to Texas’ 2nd largest wildfire in history.

  • Over 2 million animals perish in Mongolia’s harshest winter since 1975

    ByTeo Blašković

    This winter, Mongolia endures its snowiest season since 1975, leading to the deaths of 2.1 million head of livestock from starvation and exhaustion, a stark rise from figures reported just days ago. The extreme weather event, known as dzud, has intensified due to a preceding summer drought, severely impacting the country’s herding communities.

  • Magma volume under Svartsengi approaches eruption threshold, Iceland

    ByTeo Blašković

    Updated modeling shows Svartsengi’s magma volume reached 7.6 million m³ (268.3 million ft³) on February 26, 2024, and is now near or at the eruption threshold. With seismic activity increasing, particularly east of Sýlingarfell, the Norwegian Meteorological Agency has raised risk assessments, marking the Sundhnjúka crater series at high risk and adjusting other zones accordingly.

  • Indonesia’s strongest tornado on record

    ByTeo Blašković

    Last week, Indonesia experienced its strongest tornado on record, injuring at least 33 people and causing extensive damage to hundreds of buildings in the West Java province, according to government officials.

  • Significant winter storm set to impact the West, bringing heavy snow, U.S.

    ByTeo Blašković

    An impending winter storm, driven by an upper-level trough and strong cold front from the northeastern Pacific and western Canada, is forecasted to deliver significant snowfall and strong gusty winds to much of the West in the coming days. Heavy snow is expected in the Central Rockies and Cascades through Monday, extending to the Sierra and the Northern Rockies/Great Basin by Tuesday, with over a foot of snow possible in many areas.

  • Shallow M6.3 earthquake hits southern East Pacific Rise

    ByTeo Blašković

    A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.3 hit the southern East Pacific Rise at 01:51 UTC on February 23, 2024. The agency is reporting a depth of 2 km (1.2 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth.

  • Largest winter snowfall since 1975 and severe cold leave nearly 668 000 livestock dead in Mongolia

    ByTW

    Mongolia has experienced its heaviest snowfall since 1975 this winter, with the government reporting one fatality and the loss of nearly 668 000 livestock due to severe cold and blizzards. Disaster relief efforts were initiated on February 19, focusing on providing essential aid, including food, fuel, and livestock feed, to affected communities.

  • Thousands urged to evacuate as wildfire rages near Ballarat, Victoria

    ByTeo Blašković

    An emergency warning has been issued for 28 communities west of Ballarat, Victoria, as residents are urged to evacuate due to an out-of-control bushfire. The fire, which ignited along Bayindeen-Rocky Road, is being fought by 1 000 firefighters with support from 24 aircraft and 100 vehicles.