Iwo-Jima volcano enters new eruptive period, Japan
Satellite images taken on July 19, 2024, suggest Japan’s Iwo-Jima volcano, also known as Ioto and Ogasawara-Iojima, has entered a new eruptive period.
Severe cold snap freezes rivers in Santa Cruz, Argentina
A severe cold snap has been affecting most of Argentina, including the capital Buenos Aires, since Saturday, July 6, 2024, with Patagonia becoming one of the coldest regions of the world. Argentina’s National Meteorological Service issued an Orange alert for regions surrounding the county’s capital and Yellow alerts for most other provinces.
Rapidly spreading Canadian wildfires force thousands to evacuate, degrade air quality in U.S.
Multiple wildfires burning in British Columbia and Manitoba have forced thousands of people to evacuate and spread hazardous smoke into the northern United States, prompting air quality alerts.
Satellite images reveal devastating flooding in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Heavy rainfall across southern Brazil has caused severe flooding and landslides over the past 9 days, significantly affecting the states of Rio Grande do Sul, Parana, and Santa Catarina.
Magma buildup raises risk of intensified eruption or new fissures in Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula
The Icelandic Met Office reports ongoing magma accumulation and land rise in Svartsengi, indicating a heightened risk for intensified volcanic activity or the formation of new fissures in the Reykjanes Peninsula.
Permanent relocation of 9 800 people after series of powerful eruptions at Ruang volcano, Indonesia
The Indonesian government has decided to permanently relocate 9 800 people living within 7 km (4.3 miles) of Ruang volcano, North Sulawesi, following a series of significant volcanic eruptions that began on April 16, 2024.
Record rainfall in UAE triggers severe flooding and waterborne illness outbreak
On April 16, 2024, the United Arab Emirates experienced a historic weather event, receiving a year’s worth of rainfall in just 12 hours, leading to severe flooding across the nation, including disruptions at Dubai’s major international airport. Following the floods, health concerns have risen due to water contamination that has reportedly sickened residents with symptoms linked to contaminated water.
Potential tsunami risk after major eruption at Ruang volcano, Indonesia
Indonesia’s Ruang volcano in North Sulawesi experienced several violent eruptions on April 16 and 17, 2024, forcing authorities to raise the Alert Level to 4 of 4 and warn nearby residents there is a potential of a tsunami if parts of the volcano collapse into the sea, similarly to what happened in 1871. The last eruptive episode at this volcano was in September 2002 (VEI 4).
Historic drought impacting over 1 million ha (2.5 million acres) of crops, Zambia
Zambia is in the throes of an unprecedented drought, prompted by El Niño, resulting in the driest February recorded since 1981. This natural disaster has compelled the President to declare a state of emergency, with 84 districts suffering and over 1 million ha (2.47 million acres) of crops devastated, causing widespread shortages in essential resources including food and water.
Severe wildfires in southern China claim 4 lives, spawn huge pyroCb clouds
Devastating wildfires have swept through Sichuan and Yunnan Provinces in southern China since March 15, 2024, claiming four lives in Yunnan and leading to significant evacuations and damage. Reports from March 18 indicate that nearly 4 900 individuals have been evacuated in Sichuan’s Yajiang County alone, with the fires ravaging over 10 000 ha (24 710 acres) of land.
