The Weekly Volcanic Activity Report: February 8 – 14, 2023
New activity/unrest was reported for 5 volcanoes from February 8 to 14, 2023. During the same period, ongoing activity was reported for 18 volcanoes.
Record-breaking snowfall hits Anchorage, Alaska
Anchorage, the largest city in Alaska, has experienced a record-breaking amount of snowfall in recent months.
Shallow M6.1 earthquake hits Masbate region, Philippines
A shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.1 hit the Masbate region, Philippines at 18:10 UTC on February 15, 2023. The agency is reporting a depth of 20 km (12.4 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.0 at a depth of 40 km (22.8 miles).
Series of fatal avalanches strike Afghanistan and Tajikistan amid heavy snowfall
A series of deadly avalanches caused by heavy snowfall have impacted Afghanistan and Tajikistan over the past couple of days, causing damage and leaving at least 25 people dead. The avalanches struck mountainous regions in both countries, including the Kunar and Badakhshan provinces of Afghanistan and Tajikistan’s eastern Gorno-Badakhshan region.
Southern Malawi hit by severe flooding, leaving four dead and three missing
Severe flooding caused extensive damage to southern Malawi over that past couple of days, resulting in the deaths of at least four people and leaving three others missing, according to local authorities. The heavy rainfall on led to flooding in Blantyre and Chiradzulu District Councils, causing significant damage to roads, bridges, houses, and other properties.
Large dust storms create significant reductions in visibility, cause multiple car crashes, U.S.
Strong winds produced by a low pressure system moving through the United States picked up large amounts of dust from California to Oklahoma on Tuesday, February 14, 2023, creating significant reductions in visibility that resulted in multiple car crashes in which at least one person died. In some places, the visibility was reduced to zero.
Strong M6.3 earthquake hits Cook Strait, New Zealand
A strong earthquake registered by the GeoNet as M6.3 hit Cook Strait, New Zealand at 06:38 UTC (19:38 LT) on February 15, 2023. The agency is reporting a depth of 50 km (31 miles). USGS is reporting it as M5.7 at a depth of 74.3 km (46 miles); EMSC M5.7 at a depth of 67 km (41 miles).
National state of emergency declared as Cyclone Gabrielle causes widespread destruction across New Zealand’s North Island
New Zealand’s North Island has been severely impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle over the past couple of days, with floods, landslides, and ocean swells leaving many people stranded on rooftops. The storm, which caused extensive damage to homes and infrastructure, also closed numerous roads, canceled hundreds of flights, and left about 225 000 people without power. At least 4 people have been killed.
National disaster declared in South Africa as extreme rains cause widespread damage
South Africa has declared a National State of Disaster due to the widespread impact of floods in several provinces, which have caused the loss of lives, severe damage to infrastructure, and affected homes and businesses. The flooding was brought by heavy rain affecting the region since February 8.
Thousands displaced by flooding in northern Syria after earthquakes trigger dam breach
Northern Syria is facing a dual humanitarian crisis after a series of devastating earthquakes in Turkey caused a dam breach along the Orontes river, resulting in widespread flooding and forcing thousands to evacuate their homes.
