Papua New Guinea Volcano Eruption Sparks Tsunami Concerns for Japan

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:09pm on 20 Nov 2023,Monday Weather & Environment

A volcano eruption on Papua New Guinea's Mount Ulawun has raised concerns for potential tsunamis along the Japanese coasts, as reported by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). The eruption, reaching heights of 15,000 meters, prompted the JMA to assess the risk of tsunamis, urging coastal residents to remain cautious. While the agency could not immediately predict the tsunami's size, it warned of potential impacts on Izu and Ogasawara islands. However, as of now, no notable sea level changes have been detected. Neither Papua New Guinea nor Australian authorities have issued tsunami warnings.

Read More at Hindustan Times

Magnitude 4.5 Earthquake Strikes Andaman Sea

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:47pm on 19 Nov 2023,Sunday Weather & Environment

On Sunday evening, the Andaman Sea in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands experienced a 4.5 magnitude earthquake, as reported by the National Centre for Seismology (NCS). The seismic event occurred at 7:36 pm at a depth of 120 km. The NCS provided details: "Earthquake of Magnitude: 4.5, Occurred on 19-11-2023, 18:36:46 IST, Lat: 9.94 & Long: 93.89, Depth: 120 Km, Location: Andaman Sea, India." No immediate reports of damage have surfaced. This follows a magnitude 3.9 earthquake in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda on Thursday, according to NCS records.

Read More at Mint

Iceland on Edge: Met Office Warns Imminent Volcanic Eruption as Magma Approaches Surface

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:51pm on 19 Nov 2023,Sunday Weather & Environment

Iceland's Meteorological Office raises concerns as seismic activity decreases, suggesting magma may have reached a critical point in the Earth's crust. Kristín Jónsdóttir, head of the department, urges suspenseful anticipation over the next few days. Magmatic gas detection near Svartsengi indicates an impending Fagradalsfjall volcano eruption, with Grindavik town at high risk. Drawing parallels to the 2021 eruption, experts fear an eruption is inevitable, emphasizing the urgency in monitoring the situation. Hagafell is identified as a potential epicenter, heightening concerns as the nation braces for potential volcanic activity in the coming days.

Read More at Independent

Delhi Schools Set to Reopen on Monday as Air Quality Improves

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:44pm on 18 Nov 2023,Saturday Weather & Environment

As the Air Quality Index (AQI) improves, all government, government-aided, and private schools in Delhi will resume physical classes from November 20, Monday. The decision, following the revocation of Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) IV, excludes outdoor sports and morning assemblies for the next week. The Directorate of Education emphasizes the forecasted AQI improvement. Delhi schools had a winter break from November 9 to 18 due to severe air quality. The directive advises schools to inform parents in advance, aligning with measures under GRAP stages I, II, and III.

Read More at Mint

Iceland Prime Minister Assures Readiness for Volcano Threat: "We Have Long Experience"

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:27pm on 18 Nov 2023,Saturday Weather & Environment

Iceland's Prime Minister, Katrin Jakobsdottir, expressed confidence in the country's preparedness for volcanic threats as authorities anticipate a potential lava eruption southwest of Reykjavik. Evacuations of Grindavik occurred after earthquakes signaled a likely eruption. With thousands of tremors reported, several structures suffered damage. Jakobsdottir emphasized Iceland's extensive experience in handling volcanic eruptions and outlined plans to support affected residents with salaries and housing. The Reykjanes peninsula, which saw its first eruption in eight centuries in 2021, faces heightened volcanic activity, raising concerns about the residents' return to their homes.

Read More at Hindustan Times

Iceland's Earthquake Swarm: Travel Uninterrupted, Seismic Monitoring in Place

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:26pm on 18 Nov 2023,Saturday Weather & Environment

Despite increased seismic activity on Iceland's Reykjanes peninsula, flights are unaffected, and travel remains normal. The town of Grindavík, near Keflavik International Airport, has been evacuated as a precaution. While the UK Foreign Office acknowledges the rising potential for a volcanic eruption, travel advice stops short of advising against trips. Package holidays proceed as usual, with the exception of Blue Lagoon closures. Travelers can't claim insurance unless they have rare "cancel for any reason" policies. Despite the geological unrest, travel enthusiasts find late November opportune for a value-packed visit to witness the Northern Lights in Iceland.

Read More at Independent

Iceland Volcano Threatens Fizzy Drink-Like Eruption: Lava May Reach Blue Lagoon Resort in Days

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:08am on 18 Nov 2023,Saturday Weather & Environment

The risk of a volcanic eruption is not diminishing," warns Margaret Hartley, a senior lecturer in Earth sciences at the University of Manchester. Magma, 2,600 to 1,640 feet below, could breach the surface, posing threats to the Blue Lagoon resort and Svartsengi geothermal power plant in days. Despite a stable magma dike, seismic concerns persist, and experts like Alberto Caracciolo anticipate eruption uncertainties. Evacuations are underway, and protective measures aim to divert potential lava flows. Iceland faces an uncertain situation, with the possibility of a volcanic event impacting its landscape and infrastructure. As Hartley describes, "The process is a bit like shaking up a can of fizzy drink — as soon as a crack opens in the top of the can, the drink escapes with lots of frothing.

Read More at Live Science

Iceland Braces for Eruption: 2,000 Quakes Recorded, Town at Risk, Air Travel Warning

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:18am on 18 Nov 2023,Saturday Weather & Environment

Iceland is on high alert as experts warn a volcano eruption is likely in the coming days. Over 2,000 mini earthquakes have rocked the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwest Iceland in last 24 hours. Magmatic gases detected underground signal magma is rising, prompting evacuation of the town of Grindavik which could be obliterated if an eruption occurs nearby. While the eruption may not be as explosive as Iceland's 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption, officials caution air travel could still be impacted by ash clouds. Residents have described apocalyptic scenes fleeing the quakes. Scientists say when pressure causes magma to burst forth, it will be like a "can of fizzy drink exploding." Iceland vigilantly monitors volcano threats to protect its people.

Read More at Independent

Cyclone Midhili: Northeastern States Face Heavy Rainfall as Storm Targets Bangladesh Coast

Brief by Short91 Newsdesk / 04:57am on 18 Nov 2023,Saturday Weather & Environment

Cyclone Midhili intensifies, bringing heavy rainfall to India's northeastern states as it approaches the Bangladesh coast. Alerts issued in Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura, and Assam as the cyclonic storm disrupts Meghalaya's Cherry Blossom Festival. The India Meteorological Department warns of a north-northeastward trajectory with landfall near Khepupara, Bangladesh, anticipating winds of 60-70 kmph, gusting up to 80 kmph. A storm surge of up to 2 meters height is expected. Fishermen cautioned against venturing into the sea, and residents in low-lying areas urged to evacuate. The storm is forecasted to cross the Bangladesh coast on Friday night or early Saturday. [ photo courtesy: Zoom_earth/X ] 

Read More at Mint

Delhi's Air Quality Sees Marginal Improvement, Shifts to 'Very Poor' Category

Brief by Short91 Newsdesk / 03:24am on 18 Nov 2023,Saturday Weather & Environment

Following three days of 'severe' pollution, Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) improved, entering the 'very poor' category at 398 according to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR). Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data indicated varied pollution levels, with RK Puram at 396, New Moti Bagh at 350, IGI Airport at 465, and Nehru Nagar at 416, all falling under 'very poor.' The National Green Tribunal (NGT) directed stringent measures, citing inadequate progress, with a reassessment report due by November 20. Stubble burning contributed 3.45%, and IIT Kanpur's real-time study identified vehicles as the primary 44% contributor to PM2.5 levels, peaking at 90% at 9 am and reducing to 47% by 3 pm.

Read More at India Today

Menu