Destructive M7.6 earthquake in Japan results in at least 222 fatalities, 1.2 m (4 feet) tsunami waves, and a land shift of up to 3 m (10 feet)

Destructive M7.6 earthquake in Japan results in at least 222 fatalities, 1.2 m (4 feet) tsunami waves, and a land shift of up to 3 m (10 feet)

A powerful M7.6 earthquake struck Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan, at 07:10 UTC (16:10 local time) on January 1, 2024, leaving extensive damage, at least 126 fatalities, and prompting a massive rescue effort. The quake led to tsunami waves of more than 120 cm (3.9 feet) and significant crustal changes, with up to 3 m (10 feet) of displacement in some areas. The region faces ongoing aftershocks and difficult rescue conditions.

Shallow M6.3 earthquake hits off the west coast of northern Sumatra, Indonesia

Shallow M6.3 earthquake hits off the west coast of northern Sumatra, Indonesia

A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the BMKG as M6.3 hit off the west coast of northern Sumatra, Indonesia at 05:19 UTC (12:19 local time) on December 30, 2023, at a depth of 12 km (7.4 miles). USGS and EMSC report this quake as M5.6 at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles).

Potential for disrupted polar vortex in January 2024

Potential for disrupted polar vortex in January 2024

Current forecasts indicate a strong Stratospheric Warming event in January 2024, potentially leading to a weakened Polar Vortex and a significant weather pattern shift across the United States and Europe.

The biggest blizzard ever recorded along China’s coast

The biggest blizzard ever recorded along China’s coast

China’s Shandong Peninsula is experiencing severe snowstorms, with Yantai and Wendeng setting new historic highs for snow depth amidst a severe cold wave affecting parts of the country.

Strong and shallow M6.2 earthquake hits Gansu-Qinghai border region, China

Strong and shallow M6.2 earthquake hits Gansu-Qinghai border region, China

A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M5.9 hit the Gansu-Qinghai border region, China at 15:59 UTC (23:59 LT) on December 18, 2023. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.0 at a depth of 11 km (6.8 miles). China Earthquake Administration is reporting the quake as M6.2.