Severe soil liquefaction hits Minhe County after M6.2 earthquake in Gansu, China
Severe soil liquefaction was reported in Minhe County, Gansu, China, following the deadly M6.2 earthquake on December 18, 2023.
Volcanic eruption starts near Grindavik, Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland
A new volcanic fissure eruption started at 22:17 UTC on December 18, 2023, about 4 km (2.5 miles) NE of the town of Grindavik, Reykjanes, Iceland. The eruptive fissure is about 4 km long, with the northern end just east of Stóra-Skógfell and the southern end just east of Sundhnúk.
Severe thunderstorm wreaks havoc along Argentina’s Atlantic coast, leaving at least 13 dead in Bahia Blanca
Severe thunderstorm with wind gusts up to 150 km/h (92 mph) struck the coastal city of Bahia Blanca in Argentina on December 16, 2023, resulting in the deaths of at least 13 people. The city, located near the southern tip of Buenos Aires province, is one of Argentina’s prime grain-producing regions.
Emergency measures in Beijing as severe cold wave brings snow and ice, China
China is experiencing a severe cold wave, with heavy snowfall and plummeting temperatures affecting transport and daily life across northern regions, including Beijing. President Xi Jinping has called for comprehensive emergency responses as temperatures drop significantly below freezing.
Major X2.8 solar flare erupts from Region 3514
A powerful solar flare measuring X2.8 erupted from Active Region 3514 at 17:02 UTC on December 14, 2023. The event started at 16:47 and ended at 17:12 UTC. This is the strongest solar flare of the current Solar Cycle.
Birth of a new meteor shower expected on December 12
Meteor watchers are gearing up for the birth of a new meteor shower, the λ-Sculptorids, on December 12, 2023, with prime viewing from Eastern Australia, New Zealand, and Indonesia.
Very strong M7.1 earthquake hits Vanuatu
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).
Severe floods and landslides hit Tanzania’s Hanang district, burying 100 homes and claiming at least 68 lives
At least 47 people have been killed and 85 others injured in floods and landslides caused by heavy rainfall in northern Tanzania, local officials said Sunday, December 3, 2023. The death toll is expected to rise.
Tropical Cyclone “Michaung” forms over SW Bay of Bengal, cyclone alert for Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu
A deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal has intensified into a cyclonic storm and was named Michaung at 03:00 UTC on December 3, 2023. This is the 6th named storm of the 2023 North Indian Ocean cyclone season. An Orange cyclone alert is in effect for Andhra Pradesh and adjoining North Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts. Landfall is expected to take place on December 5.
Multiple CMEs impact Earth, sparking G3 – Strong geomagnetic storm
Multiple coronal mass ejections (CMEs) produced on November 27 and 28, 2023, impacted Earth on December 1, sparking G3 – Strong geomagnetic storm. Similarly to the last G3 storm, on November 5, spectacular aurora sightings were reported from both hemispheres.