A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.1 hit the Pagan region, Northern Mariana Islands at 15:48 UTC on January 20, 2024. The agency is reporting a depth of 195 km (121 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth.
A strong earthquake registered by the SGC as M5.6 hit Cartago, Colombia’s Valle del Cauca Department at 11:26 UTC (06:26 local time) on January 19, 2024. The agency is reporting a depth of 52 km (32 miles). USGS and EMSC are reporting M5.6 at a depth of 61 km (38 miles).
New activity/unrest was reported for 6 volcanoes from January 10 – 16, 2024. During the same period, ongoing activity was reported for 14 volcanoes.
A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.4 hit Tonga at 22:12 UTC on January 18, 2024 (11:12 LT, January 19). The agency is reporting a depth of 218 km (135 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth.
Recent volcanic activity in the Svartsengi area has led to continuous land uplift, although the exact rate is still being determined through GNSS measurements. Around 200 earthquakes, the largest measuring M1.4, have been recorded near the magma conduit since yesterday. Despite a reduction in earthquake frequency, significant risks, including ground collapse, remain for the nearby Grindavík area.
Recent heavy rainfall and strong winds in parts of Mindanao, southern Philippines, have led to floods and landslides, resulting in at least seven deaths, including five children, 10 people missing, and significant damage. The disaster has affected over 187 000 people across four provinces in the Davao region, with ongoing rains halting search and rescue operations.
Since January 12, 2024, a series of winter storms and an outbreak of cold air have led to at least 40 deaths across nine US states. The severe weather has caused significant disruptions, including power outages affecting over 85 000 homes and businesses in Oregon, hazardous travel conditions, and extensive road closures. The latest forecasts indicate another round of extreme cold and heavy snowfall across the central and eastern US.
The M7.6 earthquake that struck Japan’s Noto Peninsula on January 1, 2024, has caused significant changes in the coastal landscape, leaving at least 15 ports unusable and impacting local fisheries.
Recent discoveries of new small mud volcanoes in Trinidad’s eastern region have prompted local authorities to prepare evacuation plans, following a small eruption in the Cascadoux Trace area last week. Three homes closest to the new mud volcanoes were already evacuated.
Violent thunderstorms and heavy rainfall affecting KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa, since January 12, 2024, have led to devastating floods, resulting in at least 11 fatalities and significant property damage in the Durban City area, particularly in eThekwini Municipality.
