Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
6.3 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
5.5 earthquake hits western Iran.
5.3 earthquake hits the Kermedec islands.
5.2 earthquake hits the Prince Edward Islands.
Storms and Floods
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
In the Atlantic Ocean: Hurricane Sam is located about 465 mi…745 km sse of Cape Race Newfoundland with maximum sustained winds…105 mph…165 km/h. Present movement…ne or 45 degrees at 30 mph…48 km/h.
Tropical Depression Victor is located about 1300 mi…2095 km w of the Cabo Verde islands with maximum sustained winds…30 mph…45 km/h. Present movement…wnw or 300 degrees at 14 mph…22 km/h.
Newsbytes:
Oman – At least 4 people lost their lives and hundreds were displaced in Oman after severe weather brought by Cyclone Shaheen. The storm has also caused damage in Iran, where 5 people have been reported missing at sea.
India – Disaster authorities report that more than 500,000 people have evacuated their homes after severe flooding in the state of West Bengal, eastern India. Local media reported 11 fatalities since 30 September including 3 in Hooghly and 5 in Bankura. Flooding has also caused extensive damage to crops, in particular rice.
Environment
Oil Spill – Pacific Ocean, Southern California
More than 120,000 gallons of oil that spilled into the Pacific Ocean has reached the Southern California coastline, closing parts of the beach as officials warn residents to stay away from the slick.
Federal, state and local agencies are racing to determine the cause of the spill, which is at least 13 square miles in size, and mitigate its impacts. Initial reports suggest the spill originated from on offshore oil rig.
The oil from the spill has already washed up onto Huntington Beach and the Talbert Marsh wetlands, an area that’s home to vibrant birdlife, including great blue herons, pelicans and endangered California least terns, which migrate up the Pacific Coast. The coast is also the habitat for myriad non-avian marine life, from fish, such as tuna and sea bass, to sea turtles, dolphins and whales. This spill has already left fish dead, birds mired in petroleum and wetlands contaminated.
Wildlife
Australian Native Bees Decimated after Bushfires
A Flinders University study found between 50 to 80 per cent of some species’ habitat had been destroyed, with two native bee species moved to the endangered list and another nine marked vulnerable. Local farming and native plant initiatives have been touted to help survival rates in the short term.
Wildfires
Wildfires – Montana, USA
Two large fires continue to burn in southwest Montana.
Train Creek Fire – Start Date: July 8, 2021 | Cause: Lightning | 61,987 acres | 67% contained
Alder Creek Fire – Start Date: July 8, 2021 | Cause: Lightning | 36,742 acres | 43% contained
Disease
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
Yellow Fever – Venezuela
To date, seven cases have been reported in the Maturín de Monagas municipality, according to the NGO, Médicos Unidos Vzla. The localities where human and monkey cases have been confirmed: 1) Carapal del Tigre: 1 human and 2 positive monkeys; 2) The Merey of Amana: 6 humans and 2 positive monkeys.