Earth Changes

'Ten times' as many wildfires recorded in Siberia than usual

The Siberian Times
Mon, 26 Apr 2021 12:00 UTC

A field of dry reeds went up in flames on the suburb of Omsk in Western Siberia

Omsk region emergency services said number of wildfires is seven to ten times above the 'norm'.

A field of dry reeds went up in flames on the suburb of Omsk in Western Siberia, possibly as a result of an outdoor weekend barbecue.

It took eighteen firefighters to stop the fire.

Comment: Extremes of weather are wreaking havoc across the planet, with regions seeing heavy flooding and unusual cold that is then followed by stretches of unseasonably warm and exceptionally dry conditions:

6.4-magnitude earthquake hits 200 km SW of Haveluloto, Tonga

China.org.cn
Mon, 26 Apr 2021 08:36 UTC

An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.4 jolted 200 km southwest of Haveluloto, Tonga at 22:28:00 GMT on Sunday, the U.S. Geological Survey said.

The epicenter, with a depth of 234.01 km, was initially determined to be at 21.6857 degrees south latitude and 177.064 degrees west longitude.

120-year-old April snow record broken in Cincinnati

Sarah Brookbank
Cincinnati Enquirer
Thu, 22 Apr 2021 07:03 UTC

Good morning Greater Cincinnati, we have snow on the ground.

The National Weather Service is reporting that 2.3 inches of snow fell at the Cincinnati- Northern Kentucky International Airport. This broke the previous daily snowfall total of 1.5 inches set in 1901. Totals may be higher than that in some areas.

Unfortunately, the cold snap isn't over yet.

A freeze warning is in effect for all of Greater Cincinnati from 1 a.m. to 10 a.m. Thursday. The National Weather Service said sub-freezing temperatures as low as 29 are expected.

"Frost and freeze conditions will kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing," the National Weather Service said. "Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold. To prevent freezing and possible bursting of outdoor water pipes they should be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly. Those that have in-ground sprinkler systems should drain them and cover above- ground pipes to protect them from freezing."

Comment: "Record-Shattering Cold" across Central US

Dozens rescued after rivers overflow in Cochabamba, Bolivia

Richard Davies
Floodlist
Sun, 25 Apr 2021 15:08 UTC

Flood rescues in Cochabamba, Bolivia, April 2021.

Overflowing rivers have caused flooding in several areas of Cochabamba Department in central Bolivia over the last few days.

Civil Defence and the Bolivian Navy evacuated families in the municipality of Ivirgarzama and surrounding areas after flooding began from late 23 April 2021.

Flooding also blocked parts of the Cochabamba - Santa Cruz highway (National Route 4) at the Chimoré-Ivirgarzama sector, causing major transport disruptions. A bus and several other vehicles were trapped in the waters and than 50 passengers and motorists had to be rescued.

14,000 people hit by floods in Oriximiná, Pará, Brazil

Richard Davies
Floodlist
Sat, 24 Apr 2021 14:51 UTC

Floods in Oriximiná, Para, Brazil, April 2021

Authorities in the municipality of Oriximiná in the state of Pará, northern Brazil, declared an emergency on 22 April after days of flooding.

Flooding first struck around 19 April 2021 after the Trombetas river broke its banks.

As of 22 April, the municipal government said flooding approximately 14,020 people are directly affected. An estimated 3,000 homes were flooded and affected in some way. In the city of Oriximiná, streets, businesses, public buildings and infrastructure also suffered damage. Surrounding rural areas along the river also experienced flooding. The municipal government said dozens of communities were affected, with homes, schools, livestock and crops damaged.

Last month authorities declared an emergency situation after flooding in the municipality of Rio Maria in Pará.

Sakurajima volcano in southwestern Japan erupts sending smoke over 2.3 kilometers into the air

KYODO NEWS
Sun, 25 Apr 2021 12:46 UTC

A volcano on Sakurajima in southwestern Japan erupted early Sunday, sending a column of smoke over 2.3 kilometers into the air, the weather agency said.

Following the eruption at 1:09 a.m., the Japan Meteorological Agency issued an eruption alert, urging people in the cities of Kagoshima and Tarumizu in Kagoshima Prefecture to protect themselves from the potential impact of the volcanic activity. There were no reports of injuries or property damage following the eruption, local authorities said.

The agency initially said pyroclastic flows were confirmed within 1.8 km of the Minamidake crater but said later its on-site observation suggests it was part of the smoke. The likelihood of death or injury is low since people have been prohibited from approaching within 2 km of the crater since February 2016, it added.

'Major incident' declared over wildfire in Northern Ireland

Sky News
Sat, 24 Apr 2021 19:15 UTC

A 'major incident' has been declared in Northern Ireland over a wildfire burning in an area of outstanding natural beauty. More than 70 firefighters were involved Saturday in trying to contain the wildfire, while helicopters from both Britain and Ireland are set to join the effort. The wildfire started on Friday morning in the Slieve Donard area — the highest point in Northern Ireland, with a peak of 850 meters (2,780 feet).

Lightning strike kills farm worker in Costa Blanca, Spain

Euro Weekly
Sat, 24 Apr 2021 17:15 UTC

Spring has definitely not sprung in Spain's Costa Blanca with unsettled weather bringing rain, strong winds and freezing temperatures for weeks now. On top of horror stories of flooding, electricity and internet blackouts and fallen trees, Murcia has suffered a terrible tragedy after a farm worker died during a storm this week.

Sadly, the raging storm claimed the life of a 45-year-old in the municipality of Fuente Alamo, who was reportedly picking spinach in the rural area of Balsapintada when he was struck dead by a bolt of lightning.

Aemet, Spain's State Meteorological Agency, forecast heavy rains and storms a few days ago and issued weather warnings for no less than twelve areas of Spain.

Winter arrives early as snow turns parts of Southern Africa into winter wonderland

Cheryl Kahla
The South African
Sat, 24 Apr 2021 11:33 UTC

Winter has arrived!

While we are waiting for South Africa's first snow of 2021 to arrive next week, the first dusting has already been spotted in Lesotho. See the breathtaking images here.

Ventusky reported earlier this week that South Africa could receive up to six centimetres - a "decent amount", according to the forecast - next week, especially along the Drakensberg Mountain Range on the Lesotho border.