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DNA of Every Baby Born In California Is Stored. Look at Who Has Access to It!

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What You Need to Know About Surviving a Long-Term Lights Out Event, DARK SKY

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Parts of Hawaii Covered In Ash After Volcano Spews Massive Ash Plume 30,000 Feet Into Air

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Black Walnut Trees: Discovering the Value, Age and Survival Tactics

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"Never seen so much!"....EVER - 'The Power of Pele' - Ikaika Marzo reporting from Hawaii

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No one knows how they got into such a strange quagmire! - Cyclone near Yemen? huh

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Man records what look like MAGNETIC LOOPS from the Sun - Mothership

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They weren't expecting the storm the do THIS! - Mind Boggling - 72hr Storm Forecast

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"Something BIG is brewing" - Its about to happen - SO2 levels soaring

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Man records perplexing cloud while driving | 1% Crescent Moon - Venus - Jupiter

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Almost seems impossible - But they went into "event mode" at the same time

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Something made it go into "event mode" - Coastal NJ buoy detects strange energy

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I wasn't supposed to see it - Strange finds on Google Earth - **Website Update** mrmbb333.com

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This hardly EVER happens - Earth soon to be in the middle of a RARE planetary arrangement

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25k ft Plume soars from Volcano - 30k Lightning strikes - Canary Island "Swarm"

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Hawaii volcano eruption: Hawaii Civil Defense latest warning as Kilauea BLOWS.

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Hawaii volcano eruption: MIGHTY explosions to continue as US prepares to deploy MILITARY

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UK weather forecast latest: Met Office forecasts 10 DAYS of hot sunshine as heatwave hits.

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Hawaii volcano eruption: Is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park shut?

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Hawaii volcano eruption: Locals given breathing masks as volcanic ash fills air.

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Severe weather to threaten portions of central US several days in a row this week

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Kilauea Volcano erupts explosively, sending ash plume 30,000 feet into sky

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2018 Europe summer forecast: Intense heat to seize France to Germany; Fierce storms to hit Poland.

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5 years after devastation: Resilient Moore, Oklahoma, continues to fortify itself against future

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How to see Sunday’s rocket launch from Wallops Island, Virginia

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Relentless rain to raise flood risk in eastern US into this weekend

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Persistent downpours douse Florida ahead of tropical concern in Gulf prior to Memorial Day

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Severe storms to overspread central Plains through Friday

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Many Hawaiians accept their fate at the hands of a fire, land devouring goddess amid Kilauea eruptio

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California becomes 1st state in nation to require solar panels for new homes

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Rare Gulf of Aden tropical cyclone to bring flood risk to Yemen, Somalia

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Northern India on alert for scorching heat wave set to last into June

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Exposure to volcanic smog, ash to continue on Hawaii's Big Island through this weekend

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Flooding fears downstream of Colombia’s largest dam project prompt evacuations

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8 warning signs that a landslide is about to strike

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BBC weather forecast: SOARING temperatures forecast for Royal Wedding - SUN WARNING.

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New York City weather: Commuters 'STRANDED' as 'HORRIFYING' STORM plagues the Big Apple

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MAPPED: Tornado WARNING issued for Massachusetts as storms batter Northeastern US

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UK weather forecast: ‘HEAVY DOWNPOURS’ set to RAVAGE Britain over the weekend

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BBC weather forecast: UK braces for TORRENTIAL rain set to crash into Britain this weekend

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Hurricane WARNING: Tropical depression could signal early Hurricane Season in East Pacific.

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Space weather WARNING: HUGE solar storm could spark danger electricity surge

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UK weather forecast: Britain to be BOMBARDED by THUNDERSTORMS and TUMBLING temperatures

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UK weather forecast: Britain set for BOILING TEMPERATURES as warm air covers ENTIRE NATION

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‘Take cover NOW’ Tornado WARNING issued for ‘Washington DC’, USA

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UK weather forecast: Britain set for 28 degree SCORCHER before HEAVY rain hits the country

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GSM News-Flood T h r e a t s from Florida to New York/  34D E A D in Afghanista n/Kilauea Update

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Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano has erupted May 17th 2018

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GSM NEWS- Trump shuts down Gravy Train of Global warming funding to NASA

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Volcanic eruption update: Kilauea volcano, Popocatepetl volcano and Sinabung volcano

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Tornado leaves a trail of destruction, two injured in western Germany

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Kilauea volcanic eruption makes weird lava eggs and triggers earthquakes

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5 dead, nearly 500 000 without power as severe thunderstorms hit US Northeast

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Hawaii residents near volcano deal with falling ash, toxic gas, fears of the 'big one'

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Volcanoes. Geysers. Earthquakes. Mother Earth is doing all kinds of scary stuff in the US right now

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Historic flooding hits British Columbia after record snowpack starts melting, Canada

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Climate & Extreme Weather News #119 (16th-19th May 2018)

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Climate & Extreme Weather News #118 (11th-16th May 2018)

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The Watchers - Daily news service | Watchers.NEWS

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A rare tropical cyclone formed May 16, 2018 in the Gulf of Aden, between Yemen and Somalia. Named Tropical Cyclone 01A and internationally known as Sagar, this cyclone's main threat is substantial rainfall (for desert regions), leading up to dangerous flash flooding in the deserts of southern Yemen, northern Somalia and Djibouti. Landfall is expected in northeastern Somalia on May 19. Some regions might reach their yearly rainfall average within several days.
Tropical Cyclone 01A (Sagar) quickly formed in the northern Indian Ocean and strengthened into a tropical storm on May 16. The infrared image acquired by NASA's Aqua satellite at 22:05 UTC showed that a small portion of thunderstorms around the center of circulation were as cold as -80 °C, indicating very strong storms with a potential for heavy rainfall.

At 06:00 UTC, Sagar had maximum sustained winds of 92.6 km/h (67 mph) and gusts to 120 km/h (75 mph), according to data provided by the JTWC, making it a Category 1 hurricane equivalent on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. RSMC New Delhi said Sagar's central pressure at the time was 996 hPa.

Sagar was located approximately 165 km (102 mph) southeast of Aden, Yemen and has tracked WSW at 11 km/h (7 mph) over the past 6 hours, JTWC noted.

The environmental analysis reveals the system is in an area of low vertical wind shear and is tracking through warm sea surface temperatures. It has tracked to the southwest under the influence of an extension of the sub-tropical ridge located to the northeast. This generally favorable environment will allow the system to maintain its current intensity over the next 12 hours.

As it approaches the western end of the Gulf of Aden, dry air entrainment and land interaction will prevent additional intensification.

Sagar is forecast to make landfall SSE of Djibouti and dissipate over Somalia by 06:00 UTC on May 20.

"A tropical cyclone forming over the Gulf of Aden does not happen often," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Jason Nicholls said.

"The last cyclone to move into the Gulf of Aden was Chapala in November 2015, but that storm formed over the open Arabian Sea," Nicholls said.

Tropical Storm "Sagar" IR image at 09:00 UTC on May 18, 2018. Credit: UW-CIMSS

Communities at risk for the flooding rain include Shoqra and Aden in Yemen, Djibouti's capital of the same name and Asha Addo, Somalia.

Sagar could drop 75 - 150 mm (3 to 6 inches) of rain, posing a threat to lives and property.

Totals on the higher end of that range would mean about a year's worth of rainfall for these communities in a span of a couple of days, AccuWeather meteorologists said, urging residents to be prepared for possible evacuations, road closures and damaged bridges. There can be major disruptions to air travel, they added.

The compact core of Cyclone #Sagar just off the coast of #Yemen via 85 (left) and 37 GHz (right) microwave satellite images. (Credit: Navy/NRL) pic.twitter.com/HDpgHQJ5iR
- Jonathan Erdman (@wxjerdman) May 17, 2018

Average *annual* rainfall:
Aden,#Yemen: ~1.5 inches#Djibouti City: ~6.4 inches

Roughly the magnitude of rain that may fall in parts of coastal Yemen, Somalia, Djibouti from#Sagar.

Not good. https://t.co/ySIlXlZia1
- Jonathan Erdman (@wxjerdman) May 17, 2018

Seas will also turn dangerously rough for operators of small craft and swimmers in the Gulf of Aden as Sagar churns westward.

This is the first tropical cyclone of the 2018 North Indian Ocean cyclone season.

The second seems to be just around the corner as a new cyclone might form and churn northward over the Arabian Sea next week.

Tropical Storm "Sagar" IR image at 09:00 UTC on May 18, 2018. Credit: UW-CIMSS, Google

"Only two tropical cyclones have moved into the western Gulf of Aden, since satellite surveillance of tropical cyclones began in 1966," according to Bob Henson and Jonathan Erdman of The Weather Channel.

Cyclone Megh, the second of back-to-back tropical cyclones that hammered Socotra Island, east of Somalia, made landfall along the Yemeni coast in November 2015. The second is Tropical Storm 1A which traversed almost the entire Gulf of Aden before landfalling in northwest Somalia on May 28, 1984.

Featured image: Tropical Storm "Sagar" IR image at 09:00 UTC on May 18, 2018. Credit: UW-CIMSS

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Sagar: Rare tropical cyclone forms in the Gulf of Aden, life-threatening floods expected in desert regions

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A rare tropical cyclone formed May 16, 2018 in the Gulf of Aden, between Yemen and Somalia. Named Tropical Cyclone 01A and internationally known as Sagar, this cyclone's main threat is substantial rainfall (for desert regions), leading up to dang...

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The Watchers - Daily news service | Watchers.NEWS

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A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.2 hit south of the Kermadec Islands, New Zealand at 01:45 UTC on May 18, 2018. The agency is reporting a depth of 10.6 km (6.6 miles).
The epicenter was located 544.2 km (338.1 miles) NE of Opotiki (population 4 044) and 556.6 km (345.8 miles) NE of Gisborne (population 34 274), New Zealand.

There are no people living within 100 km (62 miles).

Some 3 000 people are estimated to have felt weak shaking.

Regional seismicity

Featured image credit: USGS

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Strong and shallow M6.2 earthquake hits south of Kermadec Islands, New Zealand

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A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.2 hit south of the Kermadec Islands, New Zealand at 01:45 UTC on May 18, 2018. The agency is reporting a depth of 10.6 km (6.6 miles). The epicenter was located 544.2 km (338.1 miles) NE o...

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The Watchers - Daily news service | Watchers.NEWS

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A strong explosion took place at the Overlook vent within Halemaumau crater at Kilauea volcano's summit about 04:15 HST (14:15 UTC) on May 17, 2018, ejecting ash up to 9.1 km (30 000 feet) above sea level. The Aviation Color Code is at Red.
Continued emissions from the crater are reaching as high as 3.6 km (12 000 feet) above sea level and drifting generally northeast.

Activity may again become more explosive at any time, increasing the intensity of ash production and producing ballistic projectiles near the vent.

Ashfall has been reported in Volcanoes National Park, and may occur further downwind. Vog or volcanic air pollution produced by volcanic gas has been reported in Pahala.

Ballistic projectiles may be produced should steam-driven explosions occur but impacts will be limited to an area around Halemaumau.

Resource on volcanic ash hazards: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanic_ash/

Resource on vog: https://vog.ivhhn.org/

Current NWS information on ashfall: http://www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl/watchwarn/

Featured image: Lava spattering area from an area between fissures 16 and 20 photographed at 18:20 UTC, May 16, 2018. Credit: USGS/HVO

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Strong explosion at Kilauea volcano sends ash up to 9.1 km (30 000 feet) a.s.l., Hawaii

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A strong explosion took place at the Overlook vent within Halemaumau crater at Kilauea volcano's summit about 04:15 HST (14:15 UTC) on May 17, 2018, ejecting ash up to 9.1 km (30 000 feet) above sea level. The Aviation Color Code is at Red. Conti...

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The Watchers - Daily news service | Watchers.NEWS

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A rare tornado for this part of the world swept through a populated area in western Germany on Wednesday, May 16, 2018, leaving a trail of destruction and 2 people injured. The storm that produced the tornado also dropped large hail on the region.
The tornado formed just before 18:00 local time (16:00 UTC) and moved through Lower Rhine region of North Rhine-Westphalia, just west of Düsseldorf.

According to local police reports, the twister lasted between 10 and 15 minutes and passed through districts of Viersen-Boisheim, Nettetal-Schaag, Schwalmtal-Dilkrath, Schwalmtal and Niederkrüchten.

It damaged some 40 to 50 homes, some of them so badly that they are temporarily uninhabitable.

NIEUWS | Spectaculaire beelden van tornado gisteren in de grensstreek. Zo zie je ze niet vaak. Lijken wel Amerikaanse toestanden. De feiten en alle beelden op een rij | https://t.co/eJazDpvxPR pic.twitter.com/SmabD9l2gZ
- RobertDeVries.net (@weermanrobert) May 17, 2018

Two people were injured during this event. A 23-year-old man was seriously injured due to falling branches while another suffered minor injuries.

Meteorologist Jörg Kachelmann said the tornado was 'very striking.'

First analysis performed by Kachelmann said that observed damage indicated F1 tornado (118 - 180 km/h, 73 - 112 mph), which corresponds to a weak tornado.

"However, if we look at the almost complete destruction of a forest between Boisheim and Dillkrath, the picture is different."

De #tornado bij #Viersen heeft veel schade aangericht. (foto: Marco Bayer) pic.twitter.com/Xvp5DWHDbH
- Hans ter braak (@hansterbraak) May 16, 2018

"At this point, the tornado was stronger and must be classified in the F2 category (above 180 km/h, 112+ mph), a strong tornado," he said, adding that Germany saw at least 6 tornadoes so far this year.

Featured image: Tornado in western Germany on May 16, 2018.

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Tornado leaves a trail of destruction, two injured in western Germany

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A rare tornado for this part of the world swept through a populated area in western Germany on Wednesday, May 16, 2018, leaving a trail of destruction and 2 people injured. The storm that produced the tornado also dropped large hail on the region. Th...

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The Watchers - Daily news service | Watchers.NEWS

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New activity/unrest was reported for 5 volcanoes between May 9 and 15, 2018. During the same period, ongoing activity was reported for 15 volcanoes.
New activity/unrest: Kilauea, Hawaiian Islands (USA) | Merapi, Central Java (Indonesia) | Oraefajokull, Iceland | Piton de la Fournaise, Reunion Island (France) | Sangeang Api, Indonesia.

Ongoing activity: Aira, Kyushu (Japan) | Bagana, Bougainville (Papua New Guinea) | Dukono, Halmahera (Indonesia) | Ebeko, Paramushir Island (Russia) | Fuego, Guatemala | Karymsky, Eastern Kamchatka (Russia) | Kirishimayama, Kyushu (Japan) | Langila, New Britain (Papua New Guinea) | Popocatepetl, Mexico | Reventador, Ecuador | Sabancaya, Peru | Sheveluch, Central Kamchatka (Russia) | Stromboli, Aeolian Islands (Italy) | Suwanosejima, Ryukyu Islands (Japan) | Turrialba, Costa Rica.
The Weekly Volcanic Activity Report is a cooperative project between the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program. Updated by 23:00 UTC every Wednesday, notices of volcanic activity posted are preliminary and subject to change as events are studied in more detail. This is not a comprehensive list of all of Earth's volcanoes erupting during the week. Carefully reviewed, detailed reports on various volcanoes are published monthly in the Bulletin of the Global Volcanism Network.
New activity/unrest

Kilauea, Hawaiian Islands (USA)

On 9 May the intermittent eruption of lava in Leilani Estates in the lower East Rift Zone (ERZ) of Kilauea continued. In the northeast part of the area, fissure 15 extended across Poihiki Road, generating a pahoehoe flow about 20 m (66 ft) long. In the summit caldera, steady lowering of the Overlook Crater lava lake within Halema`uma`u crater raised the potential for steam-driven explosions if the lava column dropped to the groundwater level and allowed water into the conduit. On 10 and 11 May, little new extrusive activity was noted from the ERZ fissures, though there were continued earthquakes, ground deformation, and considerable gas discharge. Tiltmeters recorded ongoing deflation and the Overlook crater lava level continued to drop.

Fissure 16 opened at 0645 on 12 May near the end of Hinalo Road. It produced a lava flow that traveled about 230 m before stalling around 1430. An area that had been actively steaming developed into fissure 17, reported at 1800 just east of fissure 16, and was actively spattering and degassing. At the summit, rockfalls from the steep walls into Overlook crater generated intermittent small steam-and-ash clouds throughout the day.

Lava eruptions continued on 13 May along the lower ERZ. Aerial observations showed that a new outbreak in the early morning about 900 m NE of the end of Hinalo Street and 900 m S of Highway 132 was several hundred yards long and ejected spatter along with a slow-moving lava flow. By late in the day this activity from fissure 17 was dominated by lava fountaining, explosions that sent spatter bombs to 100 m into the air, and several advancing lava flow lobes moving generally NE; as of 1900 one lobe was 2 m thick and advancing roughly parallel to Highway 132. Steady, vigorous plumes of steam and occasionally minor amounts of ash rose from the Overlook vent and drifted downwind to the SW. Later in the day, ash clouds rose up to 650 m (2,000 ft) above the vent. Several strong earthquakes shook the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and the surrounding area overnight.

Activity on the morning of 14 May in the lower ERZ was dominated by lava fountaining, explosions of spatter more than 30 m (100 ft) into the air, and an advancing flow from fissure 17 at the NE end of the fissure system. As of 0630, the fissure 17 flow had traveled about 1.6 km roughly ESE parallel to the rift zone. Fissure 18 was weakly active. A 19th fissure spotted around 0800 just NE of Pohoiki Road and N of Hinalo Street produced a sluggish lava flow. Volcanic gas emissions remained elevated throughout the area downwind of the vents. Deflationary tilt at the summit continued and seismicity remained elevated.

On the morning of 15 May activity remained concentrated at fissure 17. The lava flow had advanced about 380 m since 1430 on 14 May. At 0645 the flow was nearly 2.5 km long. However, the advance of the flow had slowed significantly since that afternoon. Also in the morning a new fissure (20) located near fissure 18 produced two small pads of lava. Ash emission from the Overlook crater increased compared to previous days. Although varying in intensity, at times the plume contained enough ash to be gray in color. Variable pulses sent the cloud to an estimated 1-1.3 km (3-4,000 ft) above the ground. The ash cloud drifted generally W and SW from the summit and ash fell in the Ka'u Desert. On 15 May the Aviation Color Code was raised from Orange to Red and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Warning.

Geological summary: Kilauea, which overlaps the E flank of the massive Mauna Loa shield volcano, has been Hawaii's most active volcano during historical time. Eruptions are prominent in Polynesian legends; written documentation extending back to only 1820 records frequent summit and flank lava flow eruptions that were interspersed with periods of long-term lava lake activity that lasted until 1924 at Halemaumau crater, within the summit caldera. The 3 x 5 km caldera was formed in several stages about 1500 years ago and during the 18th century; eruptions have also originated from the lengthy East and SW rift zones, which extend to the sea on both sides of the volcano. About 90% of the surface of the basaltic shield volcano is formed of lava flows less than about 1100 years old; 70% of the volcano's surface is younger than 600 years. A long-term eruption from the East rift zone that began in 1983 has produced lava flows covering more than 100 km2, destroying nearly 200 houses and adding new coastline to the island.

Merapi, Central Java (Indonesia)

PVMBG reported that an explosive eruption occurred at 0740 on 11 May. The eruption began with a small roar and vibrations that were felt at the observation post for 10 minutes. The eruption plume rose to 5.5 km (18,000 ft) above the peak. There was no seismic precursor and no seismic activity continued after the event. PVMBG did not change the alert level from Green/Normal; they interpreted the event as a minor eruption triggered by the accumulation of volcanic gases unlikely to be followed by further eruptions.

Geological summary: Merapi, one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes, lies in one of the world's most densely populated areas and dominates the landscape immediately north of the major city of Yogyakarta. It is the youngest and southernmost of a volcanic chain extending NNW to Ungaran volcano. Growth of Old Merapi during the Pleistocene ended with major edifice collapse perhaps about 2000 years ago, leaving a large arcuate scarp cutting the eroded older Batulawang volcano. Subsequently growth of the steep-sided Young Merapi edifice, its upper part unvegetated due to frequent eruptive activity, began SW of the earlier collapse scarp. Pyroclastic flows and lahars accompanying growth and collapse of the steep-sided active summit lava dome have devastated cultivated lands on the western-to-southern flanks and caused many fatalities during historical time.

Oraefajokull, Iceland

On 4 May, the Icelandic Met Office reduced the Aviation Color Code at Öræfajökull from Yellow to Green due to signs of reduced activity. Since September 2017 there has been less earthquake activity, stable hydrological and geochemical measurements, and reduced geothermal heat output. There has been possible minor ongoing inflation, but no signs of an imminent eruption.

Geological summary: Öraefajökull, Iceland's highest peak, is a broad glacier-clad central volcano at the SE end of the Vatnajökull icecap. A 4 x 5 km subglacial caldera truncates the summit of the dominantly basaltic and rhyolitic volcano. The extensive summit icecap is drained through deep glacial valleys dissecting the SW-to-SE flanks. The largest-volume volcano in Iceland, 2119-m-high Öraefajökull was mostly constructed during Pleistocene glacial and interglacial periods. Holocene activity has been dominated by explosive summit eruptions, although flank lava effusions have also occurred. A major silicic eruption in 1362 CE was Iceland's largest historical explosive eruption. It and another eruption during 1727-28 were accompanied by major jökulhlaups (glacier outburst floods) that caused property damage and fatalities.

Piton de la Fournaise, Reunion Island (France)

OVPF reported that the eruption at Piton de la Fournaise, which began on 27 April from fissures at Rivals Crater, continued through 15 May. Field reconnaissance on 10 May revealed that activity was focused on the main cone, with some activity from a second cone that was ejecting material 10-20 m high. Over the next two days the crater of the main cone narrowed and lava projections at both cones became rare. Lava flows during this time were often confined to tubes, with some breakouts at the change in slope below Piton de Bert, about 3 km from the active cone. Burning vegetation as a result of the breakouts was visible on and at the foot of the rampart. Based on satellite data when surface flows were visible, lava emission rates were estimated to be about 1-2 cubic meters/second. Tremor intensity fluctuated over the week, with a sharp increase during 0500 and 0900 on 15 May.

Geological summary: The massive Piton de la Fournaise basaltic shield volcano on the French island of Réunion in the western Indian Ocean is one of the world's most active volcanoes. Much of its more than 530,000-year history overlapped with eruptions of the deeply dissected Piton des Neiges shield volcano to the NW. Three calderas formed at about 250,000, 65,000, and less than 5000 years ago by progressive eastward slumping of the volcano. Numerous pyroclastic cones dot the floor of the calderas and their outer flanks. Most historical eruptions have originated from the summit and flanks of Dolomieu, a 400-m-high lava shield that has grown within the youngest caldera, which is 8 km wide and breached to below sea level on the eastern side. More than 150 eruptions, most of which have produced fluid basaltic lava flows, have occurred since the 17th century. Only six eruptions, in 1708, 1774, 1776, 1800, 1977, and 1986, have originated from fissures on the outer flanks of the caldera. The Piton de la Fournaise Volcano Observatory, one of several operated by the Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris, monitors this very active volcano.

Sangeang Api, Indonesia

Based on a VONA from PVMBG, on 9 May a gas emission was observed at 1807 from Sangeang Api that rose to 4,150 m (13,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted west. On 9 May the Aviation Color Code was changed from unassigned to Yellow.

Geological summary: Sangeang Api volcano, one of the most active in the Lesser Sunda Islands, forms a small 13-km-wide island off the NE coast of Sumbawa Island. Two large trachybasaltic-to-tranchyandesitic volcanic cones, 1949-m-high Doro Api and 1795-m-high Doro Mantoi, were constructed in the center and on the eastern rim, respectively, of an older, largely obscured caldera. Flank vents occur on the south side of Doro Mantoi and near the northern coast. Intermittent historical eruptions have been recorded since 1512, most of them during in the 20th century.

Ongoing activity

Aira, Kyushu (Japan)

JMA reported that during 7-11 May there were 12 events, three of which were explosions, at Minamidake crater (at Aira caldera's Sakurajima volcano). Tephra was ejected as far as 700 m from the crater, and ash plumes rose as high as 2.8 km (9,200 ft) above the crater rim. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a 5-level scale).

Geological summary: The Aira caldera in the northern half of Kagoshima Bay contains the post-caldera Sakurajima volcano, one of Japan's most active. Eruption of the voluminous Ito pyroclastic flow accompanied formation of the 17 x 23 km caldera about 22,000 years ago. The smaller Wakamiko caldera was formed during the early Holocene in the NE corner of the Aira caldera, along with several post-caldera cones. The construction of Sakurajima began about 13,000 years ago on the southern rim of Aira caldera and built an island that was finally joined to the Osumi Peninsula during the major explosive and effusive eruption of 1914. Activity at the Kitadake summit cone ended about 4850 years ago, after which eruptions took place at Minamidake. Frequent historical eruptions, recorded since the 8th century, have deposited ash on Kagoshima, one of Kyushu's largest cities, located across Kagoshima Bay only 8 km from the summit. The largest historical eruption took place during 1471-76.

Bagana, Bougainville (Papua New Guinea)

Based on analyses of satellite imagery and model data, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 11 May at 0900 an ash plume from Bagana rose to an altitude of 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SW. The plume dispersed within six hours.

Geological summary: Bagana volcano, occupying a remote portion of central Bougainville Island, is one of Melanesia's youngest and most active volcanoes. This massive symmetrical cone was largely constructed by an accumulation of viscous andesitic lava flows. The entire edifice could have been constructed in about 300 years at its present rate of lava production. Eruptive activity is frequent and characterized by non-explosive effusion of viscous lava that maintains a small lava dome in the summit crater, although explosive activity occasionally producing pyroclastic flows also occurs. Lava flows form dramatic, freshly preserved tongue-shaped lobes up to 50 m thick with prominent levees that descend the flanks on all sides.

Dukono, Halmahera (Indonesia)

Based on analyses of satellite imagery, wind model data, and notices from PVMBG, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 9-15 May ash plumes from Dukono rose to altitudes of 1.5-2 km (4,500-6,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted E and S.

Geological summary: Reports from this remote volcano in northernmost Halmahera are rare, but Dukono has been one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes. More-or-less continuous explosive eruptions, sometimes accompanied by lava flows, occurred from 1933 until at least the mid-1990s, when routine observations were curtailed. During a major eruption in 1550, a lava flow filled in the strait between Halmahera and the north-flank cone of Gunung Mamuya. This complex volcano presents a broad, low profile with multiple summit peaks and overlapping craters. Malupang Wariang, 1 km SW of the summit crater complex, contains a 700 x 570 m crater that has also been active during historical time.

Ebeko, Paramushir Island (Russia)

Volcanologists in Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island), about 7 km E of Ebeko, observed explosions at Ebeko on 4 May and during 6-10 May that sent ash plumes as high as 2.4 km (7,875 ft) a.s.l. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale).

Geological summary: The flat-topped summit of the central cone of Ebeko volcano, one of the most active in the Kuril Islands, occupies the northern end of Paramushir Island. Three summit craters located along a SSW-NNE line form Ebeko volcano proper, at the northern end of a complex of five volcanic cones. Blocky lava flows extend west from Ebeko and SE from the neighboring Nezametnyi cone. The eastern part of the southern crater contains strong solfataras and a large boiling spring. The central crater is filled by a lake about 20 m deep whose shores are lined with steaming solfataras; the northern crater lies across a narrow, low barrier from the central crater and contains a small, cold crescentic lake. Historical activity, recorded since the late-18th century, has been restricted to small-to-moderate explosive eruptions from the summit craters. Intense fumarolic activity occurs in the summit craters, on the outer flanks of the cone, and in lateral explosion craters.

Fuego, Guatemala

Small ash explosions at Fuego on 11 and 12 May rose to 5 km (15,000 ft) a.s.l., or approximately 1 km (3,280 ft) above the summit. The ash dispersed quickly to the southwest and was visible on webcams.

Geological summary: Volcán Fuego, one of Central America's most active volcanoes, is one of three large stratovolcanoes overlooking Guatemala's former capital, Antigua. The scarp of an older edifice, Meseta, lies between 3763-m-high Fuego and its twin volcano to the north, Acatenango. Construction of Meseta dates back to about 230,000 years and continued until the late Pleistocene or early Holocene. Collapse of Meseta may have produced the massive Escuintla debris-avalanche deposit, which extends about 50 km onto the Pacific coastal plain. Growth of the modern Fuego volcano followed, continuing the southward migration of volcanism that began at Acatenango. In contrast to the mostly andesitic Acatenango, eruptions at Fuego have become more mafic with time, and most historical activity has produced basaltic rocks. Frequent vigorous historical eruptions have been recorded since the onset of the Spanish era in 1524, and have produced major ashfalls, along with occasional pyroclastic flows and lava flows.

Karymsky, Eastern Kamchatka (Russia)

Based on satellite data, KVERT reported that during 11-14 May explosions at Karymsky generated ash plumes that rose as high as 3.5 km (11,500 ft) and drifted 145 km SW. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale).

Geological summary: Karymsky, the most active volcano of Kamchatka's eastern volcanic zone, is a symmetrical stratovolcano constructed within a 5-km-wide caldera that formed during the early Holocene. The caldera cuts the south side of the Pleistocene Dvor volcano and is located outside the north margin of the large mid-Pleistocene Polovinka caldera, which contains the smaller Akademia Nauk and Odnoboky calderas. Most seismicity preceding Karymsky eruptions originated beneath Akademia Nauk caldera, located immediately south. The caldera enclosing Karymsky formed about 7600-7700 radiocarbon years ago; construction of the stratovolcano began about 2000 years later. The latest eruptive period began about 500 years ago, following a 2300-year quiescence. Much of the cone is mantled by lava flows less than 200 years old. Historical eruptions have been vulcanian or vulcanian-strombolian with moderate explosive activity and occasional lava flows from the summit crater.

Kirishimayama, Kyushu (Japan)

JMA reported that at Shinmoedake (Shinmoe peak), a stratovolcano of the Kirishimayama volcano group, an eruption occurred between 1444 and 1610 on 14 May. The plume rose to 4.5 km (15,000 ft) above the crater and drifted SE. A pyroclastic flow travelled 2 km down the flank. Volcanic earthquake rates under the crater increased after the eruption. Shallow, low-frequency earthquakes and tremor were also reported. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-5).

Geological summary: Kirishimayama is a large group of more than 20 Quaternary volcanoes located north of Kagoshima Bay. The late-Pleistocene to Holocene dominantly andesitic group consists of stratovolcanoes, pyroclastic cones, maars, and underlying shield volcanoes located over an area of 20 x 30 km. The larger stratovolcanoes are scattered throughout the field, with the centrally located, 1700-m-high Karakunidake being the highest. Onamiike and Miike, the two largest maars, are located SW of Karakunidake and at its far eastern end, respectively. Holocene eruptions have been concentrated along an E-W line of vents from Miike to Ohachi, and at Shinmoedake to the NE. Frequent small-to-moderate explosive eruptions have been recorded since the 8th century.

Langila, New Britain (Papua New Guinea)

Based on analyses of satellite imagery and model data, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 13 May at 0709 an ash plume from Langila rose to an altitude of 5.5 km (17,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted W. An image acquired around six hours later indicated that the ash from the event had dissipated.

Geological summary: Langila, one of the most active volcanoes of New Britain, consists of a group of four small overlapping composite basaltic-andesitic cones on the lower eastern flank of the extinct Talawe volcano. Talawe is the highest volcano in the Cape Gloucester area of NW New Britain. A rectangular, 2.5-km-long crater is breached widely to the SE; Langila volcano was constructed NE of the breached crater of Talawe. An extensive lava field reaches the coast on the north and NE sides of Langila. Frequent mild-to-moderate explosive eruptions, sometimes accompanied by lava flows, have been recorded since the 19th century from three active craters at the summit of Langila. The youngest and smallest crater (no. 3 crater) was formed in 1960 and has a diameter of 150 m.

Popocatepetl, Mexico

CENAPRED reported that each day during 9-15 May there were 51-137 steam and gas emissions from Popocatépetl as well as ongoing incandescence from the summit. Additionally, three explosions were recorded: at 1834 on 11 May, at 0912 on 11 May, and at 1452 on 14 May. These explosions dispersed ash to the S and SW. Volcano-tectonic earthquakes with magnitudes up to M 2.8 also occurred throughout the time period.

Geological summary: Volcán Popocatépetl, whose name is the Aztec word for smoking mountain, rises 70 km SE of Mexico City to form North America's 2nd-highest volcano. The glacier-clad stratovolcano contains a steep-walled, 400 x 600 m wide crater. The generally symmetrical volcano is modified by the sharp-peaked Ventorrillo on the NW, a remnant of an earlier volcano. At least three previous major cones were destroyed by gravitational failure during the Pleistocene, producing massive debris-avalanche deposits covering broad areas to the south. The modern volcano was constructed south of the late-Pleistocene to Holocene El Fraile cone. Three major Plinian eruptions, the most recent of which took place about 800 CE, have occurred since the mid-Holocene, accompanied by pyroclastic flows and voluminous lahars that swept basins below the volcano. Frequent historical eruptions, first recorded in Aztec codices, have occurred since Pre-Columbian time.

Reventador, Ecuador

During 9-15 May, IG reported ongoing high levels of eruptive activity at Reventador. Steam, gas, and ash emissions continued, with plumes moving to the N and W. On 12 and 13 May, a small lava flow was observed on the E flank 700 m below the summit.

Geological summary: Reventador is the most frequently active of a chain of Ecuadorian volcanoes in the Cordillera Real, well east of the principal volcanic axis. The forested, dominantly andesitic Volcán El Reventador stratovolcano rises to 3562 m above the jungles of the western Amazon basin. A 4-km-wide caldera widely breached to the east was formed by edifice collapse and is partially filled by a young, unvegetated stratovolcano that rises about 1300 m above the caldera floor to a height comparable to the caldera rim. It has been the source of numerous lava flows as well as explosive eruptions that were visible from Quito in historical time. Frequent lahars in this region of heavy rainfall have constructed a debris plain on the eastern floor of the caldera. The largest historical eruption took place in 2002, producing a 17-km-high eruption column, pyroclastic flows that traveled up to 8 km, and lava flows from summit and flank vents.

Sabancaya, Peru

Intermittent ash and gas emissions at Sabancaya during 9-15 May were reported by the Buenos Aires VAAC, with plume altitudes reaching 7-9 km (2,300-3,000 ft) a.s.l.

Geological summary: Sabancaya, located in the saddle NE of Ampato and SE of Hualca Hualca volcanoes, is the youngest of these volcanic centers and the only one to have erupted in historical time. The oldest of the three, Nevado Hualca Hualca, is of probable late-Pliocene to early Pleistocene age. The name Sabancaya (meaning "tongue of fire" in the Quechua language) first appeared in records in 1595 CE, suggesting activity prior to that date. Holocene activity has consisted of Plinian eruptions followed by emission of voluminous andesitic and dacitic lava flows, which form an extensive apron around the volcano on all sides but the south. Records of historical eruptions date back to 1750.

Sheveluch, Central Kamchatka (Russia)

KVERT reported that a weak thermal anomaly over Sheveluch was identified in satellite images during 10-14 May. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.

Geological summary: The high, isolated massif of Sheveluch volcano (also spelled Shiveluch) rises above the lowlands NNE of the Kliuchevskaya volcano group. The 1300 km3 volcano is one of Kamchatka's largest and most active volcanic structures. The summit of roughly 65,000-year-old Stary Shiveluch is truncated by a broad 9-km-wide late-Pleistocene caldera breached to the south. Many lava domes dot its outer flanks. The Molodoy Shiveluch lava dome complex was constructed during the Holocene within the large horseshoe-shaped caldera; Holocene lava dome extrusion also took place on the flanks of Stary Shiveluch. At least 60 large eruptions have occurred during the Holocene, making it the most vigorous andesitic volcano of the Kuril-Kamchatka arc. Widespread tephra layers from these eruptions have provided valuable time markers for dating volcanic events in Kamchatka. Frequent collapses of dome complexes, most recently in 1964, have produced debris avalanches whose deposits cover much of the floor of the breached caldera.

Stromboli, Aeolian Islands (Italy)

INGV reported typical activity at Stromboli from 7 to 13 May, with 2-4 hourly low-intensity explosions to heights of less than 80 m (300 ft) above the crater, in the North crater area. Fine ash as well as lapilli and bombs were ejected. The South Central crater area vents produced between 5-12 hourly, low-intensity explosions, also to heights of less than 80 m above the crater. Continuous degassing was also observed from these vents. On 13 May there was an increased frequency of explosions, with 16 events/hour. No significant variations were reported in seismological, deformation, or geochemical parameters.

Geological summary: Spectacular incandescent nighttime explosions at this volcano have long attracted visitors to the "Lighthouse of the Mediterranean." Stromboli, the NE-most of the Aeolian Islands, has lent its name to the frequent mild explosive activity that has characterized its eruptions throughout much of historical time. The small island is the emergent summit of a volcano that grew in two main eruptive cycles, the last of which formed the western portion of the island. The Neostromboli eruptive period from about 13,000 to 5000 years ago was followed by formation of the modern edifice. The active summit vents are located at the head of the Sciara del Fuoco, a prominent horseshoe-shaped scarp formed about 5000 years ago as a result of the most recent of a series of slope failures that extend to below sea level. The modern volcano has been constructed within this scarp, which funnels pyroclastic ejecta and lava flows to the NW. Essentially continuous mild strombolian explosions, sometimes accompanied by lava flows, have been recorded for more than a millennium.

Suwanosejima, Ryukyu Islands (Japan)

The Tokyo VAAC reported that explosions occurred at Suwanosejima on 15 May, based on information from JMA.

Geological summary: The 8-km-long, spindle-shaped island of Suwanosejima in the northern Ryukyu Islands consists of an andesitic stratovolcano with two historically active summit craters. The summit of the volcano is truncated by a large breached crater extending to the sea on the east flank that was formed by edifice collapse. Suwanosejima, one of Japan's most frequently active volcanoes, was in a state of intermittent strombolian activity from Otake, the NE summit crater, that began in 1949 and lasted until 1996, after which periods of inactivity lengthened. The largest historical eruption took place in 1813-14, when thick scoria deposits blanketed residential areas, and the SW crater produced two lava flows that reached the western coast. At the end of the eruption the summit of Otake collapsed forming a large debris avalanche and creating the horseshoe-shaped Sakuchi caldera, which extends to the eastern coast. The island remained uninhabited for about 70 years after the 1813-1814 eruption. Lava flows reached the eastern coast of the island in 1884. Only about 50 people live on the island.

Turrialba, Costa Rica

OVSICORI reported that there were strong emissions of SO2 from Turrialba, accompanied by vigorous fumarolic activity and jetting noises. An ash plume was reported on 10 May, with ashfall in La Pastora de Santa Cruz de Turrialba and Pacayas. A weak water vapor and gas plume was detected at 0920 on 13 May, rising 300-500 m (1000-1600 ft) above the summit. Seismicity was low, with low-amplitude long-period earthquakes and some low-amplitude tremor. Continuous low-amplitude tremor was report on 13 May.

Geological summary: Turrialba, the easternmost of Costa Rica's Holocene volcanoes, is a large vegetated basaltic-to-dacitic stratovolcano located across a broad saddle NE of Irazú volcano overlooking the city of Cartago. The massive edifice covers an area of 500 km2. Three well-defined craters occur at the upper SW end of a broad 800 x 2200 m summit depression that is breached to the NE. Most activity originated from the summit vent complex, but two pyroclastic cones are located on the SW flank. Five major explosive eruptions have occurred during the past 3500 years. A series of explosive eruptions during the 19th century were sometimes accompanied by pyroclastic flows. Fumarolic activity continues at the central and SW summit craters.

Source: GVP

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The Weekly Volcanic Activity Report: May 9 - 15, 2018

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New activity/unrest was reported for 5 volcanoes between May 9 and 15, 2018. During the same period, ongoing activity was reported for 15 volcanoes. New activity/unrest: Kilauea, Hawaiian Islands (USA) | Merapi, Central Java (Indonesia) | Oraefajokull, Iceland | Piton de la Fournaise, Reunion Island (France) | Sangeang Api, Indonesia.

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The Watchers - Daily news service | Watchers.NEWS

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Flash floods affecting Afghanistan over the past 7 days have claimed lives of at least 34 people and left 4 injured. Severe weather hit the country following an unusually dry winter.
Hashmat Khan Bahaduri, spokesman for the Afghanistan Natural Disaster Management Authority (ANDMA), said that flooding affected 11 provinces (Samangan, Takhar, Kapisa, Baghlan, Badakhshan, Badghis, Ghor, Panjshir, Sari Pul, Ghazni and Parwan), destroyed 240 homes and damaged 624. Around 600 animals have also been killed and 80 ha (197 acres) of agricultural land severely damaged.

Bahaduri added that floods came after an unusually dry winter that has led to drought in many areas, underlining Afghanistan's vulnerability to natural disasters.

Images courtesy IOM Afghanistan

The rugged mountainous terrain and the lack of roads mean it is often difficult to evaluate relief needs but ANDMA have sufficient resources to deal with the problem for now, he said.

UNOCHA said May 14 that the number of people forced by drought to migrate within the country has reached more than 20 000 with the majority of them arriving in Hirat Province from Badghis and Ghor provinces.

Featured image courtesy: IOM Afghanistan

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At least 34 people and 600 animals dead after flash floods hit Afghanistan

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Flash floods affecting Afghanistan over the past 7 days have claimed lives of at least 34 people and left 4 injured. Severe weather hit the country following an unusually dry winter. Hashmat Khan Bahaduri, spokesman for the Afghanistan Natural Disast...

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The Watchers - Daily news service | Watchers.NEWS

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At least 5 people have been killed and nearly 500 000 homes are without power after severe thunderstorms swept through the US Northeast on Tuesday, May 15, 2018. An unsettled wet pattern continues over the eastern US through the end of the week, with flash flooding and strong thunderstorms possible over southern New England and the Mid-Atlantic today.
The storms downed trees and power lines and produced dangerous lightning strikes that led to structure fires in New Jersey and Massachusetts. Baseball-sized hail was also reported in upstate New York.

At the peak of the storm, 496 777 customers in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey and Connecticut had lost electricity and the number declined to 359 534 by 06:00 local time Wednesday, May 16.

Five people have reportedly lost their lives, all of them from trees falling on vehicles. The casualties include a 11-year-old girl who died in Newburgh, New York after a tree hit a car she was in with her mother.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo declared a state of emergency in Putnam, Dutchess, Orange and Sullivan counties and tweeted that he was "deploying members of the New York National Guard to assist with recovery operations."

The National Weather Service had received more than 100 severe storm reports shortly after 18:00 local time, including reports of baseball-size hail and wind gusts up to 129 km/h (80 mph).

All of the Metro North lines have been suspended due to downed trees, leading to a frenzy at Grand Central Station in New York City during rush hour on Tuesday. Thousands of people were stranded at the station, ABC New York station WABC reported.

Conditions were so bad in Newburgh that the city decided to close all roads due to the damage to trees and electrical infrastructure.

Featured image credit: Alejandro Martinez

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5 dead, nearly 500 000 without power as severe thunderstorms hit US Northeast

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At least 5 people have been killed and nearly 500 000 homes are without power after severe thunderstorms swept through the US Northeast on Tuesday, May 15, 2018. An unsettled wet pattern continues over the eastern US through the end of the week, with...

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The Watchers - Daily news service | Watchers.NEWS

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At 23:23 UTC on May 15, USGS volcanologists upgraded Kilauea's warning code from orange to red, because of increased ash emissions from the summit crater. Aircraft traveling near Hawaii are warned to avoid small ash clouds.
As of early May 15 (local time, UTC -10), eruption of ash from the Overlook vent within Halemaumau crater at Kilauea Volcano's summit has generally increased in intensity. Ash has been rising nearly continuously from the vent and drifting downwind to the southwest. Ashfall and vog (volcanic air pollution) has been reported in Pahala, about 29 km (18 miles) downwind. NWS radar and pilot reports indicate the top of the ash cloud is as high as 3 - 3.6 km (10 000 to 12 000 feet) above sea level, but this may be expected to vary depending on the vigor of activity and wind conditions.

Ash emission from the Kilauea summit vent will likely be variable with periods of increased and decreased intensity depending on the occurrence of rockfalls into the vent and other changes within the vent. At any time, the activity may become more explosive, increasing the intensity of ash production and producing ballistic projectiles near the vent.

Eruption of lava continues from at least three fissures in the East Rift Zone, including a new one that widened near #19 early on May 15 th. Residents in lower Puna should remain informed and heed Hawaii County Civil Defense closures, warnings, and messages.

Light ashfall has been reported on Highway 11 and in the Ka'u district records and air quality problems are also possible.

A Special Weather Statement has been issued again today detailing the possibility of light ash and hazardous air quality in the Kau district on the Big Island. #hiwx #vog #kilauea #volcano #lava
- NWSHonolulu (@NWSHonolulu) May 15, 2018

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued an ashfall warning for the region southwest of Kilauea, including the cities of Wood Valley, Pahala, Punaluu, Naalehu, and Hawaiian Oceanview Estates.

Photograph from the Jaggar Museum, Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, captures an ash plume rising from the Overlook crater on May 15

Activity at Halema'uma'u crater increased this morning to include the nearly continuous emission of ash with intermittent stronger pulses that form occasional higher plumes. Credit: USGS/HVO

In the East Rift Zone, eruption of lava continues from at least three fissures, including at least one new fissure that opened up near #19 early on May 15. Volcanic gas emissions are elevated, and a Code Red air quality alert is still in place for the southeast part of Lanipuna Gardens.

CD 5/15, 1pm: Ash fall Hwy 11 to Pahala. Fissure 17 only active flow. HDOT:Hwy 130 expected to open in afternoon. Air quality condition RED.
- COH Civil Defense (@CivilDefenseHI) May 15, 2018

Efforts are underway to cool down and then plug three active geothermal wells at the Puna Geothermal Ventures Plant, which sits near the fissure zone. Once sealed, hydrogen sulfide and other geothermal material will not be affected if lava flows over it.

Fortunately, the advancing Fissure 17 lava flow, which has traveled almost 2 kilometers (1.5 miles), has slowed down, traveling less than 400 meters (1200 feet) in the last day, according to USGS representatives at a media conference on May 15, which is available online.

During the conference, meteorologists said that trade winds will diminish on May 16, and regions around the volcano and farther inland will experience more ashfall and volcanic fumes. Towards the end of the week, the winds will return to carry these hazardous volcanic materials back out to sea.

Current trade wind flow and SO2 emissions from Kilauea from the online Earth wind map.

Events are unfolding quickly at Kilauea Volcano today, and this article may be updated.

Featured image: Activity at Halema'uma'u crater increased this morning to include the nearly continuous emission of ash with intermittent stronger pulses that form occasional higher plumes. Credit: USGS/HVO

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Kilauea volcano eruption update: Aviation color code red issued

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At 23:23 UTC on May 15, USGS volcanologists upgraded Kilauea's warning code from orange to red, because of increased ash emissions from the summit crater. Aircraft traveling near Hawaii are warned to avoid small ash clouds. As of early May 15 (lo...

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The Watchers - Daily news service | Watchers.NEWS

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A massive 23.8 m (78 feet) high wave has been measured near Campbell Island, New Zealand on May 9, 2018, making it the largest wave ever recorded in the southern hemisphere.
A new ocean buoy, installed March 2, 2018 and located about 640 km (400 miles) south of New Zealand's South Island, measured a maximum wave height of 23.8 m (78 feet). The previous record for the southern hemisphere was a 22.03 m (72 feet) high wave registered off the Australian state of Tasmania in 2012.

Credit: MetOcean

"This is a very exciting event and to our knowledge, it is the largest wave ever recorded in the southern hemisphere," Dr. Tom Durrant, a senior oceanographer at the MetOcean, part of New Zealand's Met Service, said.

"Our own previous record was one year ago when we measured a 19.4 m (63.6 feet) wave, and before that in 2012 an Australian buoy recorded a maximum individual wave (Hmax) of 22.03 m. So, this is a very important storm to capture, and it will add greatly to our understanding of the wave physics under extreme conditions in the Southern Ocean."

"The Southern Ocean is definitely the most under-observed ocean in the world. The region accounts for about 22% of the planet's oceans, and it's the most energetic part of the world's oceans in terms of waves," he said.

This solar-powered buoy samples the waves for just 20 minutes every three hours to conserve its solar-powered battery and then sends the data via a satellite link. During that 20 minute recording period, the height, period and direction of every wave is measured and statistics are calculated.

"It's very probable that larger waves occurred while the buoy was not recording. They may have actually reached more than 25 m (82 feet) if the forecasts were correct," Durrant said.

While this wave was large, it's not a world record.

Furthermore, the World Meteorological Organization doesn't measure maximum wave height, or, the largest individual wave.

It measures significant wave height, which is meant to represent general ocean conditions and measures the average of the waves. The WMO certified a world record for significant wave height in the North Atlantic in 2013 at 19 m (62 feet).

Significant wave height for May 9 in the Southern Ocean where the abovementioned buoy is located was 14.9 m (48.9 feet), which is also southern hemisphere's record.

Featured image credit: MetOcean

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Southern hemisphere produced its largest wave on record

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A massive 23.8 m (78 feet) high wave has been measured near Campbell Island, New Zealand on May 9, 2018, making it the largest wave ever recorded in the southern hemisphere. A new ocean buoy, installed March 2, 2018 and located about 640 km (400 mile...

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The Watchers - Daily news service | Watchers.NEWS

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A brief but strong explosive eruption, the first since April 6, took place at Mount Shinmoedake in southern Kyushu at 05:44 UTC on May 14, 2018.
The eruption sent ash up to 7.6 km (25 000 feet) above sea level, making it nearly 1 km higher than April 4 th eruption and the highest since a series of eruptions began on March 1, 2018.

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has maintained the alert level at 3, meaning people should stay away from the mountain and remain cautious of falling large rocks within a 3-km (1.8 miles) radius of the crater.

According to Tokyo VAAC, the volcanic ash was continually observed up until 11:20 UTC on May 15.

Geological summary

Kirishimayama is a large group of more than 20 Quaternary volcanoes located north of Kagoshima Bay. The late-Pleistocene to Holocene dominantly andesitic group consists of stratovolcanoes, pyroclastic cones, maars, and underlying shield volcanoes located over an area of 20 x 30 km (12.4 - 18.6 miles).

The larger stratovolcanoes are scattered throughout the field, with the centrally located, 1700-m-high (5 577 feet) Karakunidake being the highest.

Onamiike and Miike, the two largest maars, are located SW of Karakunidake and at its far eastern end, respectively.

Holocene eruptions have been concentrated along an E-W line of vents from Miike to Ohachi, and at Shinmoedake to the NE. Frequent small-to-moderate explosive eruptions have been recorded since the 8 th century. (GVP)

Featured image credit: Shinmoedake erupting on May 14, 2018. Credit: Fobos Planet

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Shinmoedake volcano eruption ejects ash up to 7.6 km (25 000 feet), Japan

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A brief but strong explosive eruption, the first since April 6, took place at Mount Shinmoedake in southern Kyushu at 05:44 UTC on May 14, 2018. The eruption sent ash up to 7.6 km (25 000 feet) above sea level, making it nearly 1 km higher than Apri...

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The Watchers - Daily news service | Watchers.NEWS

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A rare earthquake swarm started near the small Indian Ocean island of Mayotte on May 10, 2018 and continues to date. Mayotte is the oldest volcanic island in the Comoros Basin grouping and quakes likely are the result of a seismic hot spot as well as the island's position along the East African R ift.
According to the BRGM, the France-based geological agency serving the territory, the swarm started at 05:14 UTC on May 10 and increased around 12:00 UTC with magnitudes close to 3.0. Magnitudes increased to 3.5 and 3.7 by 16:40 UTC on the same day.

The first quake felt by the population hit at 23:19 UTC, May 10 and had a magnitude of 4.5, according to the BRGM.

The strongest earthquake in this sequence so far was M5.1 ( USGS, EMSC) registered at 14:41 UTC on May 14.

"Other earthquakes are likely to be felt by the population in the hours or days to come," BRGM said 13:00 UTC, May 14. "Magnitudes equivalent to those of Sunday and Monday morning earthquakes are still possible. These earthquakes do not produce damage and, although at sea, are too weak to generate tsunamis."

First analysis performed by the BRGM shows that all earthquakes are taking place in the same sector and there is no significant migration.

About 250 shocks were recorded in Iloni between within 24 hours to May 11 at 11:00 UTC, about 35 of magnitude greater than 3.0.

Analysis of Mamoudzou and Iloni signals show that the earthquakes are located 50 - 55 km (31 - 34 miles) away from these two stations, ie. approximately 12.6 °N, 45.7 °E.

"Earthquakes in this swarm are of the same order of magnitude as those of 1981 and December 1985," BRGM said. "They are are part of a known and moderate seismicity in the Mozambique Channel, as can be seen in the figure below:"

Moderate but poorly known seismicity in Mayotte

Seismicity in this region remains poorly known. A 2000 BRGM report notes that the seismicity is real as evidenced for example by the event of December 1, 1993 (epicentral intensity VII-VIII; Mb = 5.2 magnitude, depth 10 km), which fortunately occurred at sea about 40 km (25 miles) west of the main island. This earthquake is the strongest recorded in the Comoran archipelago for at least 60 years. Numerous huts in Mayotte were damaged, the agency said.

The archipelago of Comoros presents, along its 500 km (310 miles), a diffuse seismicity which probably has a double volcanic and tectonic origin. This seismicity, however, is regular with a relatively high frequency of earthquakes with magnitude close to 5 (at least five earthquakes recorded over the last 20 years: 21/5/2000 near Moheli (Mw 5.2); 23/6/2007 Bench of Geyser (Mw 5.1); 14/10/2010 North West of Grande Comore (Mw 5.2); 9/9/2011 East of Anjouan (Mw 5.0); 21/9/2016 West of Moheli (mb 5.1). On the other hand, no destructive earthquake of magnitude greater than 6 was recorded near Mayotte.

A seismic hazard study would make it possible to better understand the seismicity of the region and to estimate the return periods associated with events that could impact buildings.

Seismotectonic context

The seismotectonic zones with notable seismicity around Mayotte are: the East African Rift, the Davie Ridge, the Mozambique Basin, the Madagascar Block and the Comoros Archipelago.

The earthquakes of the Comoros probably have a double origin which translates:

their geodynamic position on an active hot spot;

their probable position at the front of the deformation of the East African rift.

The oceanic crust of the Comoros basin supports the four volcanic islands of Grande Comore, Mohéli, Anjouan and Mayotte. Mayotte is the oldest volcanic island.

Today, volcanic activity is restricted to the Karthala volcano at Grande Comore. The opening of the East African rift continues at sea using the fault system of the Davie Ridge and seems to progress towards the southeast, ie. towards the Comoros and Madagascar. It is likely that this phenomenon will bring back the old faults of these two sectors, and in particular the sub-meridian faults parallel to the East African Rift and the Davie Ridge.

Analysis, data and seismotectonic context source: BRGM report published May 14, 2018

Featured image credit: EMSC, Google

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Earthquake swarm near Mayotte, oldest volcanic island in the Comoros basin

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A rare earthquake swarm started near the small Indian Ocean island of Mayotte on May 10, 2018 and continues to date. Mayotte is the oldest volcanic island in the Comoros Basin grouping and quakes likely are the result of a seismic hot spot as well as...

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The Watchers - Daily news service | Watchers.NEWS

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The eruption of lava continues from multiple points along the northeast end of the active fissure system. Residents in lower Puna are advised to remain informed and heed Hawaii County Civil Defense closures, warnings, and messages.
A new eruption began around 08:00 local time, May 14 in the Lanipuna Gardens subdivision on Hawaii's Big Island, bringing the total number of active fissures in the ongoing East Rift Zone eruption at Kilauea Volcano to nineteen.

It has been spotted very near fissure 15, just northeast of Pohoiki Road and north of Hinalo Street at the east end of Lanipuna Gardens, producing a sluggish lava flow.

Video of erupting fissures and latest update:

While lava flowed sluggishly at this vent, fissure #17 produced quite a show on May 13, displaying molten fountains up to 30.5 m (100 feet) high, explosive steam jets from time to time, and lava bombs that soared as much as 150 m (500 feet) into the air.

These jets may be responsible for some of the loud sounds reported by residents and emergency workers.

Volcanic gas emissions remain elevated throughout the area downwind of the vents, USGS said.

Local media source Civil Beat streamed the dramatic lava fountaining live on Facebook.

By 06:30 local time., Fissure 17's lava flow was just under 1.6 km (1 mile) and moving parallel to one of the few roads in the area towards the sea.

Fortunately, no homes or roads are threatened by this flow, although Hawaii County officials reported the loss of one structure yesterday.

This increased activity is producing high levels of sulfur dioxide and other volcanic gases.

The Hawaii Department of Health and county Civil Defense personnel warned vulnerable people - babies, young children, the elderly, and those with respiratory problems - as well as residents living near fissures or downwind from the lava to avoid exposure to dangerous gases that can travel surprisingly far on the wind.

New fissure in Lanipuna Gardens. Area residents: be alert to gas emissions & active eruption. https://t.co/i20O4LKf8F
- COH Civil Defense (@CivilDefenseHI) May 14, 2018

Satellites, for example, have tracked fumes from the May 6 th eruption in Leilani Estates for almost 140 km (90 miles) out to sea.

People are following local conditions with the online Hawaii Interagency Vog Information Dashboard at https://vog.ivhhn.org/. Vog is a portmanteau word for "volcanic fog."

At Kilauea's summit, volcanologists reported some unusual activity in the Halema'uma'u Crater around midday that turned the volcano's typically white plume of steam and gas brown with ash. There was enough ash to prompt two separate advisories from NOAA's Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) in Washington State, in addition to its routine morning statement on this eruption.

The Washington VAAC is part of an international monitoring network that helps pilots avoid volcanic ash clouds that can damage or even shut down aircraft engines in mid-flight.

Video documentation of Kilauea's noon-time summit activity was included in HVO scientist-in-charge Tina O'Neal's daily update on the eruption.

She reported that this is not the possible big steam-driven eruption that has forced the closure of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Instead, she said, the extra ash in the plume may be coming from lava mixing with rock that has fallen into the volcano's throat.

At both the summit and the East Rift, scientists, as well as local residents whose lives and property are already impacted by this eruption, now await Kilauea Volcano's next move.

An early morning view of fissure 17 on May 14, still erupting and supplying lava to a flow that was still advancing (out of view). View is looking toward the east. Photograph courtesy of the Hawai`i County Fire Department.

Photograph courtesy of the Hawai`i County Fire Department.

Featured image: An early morning view of fissure 17 on May 14, still erupting and supplying lava to a flow that was still advancing (out of view). View is looking toward the east. Photograph courtesy of the Hawai`i County Fire Department.

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Kilauea update: New fissure, air quality concerns, and two Volcanic Ash Advisories

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The eruption of lava continues from multiple points along the northeast end of the active fissure system. Residents in lower Puna are advised to remain informed and heed Hawaii County Civil Defense closures, warnings, and messages. A new eruption beg...

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