Bermuda experiences wettest May since 1949
In May 2023, Bermuda experienced its wettest May in 74 years, as reported by the Bermuda Weather Service (BWS), with persistent low-pressure systems causing continuous downpours from May 22.
Massive wildfires destroy hundreds of homes in Nova Scotia, force thousands to evacuate, Canada
Massive wildfires continue to rage across the Canadian province of Nova Scotia, leading to the destruction of hundreds of buildings and the evacuation of over 16 000 residents. As of Tuesday afternoon, May 30, 2023, the fires, which have primarily affected areas around the capital Halifax, have resulted in no reported injuries or missing persons. However, the extent of the damage is significant, with an estimated 200 homes or structures destroyed.
Thick lava flow within the summit crater of Great Sitkin volcano, Alaska
Slow eruption of lava continues at Great Sitkin volcano, Alaska, producing a thick lava flow within the summit crater.
Shallow M5.9 earthquake hits Auckland Islands, New Zealand
A shallow earthquake registered by GeoNet as M5.9 hit the Auckland Islands, New Zealand region at 02:21 UTC on May 31, 2023. The agency is reporting a depth of 12 km (7.4 miles). USGS and EMSC are reporting M6.2 at a depth of 0 km.
Century-old heat record broken in Shanghai, southern China hit by the strongest May heat wave on record
The city of Shanghai in China has experienced its highest temperature in May for more than 100 years. On Monday, May 29, 2023, the mercury soared to 36.1 °C (97 °F), surpassing the previous record of 35.7 °C (96.3 °F) set in May 1876.
Sudden cloudburst hits Waihi Beach, causing severe flash floods, New Zealand
A sudden cloudburst on Monday afternoon, May 29, 2023, led to flash flooding at Waihi Beach in the western Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, resulting in evacuations and significant damage. Approximately 60 mm (2.3 inches) of rain fell during the burst, causing floodwaters to reach waist height at their peak.
Avalanche in northern Pakistan claims 11 lives, critically injures 13
An avalanche in northern Pakistan has claimed the lives of at least 11 people, including four women and a four-year-old boy, as they were crossing a mountainous area. The incident occurred near the Shounter Pass, which connects the Gilgit-Baltistan region with Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The disaster management agency reported that 13 others, including a child, were critically injured and taken to a local hospital.
Destructive tornado hits Lampung, causing extensive damage to hundreds of houses, Indonesia
On the evening of May 27, 2023, a tornado hit three sub-districts in Central Lampung, Indonesia, causing extensive damage to hundreds of houses. The affected sub-districts include Kota Gajah, Punggur, and Trimorejo. The sudden strong winds began around 19:00 WIB, initially accompanied by regular rain and thunder.
Cracked buildings reported after shallow M3.8 earthquake hits Melbourne, the strongest since 1902
A shallow earthquake registered by Geoscience Australia as M3.8 hit Melbourne, Australia at 13:41 UTC on May 28, 2023, at a depth of just 2 km (1.2 miles). USGS is reporting M3.6 at a depth of 9.5 km (5.9 miles); EMSC M3.6 at a depth of 5 km (3.1 miles).
M6.0 earthquake hits Tonga region
A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.0 hit Tonga region at 00:11 UTC on May 27, 2023. The agency is reporting a depth of 223.9 km (139 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.0 at a depth of 219 km (136 miles).
