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Earthquakes

Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global

7.3 earthquake hits Michoacan, Mexico.

At least two people have died after a magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck western Mexico on Monday — the anniversary of two devastating quakes in 1985 and 2017. The earthquake, which struck shortly after 1:00pm local time, damaged buildings in the capital, Mexico City, knocked out power and sent residents scrambling outside for safety. Initial reports indicate two deaths of people crushed by falling buildings. The US Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a tsunami warning for coastal areas, saying waves 1 to 3 meters above the tide level were possible.

5.9 earthquake hits the mid-Indian ridge.

5.8 earthquake hits Michoacan, Mexico.

5.6 earthquake hits the mid-endian ridge.

5.3 earthquake hits offshore Michoacan, Mexico.

5.2 earthquake hits south of the Kermedec Islands.

5.1 earthquake hits Vanuatu.

5.1 earthquake hits Arizona.

5.1 earthquake hits Alaska.

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Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:

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In the Atlantic Ocean: Hurricane Fiona is located about 20 mi…30 km se of Grand Turk island with maximum sustained winds…115 mph…185 km/h. Present movement…nnw or 330 degrees at 10 mph…17 km/h.

In the Western Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm 14e (Madeline), located approximately 768 nm south-southeast of San Diego, is tracking westward at 07 knots.

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In the Northwest Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm 16w (Nanmadol), located approximately 263 nm southwest of Misawa, Japan, is tracking east-northeastward at 26 knots.

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Newsbytes:

Costa Rica – Prolonged heavy rainfall has caused flooding and landslides in Costa Rica, where at least 9 people have lost their lives and dozens have been displaced. Heavy rain triggered a landslide along a road in the El Hundimiento mountain pass near Cambronero in Alajuela Province. A bus and two other vehicles crashed into landslide debris and into a ravine below, leaving at least 9 people dead. The Costa Rica Red Cross said over 30 people were rescued with some injured and taken to a nearby hospital. Search teams with sniffer dogs have been working at the site looking for possible missing passengers. Flooding has also affected hundreds of people in the cantons of Desamparados and Aserrí after the overflow of the Cañas River.

Japan – Typhoon Nanmadol moved across Japan’s southwestern region of Kyushu from 18 September 2022. Torrential rainfall triggered flooding and mudslides. Nanmadol made landfall over southern Kyushu Island early on 18 September with maximum sustained winds of 176 km/h. Authorities issued evacuation orders for more than 9 million people in the Kyushu, Chugoku and Shikoku regions. Around 250,000 households were left without electricity. One person died in a car that was submerged in flood water in Miyazaki Prefecture. One person is missing after a mudslide destroyed a house in Mimata, Miyazaki. Nanmadol brought torrential rainfall. Ebino in Miyazaki recorded 726.0 mm in 24 hours to 19 September 2022. On 18 September at least 6 locations in Miyazaki recorded more than 500 mm.

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Global Warming

Climate change threatens health and survival of urban trees

Climate change threatens the health and survival of urban trees, with more than half of species already feeling the heat, according to a new study. City-dwelling oaks, maples, poplars, elms, pines and chestnuts are among more than 1,000 tree species flagged at risk due to climate change.

Scientists want better protection of existing trees and for drought-resistant varieties to be planted. Trees have cooling effects and provide shade, making cities more liveable. Of the 164 cities analysed, more than half of tree species are already at risk in some cities due to rising temperatures and changes in rainfall.