The Weekly Volcanic Activity Report: April 26 – May 2, 2023
New activity/unrest was reported for 6 volcanoes from April 26 – May 2, 2023. During the same period, ongoing activity was reported for 16 volcanoes.
Widespread floods hit Emilia-Romagna, Italy
Heavy rainfall affecting parts of Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region since May 2, 2023, caused rivers to rapidly rise and overflow, causing severe floods that claimed at least two lives. Emilia-Romagna Governor Stefano Bonaccini said they are in the process of declaring a state of emergency.
Destructive floods and landslides hit Rwanda, leaving over 100 fatalities
Heavy rainfall affecting Rwanda’s Western and Northern Provinces over the past couple of days led to severe floods and landslides, killing 109 people and causing widespread destruction.
Barren Island volcano erupts, spewing ash to 4.6 km (15 000 feet) a.s.l. and disrupting air travel, India
A new volcanic eruption started at Barren Island volcano, India at around 02:00 UTC on May 1, 2023.
Dust storm creates zero visibility, leading to massive vehicle pileup in Illinois
At least six people lost their lives, and 37 others were injured in a massive 70-vehicle pileup in central Illinois on Monday, May 1, 2023, caused by a dust storm that resulted in severely reduced visibility. The tragic incident occurred along Interstate 55 in Montgomery and Sangamon counties, south of the state capital, Springfield.
Kanlaon volcano records highest sulfur dioxide emission this year, Philippines
A sharp increase in SO2 emissions was recorded at Kanlaon volcano last week, creating concerns over potential phreatic eruptions.
Historic EF-3 tornado sweeps through Virginia Beach, leaving a trail of destruction, Virginia
A powerful EF-3 tornado struck Virginia Beach, Virginia, on April 30, 2023, damaging 115 homes and destroying 12. This is the most powerful tornado ever to hit the city, officials said on May 1.
Strong and shallow M6.2 earthquake hits near the coast of Okinawa, Japan
A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the JMA as M6.2 hit near the coast of Okinawa, Japan at 03:22 UTC (12:22 LT) on May 1, 2023. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). USGS is reporting M5.9 at a depth of 10.9 km (6.7 miles); EMSC M5.9 at a depth of 12 km (7.4 miles).
Rainy season ravages Ecuador, leaves 79 people dead, 39 missing and 14 184 homes damaged
Heavy rainfall since January wreaked havoc across Ecuador, leaving at least 79 people dead, 39 missing, and 66 000 affected.
Deep M6.6 and M6.0 earthquakes hit south of the Fiji Islands
Two deep earthquakes registered by the USGS M6.6 and M6.0 hit south of the Fiji Islands at 03:13 UTC on April 28, 2023. The agency is reporting depths of 592.9 km (368.4 miles) and 598.5 km (371.8 miles), respectively. EMSC is reporting just one M6.0 quake at a depth of 593 km (368.4 miles).
