https://www.sott.net/category/4-Earth-Changes Signs of the Times: The World for People who Think. Featuring independent, unbiased, alternative news and commentary on world events. en-us Original content Copyright 2026 by Signs of the Times/Sott.net. For other content, see our Fair Use Policy at www.sott.net. Thu, 09 Apr 2026 13:20:59 +0000 https://www.sott.net/images/sottlogo_rss.jpg SOTT.net https://www.sott.net https://www.sott.net/article/505633-Heavy-rains-floods-in-the-Dominican-Republic-damage-over-1000-homes-foot-of-rainfall-in-under-24-hours Heavy rains in the Dominican Republic killed a toddler, damaged more than 1,000 homes and caused power and water outages on Wednesday, forcing officials to suspend classes at some public and private schools. Forecasters noted that 12 inches (30 centimeters) of rain fell in some areas in less than 24 hours, forcing crews to evacuate more than 5,000 people. "There is no storm drainage system that can withstand that anywhere in the world," President Luis Abinader said. A press official with the Civil Defense agency, Jayssi Capellán, told The Associated Press that a nearly 2-year-old girl died after a wall at her home collapsed in the capital of Santo Domingo. The government ordered nonessential employees to work remotely as authorities warned of flooding and possible landslides, with more than a dozen provinces under alert, including Santo Domingo, which is the hardest hit area. https://www.sott.net/article/505633-Heavy-rains-floods-in-the-Dominican-Republic-damage-over-1000-homes-foot-of-rainfall-in-under-24-hours Thu, 09 Apr 2026 13:20:07 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505393-Russia-declares-emergency-in-Dagestans-capital-as-floods-cut-power-to-more-than-327000-people-6-killed-UPDATE Authorities in the capital of the southern Russian region of Dagestan declared a ​state of emergency on Saturday after heavy ‌rainfall led to widespread flooding and power cuts in the region. "Emergency services have been placed on high alert, ​efforts are under way to deal with ​the aftermath, and assistance will be provided ⁠to affected residents," the Makhachkala city administration ​said on Telegram. More than 327,000 people remain without ​power in Dagestan due to bad weather, the regional ministry of emergency situations said. "As of 12:00 (Moscow time, 0900 GMT), ​283 settlements with a population of 327,183 ​people, including 89,705 children, remain without electricity," the ministry said ‌on ⁠its website. https://www.sott.net/article/505393-Russia-declares-emergency-in-Dagestans-capital-as-floods-cut-power-to-more-than-327000-people-6-killed-UPDATE Thu, 09 Apr 2026 11:52:04 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505616-Mount-Semeru-volcano-erupts-again-in-Indonesia Mount Semeru, located in Indonesia's East Java province, erupted again on Tuesday (April 7), spewing a massive hot cloud into the sky, according to the Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation, reported Xinhua. The volcano remains under a Level III alert, the second-highest in the country's four-tier warning system. The eruption at 5.30 pm local time produced an ash column reaching approximately 2,000 metres above the crater, with a thick gray plume drifting north-east and east. Seismographs recorded the event as lasting more than seven minutes. No casualties or immediate damage were reported, but authorities warned that the accumulation of volcanic material on the slopes could trigger debris flows, or lahars, if heavy rainfall occurs. This follows a restless Monday during which the volcano recorded several separate eruptions. Bernama-Xinhua https://www.sott.net/article/505616-Mount-Semeru-volcano-erupts-again-in-Indonesia Wed, 08 Apr 2026 15:04:05 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505415-Extreme-weather-severe-flooding-and-landslides-in-Afghanistan-leaves-148-dead-UPDATES Severe flooding, a landslide and thunderstorms in parts of Afghanistan have left 17 people dead and 26 injured over the last 24 hours, authorities said Sunday, the latest casualties from extreme weather in the country this season. The number of casualties could increase as crews from the country's National Disaster Management Authority survey the affected areas, the authority's spokesman Yousuf Hammad said in a statement. Thirteen of Afghanistan's 34 provinces, mostly in the western, central and northwestern parts of the country, were affected. The severe weather also left 147 homes either completely or partially destroyed, wiped out 80 kilometers of roads and destroyed agricultural land and irrigation canals, Hammad said. Earlier this year, heavy snowfall and flash floods left dozens of people dead across the country. https://www.sott.net/article/505415-Extreme-weather-severe-flooding-and-landslides-in-Afghanistan-leaves-148-dead-UPDATES Wed, 08 Apr 2026 14:47:20 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505614-Infant-dead-another-child-suffers-serious-injuries-after-separate-dog-attacks-in-Des-Moines-Iowa The Des Moines Police Department is urging residents to practice animal safety after an infant died and another was seriously injured in recent dog attacks. First responders were dispatched to an apartment in the 3600 block of Kennedy Drive early on Friday, April 3, after the cardiac arrest of an infant was reported. A dog in the residence had reportedly injured the child, who was not showing signs of life, according to a news release. Once on scene, authorities discovered the child had died. Two dogs, a shepherd-mix and a terrier/bulldog, were seized from the apartment. As of now, no charges have been filed, but DMPD is investigating the situation. https://www.sott.net/article/505614-Infant-dead-another-child-suffers-serious-injuries-after-separate-dog-attacks-in-Des-Moines-Iowa Wed, 08 Apr 2026 14:39:39 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505594-57-goats-4-sheep-killed-in-lightning-strike-in-Jammu-and-Kashmir-India In a tragic incident reported from Jammu and Kashmir, at least 61 sheep and goats of a Bakerwal family were killed after lightning struck a large herd of livestock in Bani area of Kathua district on Saturday evening. The incident took place in Assu village of Bani where the family, originally hailing from Thaa village, was temporarily staying en route to upper reaches amid heavy rains in the region. The lightining strike at around 6 PM on Saturday left 28 goats and 3 sheep of the affected owner Raqeeb Ahmad, son of Abdul Gani, dead as per officials. The second owner Gafoor Ahmad, son of Raqeeb Ahmad also lost 29 goats and one sheep in the natural disaster. The affected family has appealed to the government and district administration to provide immediate financial assistance so that they can repair the damage. https://www.sott.net/article/505594-57-goats-4-sheep-killed-in-lightning-strike-in-Jammu-and-Kashmir-India Tue, 07 Apr 2026 09:34:29 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505578-Angola-hit-by-deadly-floods-at-least-29-dead-and-thousands-displaced-UPDATE Severe flooding has killed at least 15 people in Angola and forced thousands to flee their homes, according to local authorities. The floods, caused by heavy rains, have affected several regions of the country, worsening an already fragile humanitarian situation. The floods caused significant material damage, sweeping away homes and destroying essential infrastructure. In some areas, roads were cut off and villages isolated, complicating access for emergency services and slowing aid operations for the affected population. Authorities are reporting widespread destruction. Thousands of people have been displaced, often in emergency situations, and are now homeless. Living conditions in the affected areas are particularly precarious, with limited access to clean water, food, and healthcare. Humanitarian organizations are warning of the risk of disease spreading in the flooded areas. https://www.sott.net/article/505578-Angola-hit-by-deadly-floods-at-least-29-dead-and-thousands-displaced-UPDATE Mon, 06 Apr 2026 12:28:14 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505564-Homes-flooded-roads-swamped-in-Miaoli-Taiwan-after-heavy-rain Heavy rain on Saturday triggered mudslides and flooding in Miaoli County, inundating homes and roads, disrupting traffic and leaving residents stranded in muddy water. https://www.sott.net/article/505564-Homes-flooded-roads-swamped-in-Miaoli-Taiwan-after-heavy-rain Sun, 05 Apr 2026 19:32:50 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505559-Lightning-strike-kills-65-sheep-in-Balochistan-Pakistan At least 65 sheep were killed after being struck by lightning in Balochistan's Mashkhel district, leaving the affected herder in deep distress. According to details, the tragic incident occurred during heavy rainfall when a sudden lightning strike killed 65 sheep instantly, causing losses worth hundreds of thousands of rupees. The herder said the incident had destroyed everything he owned, describing the livestock as his entire livelihood. Media reports stated that the incident took place in a suburban area of the district. In addition to those killed, 15 sheep were seriously injured, further compounding the herder's losses. Speaking to the media, the distressed herder broke down in tears, saying he had been left completely helpless. Local residents and the herder have appealed to the provincial government and district administration for financial assistance. https://www.sott.net/article/505559-Lightning-strike-kills-65-sheep-in-Balochistan-Pakistan Sun, 05 Apr 2026 14:33:29 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505550-Desert-turns-snow-white-Unexpected-hailstorm-blankets-parts-of-Rajasthan-India The golden sands of the Thar Desert underwent a startling transformation on Friday, April 3, 2026, as a massive hailstorm turned parts of Rajasthan into a landscape resembling the snow-capped valleys of Kashmir. Residents in the Arjunsar and Rajiyasar areas of Bikaner district witnessed a rare atmospheric event that saw temperatures plummet and roads disappear under a thick layer of ice. WHY DID THE THAR DESERT TURN WHITE? While the visuals shared by IFS officer Parveen Kaswan looked like a winter wonderland, this was actually the result of an intense hailstorm triggered by a Western Disturbance. A Western Disturbance is a weather system that originates over the Mediterranean region and travels eastward, bringing moisture and cooling to northwest India. When this moisture-laden air met the intense heat of the desert, it created powerful updrafts. https://www.sott.net/article/505550-Desert-turns-snow-white-Unexpected-hailstorm-blankets-parts-of-Rajasthan-India Sat, 04 Apr 2026 19:03:08 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505547-6-0-magnitude-quake-hits-90-km-SE-of-Sarangani-Philippines-USGS An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.0 jolted 90 km SE of Sarangani, Philippines at 10:34 GMT on Saturday, the U.S. Geological Survey said. The epicenter, with a depth of 99.6 km, was initially determined to be at 4.89 degrees north latitude and 126.10 degrees east longitude. https://www.sott.net/article/505547-6-0-magnitude-quake-hits-90-km-SE-of-Sarangani-Philippines-USGS Sat, 04 Apr 2026 11:40:04 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505546-Landslide-triggered-after-torrential-rain-kills-mother-and-6-children-in-Equatorial-Guinea A landslide triggered following torrential rain in Equatorial Guinea killed a mother and her six children, the central African country´s rescue services said on Friday. The bodies of the victims buried by the landslide were recovered on Friday, including that of the 36-year-old mother, who was eight months pregnant. Witnesses said the landslide happened on Thursday afternoon when downpours fell on the city of Malabo. "A concrete retaining wall collapsed onto their house... followed by a landslide," neighbour Dominica Ada said. "The mother and her six children were all inside," she added. AFP https://www.sott.net/article/505546-Landslide-triggered-after-torrential-rain-kills-mother-and-6-children-in-Equatorial-Guinea Sat, 04 Apr 2026 11:18:41 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505545-5-8magnitude-quake-hits-Afghanistan-Pakistan-8-dead-in-Kabul An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.8 rattled parts of northern and eastern Afghanistan and western Pakistan late Friday. The spokesperson for Kabul's governor said at least eight people are dead. The region is highly seismically active, and quakes have caused thousands of deaths in recent years. Friday's earthquake had an epicenter in the Hindu Kush mountain range, about 150 kilometers (93 miles) east of the Afghan city of Kunduz, according to the Euro-Mediterranean Seismological Center and the United States Geological Survey. With the epicenter at a depth of over 180 kilometers, the quake was felt across a wide swathe of Afghanistan and Pakistan. It was felt in the areas of Islamabad, Peshawar, Chitral, Swat and Shangla, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department. Afghanistan's Health Ministry spokesman Sharafat Zaman said Kabul and provincial health authorities had been put on alert. https://www.sott.net/article/505545-5-8magnitude-quake-hits-Afghanistan-Pakistan-8-dead-in-Kabul Sat, 04 Apr 2026 11:01:20 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505544-Apr-3-2026-Fuego-Volcano-in-Guatemala-produces-large-eruption-at-night The camera is about 8km away from the top of Fuego. Sometimes you'll be able to hear the eruptions. Due to the speed of sound, it'll take about 26 seconds after you see an explosion before you hear it. https://www.sott.net/article/505544-Apr-3-2026-Fuego-Volcano-in-Guatemala-produces-large-eruption-at-night Sat, 04 Apr 2026 10:39:31 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505535-April-snow-of-333-centimeters-almost-11-FEET-broke-the-record-on-Botev-Peak-Bulgaria Snowfalls in the highest part of the mountain have not stopped, which creates prerequisites for additional accumulation on the record base A historical record for the thickest snow cover was recorded this morning on Botev Peak. On the peak of Stara Planina, meteorologists measured an impressive 333 centimeters of April snow, which officially surpasses the previous absolute maximum of 325 centimeters for this location, reports the specialized website "stringmeteo.bg". Snowfalls in the highest part of the mountain have not stopped, which creates prerequisites for additional accumulation on the record base. "Record on Botev Peak! This morning, 333 cm of snow cover was measured. The previous record is 325 cm, and today's achievement is probably not final, because the snowfall continues," the organization "Meteo Bulgaria" wrote on its page on social networks. Experts note that this phenomenon is extremely curious against the background of global warming trends. "It is good when we can... https://www.sott.net/article/505535-April-snow-of-333-centimeters-almost-11-FEET-broke-the-record-on-Botev-Peak-Bulgaria Fri, 03 Apr 2026 20:19:09 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505523-More-than-a-meter-of-snow-closed-roads-villages-cut-off-in-southern-France Intense snowfall mixed with strong gusts of wind, villages buried under astronomical amounts of powder snow... It is almost apocalyptic weather that reigns over these regions in recent days... and the inhabitants will remember it. Who could have predicted that 2026 would go down in history? Both in terms of rainfall and snowfall, it has broken numerous records this year. The many ski resorts still open are proof of this, as the intense snowfall of recent days has once again blanketed the slopes in white. This allows skiers who wish to do so to enjoy the pleasures of skiing one last time at Easter. While the heavy snowfall is a boon for ski resorts, this isn't necessarily the case elsewhere. When winter hasn't yet had its final say in the mountains, sometimes an entire area is paralyzed, as was the case this week. https://www.sott.net/article/505523-More-than-a-meter-of-snow-closed-roads-villages-cut-off-in-southern-France Fri, 03 Apr 2026 13:17:22 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505511-Overnight-California-earthquake-shakes-Bay-Area There were no reports of significant damage after the tremor shook millions awake early Thursday morning. Millions in the Bay Area of California were jostled awake by an early Thursday earthquake, but there have been no reports of significant damage so far. At 1:41 a.m. local time (4:41 a.m. EDT), a magnitude 4.6 earthquake was reported by the U.S. Geological Survey just outside of Boulder Creek, California, about 60 miles south of San Francisco. The tremor was shallow, reportedly less than 7 miles below the surface. https://www.sott.net/article/505511-Overnight-California-earthquake-shakes-Bay-Area Thu, 02 Apr 2026 19:49:20 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505510-12-people-died-after-heavy-rains-thunderstorms-floods-in-Pakistan In Pakistan, 12 people have died over the past 24 hours after heavy rains, thunderstorms, and flash floods affected multiple provinces. Authorities declared an emergency in Karachi as heavy rains that started this morning triggered urban flooding. Rescue services, including Edhi Trust and Chhipa Welfare, confirmed five deaths due to electrocution and house walls collapsing in different areas. In Balochistan, the Pakistan Disaster Management Cell reported seven deaths in various parts of the province, including Turbat, Kohlo, Jaffarabad, Loralai, Harnai and Quetta, due to heavy rains since yesterday. Officials reported that a passenger bus carrying 15 people was swept away in the Killa Abdullah area, with rescue teams working to locate and save the passengers. https://www.sott.net/article/505510-12-people-died-after-heavy-rains-thunderstorms-floods-in-Pakistan Thu, 02 Apr 2026 19:37:02 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505509-Storm-batters-Greece-killing-one-flooding-homes-and-disrupting-travel A man died and dozens of homes were flooded after heavy rain and gale-force winds battered ​Greece, leaving authorities rushing to repair damage on ‌Thursday. Greek authorities have recovered the body of a man in the seaside holiday town of Nea Makri, 35 kilometres (21.75 miles) ​northeast of Athens, a fire brigade official told ​Reuters on Thursday. The man was believed to ⁠have been carried away by a torrent and trapped ​under a car as he attempted to cross a ​flooded street, local media reported. The fire brigade said it has received hundreds of calls to rescue people trapped in floodwater and help ​clear roads of fallen trees as the Erminio ​storm swept through Athens and several islands in the Aegean Sea ‌on ⁠Wednesday. Early on Thursday, crews were still removing debris, pumping water from flooded buildings and repairing damaged infrastructure east of the capital. Authorities also banned some ferries from sailing ​from the ​port of Piraeus ⁠near Athens to the Greek islands.... https://www.sott.net/article/505509-Storm-batters-Greece-killing-one-flooding-homes-and-disrupting-travel Thu, 02 Apr 2026 19:13:47 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505508-Italy-Snowstorms-floods-and-heavy-rain-leave-people-trapped-in-their-homes Heavy rain and snowstorms in central and southern Italy brought down bridges and left people trapped in their homes on Thursday. Firefighters used special snowcat trucks to plow through huge banks of snow in small towns in the Italian region of Molise. https://www.sott.net/article/505508-Italy-Snowstorms-floods-and-heavy-rain-leave-people-trapped-in-their-homes Thu, 02 Apr 2026 19:02:23 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505502-April-opens-with-record-cold-across-eastern-Canada Canada is still posting sub -40C lows. Schefferville, Quebec has set a new April provincial cold record, plunging to -40.4C (-40.7F) — breaking the previous mark of -40C (-40F) set in 1994 at Bonnard (records in Quebec extend back to the late 1800s). Nearby, Rivière aux Feuilles set a new April record of -39.8C (-39.6F). Kuujjuarapik tanked to -36.2C (-33.2F), smashing its previous April low of -33.9C (-29F), set in 1950 and 1970. Further east, Wabush Lake in Labrador hit -35.3C (-31.5F) — just shy of both its monthly and provincial April records. This is not a one-off event. It follows an exceptionally cold March across northern Canada. https://www.sott.net/article/505502-April-opens-with-record-cold-across-eastern-Canada Thu, 02 Apr 2026 09:30:17 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505501-Magnitude-7-4-earthquake-hits-off-Indonesia-killing-one-numerous-aftershocks-including-a-magnitude-6-2 A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck in the Molucca Sea off Indonesia's Ternate island early Thursday, killing at least one person. The quake, which struck at 06:48 local time (22:48 GMT) at a depth of 35km, sparked tsunami warnings which have since been withdrawn. A 70-year-old woman in North Sulawesi died after being crushed by building debris, and another person broke their leg after jumping off a building, Indonesia's national news agency Antara reported. While the region experiences high levels of seismic activity, some residents told the BBC this was one of the strongest earthquakes they have felt in at least the past six years. https://www.sott.net/article/505501-Magnitude-7-4-earthquake-hits-off-Indonesia-killing-one-numerous-aftershocks-including-a-magnitude-6-2 Thu, 02 Apr 2026 09:21:03 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505499-1000-mile-Saharan-dust-storm-across-northwestern-Africa-from-the-sky-and-from-the-ground A massive dust storm, or haboob, swept across the Sahara Desert from western Algeria into Mauritania, Morocco, Western Sahara and the Canary Islands on Monday. The dust stretched for more than 1,000 miles. As meteorologists observed the dust storm from space via weather satellites, social media users captured the incoming dust storm on camera. One video shows a thick wall of dust and sand moving toward a resident of the town of Tindouf, near the Mauritanian, Western Saharan and Moroccan borders. While this storm didn't make it too far off the coast, significant amounts of dust can drift westward from Africa across the Atlantic beginning in May. This can inhibit tropical storm formation, or the strengthening of an existing system, because the dusty air has about 50 less moisture than the typical tropical atmosphere. Strong winds in the dust layer can also substantially increase the vertical wind shear in and around the storm environment, potentially disrupting any storm that forms.... https://www.sott.net/article/505499-1000-mile-Saharan-dust-storm-across-northwestern-Africa-from-the-sky-and-from-the-ground Wed, 01 Apr 2026 22:04:55 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505489-Snow-nearly-6-feet-deep-leaves-tourists-stranded-in-Polands-Tatra-Mountains Heavy snowfall has trapped around a dozen people in a remote shelter high in Poland's Tatra Mountains. Following a deterioration in weather and a heightened risk of avalanches, authorities at the Tatra National Park in southern Poland said on Tuesday that all 275 kilometers of trails would be shut until further notice. The extreme winter weather has left around a dozen tourists and staff stranded at a mountain hut in the famous Valley of Five Lakes, the hut's owner, Marta Krzeptowska told the Polish state-owned news agency, PAP. With snow cover in some places reaching up to 180 cm (71 inches) on Tuesday, Krzeptowska said guests would have to remain in the shelter until conditions improved and trails reopened. But she emphasized that the situation is under control. https://www.sott.net/article/505489-Snow-nearly-6-feet-deep-leaves-tourists-stranded-in-Polands-Tatra-Mountains Wed, 01 Apr 2026 19:40:55 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505488-6-0-magnitude-earthquake-strikes-northern-Peru An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.0 struck northern Peru on Wednesday, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The quake was recorded at a depth of 108.8 kilometers at 6:20 am local time. Its epicenter was registered 27 kilometers east-southeast of Peru's town of Picota and 227 kilometers west-northwest of the Peruvian city of Pucallpa, which has 310,000 inhabitants. There were no initial reports of material damage or casualties following the earthquake. https://www.sott.net/article/505488-6-0-magnitude-earthquake-strikes-northern-Peru Wed, 01 Apr 2026 19:09:21 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505482-Toddler-killed-in-dog-attack-in-Pulaski-County-Arkansas A 2-year-old girl was killed in a dog attack in Pulaski County on Saturday, a news release from the sheriff's office says. Around 6:25 p.m., deputies responded to the 6000 block of Norman Road regarding an animal attack involving the girl, the release says. The girl was pronounced dead at the scene, the release says. The sheriff's office, working with the Pulaski County Animal Control Division, found and is holding the dog believed to be involved in the attack, pending DNA testing, the release says. The DNA testing aims to determine whether the dog in custody is the one responsible, said Kristin Knox, a spokesperson for the sheriff's office. The sheriff's office has not identified an owner and has not ruled out the possibility of the dog being a stray, Knox said. If the dog is determined to have an owner, the owner could be liable for the death, she added. The attack remains under investigation, the release says. https://www.sott.net/article/505482-Toddler-killed-in-dog-attack-in-Pulaski-County-Arkansas Wed, 01 Apr 2026 11:14:37 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505467-Winter-temperatures-spring-snow-on-the-island-of-Sardinia-Italy Winter arrives in Sardinia in the early days of spring, once again blanketing the peaks of the Gennargentu mountains after a weekend of freezing temperatures and a few sprinklings of snow above 1,000 meters. Holy Week begins with subzero temperatures in the mountainous areas of the island, where this morning temperatures reached -2.1 degrees Celsius in Su Separadorgiu, just below the peak of Bruncispina, 1,440 meters above sea level. Winter temperatures, below zero, were recorded throughout the Nuoro area and in Alta Gallura. Further rainfall is expected for much of Holy Week, then the Azores anticyclone will reach the Mediterranean, bringing sunshine and temperatures above 20 degrees on Easter Monday. https://www.sott.net/article/505467-Winter-temperatures-spring-snow-on-the-island-of-Sardinia-Italy Tue, 31 Mar 2026 17:53:51 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505459-Wolf-bites-woman-in-shock-German-attack-in-Hamburg-shopping-street A woman has been bitten by a wolf in a major shopping street in Hamburg, according to German authorities. The highly unusual attack took place in the bustling Grosse Bergstrasse in Hamburg Altona, near an inner-city Ikea store on Monday evening. The woman appears to have tried to lead the disoriented animal away from the shopping street. The wolf then bit the woman's face, according to local reports and then ran off. The woman was taken to hospital but has since been discharged. It's believed to be the first time a person has been attacked by a wolf since the animals began to reestablish themselves in Germany decades ago. https://www.sott.net/article/505459-Wolf-bites-woman-in-shock-German-attack-in-Hamburg-shopping-street Tue, 31 Mar 2026 14:31:25 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505458-2-more-dead-gray-whales-spotted-in-San-Francisco-Bay-4-in-2-weeks Two more dead gray whales were spotted in San Francisco Bay over the weekend, doubling the number that have washed up in the area so far this year, according to The Marine Mammal Center (TMMC). On Saturday, a dead gray whale was seen floating off Tiburon near the Larkspur Ferry Terminal, TMMC said. The adult female was spotted again on Sunday being pulled out toward the Golden Gate Bridge by strong tidal patterns. Experts determined the whale's skin was in good condition with overall minimal body decomposition. Another dead gray whale was spotted Sunday off Point San Pablo Yacht Harbor, according to TMMC. Additional information about the animal wasn't immediately available. TMMC hopes to perform necropsies on the whales to determine how they died. https://www.sott.net/article/505458-2-more-dead-gray-whales-spotted-in-San-Francisco-Bay-4-in-2-weeks Tue, 31 Mar 2026 14:25:35 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505457-55-pilot-whales-stranded-21-dead-in-Rote-Indonesia-on-March-9 Dozens of pilot whales were found stranded along the coast of Mbadokai Beach, Deranitan Village, and Fuafuni Village in Southwest Rote, Rote Ndao, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), on Monday (March 9), shocking local residents. Of the total 55 stranded pilot whales, 21, comprising 4 calves and 17 adults, were found dead, while the remaining 34 were successfully herded back to the sea. A lecturer at the UGM Faculty of Biology (Biology UGM), Akbar Reza, expressed concern over the deaths of the stranded pilot whales. Pilot whales are a species under full conservation protection. Moreover, Akbar noted that globally, according to data from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), there is no comprehensive global population data available. "Based on IUCN data, we do not have global population figures, so we do not know whether their population is increasing, decreasing, stable, or otherwise," he said on Tuesday (March 31). He also highlighted that this incident serves as an... https://www.sott.net/article/505457-55-pilot-whales-stranded-21-dead-in-Rote-Indonesia-on-March-9 Tue, 31 Mar 2026 14:10:01 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505449-Semeru-volcano-erupts-explosively-in-Indonesia-3-camera-angles-capture-the-March-29-2026-eruption This video shows an explosive eruption of Semeru Volcano on March 29, 2026, captured from three different camera angles. The multi-angle view reveals the force of the eruption and gives a broader look at the activity at one of Indonesia's most closely watched volcanoes. According to Indonesia's official MAGMA/PVMBG volcanic activity reporting for Sunday, March 29, 2026, Semeru was at Level III (Siaga / Alert). In the official activity report for the 00:00 - 06:00 WIB period, observers noted that the volcano was clearly visible, with clear weather and light winds to the west. Semeru has remained active through late March 2026. Weekly reporting compiled from PVMBG stated that during March 22 - 29, 2026, daily eruptive events produced ash plumes rising about 0.2 to 1.8 km above the summit, mainly drifting north, northwest, and west, while the alert level remained at 3. This footage captures one of those eruptive moments from multiple perspectives, offering a rare and dramatic view of... https://www.sott.net/article/505449-Semeru-volcano-erupts-explosively-in-Indonesia-3-camera-angles-capture-the-March-29-2026-eruption Mon, 30 Mar 2026 20:25:38 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505035-Flash-floods-in-Nairobi-Kenya-kill-at-least-110-UPDATED Aid workers ‌pulled bodies from floodwaters across Nairobi on Saturday after overnight flash floods killed at least 10 people, swept away dozens of cars and ​disrupted flights at East Africa's biggest airport, authorities said. In ​the industrial neighbourhood of Grogan, security guard John Lomayan, ⁠34, looked at the body of an elderly man ​he recognised - a roadside egg seller - trapped beneath a car that ​had been washed away when the Nairobi River burst its banks. "I saw him being carried by the water from up there," he said, gesturing ​up the road. "We didn't know where he had gone. ​It is only now that we see him under the car". A Reuters reporter ‌saw ⁠three bodies pulled from underneath cars. Police said 10 people had been confirmed dead so far. https://www.sott.net/article/505035-Flash-floods-in-Nairobi-Kenya-kill-at-least-110-UPDATED Mon, 30 Mar 2026 19:47:23 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505447-15-dead-9-missing-after-flash-floods-in-Yemen Flash floods caused by heavy rains have killed 15 people and left nine missing in Yemen's Taiz Governorate, with extensive damage reported, state-run Saba news agency said on Sunday. The agency said the floods, triggered by torrential rains early Friday, struck host communities and camps for internally displaced persons in western and northwestern Taiz. A preliminary government report confirmed the deaths included women and children, while nine others remain missing in Mocha, a port city of the governorate. Initial estimates indicated nearly 5,900 families were affected, with homes partially or completely damaged. Yemen's meteorological authorities warned residents to avoid valleys and low-lying areas during and after rainfall. Source(s): Xinhua News Agency https://www.sott.net/article/505447-15-dead-9-missing-after-flash-floods-in-Yemen Mon, 30 Mar 2026 19:35:15 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505434-Russia-Sheveluch-volcano-eruption-sends-ash-11-km-aviation-red-alert An explosive eruption at Sheveluch volcano in Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula sent a powerful ash plume up to 11 km (36,000 feet) into the atmosphere on March 29, 2026, triggering a Red aviation alert for the region. According to observations from the Kamchatka Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT) and satellite data, the eruption lasted about 30 minutes and produced a dense ash column that rose rapidly above the summit. The Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre confirmed the plume height, News.Az reports, citing The Watchers. KVERT raised the Aviation Color Code to Red at 02:52 UTC, indicating an immediate and significant threat to aircraft. The ash cloud drifted eastward from the volcano, extending roughly 10 km (6 miles) from the summit. https://www.sott.net/article/505434-Russia-Sheveluch-volcano-eruption-sends-ash-11-km-aviation-red-alert Mon, 30 Mar 2026 13:45:17 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505432-7-3-magnitude-earthquake-strikes-off-Vanuatu-in-South-Pacific A strong earthquake measuring 7.3 struck off the South Pacific nation of Vanuatu on Monday, the US Geological Survey (USGS) reported. The tremor occurred at around 0844 GMT, northeast of Luganville, the country's second-largest city. The earthquake, recorded at a depth of approximately 72 miles, caused no immediate reports of damage at the time of publication. https://www.sott.net/article/505432-7-3-magnitude-earthquake-strikes-off-Vanuatu-in-South-Pacific Mon, 30 Mar 2026 12:18:43 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505394-Massive-late-March-snowstorm-buries-Europes-eastern-Alps-with-up-to-1-5-meter-nearly-5-feet-of-snow A powerful late-season storm cycle has delivered a major refresh across the eastern Alps, with Switzerland leading the charge after several days of sustained snowfall. The standout has been Engelberg, where snowfall totals have been exceptional even by mid-winter standards. According to OpenSnow data, the resort received 84 cm (33 inches) in the past 24 hours and 132 cm (52 inches) over the past five days, catapulting conditions back into peak-season form. The storm has been driven by a moist northwesterly flow, favoring northern Alpine regions and creating classic "Nordstau" conditions—where precipitation intensifies as air is forced over the mountains. The storm didn't stop at Switzerland. Zugspitze, Germany's highest peak, was also hammered, with around 1.5 meters (nearly 5 feet) of fresh snow reported in recent days. But that much snow comes with complications. In a post on social media, the resort cautioned: "A lot of snow does not automatically mean a lot of skiing. 1.5... https://www.sott.net/article/505394-Massive-late-March-snowstorm-buries-Europes-eastern-Alps-with-up-to-1-5-meter-nearly-5-feet-of-snow Sat, 28 Mar 2026 16:22:07 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505389-7-killed-as-multiple-avalanches-hit-Srinagar-Leh-national-highway-in-India Multiple avalanches struck the Srinagar - Leh national highway on Friday, killing seven people and injuring five others, officials said. The avalanches hit the stretch between Zero Point and Minimarg in the afternoon, trapping several vehicles under snow and debris, they said. Officials said rescue teams were immediately rushed to the spot and a rescue operation was launched. Efforts were underway to clear the snow and locate and rescue people trapped in the affected area. https://www.sott.net/article/505389-7-killed-as-multiple-avalanches-hit-Srinagar-Leh-national-highway-in-India Sat, 28 Mar 2026 12:37:31 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505386-Malawi-floods-leave-34-dead-nearly-200-injured At least 34 people have died, and nearly 200 others have been injured after heavy rains and flooding swept across Malawi last week, displacing thousands, the country's disaster management agency said on Thursday. Flooding across 23 administrative areas has affected more than 69,000 households, or roughly 310,000 people, with over 6,000 households taking refuge in 84 emergency shelters, the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) said in a statement. The southern district of Chikwawa is the hardest-hit, as nearly 25,000 households have been affected, more than 1,800 displaced into 24 emergency shelters, and nine people killed. The DoDMA said the toll could rise as local authorities continue assessing areas that remain largely inaccessible. The department is working with humanitarian partners to deliver relief to affected areas and has allocated a $10 million (17 billion Malawian Kwacha) to address urgent needs, restore basic services, prevent secondary impacts, and begin... https://www.sott.net/article/505386-Malawi-floods-leave-34-dead-nearly-200-injured Sat, 28 Mar 2026 12:20:02 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505385-Massive-dead-whale-washes-up-on-Rockaway-Beach-in-Queens-New-York A gigantic, 45-foot whale carcass washed up on Rockaway Beach after floating off the coast of Long Island. Video from Chopper 2 shows the huge animal lying in the sand at the Queens beach Thursday. Many people were seen standing against a barrier, taking pictures of it. The Atlantic Marine Conservation Society (AMSEAS) said they got notification that a sei whale was floating offshore about 15 miles south of Long Island Tuesday. AMSEAS officials said they are worked with local authorities at the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries, and the state's Department of Environmental Conservation to secure and monitor the animal. https://www.sott.net/article/505385-Massive-dead-whale-washes-up-on-Rockaway-Beach-in-Queens-New-York Sat, 28 Mar 2026 11:56:37 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505382-Winter-is-back-Snow-invades-the-mountainous-areas-of-Elbasan-Albania The heavy snowfall that hit the Elbasan Region last night has temporarily restored the winter atmosphere to the mountainous areas, covering dozens of villages in four municipalities of this region. According to field data, the mountain villages of the municipalities of Elbasan, Librazhd, Gramsh and Prrenjas woke up this morning under a layer of snow ranging from 15 to 25 centimeters. The precipitation began around 20:30 pm yesterday evening and continued with intensity until after midnight, creating a typical winter panorama on the eve of spring. The most affected areas are the Shebenik National Park, the tourist village of Fushë Studen, as well as a number of neighborhoods and villages over 800 meters above sea level in the Administrative Unit of Librazhd, including Orenjë, Qarrishtë, Dragostunjë, Polis, Babje, Dardhë and Xhyrë, where the snow thickness reaches at least 25 centimeters. The same situation is present in all mountainous areas of the region, while this morning has... https://www.sott.net/article/505382-Winter-is-back-Snow-invades-the-mountainous-areas-of-Elbasan-Albania Fri, 27 Mar 2026 20:41:00 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505376-Worlds-tallest-building-hit-by-lightning-as-Dubai-suffers-flooding-after-heavy-storms Dubai has been hit by overnight flooding after "intense downpours" hit several cities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), prompting officials to issue warnings. Dramatic pictures were posted online by the Dubai Media Office and others of lightning striking the 829m/2,722ft Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building. Authorities in the UAE activated emergency measures and issued safety alerts across the country, Gulf News said. "Heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds" swept across large parts of the UAE from Thursday into early Friday. An unstable weather system caused "lightning, booming thunder and intense downpours in several cities", as well as "dust-raising winds and reduced visibility", the outlet said. https://www.sott.net/article/505376-Worlds-tallest-building-hit-by-lightning-as-Dubai-suffers-flooding-after-heavy-storms Fri, 27 Mar 2026 20:22:55 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505374-Snow-in-Greece-Winter-returns-in-late-March Snowfall sweeps across Epirus and Western Macedonia, covering Metsovo, Tzoumerka and Zagori as temperatures drop and authorities deploy snowplows. Greece saw an unexpected return to winter overnight, as snowfall swept across several mountainous regions, turning villages into postcard-like scenes more typical of January than late March. In the northern region of Epirus, snow began falling late in the evening and continued into the early morning, covering high-altitude areas above 3,300 feet (1,000 meters). The phenomenon affected parts of the Ioannina regional unit, including well-known mountain destinations such as Metsovo, Tzoumerka, Konitsa and Zagori. By dawn, Metsovo — a traditional mountain town popular with visitors year-round — was blanketed in fresh snow. Rooftops, streets and surrounding hills were coated in white, while intermittent snowfall and low-hanging clouds added to the subdued, almost hushed atmosphere. https://www.sott.net/article/505374-Snow-in-Greece-Winter-returns-in-late-March Fri, 27 Mar 2026 20:08:47 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505373-Snow-blankets-crocuses-in-Polands-Tatra-Mountains-raising-concerns-for-spring-display Heavy snowfall in southern Poland has blanketed blooming crocuses in the Chochołowska Valley, a scenic valley in the Tatra Mountains near the Slovak border that is one of the country's best-known signs of spring. After several warm, sunny days brought the flowers into bloom, fresh snowfall has now covered them, raising concerns that this year's display may be less vibrant than usual. By Friday morning, around 15 centimeters of snow had fallen in Zakopane, a popular resort town at the foot of the Tatras, with more forecast later in the day. The return of winter weather has also worsened conditions in the mountains, prompting the Tatra Volunteer Search and Rescue Service (TOPR) to issue a Level 2 avalanche warning. The Chochołowska Valley is famous for its annual crocus bloom, which typically draws large numbers of tourists each spring. https://www.sott.net/article/505373-Snow-blankets-crocuses-in-Polands-Tatra-Mountains-raising-concerns-for-spring-display Fri, 27 Mar 2026 19:46:56 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505372-Landslides-triggered-by-heavy-rainfall-kill-at-least-20-people-in-Tanzania Landslides triggered by heavy rainfall have killed at least 20 people in southern Tanzania in recent days, authorities said, as the death toll from across the wider East African region continues to rise. Rainfall and high winds caused landslides that destroyed houses early Wednesday in the Mbeya region, said Jaffar Haniu, administrator for the Rungwe district where the landslides happened. "The death toll now stands at 20," he told reporters. "One victim is a very young child, a year and a half old." He said meteorologists predict more rainfall in the days ahead, and urged residents of landslide-prone areas to evacuate. In neighboring Kenya, which experiences seasonal flooding each year, at least 88 people have been killed. Flooding events have affected 21 counties and at least two rivers have burst their banks since heavy rains started earlier this month. https://www.sott.net/article/505372-Landslides-triggered-by-heavy-rainfall-kill-at-least-20-people-in-Tanzania Fri, 27 Mar 2026 19:28:00 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505363-Floods-and-floods-cause-damage-to-avenues-in-Bauru-Brazil Heavy rains caused flooding, landslides, flash floods and falling trees and branches in the city of Bauruin the interior of São Paulo, during the late afternoon of this Wednesday (25). According to Civil Defense, in addition, two victims were trapped inside a vehicle due to the storms, and were rescued by the Fire Department. The incidents remain ongoing. Also according to the agency, Bauru was the city that recorded the highest rainfall in 24 hours in the entire state of São Paulo. In a note, Bauru City Hall informed that, due to the strength of the water, the repair service at the site should begin this Thursday (26), if weather conditions improve. https://www.sott.net/article/505363-Floods-and-floods-cause-damage-to-avenues-in-Bauru-Brazil Fri, 27 Mar 2026 12:43:25 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505360-Powerful-shallow-6-5-magnitude-earthquake-hits-off-Japans-northeastern-coast The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported that a 6.5-magnitude earthquake hit off the Sanriku coast in northeastern Japan at approximately 11:18 p.m. local time on Thursday. The temblor originated at a depth of about 10 km. While slight sea level fluctuations may occur along the coast, the JMA said there is no risk of tsunami damage, News.Az reports, citing foreign media. The quake registered an intensity of 4 on Japan's seismic scale of 7 in Morioka City of Iwate Prefecture. No immediate injuries or damage have been reported https://www.sott.net/article/505360-Powerful-shallow-6-5-magnitude-earthquake-hits-off-Japans-northeastern-coast Fri, 27 Mar 2026 12:00:40 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505344-Heavy-spring-snowfall-and-strong-winds-shut-key-roads-towards-Croatian-coast A sudden deterioration in weather conditions has disrupted major transport links between inland Croatia and the Adriatic coast on Thursday, after heavy snow, strong winds and rough seas swept across parts of the country. Authorities issued the highest red weather alert for areas around Rijeka and Gospić as a cold front brought intense snowfall and gale-force winds. The severe conditions have forced the closure of key road routes used by freight traffic travelling between the interior and the coastal regions of Kvarner, Istria and Dalmatia. Traffic authorities reported that no open road routes are currently available for lorries with trailers or articulated trucks travelling towards the coast or back inland. Restrictions are in place on several major routes, including motorway and state road sections crossing mountainous regions where winter conditions have developed rapidly. https://www.sott.net/article/505344-Heavy-spring-snowfall-and-strong-winds-shut-key-roads-towards-Croatian-coast Thu, 26 Mar 2026 15:38:35 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505340-Hail-turns-roads-deserts-white-in-Fujairah-RAK-as-heavy-rains-hit-the-United-Arab-Emirates Hail and heavy rains swept across parts of the UAE, transforming stretches of desert and city landscapes into a sheet of white. Footage posted on social media by Storm Centre showed the scale of the weather impact, with Fujairah, Al Dhafra Region and Ras Al Khaimah being covered with hail. In Fujairah, hail fell steadily over open desert terrain, with ice pellets accumulating across the sand to form thin white patches. Dark, towering storm clouds loomed overhead, underscoring the intensity of the system moving through the eastern region. In Al Dhafra, the phenomenon appeared even more dramatic, with hail lining the edges of sand dunes and tracing white contours across the orange landscape, creating a rare, almost surreal contrast. https://www.sott.net/article/505340-Hail-turns-roads-deserts-white-in-Fujairah-RAK-as-heavy-rains-hit-the-United-Arab-Emirates Thu, 26 Mar 2026 12:01:15 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505339-Storms-wash-away-vehicles-and-flood-homes-across-the-Middle-East Vehicles were washed away in floods in Oman and homes were flooded in Syria as storms brought torrential rain and hail to countries across the Middle East. https://www.sott.net/article/505339-Storms-wash-away-vehicles-and-flood-homes-across-the-Middle-East Thu, 26 Mar 2026 11:40:24 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505338-Police-investigate-apparent-fatal-dog-attack-in-Alachua-Florida Moraima "Mori" Simon was visiting her son and his family in Alachua when police suspect she was fatally mauled by the family's two pet pit bull dogs. Simon, 61, was found dead near her son's home late Thursday afternoon. Alachua Police Department officer Thomas Stanfield told Mainstreet Daily News an exact cause of death was awaiting a finding by the medical examiner, but it appeared Simon was attacked by the dogs. "There were bite marks on the deceased, on her arms," Stanfield said. Alachua County spokesperson Mark Sexton told Mainstreet that two dogs were impounded by animal control officers and an investigation will determine whether they should be euthanized. Police had not released their report on the incident as of midday Tuesday. Stanfield said road construction work had apparently severed Cox Communications lines serving both the Alachua and High Springs police departments, leaving them unable to access digital records. https://www.sott.net/article/505338-Police-investigate-apparent-fatal-dog-attack-in-Alachua-Florida Thu, 26 Mar 2026 11:26:43 +0000