Earth Report – Global Disaster Watch
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.4 earthquake hits Hokkaido, Japan.
5.4 earthquake hits the southwest Indian ridge.
5.4 earthquake hits eastern New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.
5.1 earthquake hits New Britain, Papua New Guinea.
5.0 earthquake hits east of the South Sandwich Islands.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Northwest Pacific Ocean: Typhoon 14w (Muifa), located approximately 200 nm west of Kadena AFB, Okinawa, Japan, is tracking north-northwestward at 04 knots.
Tropical Storm 15w (Merbok), located approximately 378 north-northwest of Wake Island, is tracking north-northwestward at 08 knots.
Tropical Depression 16w (Sixteen), located approximately 199 nm southwest of Iwo To, is tracking northwestward at 05 knots.
Newsbytes:
South Africa – A mining dam in the Free State Province of South Africa collapsed on 11 September 2022 flooding areas of Jagersfontein and Charlesville. A wall of a mining dam, also known as a tailings dam, broke in the early hours causing floods, mud and debris to flow into nearby settlements. Homes were damaged or destroyed and residents force to flee. Authorities said the disaster has left hundreds of people destitute. At least 3 people have lost their lives and 4 are missing, while around 40 people were taken to hospital including 23 with hypothermia and 4 with broken limbs. More than 50 livestock and pets had to be destroyed due to excess mud in their lungs.
Drinking Water Quality Is Being Impacted by Climate Change
The water stored in reservoirs ensures our supply of drinking water. Good water quality is therefore important – but is at significant risk due to climate change. In a model study of the Rappbode reservoir in the Harz region, a research team from the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) demonstrated how the climate-related disappearance of forests in the catchment area for Germany’s largest drinking water reservoir can affect water quality. Forests play a key role in the water cycle. They filter the water and bind nutrients and are therefore necessary for good water quality. The fewer nutrients – i.e. nitrogen or phosphorous compounds – contained in reservoir water, the better it is for drinking water treatment. The problem of such indirect consequences of climate change is seriously underestimated. Water quality is of critical importance, especially for drinking water reservoirs, as subsequent treatment in the waterworks must continually meet high standards.
Wildfires – California, USA
The Mosquito Fire in foothills east of Sacramento spread to nearly 65 square miles, with 10% containment, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or Cal Fire. More than 5,800 structures in Placer and El Dorado counties were under threat and some 11,000 residents of communities including Foresthill and Georgetown were under evacuation orders.
In Southern California, cooler temperatures and rain brought respite to firefighters battling the massive Fairview Fire about 75 miles southeast of Los Angeles after sweltering heat last week. The 44-square-mile blaze was 45% contained Sunday. The fire has destroyed at least 30 homes and other structures in Riverside County. Two people died while fleeing flames last Monday.
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Chikungunya – Brazil
According to the Brazil Ministry of Health, 162,407 probable cases of chikungunya were reported through August 31, an 89.4 percent increase compared to the same period in 2021.
Anthrax -Uganda
Veterinary officials in Ibanda District have declared an anthrax outbreak where one person has died and 20 other people have been hospitalized. The outbreak is linked to infected meat that was sold at a big discount compared to fresh meat.
Leishmaniasis – Bolivia
The Departmental Health Service of Tarija is reporting that cases of visceral leishmaniasis are increasing, especially in the municipality of Villa Montes. There are 12 confirmed cases of this pathology in that municipality, which makes us a total of 15 cases in all forms.