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"Environmental Hazards Newsletter" 10th Oct 2018

News Highlights

Welcome to the September edition of our environmental hazards newsletter

  • Indonesia`s disaster agency said it has recovered upwards of 2,000 bodies so far from the 7.5-magnitude and subsequent 3m (10ft) tsunami that struck Sulawesi on September 28th. Strong aftershocks rocked the city the following day and thousands of homes collapsed, along with local hospitals and a shopping centre
  • Two weeks earlier, another significant earthquake with a magnitude of 6.9 rocked the Kermadec Islands 785km north-east of New Zealand
  • The world`s strongest storm this year, Super Typhoon Mangkhut, blasted the northern coast of the Philippines and South China with strong winds and heavy rains
  • This newsletter also highlights the flooding that hit south-eastern North Carolina as a result of Hurricane Florence
  • It reports on the cutting-edge volcanic activity measurement system, which can withstand the harsh conditions near the heart of an active volcano, pioneered by the University of Bristol in a recent eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau in Indonesia
  • 12 Nigerian states saw heavy rain and flooding which has set off a national disaster, leaving 200 dead and thousands of others facing the grim prospect of a cholera outbreak in the aftermath
  • Finally there was news of several landslides triggered by aftershocks, following a 6.6 earthquake on the northern island of Hokkaido
Hurricanes and Cyclones
Typhoons and hurricanes set to wreak havoc on multiple countries this week
Millions of people in the northern hemisphere are set to be smashed by strong winds, rain and flooding from typhoons and hurricanes later this week.
Hurricane Florence strengthening as it heads toward East Coast
Governors in Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina have all declared states of emergency over the past two days in anticipation of the storm.
'This one feels different': Hurricane Florence can start a new conversation
While hurricanes have always pummeled the coast, research indicates they’re stronger than ever. A recent report notes that Hurricane Florence will produce 50% more rain due to climate change.
Hurricane Florence update: Latest NOAA warnings - Florence to hit Bermuda surf
The hurricane is expected to remain at a slower speed while turning towards the west-northwest. Winds speeds have decreased to around 105 mph (165 km/h) and the storm will weaken more over the next couple of days.
Typhoon Mangkhut: Philippines hit by strongest storm
The world's strongest storm this year, Super Typhoon Mangkhut, is blasting the northern coast of the Philippines with strong winds and heavy rain
Typhoon Trami brings heavy rainfall to Japan (Video report)
Typhoon Trami made landfall on Sunday at 20:00 local time (11:00 GMT) near the western city of Osaka, with gusts of up to 216 km/h (134 mph). The storm caused widespread disruption, with many flights and trains canceled. More than 750,000 homes lost power.
'Only A Matter of Time' Before Category 6 Hurricane Hits U.S.
More and more commentators and scientists are warning that the ferocity of the recent storms that have hit the US and the Philippines is linked to climate change.
A warmer world makes hurricanes wetter and more intense
The Associated Press consulted with 17 meteorologists and scientists who study climate change, hurricanes or both. A few experts remain cautious about attributing global warming to a single event, but most of the scientists clearly see the hand of humans in Florence.
Despite 2017 hurricane season, US lacks 'culture of preparedness,' says FEMA administrator
The approaching danger presented by Hurricane Florence and the damage caused by Tropical Storm Gordon serve as reminders that September is the most active month for these kinds of powerful storms. And yet, FEMA Administrator Brock Long has warned that the United States doesn’t have a “culture of preparedness,’’ even after being hammered in 2017 by Harvey, Irma and Maria, the first time three Category 4 hurricanes made landfall in U.S. territory on the same year.
Hurricane warning vs. watch: How are they different?
Hurricane warnings and watches have different meanings slightly concerning “hurricane conditions,” or sustained winds that hit 74 mph or above, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Ocean Service (NOS) says.
Hurricanes, typhoons and cyclones: What's the difference?
An explanation is provided about the difference between Hurricanes, Typhoons and Cyclones
Extreme Temperatures
The world is on fire. Here are five climate change wake-up calls from this summer.
For many across the northern hemisphere, the summer of 2018 has exposed the most extreme signs of climate change. Yet despite the series of powerful heatwaves, wildfires and droughts, this is likely only the (melting) tip of the iceberg. After this summer of fire, it’s time to wake up on climate change.
Elwell: Extreme weather events rise as planet warms
Recently, we’ve seen the water cycle seemingly get out of whack. Precipitation events have become more extreme, leading to increasing amounts of flooding. The likely reason for increased high-precipitation events is the global temperatures that are on the rise because of our changing climate.
Australia freezes through its coldest morning in 23 years as icy front sweeps across the nation's south and heads
Records plummeted below sub-zero temperatures as Australia's southern states woke to a chilly Sunday morning up to 10 degrees below average.
Climate Change Projected to Boost Insect Activity and Crop Loss
From rising global temperatures to more frequent "extreme" weather events like droughts and floods, climate change is expected to negatively affect our ability to produce food for a growing human population.
The Earth is dying - can we save her?
A UN environmental study involving 1,203 scientists, hundreds of scientific institutions, and more than 160 governments, brought together by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) found degradation of the world’s natural resources by humans was rapidly outpacing the planet’s ability to absorb the damage - meaning the rate of deterioration is increasing globally.
In just four days, extreme heat melted the snow off this massive glacier
Both NASA and European Space Agency satellites captured bounties of snow from the previous winter melting from a glacier over just four days in July.
Earthquakes
Strong quake hits near New Zealand but no tsunami threat
A strong but deep earthquake has struck near New Zealand but didn't immediately cause damage or injuries and a tsunami wasn't expected.
Indonesia earthquake: Hundreds dead in Palu quake and tsunami
More than 380 people have been confirmed dead after a tsunami triggered by a magnitude 7.5 earthquake hit an Indonesian city on Friday.
New earthquake risk model could better inform disaster planning
Researchers have developed a new way to model seismic risk, which they hope will better inform disaster risk reduction planning in earthquake-prone areas.
‘Deep Creep’ Movement Near San Andreas, San Jacinto Faults Explains Unusual California Earthquakes
Scientists discovered a strange movement deep below the Earth's surface near California's biggest fault lines.
Death toll from Hokkaido quake rises to 40, search operation ends
The death toll from a powerful earthquake that jolted Hokkaido last week rose to 40 Monday as the local government ended its search operations, with thousands of people still living in shelters.
We asked leading experts about the risk of Wales being hit by a tsunami
New research suggests the chance of a devastating wave hitting the Welsh coast has increased due to climate change. Experts discuss what would happen if a large wave hit Wales.
Lombok earthquake: 'Resilient' communities in flattened villages desperate for new homes ahead of rainy season
Resilient communities in earthquake-ridden Lombok are desperate for new homes ahead of the rainy season, as shocks continue to tremble the scenes of desolation.
Magnitude 6.4 earthquake jolts Davao region
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported a magnitude 6.4 earthquake with an epicenter near Manay, Davao Oriental at 3:16 p.m. It had earlier reported the magnitude as 6.3.
Major quake hits Fiji but no tsunami warning issued
A major 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck off the Fiji coast early on Friday (Sep 7), the United States Geological Survey said, but no tsunami threat was issued. The epicentre of the tremor was 102 kilometres southeast of the capital Suva.
Marlborough Sounds valleys drown further after quake
GPS monitoring in the Marlborough Sounds, which shows some areas dropped in the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake, has proven what some locals thought all along.
Ring of Fire: World to be struck by ‘at least FIVE major earthquakes’ by end of year
THE Ring of Fire is likely to see several more earthquakes measuring in excess of 7.0 in magnitude before the end of 2018, a seismologist has warned as he stressed the awesome power of the “huge geological feature”
Volcanic Activity
No, the giant Katla volcano in Iceland isn't about to erupt
Despite screaming headlines in the British tabloids and even the normally staid Sunday Times, there is no sign that Iceland's Katla volcano will erupt any time soon, scientists say.
Anak Krakatau volcano eruption: fireballs as big as trucks explode in dramatic video
Dramatic images from the volcano, which lies in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra, showed as billowing thick, black smoke spewed some 600 meters from the crater.
Reunion Island volcano eruption: Piton de la Fournaise erupts
The Reunion Island volcano has seen its fourth eruption of the year as it burst to life at the weekend after scientists noticed an increase in the volcano’s seismic activity.
What Happens When A Hurricane Hits An Active Volcano?
The results of a hurricane hitting a volcano can be catastrophic or negligible or anything in between.
'Dragon Eggs' Hatched to Monitor Volcanic Activity
The University of Bristol is pioneering the monitoring of volcanic activity by developing a cutting-edge measurement system that can withstand the harsh conditions around the heart of an active volcano
Guatemala’s deadly & unstable volcano triggers massive pyroclastic avalanche (VIDEO)
Still unstable following a devastating and deadly eruption in June, Guatemala’s 'Volcano of Fire' has spewed an avalanche of volcanic gas and rock, known as pyroclastic flow.
Alaska volcano restless again
Alaska Volcano Observatory scientists increased the threat level of Mount Veniaminof (VEN’-ee-ah-mean-off) from yellow to orange Tuesday. That color designation indicates that sudden explosions could send ash above 20,000 feet (6,100 meters) and threaten international air planes.
Did a Volcano Defeat Napoleon at Waterloo?
Napoleon's historic defeat at Waterloo may have been spurred by a volcano that erupted two months earlier, and nearly 8,000 miles (13,000 kilometers) away.
Lava hunter takes you close to erupting volcano
The Kilauea volcano eruption began in early May and isn't slowing down. Now, the lives of thousands of Hawaiians have been turned upside down. But the eruption has also attracted enthusiasts like Demain, who documents the lava's beauty and destructive power.
Wildfires
Using Technology To Assess Wildfire Risk And Combat Wildfires
Global losses from catastrophic events such as hurricanes and floods have steadily increased over the past decade, but wildfire-related losses in 2017 completely blindsided the property and casualty insurance industry.
Wildfire season: Is this the new normal?
According to Robert W. Sandford, a Fellow of the US Centre for Hydrology, and EPCOR Chair in Water and Climate Security with the United Nations University, a decade ago scientists predicted a whopping 75–120 percent increase in the amount of area burned each year, and now it is happening.
US deaths from wildfire smoke could double in the next century, despite human efforts
According to a study published by published by GeoHealth, U.S. deaths from chronic inhalation of wildfire smoke could double from 15,000 per year to 42,000 within the next 100 years.
We know exactly how to stop wildfires, with money
The newest Federal budget lets the various forest-related agencies pull other money in to deal with suppression. Fire scientists mostly agree that so-called active fuel management, setting controlled fires or cutting down small trees and clearing out undergrowth, is the way of the future.
Cal Fire Is Burning Through Their Budget, With Months Of The Fire Season Left
Cal Fire announced it already spent $432 million of the $443 million dollar budget, leaving only $11 million remaining. Fire officials anticipate needing an additional $234 million for the necessary resources to make it through the rest of the fire season.
Twenty-one new forest fires reported in Ontario, ministry says most caused by lightning
A spokesman for Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry says the 21 new forest fires in northwestern Ontario reported Friday night were caused by lightning.
Progress Urged As Bangkok Climate Talks Open
Against the backdrop of severe and record heatwaves, bushfires, droughts and floods across the world, governments are convening a supplementary meeting in Bangkok to prepare the implementation guidelines of the Paris Climate Change Agreement. The guidelines are needed to make the Paris Agreement work fairly and transparently for all.
California lawmakers pass bill on PG&E wildfire liability
California’s legislature passed a bill late on Friday that could help the utility Pacific Gas and Electric Corporation (PG&E) avoid potentially crippling liabilities for wildfires that ravaged northern parts of the San Francisco Bay Area last year.
Landslides
Philippines villages buried by landslide after Typhoon Mangkhut
Dozens of people have been buried alive and at least 22 have died after a landslide engulfed two villages in the Philippines, triggered by extreme weather conditions in the aftermath of Typhoon Mangkhut.
Warnings Abounded Before Massive Alaska Landslide and Tsunami
A massive landslide and tsunami that denuded the slopes of an Alaskan fjord could reveal warning signs that could help predict future disasters.
Landslide risk prompts evacuation order for Zeballos
An evacuation order has been issued for properties in Zeballos on the northwest coast of Vancouver Island due to risk of a landslide.
Japan earthquake: landslide traps residents in homes
A powerful earthquake of magnitude 6.6 left residents trapped inside their homes as a landslide blocked roads, engulfed buildings and led to widespread power cuts on Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido in the early hours of Thursday.
Melting glaciers increasing risk of landslide-triggered tsunamis, study reveals
Massive waves triggered by unstable rocks falling from melted slopes have already claimed lives, and phenomenon likely to worsen as climate gets warmer
New Software Can Predict Landslides Weeks Before They Happen
Australian researchers are using AI and mathematics to detect tiny changes that may precede the often-deadly events.
Floods
Flood waters rise, eight killed as Florence dumps 'epic' rain on Carolinas
Tropical Storm Florence dumped “epic” amounts of rain on North and South Carolina as it trudged inland, knocking out power and causing at least eight deaths as floodwaters that have devastated many communities kept rising.
Runoff, flooding caused by typhoon ravage North
Forest runoff and heavy flooding caused by typhoon Mangkhut swept through several northern provinces overnight and into Tuesday, with the Meteorological Department warning the North and Northeast of Thailand of more rain.
Ships destroyed, homes ruined and buildings flooded after cyclone 'Zorba' batters Greece with winds of 55mph and torrential rain
Greece was battered by cyclone 'Zorba' today which brought flash floods and torrential rain across parts of the country. Ships were submerged and partially destroyed by the extreme weather, while ships were held at Greece's main ports. There was heavy delays to traffic and power outages were reported.
Nigeria floods death toll hits 199
Heavy rains and flooding in 12 states deemed a national disaster with hundreds of thousands facing a cholera outbreak.
The terrifying, destructive force of glacial floods, and the growing threat to millions
Glaciers found in the country's awe-inspiring mountain ranges are melting as global temperatures rise. The meltwater collects as glacial lakes that are often only held back by thinning ice walls, or fragile earth banks.

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