Severe Tropical Cyclone “Jasper” has intensified to a Category 4 system on Friday, December 8, 2023, with sustained winds of 195 km/h (120 mph) and gusts up to 270 km/h (165 mph). Currently located about 650 km (405 miles) from Honiara, Solomon Islands, Jasper poses a potential threat to the north Queensland coast.
Thousands of dead fish were discovered along the shores of northern Japan on December 7, 2023, prompting authorities to initiate an investigation.
New activity/unrest was reported for 2 volcanoes from November 29 to December 5, 2023. During the same period, ongoing activity was reported for 14 volcanoes.
Tropical Cyclone “Michaung” made landfall in Andhra Pradesh on December 5, 2023, leading to widespread crop damage across several districts and significant flooding.
A sudden and intense hailstorm struck Menorca, Spain, on Tuesday morning, December 5, 2023, particularly affecting Mahon. The storm, not forecasted by Aemet, delivered heavy rainfall, with Mahon receiving 24 mm (0.95 inches) in just 15 minutes.
A very strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M7.1 hit Vanuatu at 12:56 UTC on December 7, 2023. The agency is reporting a depth of 48.4 km (30 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.9 at a depth of 32 km (20 miles).
A powerful atmospheric river has brought record-breaking rainfall to Washington and Oregon, causing widespread flooding and two fatalities as of December 5. The National Weather Service forecasts the storms to continue until December 7. Notable impacts include record river levels, such as the Stillaguamish River reaching a historic 6.50 m (21.34 feet), and extensive property damage across both states.
The Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) reports a decreased likelihood of an eruption at Svartsengi following the cessation of magma inflow to the November 10 dike. While magma accumulation continues beneath Svartsengi, the immediate eruption risk along the dike has significantly reduced.
The Anak Krakatau volcano, located in Indonesia’s Sunda Strait, has resumed its explosive activity, exhibiting a series of short-lived lava-fountaining episodes known as paroxysms last night. The eruptions lasted up to 150 seconds while ash was reaching 2 100 m (7 000 feet) above sea level.
A major eruption at Mount Marapi in Indonesia on Sunday, December 3, 2023, has led to a confirmed death toll of 23. Rescuers, facing challenging conditions, found additional bodies near the eruption site. The volcano, remaining on high alert since 2011, unexpectedly erupted, impacting climbers and nearby villagers.
