Earth Report – Global Disaster Watch
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.7 earthquake hits the central Mediterranean Sea.
5.5 earthquake hits the Pacific Antarctic ridge.
5.5 earthquake its off the coast of Araucania, Chile.
5.1 earthquake hits Vanuatu.
5.0 earthquake hits the central mid-Atlantic ridge.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are currently no active tropical storm systems.
Newsbytes:
Malawi and Mozambique – As many as 190 people have now died in Malawi as a result of floods, mudslides and strong winds brought by Tropical Cyclone Freddy. Meanwhile the search for 37 people still missing continues. Over 4,000 people have been displaced from their homes.
Colombia – Days of heavy rain triggered severe flooding in parts of the Cesar Department in Colombia where hundreds of homes have been damaged. Heavy rainfall from 08 March caused flooding in the municipality of Curumaní on 11 March. The Animito, San Pedro, and Palmar rivers and the San Ignacio and the La Cubana streams all broke their banks. More than 600 homes have been severely damaged in affected areas. Many residents have lost material possessions. Wide areas of crops have also been damaged. Heavy rainfall has caused flooding and landslides in other parts of Colombia in recent days.
Turkey – Disaster authorities in Turkey report at least 1 person has died and 4 are still missing after torrential rain caused flash flooding in parts of the southeastern Şanlıurfa and Adıyaman provinces. Flooding struck on 15 March 2023 following heavy rain. According to figures from Turkey’s General Directorate of Meteorology, in a 24-hour period to 15 March, Karaköprü in Şanlıurfa recorded 104.5 mm of rain and Çelikhan in Adıyaman recorded 125.6 mm Areas of neighbouring Malatya Province also recorded very heavy rain, with Doğanşehir recorded 151.4 mm during the same period. Local media reported the rivers broke their banks in Adiyaman Province. Severe flooding was also reported in the city of Urfa (officially Şanlıurfa) and areas of Şanlıurfa Province. On 15 March authorities warned residents of several districts of the city to evacuate their homes.
Brazil – Heavy rains in areas of the state of Amazonas in northwestern Brazil on 12 March triggered deadly landslides in the state capital Manaus. At least 11 houses were destroyed after a landslide in the Jorge Teixeira neighbourhood. Eight bodies were located under the rubble and debris. Three people were rescued alive. Around 130 houses have been deemed at risk or unsafe in the Jorge Teixeira neighbourhood, forcing dozens of families to evacuate.
Wildfires – Argentina
Officials scrambled to tame a wildfire raging in a northeastern Corrientes province of Argentina that has consumed around 7,413 acres. Images showed huge smoke clouds billowing from the wildfire and traffic jams caused by the disaster as large patches of wilderness burned uncontrollably. Firefighters, police and two water-bombing planes have been working since Sunday to douse the fire which is the largest wildfire reported in 2023.
Wildfires – Australia
The Alpha Road Tambaroora bushfire which was sparked by lightning more than a week ago has burnt through more than 18,000 hectares. At least six homes have been destroyed. Almost 200 sheep have been euthanased by vets and hundreds more did not survive the fire.
Dengue Fever/Chikungunya – Brazil
The State Department of Health of Minas Gerais (SES) reports through March 12, 83,911 probable dengue fever cases, including 25,265 confirmed cases were reported. There are nine confirmed deaths from dengue in Minas Gerais and 40 deaths under investigation. Concerning chikungunya and Zika, state officials report 27,514 probable and 7,555 confirmed chikungunya cases.
Leptospirosis – New Caledonia
New Caledonia health officials report a rise in leptospirosis cases since the beginning of the year. As of 28 February 2023, 65 leptospirosis cases have been confirmed. This includes 25 cases in January and 40 cases in February. There was in total 56 hospitalizations (86%) and 1 death recorded.
Avian Influenza – Canada
The British Columbia government reports testing has confirmed eight skunks found dead in late February in Richmond and Vancouver are positive for avian influenza. The skunks were found in residential areas in both cities and were taken to B.C.’s Animal Health Centre due to concerns they may have been deliberately poisoned.