• Sydney sets new annual rainfall record, Australia

    Between January 1 and October 6, 2022, Australia’s largest city – Sydney recorded more than 2 194 mm (86 inches) of rainfall, marking its wettest year since 1858 when the records started. Over the next three months, eastern half of Australia is forecast to receive above median rainfall.

  • More than 520 people injured after M5.6 earthquake hits Iran

    More than 520 people were injured after M5.6 earthquake hit northwestern Iran at 00:21 UTC on October 5, 2022. The USGS is reporting a depth of 15 km (9 miles). EMSC is reporting M5.6 at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles), IRSC M5.4 at a depth of 10 km.

  • Home Reef volcano grows to 6 hectares (15 acres), Tonga

    Home Reef volcano re-emerged above sea level on September 9, 2022, prompting authorities in Tonga to issue a Hazard Alert to all marines to sail at least 5 km (3.1 miles) away from the volcano. The volcano is located midway between Metis Shoal and Late Island in the central Tonga islands. It was first reported active in the mid-19th century when an ephemeral island formed.