Earth ChangesS


Snowflake Cold

Weather models continue to predict polar vortex cold invasion into US: "Gobsmackingly bananas"

polar vortex 2024
© Met4CastUK/XJanuary 8, 2024: Cold weather continues to look likely mid month with an increasing risk of widespread snow
While it's still uncertain, weather models suggest that a polar vortex might plunge large swaths of the Lower 48 into dangerously cold temperatures sometime late next week.

There has been a lot of speculation on social media platform X about the incoming polar vortex.


Comment: A "textbook" Sudden Stratospheric Warming Event appears to be unfolding


Boat

Thousands evacuate as floods, landslides hit West Java, Indonesia

Purwakarta Regency was hit by a landslide (Instagram/@bpbdpurwakarta).
Purwakarta Regency was hit by a landslide (Instagram/@bpbdpurwakarta).
Several regions in West Java, including Cimahi, Karawang and Purwakarta, have been hit by natural disasters including floods, landslides and windstorms, forcing thousands of residents from their homes.

According to the West Java Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD), 1,643 residents have been evacuated due to major flooding since Jan. 1 in Karawang regency, which has impacted four districts and five villages.

Meanwhile, more than 1,700 residents have been displaced due to landslides around the foot of Mount Anaga in Purwakarta regency, which occurred on Thursday.


Fish

Mysterious mass fish deaths in Philippines spark natural disaster fears

Photo courtesy of Diane Lawa Tagum (Facebook)
Photo courtesy of Diane Lawa Tagum (Facebook)
Large schools of fish were found washed up on a beach in the Philippines, which excited some local inhabitants who saw it as a gift from God. However, others were concerned that the occurrence might be a signal of impending natural disaster.

Diane Lawa Tagum, a Facebook user, posted a video of the incident early in the morning yesterday, January 7. The video shows residents of the town of Masiim in Sarangani province on Mindanao island in the southern Philippines discovering a school of fish swimming ashore and dying on the beach.


Fish

Rare oarfish discovered near Adang Island, Thailand

Photo courtesy of วิทยาศาสตร์การประมงและทรัพยากรทางน้ำ TSU (Facebook)
Photo courtesy of วิทยาศาสตร์การประมงและทรัพยากรทางน้ำ TSU (Facebook)
A rare deep-sea creature, known as the Oarfish or Ribbonfish, was recently discovered near Adang Island, in the region of Satun Province, Thailand. The Science of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources TSU page reported the sighting of this marine species, recognised scientifically as Regalecus glesne, yesterday, January 3, by the fishing vessel Thepcharoenporn 15.

Belonging to the Regalecidae family, the Oarfish, resembling the mythical serpents or sea dragons of the Western Middle Ages, can grow up to 9 metres in length and weigh up to 300 kilogrammes. However, The Guinness World Records notes this species as having the longest backbone, potentially reaching up to 11 metres.


Attention

Fisherman dies in horror shark attack after sea beast 'bit off one of his limbs' in Yavaros Port, Mexico

The horror attack left the fisherman dead and without a limb in the last moments of his life (stock)
The horror attack left the fisherman dead and without a limb in the last moments of his life (stock)
A fisherman has died in a horrific shark attack after the beast bit off one of his limbs.

Víctor Alejandro Soto García, 21, was brutally attacked and bitten by a 13-foot long shark which is said to have taken a chunk out of his torso and also left him with one less limb in Yavaros Port, Mexico.

The freediving fisherman had been hunting for scallops at the time of his death, which occurred around 1pm on December 29. Victor's remains were rescued from the waters by his fellow fishermen.

Their daring rescue appeared to be in vain however as the prowling shark in the waters just below them had already dealt a fatal blow of damage to the young fisherman.

Ice Cube

Enchanting frozen waterfalls amaze visitors in China's Shandong province during record low temperatures

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A true winter wonderland, made of snow and ice, has been shaped by the stunning frozen waterfalls in Qingzhou, China's Shandong province.

The country has been facing a major cold spell with record low temperatures, that also helped nature create beautiful landscapes.


Comment: Related: Rare, extreme snowfall hits Shandong cities in east China


Cloud Precipitation

Flood ravages Villa General Belgrano in Argentina

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On a day of relentless rain, Villa General Belgrano, a quaint town nestled in the Córdoba province of Argentina, found itself at the mercy of a fierce and unforgiving flood. The incessant downpour led to an alarming surge in water levels, transforming peaceful streets into turbulent rivers, and leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Houses, public infrastructure, and life as the residents knew it, were all caught in the relentless grip of the floodwaters.

The Onset of Crisis

The storm descended upon Córdoba with unrelenting vigor, causing severe flooding across various cities within the province. Villa General Belgrano bore the brunt of its fury, with overflowing streams flooding the streets, turning them into torrents of rushing water. The neighboring city of Los Reartes wasn't spared either, as it too faced intense rainfall, hail, and strong gusts. The storm's impact wasn't just limited to flooding, it also disrupted the rhythm of daily life, leading to the suspension of events like the Festival of Dressage and Folklore of Jesús María.


Attention

Mahout killed in elephant attack at safari centre in Sri Lanka

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A mahout was killed in an elephant attack at an elephant safari centre in Randenigala on Sunday.

The incident had occurred while two elephants were engaged in a safari carrying four people, including 2 children.

Following a photo shoot with the elephants and the children, one elephant had attacked the mahout after he signalled for the animals to move.

The mahout had died last morning after being admitted to the Kegalle Hospital following the incident.

The deceased has been identified as a 40-year-old resident of Kiriella in Ratnapura.


Tornado2

Tornado rips through Fort Lauderdale as storms march across Florida

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A tornado rolled through Fort Lauderdale, Florida, damaging boats and downing power lines on Saturday.

According to the National Weather Service office in Miami, officials received multiple phone calls and social media reports of a twister near Federal Highway about 5:50 p.m. ET. The NWS issued a Tornado Warning for the storm about 5 minutes before the twister was reported.

Fort Lauderdale officials said in a Facebook post that no injuries have been reported, and the damage from the storm appears to be minor.

A couple from New York was in South Florida to cheer on the Buffalo Bills when they got a Tornado Warning alert on their cellphones. Moments later, they witnessed the tornado roll through a residential area and a marina and captured the entire event on video.


Doberman

Woman mauled to death by stray dog in Uttar Pradesh, India

dog attack
In a tragic incident reported from Uttar Pradesh, a woman working in the fields in the rural Kotwali area of Mirzapur district was mauled to death by a stray dog even as her husband was also injured in the attack after he came to rescue her on Friday, sources said.

It is learnt that Basantu Bind Bhatauli and his wife Dulesara Devi, residents of Baraini Baripur in Kachwan area of Mirzapur were working in their fields when a stray dog suddenly appeared there and attacked Dulesara and mauled her in neck and face.

Hearing the screams, Basantu along with two others Shivlal and Hiravati, who were working nearby, rushed to the spot to save Dulesara.

However, the dog bit all three of them leaving them injured. An official said that Dulesara died on the spot in the attack, while the three people injured in the dog attack were admitted to the hospital.