Earth Report – Global Disaster Watch
Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.7 Earthquake hits the Philippines.
5.1 Earthquake hits Fiji.
5.1 Earthquake hits the Philippines.
5.1 Earthquake hits Vanuatu.
5.0 Earthquake hits the Banda Sea.
5.0 Earthquake hits the Izu Islands off Japan.
5.0 Earthquake hits the Philippines.
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the South Pacific Ocean: Tropical cyclone 16p (Cook), located approximately 170nm south of Noumea, New Caledonia, is tracking south-southeastward at 12 knots.
Formation of a significant tropical cyclone is possible within 120 nm either side of a line from 9.8S 132.0E to 12.2S 129.5E north of Darwin Australia within the next 12 to 24 hours.
NewsBytes:
South Africa – Flash floods caused by overnight rainfall in parts of the central Karoo in the Western Cape, have caused havoc on the roads. A woman is missing after a vehicle she was travelling in was swept away.
US scuppers G7 joint statement on climate change
All countries except the US wanted to issue a joint declaration reaffirming the group’s commitment to the global climate agreement adopted by virtually every country in Paris in December 2015.
However, Rick Perry, US energy secretary, told his counterparts that Washington was still reviewing its policies and “reserves its position on this issue”, according to a “chair summary” of what the gathering discussed.
This meant it was not possible to sign a joint statement, said Carlo Calenda, Italy’s economic development minister and the host of the gathering, which ended on Monday.
Measles in Europe: Romania and Italy hit hardest
In a follow-up on the measles outbreaks among several countries in Europe, European health officials say outbreaks continue to occur in EU/EEA countries, and there is the risk of spread and sustained transmission in areas with susceptible populations.
The countries hardest hit are Romania and Italy. Poor vaccination coverage is huge problem.
Romania – Between 1 January 2016 and 31 March 2017, Romania reported 4,025 cases of measles, including 18 deaths. Infants and young children are the most affected population. Some of the previous and ongoing measles outbreaks in other EU countries have been epidemiologically linked to the current outbreak in Romania.
Italy – Since the beginning of 2017 and as of 4 April 2017, Italy reported 1,333 cases of measles, with 131 cases among healthcare workers. The cases are reported from 19 of the 21 regions in Italy. A majority of the cases (93%) are from Piedmont, Lazio, Lombardy, Tuscany, Abruzzi and Sicily. Most of the cases are above 15 years and 88% of the cases were not vaccinated.
Elephantiasis outbreak in Uganda
Since 2015, health officials in Uganda have received reports of increasing numbers of people suffering from elephantiasis, a debilitating disease characterized by severe swelling in the limbs.
The disease is typically caused by infection with parasitic worms, transmitted through certain mosquito species. But an investigation by the country’s Ministry of Health has revealed a new root cause: volcanic soil.
The region’s soil comes from volcanic rocks formed more than 2.5 million years ago, and irritant minerals in remaining volcanic soil can cause itching, pain and eventual swelling and scarring after prolonged exposure.
Officials believe the current epidemic has been happening silently for more than 30 years.