Magnitude 5+ Earthquakes – Global
5.4 earthquake hits the Sichuan-Yunnan border, China.
5.2 earthquake hits the Hindu Kush, Afghanistan.
5.1 earthquake hits the South Sandwich Islands.
Storms and Floods
Tropical Storms – Roundup of Tropical Storms:
There are no current tropical storms.
NewsBytes:
Oman – Flooding in Oman, triggered by heavy rainfall that began on New Year’s Eve, has killed six people and left several towns completely cut off. Oman Television showed vehicles floating down streets in the raging torrents of flooded wadis, as owners desperately tried to tow them out. The meteorological office said moderate to heavy rains would continue until January 5 and warned the public to avoid wadis and low-lying areas.
Iran – Floods caused by torrential rains have swept through drought-stricken Iran disrupting electricty and clean water in the worst-hit areas of the south and east. About 30 villages lost power and a lot of roads are blocked, making rescue operations even harder and slower. Floods have also caused damage to agricultural lands, houses and infrastructure. In the eastern province of Sistan-Baluchestan, the flood has caused enormous material damage, leading to the closure of schools, shops and offices. The province was already suffering from lack of clean water amid a drought.
Global Warming
Europe’s global warming crisis
Europe has experienced abnormally high temperatures throughout the month of December as a consequence of global warming, with France recording a wave of warmth as high as 17 degrees Celsius.
The extremely mild temperatures are a result of climate change. Record high temperatures were experienced in the south, the south-west, the west and the centre of France. A mass of warm air is coming directly from the tropical Atlantic region.
Vegetation needs cold in winter to be able to develop. This is a disturbance for vegetation and ecosystems. If the mild weather persists, what may happen later in the season is that vegetation will develop too early. This will lead to exposure to frosts that may occur later in March and April.
Wildfires
Wildfires – Colorado, USA – Update
The Colorado wildfires have now been extinguished by overnight snowfall. Three people are missing and feared dead in the wake of the Marshall fire, the Boulder County sheriff said Saturday [afternoon], and nearly 1,000 structures have been destroyed, making the blaze by far the most destructive in Colorado history.
Total numbers are 991 structures destroyed and 127 damaged.
Louisville: Destroyed – 553 Damaged – 45
Superior: Destroyed – 332 Damaged – 60
Unincorporated Boulder County: Destroyed: 106 Damaged: 22
Wildfires – Australia
Authorities have revealed the cause of a major bushfire that killed livestock and burned thousands of hectares near the South Australia-Victoria border. The large fire, which is not yet under control, was sparked by a car fire on New Year’s Eve about 1.30pm.
Fire crews are continuing to work on building containment lines to stop further spread of the grass and scrub fire near the local communities of Poolaijelo and Langkoop. An estimated 7330 hectares had been burnt by Sunday afternoon.
Disease
Covid-19
The countries with the 10 greatest number of Covid-19 cases:
