Widespread damage and at least 23 fatalities, 12 missing in Eastern Europe after rapid intensification of Storm Bettina

Widespread damage and at least 23 fatalities, 12 missing in Eastern Europe after rapid intensification of Storm Bettina

Eastern Europe is still grappling with the aftermath of Storm Bettina, a severe snowstorm that rapidly intensified over the Black Sea and impacted the region on November 26 and 27, 2023. Ukraine has reported significant casualties, with at least five deaths and 19 injuries in the Odesa region. The storm has not only disrupted life in Ukraine but also inflicted damage and caused fatalities in neighboring countries such as Moldova, Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey and Russia.

Severe ‘black blizzard’ in Moscow: Snowfall hits 35% of monthly average overnight, Russia

Severe ‘black blizzard’ in Moscow: Snowfall hits 35% of monthly average overnight, Russia

The Russian capital of Moscow is facing an extraordinary ‘black blizzard’, a weather pattern typically seen in the Far North. This phenomenon, which started overnight, has resulted in heavy snowfall and reduced visibility to approximately 100 m (328 feet), with the situation expected to persist until Tuesday, November 28, 2023.

Powerful Storm Bettina ravages Black Sea region with hurricane-force winds, severe storm surge, flooding and snowstorms

Powerful Storm Bettina ravages Black Sea region with hurricane-force winds, severe storm surge, flooding and snowstorms

Hurricane-force winds reaching speeds of 144 km/h (90 mph) and a significant tidal surge caused by a powerful Mediterranean cyclone named Storm Bettina have devastated parts of the Crimean Peninsula, particularly impacting Sevastopol and surrounding districts on November 25 and 26, 2023. The storm has led to widespread power outages, affecting nearly 500 000 residents, and causing considerable flooding and property damage. Bettina’s center moved over land early November 27 and is heading northward.

Violent paroxysms at Klyuchevskoy volcano, Aviation Color Code raised to Red, Russia

Violent paroxysms at Klyuchevskoy volcano, Aviation Color Code raised to Red, Russia

Activity at Klyuchevskoy volcano in Kamchatka, Russia increased significantly on October 31, 2023, prompting KVERT to raise the Aviation Color Code from Orange to Red. The ash column reached up to 9.8 km (32 152 feet) above sea level and extended for 365 km (226 miles) to the SSE of the volcano.

Strong paroxysmal explosive eruption at Bezymianny volcano, Russia

Strong paroxysmal explosive eruption at Bezymianny volcano, Russia

After several days of increased activity, a strong eruption took place at Russia’s Bezymianny volcano at around 04:30 UTC on October 18, 2023. As a result, the Kamchatka Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT) increased the Aviation Color Code from Orange to Red.

Elevated volcanic activity at Russia’s Bezymianny volcano

Elevated volcanic activity at Russia’s Bezymianny volcano

Significant activity was reported at Russia’s Bezymianny volcano from 19:00 to 20:30 UTC on October 16, 2023. Large hot avalanches collapsed on the eastern slopes, and an ash plume reached a height of 3.5 km a.s.l. The Aviation Color Code was elevated from Yellow to Orange.

M6.1 earthquake hits Kuril Islands, Russia

M6.1 earthquake hits Kuril Islands, Russia

A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.1 hit Kuril Islands, Russia at 20:49 UTC on September 1, 2023. The agency is reporting a depth of 141.2 km (87.7 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth.

Widespread floods hit Primorsky Krai, Russia

Widespread floods hit Primorsky Krai, Russia

Remnants of Tropical Cyclone “Khanun” dropped heavy rains over Primorsky Krai, Russia over the past couple of days causing widespread floods. Khanun made landfall in South Korea late August 9 (UTC) and continued moving north toward Russia.