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The Contrast: “Disaster Tourism” Booms as Boredom Sets in Among the Evacuees!
Lava flow from the crater of Mayon volcano as viewed from Lignon Hill in Legazpi city, Albay province, December 30, 2009. Credit: Bullit Marquez/ AP. Image may be subject to copyright.
Highlights of news, observations, official and unofficial reports:
Thick clouds covered the volcano summit affecting visibility
No ash explosion during times of good visibility
Steam and ash spewed from volcano
60 volcanic earthquakes recorded
267 rock fall events reported
SO2 emissions rate down to 1,158 tonnes per day
volcano edifice remains inflated
Volcano hazard alert remained at Level 4 (explosive eruption could be imminent)
Other Headlines:
Seismic activity increasing in Mindanao, Philippines, with several several quakes measuring 5.0 to 5.7Mw reported in the region.
At least two quakes measuring 5.2 and 5.6 Mw struck near Leyte, Philippines in the past 24 hrs.
Human Angle:
Albay Governor Joey Salceda ordered the electricity and water supplies to be cit off to properties within the extended and permanent danger zones near Mayon Volcano yesterday, the Manila Bulletin reported.
Salceda said he wanted to discourage people from entering their homes withing the danger zone, after reports that many evacuees had returned to their homes for the New Year.
“Legally, there should be no people within the declared danger zones because of the provincial ordinance of the implementation of a 24-hour curfew. It is on this premise that I ordered that electricity and water supplies should be cut off,” he added.
“By Thursday afternoon (December 31), Salceda said he is also expecting the security forces to cut off the roads leading to all affected barangays in the cities of Tabaco, Legazpi and Ligao and the towns of Guinobatan, Camalig, Daraga, Malilipot and Sto. Domingo.” Manila Bulletin reported
“All the hotels are fully booked, even the cheapest ones,” Salceda told reporters.
The Contrast: “Disaster Tourism” Booms as Boredom Sets in Among the Evacuees!
As the hotels in the Albay Province are filled to capacity with overenthusiastic, “disaster tourism” visitors, boredom sets in among the evacuees. AP Photo/Mike Alquinto. Image may be subject to copyright.
Mayon Volcano Bulletin 18 released on 31 December 2009
For the past 24 hours, Mayon Volcano’s (13.2576 N, 123.6856 E) activity was characterized by extrusion of lava and rolling down of incandescent lava fragments along the Bonga gully. The summit of the volcano was obscured most of the time yesterday due to thick cloud cover. No ash explosion was observed during times of good visibility. Emission of very weak to moderate volume of white steam that drifted towards west- southwest was observed during clear views of the crater.
Seismic monitoring revealed the occurrence of 60 volcanic earthquakes. A total of 267 rock fall events related to the detachment of lava fragments at the volcano’s upper slopes was also detected by the seismic network. Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) emission rate measurements yesterday yielded an average value of 1,158 tonnes per day (t/d). The volcano edifice remains inflated as indicated by the electronic tilt meter installed at the northeast sector of the volcano.
The status of Mayon Volcano is maintained at Alert Level 4. PHIVOLCS-DOST reiterates that the Extended Danger Zone (EDZ) from the summit of 8-km on the southern sector of the volcano and 7-km on the northern sector should be free from human activity. Areas just outside of this EDZ should prepare for evacuation in the event hazardous eruptions intensify. Active river channels and those perennially identified as lahar prone in the southern sector should also be avoided especially during bad weather conditions or when there is heavy and prolonged rainfall. In addition, Civil Aviation Authorities must advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as ejected ash and volcanic fragments from sudden explosions may pose hazards to aircrafts. PHIVOLCS–DOST is closely monitoring Mayon Volcano’s activity and any new significant development will be immediately posted to all concerned.
For previous entries, additional information, photos and links to Mayon Volcano see links below:
Fire Earth Expects Large-Scale Seismicity in Calif
Earthquake measuring up to M6.1 strikes Baja California, Mexico
Strong earthquake measuring up to 6.1Mw struck Baja, California about 21 km (13 miles) NNW (339°) of Guadalupe Victoria, Mexico, at a depth of 12 km, December 30, 2009 at 10:49 AM local time.
The mainshock was preceded by one or more foreshocks, and up to 4 dozen aftershocks the largest of which measured about 5.0Mw, as of posting.
Summer 2010 set to be one of the worst for Australian bushfire
Fires consume Western Australia, as floodwaters drown parts of the east coast
Australian weather bureau has for the first time issued a ‘catastrophic’ fire danger alert, the highest rating on their warning system.
Nearly 40 homes have been destroyed. (Credit: Greg Winning/ ABC online reader).
Temperatures as high as 42 degrees (ºC) in western Australia coupled with strong winds are fanning two major fires, which were sparked by fallen power lines Tuesday afternoon local time,that have so far consumed
At least 15,000 hectares (37,000 acres) of farm and bushland
About 40 homes were destroyed in Toodyay, about 80 km (50 miles) NE of Perth
Many livestock
Flood Warnings Issued for the East Coast of Australia
Meanwhile, heavy downpours of up to 300 millimeters are expected in the north-west, north-east and mid north coastal regions of the country, as warnings for flash flooding are issued throughout the region.
Parts of the central NSW are submerged under an estimated 100 billion gallons of floodwater.
A warning for flash flooding includes Port Macquarie, Taree, Armidale and Tenterfield. (ABC TV). Image may be subject to copyright.
Source: Commonwealth of Australia 2009, Bureau of Meteorology. Image may be subject to copyright.
Mayon Calmer, But it Could Be the Lull Before the Storm
It would be very helpful if PHIVOLCS released more detailed information on Mayon status!
Highlights of news, observations, official and unofficial reports:
Minor ash explosions down to one
Tephra ejected to a height of 100 meters above the summit
Continuous lava flow down Bonga-Buyuan, Miisi and Lidong gullies
Lava front traveled an additional 100 meters to a distance of 5.9 km from th esummit
16 volcanic earthquakes recorded
150 rockfall events caused by lava fragments detaching from the upper slopes
SO2 emission rate of 4,397 tons per day almost a third higher than the previous day
The edifice remains inflated
The Human Angle
About 50,000 people are still crammed in 29 evacuation centers in the country’s eastern province of Albay.
Local schools are doubling as makeshift evacuation centers.
The evacuees may have to spend several months in the centers.
But schools are supposed to open after New Year holidays.
Water and sanitation facilities are in critically short supply, UNICEF said.
Evacuees have been advised to protect their children from Mayon’s fine ash, because it could worsen asthma, bronchitis and respiratory-related illnesses; however, face masks are reportedly in short supply.
At least four people have died in the evacuation centers so far. A 3-year-old from an unspecified infection and three elderly people from heart attacks, health officials have revealed.
Crowding and cramp conditions have already led to widespread skin diseases and respiratory illnesses throughout the 29 shelters.
Food isn’t in short supply, but there’s a shortage of items such as nappies for babies and sanitary towels for women, according to a local news bulletin.
“The evacuees face the grim prospect of being away from home for several more weeks—local disaster officials said the worst case is six more months since Mayon Volcano remains under Alert Level 4 indicating imminent eruption.” The report said.
An elected official of Legazpi City, Councilor Celoy Chan, has been “renting his All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) to foreign tourists [in direct contravention of the emergency laws] and even escorting them for a trip right near the lava front of the Mayon volcano.” A news report said.
Evacuees in Legazpi City and Tabaco City shelters are being “shortchanged.” That is, they are only receiving half the amount of relief goods, especially rice, allocated to them. Every family is allocated 5 kilograms of rice daily but they only receive 2 ½ to 3kgs, according to another report.
Province of Albay officials say about 2,500 tourists per day are flocking into the region to see Mayon activity, a rise of about 15 folds since the volcano became restive on December 14.
The following Bulletin was released by The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) today:
Mayon Volcano Bulletin 17 released on 30 December 2009
For the past 24 hours, one ash explosion occurred at Mayon Volcano (13.2576 N, 123.6856 E). The explosion produced a dirty white ash column that rose to about 100 meters above the summit and drifted to the northwest. Lava continued to flow down along the Bonga-Buyuan, Miisi and Lidong gullies. The lava front has now reached about 5.9 kilometers from the summit along the Bonga-Buyuan gully.
Mayon Volcano’s seismic network recorded 16 volcanic earthquakes. A total of 150 rock fall events related to the detachment of lava fragments at the volcano’s upper slopes was also detected by the seismic network. Yesterday’s measurement of Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) rate yielded an average value of 4,397 tonnes per day (t/d). The volcano edifice remains inflated as indicated by the electronic tilt meter installed at the northeast sector of the volcano.
The status of Mayon Volcano is maintained at Alert Level 4. PHIVOLCS-DOST reiterates that the Extended Danger Zone (EDZ) from the summit of 8-km on the southern sector of the volcano and 7-km on the northern sector should be free from human activity. Areas just outside of this EDZ should prepare for evacuation in the event hazardous eruptions intensify. Active river channels and those perennially identified as lahar prone in the southern sector should also be avoided especially during bad weather conditions or when there is heavy and prolonged rainfall. In addition, Civil Aviation Authorities must advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as ejected ash and volcanic fragments from sudden explosions may pose hazards to aircrafts. PHIVOLCS–DOST is closely monitoring Mayon Volcano’s activity and any new significant development will be immediately posted to all concerned.
For previous entries, additional information, photos and links to Mayon Volcano see links below:
Combinations of elemental atoms have electronic signatures that mimic other elements
‘Superatoms’ Mimic Elements: Research Reveals New Perspective of Periodic Table
Penn State researchers said they have shown that certain combinations of elemental atoms have electronic signatures that mimic the electronic signatures of other elements. The team’s leader A. Welford Castleman Jr., a science professor in the departments of chemistry and physics said, “the findings could lead to much cheaper materials for widespread applications such as new sources of energy, methods of pollution abatement, and catalysts on which industrial nations depend heavily for chemical processing.”
The team used photoelectron imaging spectroscopy to examine similarities between a nickel atom and a titanium-monoxide molecule. Left: Graphical displays of energy peaks were similar between a nickel atom and a titanium-monoxide molecule. Right: Bright spots in the images, which correspond to the energy of the electrons emitted during their removal from the atoms’ outer shells, appeared to be similar between a nickel atom (right, top) and a titanium-monoxide molecule (right, bottom). Credit: Castleman lab, Penn State.
The researchers are said to have also shown that the atoms that have been identified so far in these mimicry events can be predicted simply by looking at the periodic table. The team used advanced experimentation and theory to quantify these new and unexpected findings. “We’re getting a whole new perspective of the periodic table,” said Castleman. The team’s findings will be published in the 28 December 2009 early on-line issue of the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Castleman said the molecules titanium monoxide, zirconium monoxide, and tungsten carbide are superatoms of nickel, palladium, and platinum, respectively. Superatoms are clusters of atoms that exhibit some property of elemental atoms. Former work in Castleman’s lab has involved investigating the notion of superatoms. One of his previous experiments is said to have shown that a cluster of 13 aluminum atoms behaves like a single iodine atom. Adding a single electron to this aluminum-atom system results in the cluster behaving like a rare-gas atom. Further, he showed that a cluster of 14 aluminum atoms has a reactivity similar to an alkaline earth atom.
ENSO Cycle: Recent Evolution, Current Status and Predictions
El Niño Weekly UPDATE prepared by Climate Prediction Center / NCEP – 28 December 2009
The latest weekly SST departures are:
Niño 4 ~ 1.5ºC
Niño 3.4 ~ 1.9ºC
Niño 3 ~ 1.6ºC
Niño 1+2 ~ 0.5ºC
El Niño Map. [SOURCE: NOAA/ Climate Prediction Center / NCEP]
SST Departures (°C) in the Tropical Pacific During the Last 4 Weeks During the last 4-weeks, SSTs were at least 1.0°C above average across much of the equatorial Pacific east of 170ºE, and more than 2.0°C above average across large regions in the eastern half of the Pacific.
Global SST Departures (°C)
During the last four weeks, equatorial SSTs were above-average across the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Also, above-average SSTs covered large areas of the Northern Hemisphere subtropics.
Weekly SST Departures (°C) for the Last Four Weeks
During the last four weeks, positive SST anomalies have persisted across the equatorial Pacific Ocean.
During the last 30 days, equatorial SST anomalies have increased across the eastern equatorial Pacific.
Click image to enlarge. Source: Climate Prediction Center / NCEP
Click image to enlarge. Source: Climate Prediction Center / NCEP
Atmospheric Circulation over the North Pacific & North America During the Last 60 Days
During most of November, a nearly zonal pattern of above-average heights over the mid-latitudes was observed with anomalous troughingover the higher latitudes. This pattern led to above-average temperatures across much of North America and below-average temperatures in Alaska. From late November through December, the anomalous zonal pattern of above-average heights at mid-latitudes was replaced by strong anomalous troughs over the N. Pacific and much of N. America and above-average heights at high latitudes. This pattern led to below-average temperatures acrossthe U.S. and Canada and above-average temperatures over Alaska.
Outgoing Longwave Radiation (OLR) Anomalies
Click image to enlarge. Source: Climate Prediction Center / NCEP
Pacific Niño 3.4 SST Outlook
The models continue to disagree on the eventual strength of El Niño, but nearly all indicate at least a moderate strength El Niño (3-month average greater than +1.0°C) through January-February-March 2010.
After peaking, the majority of models indicate Niño-3.4 will gradually weaken, but that El Niño will continue into April-May-June 2010.
Summary
El Niño is present across the equatorial Pacific Ocean.
Sea surface temperatures (SST) are 1.0ºC to 3.0ºC above-average across much of the central and east-central equatorial Pacific.
Based on current observations and dynamical model forecasts, El Niño is expected to continue and last at least into the Northern Hemisphere spring 2010
Unless otherwise stated, information and images on this page are sourced from Climate Prediction Center/NCEP/NOAA. Edited by FEWW
Soufrière Hills volcano on the Caribbean island of Montserrat resumed activity. NASA images taken by MODIS on Terra and Aqua satellites at a 3-hour interval: 10:45 (top) and 13:45 (above) on December 28, 2009. Credit: NASA
Lave spews out of Mt Mayon. Dated 27 December 27, 2009. Credit: Erik de Castro, Reuters. Image may be subject to copyright.
Highlights of news, observations, official and unofficial reports:
9 minor explosions during the past 24-hr observation period
Explosions ejected tephra to a height of 2km above the summit
Seismic activity high with 38 tremors recorded
171 incidents of rock fall reported as lava fragments detached from Mayon’s upper slopes
Sulfur dioxide emission rate at 3,416 ton, almost unchanged from the previous day
Fresh lava flowed along the Bonga-Buyuan, Miisi and Lidong gullies
Lava advanced by an additional 100 meters to 5.8km from the summit crater
Officials have declared the area a no-fly zone
Tourists are strictly prohibited from entering the danger zone
Pilots are advised to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit to prevent probable damage to aircraft caused by the ejected tephra.
The following Bulletin was released by The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) today:
Mayon Volcano Bulletin 16 released on 29 December 2009
Mayon Volcano (13.2576 N, 123.6856 E) continued to be restive and exhibited 9 ash explosions during the past 24 hours. The explosions produced dirty white to light brown ash columns that rose to a maximum height of about 2000 meters above the summit before drifting towards the west and southwest.
Seismic activity remained at high level as a total of 38 volcanic earthquakes and 171 rock fall events related to the detachment of lava fragments at the volcano’s upper slopes was detected by the seismic network. Measurements of sulfur dioxide emission rate conducted yesterday yielded an average value of 3,416 tonnes per day (t/d).
Red hot lava continued to flow down along the Bonga-Buyuan, Miisi and Lidong gullies. At present, the lava front at Buyuan channel is approximately 5.8 kilometers downslope from the summit crater. From time to time, rolling down of incandescent lava fragments coming from the crater was observed.
The status of Mayon Volcano is maintained at Alert Level 4. PHIVOLCS-DOST reiterates that the Extended Danger Zone (EDZ) from the summit of 8-km on the southern sector of the volcano and 7-km on the northern sector should be free from human activity. Areas just outside of this EDZ should prepare for evacuation in the event hazardous eruptions intensify. Active river channels and those perennially identified as lahar prone in the southern sector should also be avoided especially during bad weather conditions or when there is heavy and prolonged rainfall. In addition, Civil Aviation Authorities must advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as ejected ash and volcanic fragments from sudden explosions may pose hazards to aircrafts. PHIVOLCS–DOST is closely monitoring Mayon Volcano’s activity and any new significant development will be immediately posted to all concerned.
For previous entries, additional information, photos and links to Mayon Volcano see links below:
A sudden worldwide increase in an antibiotic-resistant bacterium is cause for concern, according to a review in f1000 Medicine Reports.
Faculty of 1000 member Dr Johann Pitout, of the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Calgary, urges the medical community to monitor the spread of a multi-drug resistant bacterium before it becomes necessary to use more powerful antibiotics as a first response.
Extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) are bacterially-produced enzymes that confer resistance to penicillin-type antibiotics. ESBLs have been commonly linked to nosocomial infections, which are generally treated with intravenously-administered antibiotics such as the carbapenems.
However, in recent years there has been a drastic increase in community-acquired infections, caused by a single strain of ESBL-producing E. coli. Dr Pitout suggests that the rapid spread of this particular strain is due, at least in part, to international travel through high-risk areas such as the Indian subcontinent.
Using carbapenems as the first response to such infections increases the risk of inducing resistance to them in the community, nullifying some of our most powerful anti-bacterial strategies. Dr Pitout recommends that the medical community should use existing methods to identify infections caused by ESBL-producing bacteria, and empirically test the efficacy of other antibiotics in treating community-acquired infections.
Dr Pitout concludes, “If this emerging public health threat is ignored … the medical community may be forced to use the carbapenems as the first choice for the empirical treatment of serious [community-acquired UTIs].”
Noise Pollution from NZ Oil Exploration, Tourist Boats and Toxic Pollution Strand 150 Whales to Their Deaths
Up to 150 whales died in less than 48 hours after two beachings, New Zealand’s Department of Conservation reported.
Dead whales in Colville Bay on the Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand. Photo credit: Sally and Doug Morrison/ The Southland Times. Image may be subject to copyright. See Fair Use Notice.
About 30 pilot whales died after they became stranded on Coromandel peninsula yesterday and will be buried by the local Maori.
Meanwhile, up to 120 long-finned pilot whales, both calves and adults, were found dead at the Farewell Spit on Boxing Day.
“More offshore wells have been drilled in the last two years than the rest of the decade combined: 35 on and offshore wells were drilled between January 2008 and July 2009 alone,” said a report.
Dead whales lie on the beach at Farewell Spit on New Zealand’s South Island December 28, 2009. More than 100 pilot whales died after being stranded at Farewell Spit, according to local media. The beached whales were discovered by a tourist plane on Saturday. Photo: New Zealand Department of Conservation/Handout via Reuters.
Each year about 2.5 million tourists visit New Zealand, straining its fragile ecosystems to the breaking point, creating a massive litany of different pollutions, including noise.
Mendo Coast Current wrote: “Studies show that these cetaceans, which once communicated over thousands of miles to forage and mate, are losing touch with each other, the experts said at a U.N. wildlife conference in Rome.”
“The sound of a seismic test, used to locate hydrocarbons beneath the seabed, can spread 1,800 miles under water, said Veronica Frank, an official with the International Fund for Animal Welfare. A study by her group found that the blue whale, which used to communicate across entire oceans, has lost 90 percent of its range over the past 40 years.”
Environmental experts are studying numerous cases of beached whales and dolphins that are believed to have been caused by sound pollution, according to Simmonds.
Just two weeks ago at least five whales died after nine were beached in Mediterranean off the southern coast off Italy, an unusual place for whales to beach themselves.
‘A massive beaching is extremely rare in the Mediterranean,’ biologist Maurizio Wurtz at the University of Genoa said.
Noise pollution from seismic surveys for oil and gas as well as naval activities are believed to have confused whales by interfering with their communication, thus leaving them stranded and ultimately dead, many Conservationists and biologists say.
The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) says man-made ocean noise inhibits cetaceans’ communication and disrupts their feeding.
The level of ocean noise in some regions is doubling each decade, according to IFAW. “Humanity is literally drowning out marine mammals.”
[NOTE: We are also reminded that Coromandel peninsula is the same area where NZ Public Medical Office of Health reported “particularly high” levels of paralytic shellfish poison. See: Toxic shellfish from New Zealand can cause paralysis and respiratory failure within 12 hours of being consumed. http://newzeelend.wordpress.com/2009/01/07/global-food-safety-alert-toxic-nz-shellfish-warning/ ]
Clouds partially cover Mayon volcano, as it ejects tephra in Legazpi City, Albay province December 28, 2009. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo). Image may be subject to copyright.
Highlights of news, observations, official and unofficial reports:
Mayon activity remains intense
The lava flowed about 5.7 km from the summit crater, nearing coconut plantations in the area
7 tephra explosions
Tephra ejected to a height of about 2km above the summit
44 volcanic earthquakes
137 rock fall events
Fresh lava continues to flow down the Bonga-Buyuan, Miisi and Lidong gullies.
Sulfur dioxide emission rate reached 4,329 ton per day almost double the amount previous day.
Volcanic Hazard warning remains at level 4, which means an explosive eruption could occur anytime.
About 50,000 people are staying at 30 evacuation centers.
The authorities said they were setting up an epidemiology surveillance unit at the provincial health headquarters.
Local government said it discouraged “disaster tourism” in the light of tourists from the US, Europe and Asia flocking to the Albay province where Mt Mayon is located.
A group of tourists who tried to venture into the 8-kilometer danger zone were ejected by the military at one of the nine checkpoints set up within the area.
The following Bulletin was released by The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) today:
Mayon Volcano Bulletin 15 released on 28 December 2009
For the past 24 hours, Mayon Volcano’s (13.2576 N, 123.6856 E) intense level of unrest persisted. Seven ash explosions were observed during times of good visibility. The explosions produced dirty white to light gray ash columns that rose to a maximum height of about 2000 meters above the summit before drifting towards the southwest.
A total of 44 volcanic earthquakes and 137 rock fall events related to the detachment of lava fragments at the volcano’s upper slopes was detected by the seismic network. Red hot lava continuously flowed down along the Bonga-Buyuan, Miisi and Lidong gullies. Intermittent rolling of incandescent lava fragments were also observed. Yesterday’s measurement of
Alert Level 4 remains hoisted over Mayon Volcano. PHIVOLCS-DOST reiterates that the Extended Danger Zone (EDZ) from the summit of 8-km on the southern sector of the volcano and 7-km on the northern sector should be free from human activity. Areas just outside of this EDZ should prepare for evacuation in the event hazardous eruptions intensify. Active river channels and those perennially identified as lahar prone in the southern sector should also be avoided especially during bad weather conditions or when there is heavy and prolonged rainfall. PHIVOLCS–DOST is closely monitoring Mayon Volcano’s activity and any new significant development will be immediately posted to all concerned.
For previous entries, additional information, photos and links to Mayon Volcano see links below:
Oklahoma firm recalls 112 tons of beef products in six states
Following an outbreak of E. coli, National Steak and Poultry of Owasso, Oklahoma, said it was recalling 248,000 lbs (112,000 kg) of beef products in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, South Dakota and Washington state.
The company said it was recalling the meat products voluntarily and as a precautionary measure because it thought some of its beef products might be linked to a series of E. coli outbreaks in those states.
Although the company refused to confirm any contamination had occurred at its production facilities, it said they “will err on the side of being cautious” by recalling the products.
“This is the first recall in our company’s nearly 30-year history,” the firm said in a recorded message on a consumer helpline.
National Steak and Poultry of Owasso package frozen beef and poultry, marinated beef and poultry products as well as fully cooked meats.
An image of E.coli bacteria provided by the USDA. The bacteria can cause diarrhea, dehydration, kidney failure and death.The Agriculture Department, which oversees meat safety in the US, said it concluded “there is an association between the fresh ground beef products and illnesses in Connecticut, Maine and Massachusetts,” after a cluster of food-borne illnesses in New England was reported, and a New Hampshire resident had died consuming ground beef that may have been infected with the deadly E. coli bacteria. More images
E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and in the most severe cases, kidney failure. The very young, seniors and persons with weak immune systems are the most susceptible to foodborne illness. Individuals concerned about an illness should contact a physician.
SAFE PREPARATION OF FRESH AND FROZEN GROUND BEEF
From: USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline
Wash hands with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling raw meat and poultry. Wash cutting boards, dishes and utensils with hot, soapy water. Immediately clean spills.
Keep raw meat, fish and poultry away from other food that will not be cooked. Use separate cutting boards for raw meat, poultry and egg products and cooked foods.
Consumers should only eat ground beef or ground beef patties that have been cooked to a safe internal temperature of 160° F, whether prepared from fresh or frozen raw meat products.
Color is NOT a reliable indicator that ground beef or ground beef patties have been cooked to a temperature high enough to kill harmful bacteria such as E. coli O157:H7.
The only way to be sure ground beef is cooked to a high enough temperature to kill harmful bacteria is to use a thermometer to measure the internal temperature.
Refrigerate raw meat and poultry within two hours after purchase or one hour if temperatures exceed 90° F. Refrigerate cooked meat and poultry within two hours after cooking
Highlights of news, observations, official and unofficial reports:
Renewed high level of activity in the past 24 hrs
At least 9 tephra explosions
Tephra (ash, lapilli and volcanic bombs) ejected to maximum height of about 1 km above the summit
44 volcanic earthquakes
297 rock fall events
20 million m³ of lava extruded since Dec 14 [Unofficial figure]
Edifice remained inflated despite voluminous lava flow during the past two weeks
SO2 average daily emissions down to 2,304 tons per day due to brief clogging the previous day
Water-rationing regime has begun at the makeshift evacuation centers (mostly local school classrooms)
The following Bulletin was released by The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) today:
Mayon Volcano Bulletin 14 released on 27 December 2009
Mayon Volcano (13.2576 N, 123.6856 E) continued to exhibit a high level of activity during the past 24-hours observation period. Nine ash explosions accompanied by rumbling sounds were observed during times of good visibility, seven of which occurred from 4:20 AM to 5:49AM today. The explosions produced dirty white to brownish ash columns with lava fragments that reached heights from 800 to 1000 meters above the summit.
The seismic network detected 44 volcanic earthquakes and 297 rock fall events related to the detachment of lava fragments at the volcano’s upper slopes. Flowing red hot lava and rolling incandescent lava fragments temporarily slowed down after the 10:52 A.M. explosion earthquake yesterday and resumed early morning today after the 4:20 A.M. ash explosion. The apparent brief lull was also reflective of the decrease in the sulfur dioxide emission rate from the previous 8,993 tonnes per day to yesterday’s measurement of 2,304 tonnes per day.
Electronic tilt meter measurements at the northwest slope of Mayon Volcano (elevation 800m ASL), indicate that the edifice remained inflated despite the high volume of lava extruded since the start of the eruption on December 14, 2009.
Alert Level 4 remains hoisted over Mayon Volcano, meaning a hazardous eruption is possible within days. Thus, PHIVOLCS-DOST reiterates that the Extended Danger Zone (EDZ) from the summit of 8-km on the southern sector of the volcano and 7-km on the northern sector should be free from human activity. Areas just outside of this EDZ should prepare for evacuation in the event hazardous explosive eruptions intensify. Active river channels and those perennially identified as lahar prone in the southern sector should also be avoided especially during bad weather conditions or when there is heavy and prolonged rainfall. PHIVOLCS–DOST is closely monitoring Mayon Volcano’s activity and any new significant development will be immediately posted to all concerned.
For previous entries, additional information, photos and links to Mayon Volcano see links below:
US President and family leave the snowy continental US to the local mortals as they wing it to the warmth of Hawaii Volcanoes
Mr Barak Obama and family leave behind snowy Washington DC headed for warmer Hawaii. Photo: AP. Image may be subject to copyright.
Before leaving for Hawaii, however, he said in an interview with PBS Newshour:
“I think that people are justified in being disappointed about the outcome in Copenhagen.”
He added:
“What I said was essentially that rather than see a complete collapse in Copenhagen, in which nothing at all got done and would have been a huge backward step, at least we kind of held ground and there wasn’t too much backsliding from where we were.”
[Is he beginning to sound like his predecessor?]
How did you save the talks, Mr?
“At a point where there was about to be complete breakdown, and the prime minister of India was heading to the airport and the Chinese representatives were essentially skipping negotiations, and everybody’s screaming, what did happen was, cooler heads prevailed,” Obama said.
Prevailed to what end?
“We were able to at least agree on non-legally binding targets for all countries —not just the United States, not just Europe, but also for China and India, which, projecting forward, are going to be the world’s largest emitters,” he said.
Is a non-legally binding “agreement” worth the carbon paper it’s written on? Or was it achieved verbally?
Err….
Never mind your opinion as a president, please answer the question in your capacity as a “law professor.”
This space is left blank for Prof Obama’s answer: __________________________________________!
Earlier Sweden’s Environment Minister Andreas Carlgren called the UN Copenhagen climate negotiations, which the US and China had colluded to undermine, “a disaster for the world.”
“I call this a disaster, it doesn’t at all match the needs of the world …,” said Carlgren.
Explosive Eruption at Mayon Almost a Certainty: FEWW
Mayon in “high level of unrest”
Volcano’s daily SO2 emissions reach 9,000MT
“Mayon volcano is still in a high state of unrest and in the coming days it could still have an explosive eruption. If we look at the volcano’s history in 1984, the volcano calmed down but after a few days it erupted. ” —Ed Laguerta, resident volcanologist the Lignon Hill Observatory
“The number of quakes have lessened but now the quakes are of a different variety. What is becoming clear is that [Mayon] is getting clogged. That is when the lava is rising but cannot get out,” he added.
“The edifice looks inflated so we cannot say that the actual activity of Mayon has decreased.”
During the past 24-hr observation period, the state vulcanologists recorded:
Mt Mayon is clogged up. [Latest Information]
The edifice seems inflated. [Latest Information]
High levels of activity continued during the past 24-hours.
Volcano hazard warning stayed at stayed at level 4 which indicates a hazardous eruption could occur anytime.
33 explosions ejected off-white ash to heights of about 1km above the summit (observations subject to visibility)
26 rumbling sounds and 2 loud hisses detected at the Lignon Hill Observatory in Legaspi City
Elevated seismic activity produced 406 volcanic earthquakes.
142 rock fall events caused by detachment of lava fragments occurred near the upper slopes.
Fresh lava and rolling incandescent lava fragments continuously flowed at Bonga, Padang and Miisi gullie.
Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) emission rate for the report period reached a daily average of 8,993 MT. [HIGHEST amount reported since latest episode began.]
FEWW Comment: The latest information suggest an increase in the probability of [almost guaranteeing] explosive eruption(s) occurring at Mt Mayon.
The following Bulletin was released by The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) today:
Mayon Volcano Bulletin 13 released on 26 December 2009
Mayon Volcano (13.2576 N, 123.6856 E) continued to exhibit a high level of activity during the past 24-hour observation period. Thirty three (33) ash explosions with dirty white to brownish ash columns that reached maximum heights of 1,000 m above the summit were observed during times of good visibility. Twenty six (26) rumbling and two (2) hissing sounds from the volcano were heard at the Lignon Hill Observatory in Legaspi City. Seismic activity remained elevated as the seismic network recorded a total of four hundred six (406) volcanic earthquakes. One hundred forty two (142) rock fall events related to detachment of lava fragments at the volcano’s upper slopes were also detected. Flowing red hot lava and rolling incandescent lava fragments were continuously observed at Bonga, Padang and Miisi gullies. Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) emission rate remained high and was measured at an average of 8,993 tonnes per day (t/d) yesterday.
Alert Level 4 is hoisted over Mayon Volcano, meaning a hazardous eruption is possible within days. Thus, PHIVOLCS-DOST reiterates that the Extended Danger Zone (EDZ) from the summit of 8-km on the southern sector of the volcano and 7-km on the northern sector should be free from human activity. Areas just outside of this EDZ should prepare for evacuation in the event hazardous explosive eruptions intensify. Active river channels and those perennially identified as lahar prone in the southern sector should also be avoided especially during bad weather conditions or when there is heavy and prolonged rainfall. PHIVOLCS–DOST is closely monitoring Mayon Volcano’s activity and any new significant development will be immediately posted to all concerned.
Mayon Volcano activity remains at high levels of intensity
Mayon Volcano spews ash as glowing lava cascades down its slope during a mild eruption, December 24, 2009. Credit: REUTERS/Erik de Castro. Image may be subject to copyright. Click image to enlarge.
During the past 24-hr observation period, the state vulcanologists observed and recorded:
96 ash explosions when visibility permitted.
Columns of “light brown to grayish” ash ejected to a height of 2 km.
125 booming and rumbling sounds detected at the Lignon Hill Observatory in Legaspi City.
Elevated seismic activity.
871 volcanic earthquakes.
98 rock fall events, “related to detachment of lava fragments at the volcano’s upper slopes.”
Pyroclastic flows moved down within 2 km from the crater.
Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) emission averaged at 2,738 tonnes/day.
Volcano hazard warning remains at alert level 4.
The following Bulletin was released by The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) today:
Mayon Volcano Bulletin 12 released on 25 December 2009
Mayon Volcano (13.2576 N, 123.6856 E) continued to show an intense level of activity during the past 24-hour observation period. Ninety-six (96) ash explosions were observed during times of good visibility. These explosions produced light brown to grayish ash columns that reached heights of up to 2 km. One hundred twenty five (125) rumbling and booming sounds from the volcano were heard at the Lignon Hill Observatory in Legaspi City. Seismic activity remained elevated as the seismic network recorded a total of eight hundred seventy one (871) volcanic earthquakes. Ninety eight (98) rock fall events, related to detachment of lava fragments at the volcano’s upper slopes, were also detected. Three of these events were observed to have generated pyroclastic flows that moved down within 2 km from the crater. Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) emission rate was high and was measured at an average of 2,738 tonnes/day yesterday.
Alert Level 4 remains hoisted over Mayon Volcano, meaning a hazardous eruption is possible within days. Thus, PHIVOLCS-DOST reiterates that the Extended Danger Zone (EDZ) from the summit of 8-km on the southern sector of the volcano and 7-km on the northern sector should be free from human activity. Areas just outside of this EDZ should prepare for evacuation in the event hazardous explosive eruptions intensify. Active river channels and those perennially identified as lahar prone in the southern sector should also be avoided especially during bad weather conditions or when there is heavy and prolonged rainfall. PHIVOLCS–DOST is closely monitoring Mayon Volcano’s activity and any new significant development will be immediately posted to all concerned.
Mt Mayon’s Unrest Continues at High Levels of Intensity
Mayon Volcano in Legazpi city shoots up a column of ash into air during a small explosion December 24, 2009. The Philippines’ most active volcano could erupt explosively anytime. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo). Image may be subject to copyright.
State Vulcanologists record 815 volcanic earthquakes and harmonic tremors, many at maximum deflection.
Mayon lava fountains shoot up to 500m.
Mt Mayon unrest continues at high levels of intensity.
Incandescent lava fragments were ejected during several explosions which occurred last night.
20 Ash explosions, observed when visibility was good, ejected columns of “grayish to light brown” ash up to 1500 meters into air.
Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) emissions remained high at an average daily rate of about 5,737 metric tons, yesterday.
124 booming and rumbling sounds were heard throughout the past 24 hours.
The following Bulletin by Phivolcs was released today:
Mayon Volcano Bulletin 11 released on 24 December 2009
Mayon Volcano’s (13.2576 N, 123.6856 E) intense level of unrest continued to persist during the past observation period. Seismic activity remained elevated in number and size as the seismic network detected 815 volcanic earthquakes and harmonic tremors. Many of these volcanic earthquakes were recorded at maximum deflection. Twenty (20) ash explosions were observed during times of good visibility. These explosions produced grayish to light brown ash columns that reached height from 100 to 1500 meters above the summit before drifting towards the southwest by the prevailing northeast monsoon. Lava fountaining was observed at 2312 PM, 2314 PM, 2320 PM and 2332 PM with maximum height of 500 meters above the crater. Several explosions with ejected incandescent lava fragments were noted during night observations.
Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) emission rate remained high and was measured at an average of 5,737 tons per day (t/d) yesterday. One hundred twenty four (124) audible booming and rumbling sounds were intermittently heard for the past 24 hours. Red hot lava also continuously flowed down along the Bonga-Buyuan, Miisi and Lidong gullies.
Alert Level 4 remains hoisted over Mayon Volcano, meaning a hazardous eruption is possible within days. Thus, PHIVOLCS-DOST reiterates that the Extended Danger Zone (EDZ) from the summit of 8-km on the southern sector of the volcano and 7-km on the northern sector should be free from human activity. Areas just outside of this EDZ should prepare for evacuation in the event hazardous explosive eruptions intensify. Active river channels and those perennially identified as lahar prone in the southern sector should also be avoided especially during bad weather conditions or when there is heavy and prolonged rainfall. PHIVOLCS–DOST is closely monitoring Mayon Volcano’s activity and any new significant development will be immediately posted to all concerned.
Mt Mayon is believed to be in a strombolian phase (often occurs before a major eruption), say state vulcanologists.
Lava flow has reached 5.5 km from the summit.
There may be a series of eruptions instead of a single catastrophic explosion.
Magma movement continues to generate continuous tremors.
Albay residents who refuse to leave their properties may have to sign a waiver.
The following bulletin was issued by PHIVOLCS:
Mayon Volcano Bulletin 10
23 December 2009 – 7:00 AM [UTC + 8hrs]
Mayon Volcano (13.2576 N, 123.6856 E) continued to show an intense level of activity during the past 24-hour observation period. Seismic activity remained elevated in number and size as the seismic network detected 1,051 volcanic earthquakes and continuously recorded harmonic tremors. Many of these volcanic earthquakes were recorded at maximum deflection. Sixty six (66) ash explosions were observed during times of good visibility. These explosions produced grayish to light brown ash columns that reached height from 100 to 1000 meters above the summit before drifting towards southwest.
Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) emission rate remained very high and was measured at an average of 6,737 tons per day (t/d) yesterday. Two hundred eighty (280) audible booming and rumbling sounds were intermittently heard for the past 24 hours. Red hot lava also continuously flowed down along the Bonga-Buyuan, Miisi and Lidong gullies.
Alert Level 4 remains hoisted over Mayon Volcano, meaning a hazardous eruption is possible within days. Thus, PHIVOLCS-DOST reiterates that the Extended Danger Zone (EDZ) from the summit of 8-km on the southern sector of the volcano and 7-km on the northern sector should be free from human activity. Areas just outside of this EDZ should prepare for evacuation in the event hazardous explosive eruptions intensify. Active river channels and those perennially identified as lahar prone in the southern sector should also be avoided especially during bad weather conditions or when there is heavy and prolonged rainfall. PHIVOLCS–DOST is closely monitoring Mayon Volcano’s activity and any new significant development will be immediately posted to all concerned.
Mayon Volcano (13.2576ºN, 123.6856ºE)
Mt Mayon Eruption: The Human Angle
Filipino children living near the foot of Mt Mayon pray before being evacuated, as an imminent eruption looms. Photo; AFP. Image may be subject to copyright.
Mayon Volcano Update from Phivolcs Bulletin 9 – Issued 22 December 2009 7:00 AM Local Time
Intense level of activity detected during the past 24-hour observation period
A total of 1,266 volcanic earthquakes were recorded with seismic activity remaining elevated both in frequency and amplitude.
“Many of these volcanic earthquakes were recorded at maximum deflection and have continuously occurred since 12:21 PM, 20 December 2009. Harmonic tremors were still continuously being recorded.” Phivolcs reported.
Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) emission rate averaged at about 6,529 tons per day (t/d).
State vulcanologists were unable to make visual observations due to theavy clouds that shrouded the upper and middle slopes of mayon for most of the last 25 hours.
“However, an intensified crater glow was observed during a short cloud break last night. Audible booming and rumbling sounds were still intermittently heard for the past 24 hours. Red hot lava also continuously flowed down along the Bonga-Buyuan, Miisi and Lidong gullies. The lava front has reached about 5 kilometers downslope from the summit along the Bonga-Buyuan gully.”
Other remarks:
“Alert Level 4 is hoisted over Mayon Volcano, meaning a hazardous eruption is possible within days. Thus, PHIVOLCS-DOST reiterates that the Extended Danger Zone (EDZ) from the summit of 8-km on the southern sector of the volcano and 7-km on the northern sector should be free from human activity. Areas just outside of this EDZ should prepare for evacuation in the event hazardous explosive eruptions intensify. Active river channels and those perennially identified as lahar prone in the southern sector should also be avoided especially during bad weather conditions or when there is heavy and prolonged rainfall. PHIVOLCS–DOST is closely monitoring Mayon Volcano’s activity and any new significant development will be immediately posted to all concerned.”
Other Reports
As the volcano continued to eject ash into the air early Tuesday morning, eye-witness reports said ashfall had covered parts of three towns in Albay province: Guinobatan, Camalig and Polangui towns in the Mayon’s southern sector.
Some of the residents in the area have been issued with face masks, others including the residents in Daep have been told to cover their faces with handkerchiefs, or pieces of cloth.
Lava cascades down the slopes of Mayon volcano Sunday Dec. 20, 2009 in Legazpi city, Albay province, about 500 kilometers southeast of Manila, Philippines. Tens of thousands residents living around the slopes of Mayon are now housed in evacuation centers and most likely will spend Christmas away from their homes as the country’s most active volcano became restive a week ago. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez). Image may be subject to copyright.
Date: 21 December 2009 at 7:00AM Local Time [20-12-09 at 23:00UTC]
Mayon Volcano’s (13.2576 N, 123.6856 E) activity escalated during the past 24-hour observation period. Seismic activity dramatically increased in number and size. A total of 1,942 volcanic earthquakes was detected by the seismic network. Many of these volcanic earthquakes were recorded at maximum deflection and continually occurred beginning at 1221H yesterday. Harmonic tremors were also continuously recorded.
Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) emission rate remained very high at 6,089 tonnes per day (t/d). Audible booming and rumbling sounds were first reported in the eastern flank of the volcano at about 1455H then occasionally occurred beginning 2200H last night. Intensified crater glow and rolling down of incandescent lava fragments from the crater was also persistent. Red hot lava also continuously flowed down along the Bonga-Buyuan, Miisi and Lidong gullies. Lava fountains rising approximately 200 meters above the crater were observed at 2007H, 2008H and 2018H. The lava front has now reached about 5 kilometers downslope from the summit along the Bonga-Buyuan gullies.
Alert Level 4 is hoisted over Mayon Volcano, meaning a hazardous eruption is possible within days. Thus, PHIVOLCS-DOST reiterates that the Extended Danger Zone (EDZ) from the summit of 8 km on the southern sector of the volcano and 7 km on the northern sector be strictly observed. Areas just outside of this EDZ should prepare for evacuation in the event hazardous explosive eruptions intensify. Active river channels and those perennially identified as lahar prone in the southern sector should also be avoided especially during bad weather conditions or when there is heavy and prolonged rainfall. PHIVOLCS–DOST is closely monitoring Mayon Volcano’s activity and any new significant development will be immediately posted to all concerned.
State volcanologist in the Philippines raised the Mayon Volcano (13.2576 N, 123.6856 E) alert status to level on Sunday at 14:30 local time, which means they expect a major eruption within days.
PHIVOLCS reported Sunday that the advancing lava flow had traveled about 4.5 kilometers from the crater along Bonga-Buyuan Gully. Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) emission had increased from 2,034 MT per day (t/d) to 7,024 t/d.
Their seismic network had recorded a total of two hundred twenty two (222) volcanic quakes and tremors in the previous 24 hours, they said.
According to other reports rumbling sounds were heard in Santa Misericordia village near Santo Domingo town, about 8.5 km to the east of Mt Mayon.
More than 250 tremors recorded at Mt Mayon, a sign that the volcano may be about to explode.
About 4 dozen minor explosions have occurred at the volcano, accompanied by off-white columns of smoke, gasses and ash that were ejected to a height of about 1,000 meters above the summit, according to the Phivolcs’ latest bulletin.
Below are some of the highlights of latest reports on Mayon:
Mayon’s activity has intensified since Friday.
Emissions of sulfur dioxide have exceeded 2,000 tons per day.
The lava flow has reached about 4 km from the summit crater along the Bonga Gully, generating secondary pyroclastic flows.
As the buildup of new lava on the cone continues to increase, the additional weight would cause the edifice to collapse, while the buildup of pressure inside the volcano would most probably result in a major explosion.
Based on the the available evidence, Fire Earth Moderators believe there’s a 76 percent chance that Mt Mayon could explode before the year’s end.
If the volcano explodes, more lava would flow out of the crater.
Phivolcs officials are contemplating on raising the alert level at Mayon Volcano to Level 4, which would indicate “hazardous volcanic eruption” is imminent.
Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management officials said more than 40,000 people or about 8,500 families from 30 villages had already been evacuated to 24 temporary shelters by noon Saturday.
The regional govt in Albay may evacuate an additional 70,000 villagers, in case heavy rains in the area threaten a repeat 2006 nightmare in which more than 1,000 perished after typhoon Durian triggered mudslides of volcanic ash on November 30, which buried several villages near the foot of the mountain.
Many of the villagers who have been evacuated reportedly sneak back into their villages to look after their animals and ready-to-harvest seasonal crops.
After an explosive eruption, the “perfect cone” could disappear partially or altogether
A major hazardous eruption could lead to large explosions destroying Mt Mayon. The erupting volcano could empty its magma chamber causing the much-admired “perfect cone” edifice to collapse into its depleted reservoir, and forming a caldera.
BEFORE: Mayon volcano, located in a coconut-growing region of the central Philippines, is famed for its near-perfect cone shape. Mt Mayon. Credit: Lozaphilippines. Image may be subject to copyright.
AFTER: If Mt Mayon edifice collapses into the magma chamber, the after image may look like the above. [The snow cover is less likely right now.] Photo shows Aniakchak Caldera in the Aleutian Range, Alaska. This 10 km diameter caldera formed about 3,450 years ago. Many smaller cinder cones have formed within the caldera. Credit: USGS
Mayon UPDATE:
As Mayon Volcano continued to eject 500-m plumes of ash into air, spewing lava down its slopes for a third day, and burning rocks, mud and everything else in its path, PHIVOLCS vulcanologists said they expected a major explosive eruption soon.
Up to 50,000 people have been or are about to be evacuated from Mayon’s danger zones and neighboring areas, Philippines Defense Secretary said in a news conference.
Many villagers are reluctant to live because its seasonal harvest time for their crops. They are staying put despite th eregional government threat of martial law.
PHIVOLCS, whose computer network is off the internet when there’s a crisis, as is the case right now, was reported ass saying it had recorded at least five minor explosions at the volcano on Wednesday, and 80 “high frequency quakes” in the last 24 hours.
Mayon at a ‘high level of unrest’ may experience more dangerous explosions
Mt Mayon Spews Lava. Photo: Reuters. Image may be subject to copyright.
Mayon 5-level hazard alert raised to level 3 Tuesday after Mayon ejected ash and spewed lava.
According to Phivolcs, “Alert level 3 condition signifies magma is near the top of the crater and incandescent materials are now detaching. Mayon volcano is now at a ‘high level of unrest’ and may have more dangerous explosions.”
Quick fact about the latest episode of activity at Mt Mayon:
Phivolcs Level 3 alert means an eruption is expected within days to weeks [Level 4 means an eruption is imminent, while level 5 means eruption is in progress.]
Albay Governor Jose Salceda has declared “a state of imminent disaster” throughout the province, to allow the provincial government to access disaster funds needed to evacuate residents in Mayon’s danger zones.
Phivolcs scientist, Alex Baloloy, said, “a full blown eruption is expected to take place within weeks to days.”
Baloloy said lava had cascaded down about 3 km from the crater summit of the volcano.
By Monday Mayon had emitted about 800 tons of Sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas.
The air in the region has been described as “hot and irritable” and “smelly.”
After 23 volcanic quakes on Monday, 5 ash explosions occurred at the volcano generating a mix of brownish and grayish ash cloud.
Phivolcs said it had recorded 78 volcanic earthquakes in the last 24 hours
Philippines disaster management officials have now evacuated about 50,000 people from Tabaco City and the towns of Malipot, Daraga, Camalig, Guinobatan and Ligao near Mt Mayon, aiming for a “zero-casualty situation.”
Schoolrooms within an 8-km radius of Mt Mayon have been suspended and used as evacuation shelters. [Let’s hope the schools are better built in the Philippines than they are in China.]
Mayon has experienced more than 50 eruption in 400 years.
The first recorded major eruption occurred in 1616.
The most voluminous lava flow occurred in the 1766 eruption.
Mayon’s most destructive eruption occurred on February 1, 1814. The volcano bombarded the town of Cagsa with tephra, burying all but the bell tower of the town’s church in about 9 m of ash. As many as 2,300 of Albay residents may have perished in the volcano’s deadliest eruption to date.
Mayon erupted continuously for 7 days starting June 23, 1897. The village of Bacacay was buried in 15 m of lava. About 500 villagers were killed in the aftermath.
Fire Earth Moderators believe more volcanic activities at other Philippines volcanoes are highly probable in the near future. The volcanoes located on the island on Mindanao are particularly liable to erupt in the next 12 to 36 months.
The moderators also believe a large eruption may occur at Taal volcano. For other related forecast, see links below and search blog contents.
Mayon, Philippines most active volcano, oozes lava and ejects plumes of ash into the air
The Philippines Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, PHIVOLCS, raised the five-step alert to 3 after increased activity at Mayon volcano.
The authorities have evacuated thousands of residents from the 6-km (4 miles) permanent danger zone, which is now declared a prohibited area.
About 50,000 people live in an 8km (5 mile) radius of the mountain.
Lava cascades down the slopes of Mayon volcano in Legazpi city, Albay province, Monday Dec. 14, 2009. (AP Photo/Nelson Salting). Image may be subject to copyright.
About 30,000 people were evacuated from the foot of Mt Mayon after the volcano spewed ash and lava in Albay province, the Philippines. Photo:AFP. Image may be subject to copyright. Click image to enlarge.
Magma had been steadily rising at Mayon since late November and finally oozed out of the crater late Monday, and the activity at the volcano is expected to intensify, said PHILVOC.
If magma continues to push up the crater at a steady rate there would be lava flows, and “the possibility of an explosion.” PHILVOC reported.
Major Volcanoes of the Philippines Location Map. Click image to enlarge.
The 2467-meter Mayon Volcano is a stratovolcano [it is renowned for its almost perfectly conical shape] islocated about 15 kilometres northwest of Legazpi City [about 500 kilometers south of the capital, Manila,] in the province of Albay, Bicol Region, on the island of Luzon, in the Philippines.
Mayon is one of the 22 or so active volcanoes in the Philippines, and has caused the deaths of thousands of people and devastated several towns and villages in three major eruptions since its 1814. In 2006, after several eruptions, typhoon Durian triggered mudslides of volcanic ash on November 30, which buried several villages near the foot of the mountain, killing about 1,000 people.
Fire Earth Moderators believe more volcanic activities at other Philippines volcanoes are highly probable in the near future. The volcanoes located on the island on Mindanao are particularly liable to erupt in the next 12 to 36 months.
The moderators also believe a large eruption may occur at Taal volcano. For other related forecast, see links below and search blog contents.
State of Emergency declared in Oklahoma, S. Dakota and Texas after winter storm kills dozens of people
“The storm is spanning two thirds of the country. Its effects run the gamut from severe thunderstorms in the Gulf Coast to ice in New England to really what is a raging blizzard in the lower plains.” The National Weather Service said.
Highlights of Storm Related Events:
Oklahoma’s governor Brad Henry declares state of emergency, closes all state highways and interstates.
As many as 3 dozen people have been killed in accidents in the Midwest.
About 50 vehicles pile up in chain-reaction crash in Oklahoma.
About a dozen states in the Midwest are under blizzard warnings.
Heavy snow forced the cancellation of at least 80 flights in Oklahoma Thursday, trapping hundreds of passengers and employees at Oklahoma’s main airport.
About 10,000 customers lost power in Oklahoma.
Oklahoma City received 35cm (14in) of snow by Thursday night, nearly 6 times the record of 6cm (2.5in) set in 1914.
80kph (50mph) winds pummeled Kansas
105 kph (65mph) helped bury parts of Texas in 1.5m (5ft) snow drifts.
Blizzard warnings stretch from Texas to northern Minnesota.
The real misery will commence after the snowmelt will cause large scale flooding in the south and the north-east.
Near Real-Time U.S. Composite Satellite Image. Click image to enlarge.
National Weather service reported:
A powerful weather system pushing through the central U.S. will continue to significantly impact travel plans during this holiday season…
The north-central states can expect some of the heavier snowfall, occasionally accompanied by blizzard-like conditions as cold and windy conditions will spread through the region. Even places as far south as Oklahoma and northern Texas have seen snowfall totals in excess of a foot. The swath of precipitation will move toward the north and east, spreading a mixture of rain and snow to much of the Great Lakes by midday on Christmas. For more details, check the web site of the local Weather Forecast Office. Details…
Hazards. Click Image to enlarge and update.(24-Hr FE ED).
Snow Accumulation. Click Image to enlarge and update. (24-Hr FE ED).
Weather Forecast. Click Image to enlarge and update. (24-Hr FE ED).
Predominant Weather. Click Image to enlarge and update. (24-Hr FE ED).
IR Satellite Image. Click Image to enlarge and update.(24-Hr FE ED).
Water Vapor Satellite Image. Click Image to enlarge and update. (24-Hr FE ED).
Max Temps. Click Image to enlarge and update.(24-Hr FE ED).
Min Temps. Click Image to enlarge and update. (24-Hr FE ED).
Tugboat meant to help prevent oil spill disasters in Prince William Sound runs aground leaking up to 35,000 gallons of diesel
The Pathfinder, a 136-foot tug with six crew, on its way back to port in Valdez grounded on Bligh Reef and radioed for help at 6:15 pm Wednesday, the Coast Guard said.
The Pathfinder, a 136-foot tug, is surrounded by a spill containment boom Thursday, Dec. 24, 2009. The tug ran aground on Bligh Reef – the same reef as the Exxon Valdez 20 years ago. (AP Photo/Anchorage Daily News, Marc Lester). Image may be subject to copyright.
Two of the tug’s fuel tanks which were damaged contained about 127,000 liters (33,500 gallons) of diesel fuel, or a quarter of their full capacity, AP reported.
The tug is owned by Crowley Maritime Corp., and is part of a system set up supposedly to prevent oil disasters like Exxon Valdez from occurring, hit Bligh Reef, a submerged navigation hazard. In 1989 the infamous Exxon Valdez ran aground after hitting the same reef, spilling some 42 million liters of crude oil and causing and ecological disaster.
Yet Another BP Pipeline Leak in Alaska
The above news came just a day or so after BP said it had discovered another oil leak in an oil pipeline connected to a well at the Prudhoe Bay oil field, the third leak reported by the company in less than 4 weeks.
On December 2, BP discovered another leak from a pipeline at a different well at Prudhoe Bay, which leaked about 30,000 litters of oil, Alaska’s environmental officials said.
On November 29, 2009 a ruptured pipe at the Lisburne field leaked about 175,000 liters of oil and water.
Mayon Volcano activity remains at high levels of intensity
Mayon Volcano spews ash as glowing lava cascades down its slope during a mild eruption, December 24, 2009. Credit: REUTERS/Erik de Castro. Image may be subject to copyright. Click image to enlarge.
During the past 24-hr observation period, the state vulcanologists observed and recorded:
96 ash explosions when visibility permitted.
Columns of “light brown to grayish” ash ejected to a height of 2 km.
125 booming and rumbling sounds detected at the Lignon Hill Observatory in Legaspi City.
Elevated seismic activity.
871 volcanic earthquakes.
98 rock fall events, “related to detachment of lava fragments at the volcano’s upper slopes.”
Pyroclastic flows moved down within 2 km from the crater.
Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) emission averaged at 2,738 tonnes/day.
Volcano hazard warning remains at alert level 4.
The following Bulletin was released by The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) today:
Mayon Volcano Bulletin 12 released on 25 December 2009
Mayon Volcano (13.2576 N, 123.6856 E) continued to show an intense level of activity during the past 24-hour observation period. Ninety-six (96) ash explosions were observed during times of good visibility. These explosions produced light brown to grayish ash columns that reached heights of up to 2 km. One hundred twenty five (125) rumbling and booming sounds from the volcano were heard at the Lignon Hill Observatory in Legaspi City. Seismic activity remained elevated as the seismic network recorded a total of eight hundred seventy one (871) volcanic earthquakes. Ninety eight (98) rock fall events, related to detachment of lava fragments at the volcano’s upper slopes, were also detected. Three of these events were observed to have generated pyroclastic flows that moved down within 2 km from the crater. Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) emission rate was high and was measured at an average of 2,738 tonnes/day yesterday.
Alert Level 4 remains hoisted over Mayon Volcano, meaning a hazardous eruption is possible within days. Thus, PHIVOLCS-DOST reiterates that the Extended Danger Zone (EDZ) from the summit of 8-km on the southern sector of the volcano and 7-km on the northern sector should be free from human activity. Areas just outside of this EDZ should prepare for evacuation in the event hazardous explosive eruptions intensify. Active river channels and those perennially identified as lahar prone in the southern sector should also be avoided especially during bad weather conditions or when there is heavy and prolonged rainfall. PHIVOLCS–DOST is closely monitoring Mayon Volcano’s activity and any new significant development will be immediately posted to all concerned.
For previous entries, additional information, photos and links to Mayon Volcano see:
Winter storm spreading from the north to Texas and from west Colorado to Illinois
“There’s just a humongous storm moving across the center of the country, basically from the Canadian border to Texas and spreading from west Colorado to Illinois.” —National Weather Service.
Near Real-Time U.S. Composite Satellite Image. Click image to enlarge.
At least 10 people have been killed most of them in accidents caused by icy roads throughout Kansas, Nebraska, and New Mexico. Up to 300 flights from Chicago airport have been canceled.
The latest storm closely follows a record snowfall that blanketed the US East Coast last weekend, causing power cuts to at least 100,000 customers in the region. Many in West Virginia and Virginia are still without power, reports said.
The storm system developed in the southwestern US on Tuesday creating large dust storms across the California desert and Arizona.
The system then moved across the country to the Midwest and is currently causing severe blizzards throughout the region covering a large area from Kansas to Minnesota.
“We would recommend that people if at all possible postpone their travel plans just to be on the safe side,” Pat Slattery, a spokesman for the National Weather Service said. “This is not a storm to be messed with.”
Nebraska, and the Upper Mississippi Valley should experience the worst of the snow accumulation, with freezing rain expected across much of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska, forecasters said, warning of thunderstorms causing flooding across the Ohio Valley to Texas in the south.
IR Satellite Image. Click image to update.
Weather. Click image to enlarge and update.
Temperature. Click image to enlarge and update.
Predominant Weather.Click image to enlarge and update.
KVERT reported that a significant thermal anomaly from Bezymianny was detected in satellite imagery on 17 December. A few hours later a large explosive eruption produced ash plumes that were seen drifting as far as 350 km W and NW.
Ash from Bezymianny volcano covers a thick blanket of snow at Kozyrevsk village December 16-17, 2009. Credit: Yu. Demyanchuk/ KVERT.
Mt Mayon’s Unrest Continues at High Levels of Intensity
Mayon Volcano in Legazpi city shoots up a column of ash into air during a small explosion December 24, 2009. The Philippines’ most active volcano could erupt explosively anytime. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo). Image may be subject to copyright.
State Vulcanologists record 815 volcanic earthquakes and harmonic tremors, many at maximum deflection.
Mayon lava fountains shoot up to 500m.
Mt Mayon unrest continues at high levels of intensity.
Incandescent lava fragments were ejected during several explosions which occurred last night.
20 Ash explosions, observed when visibility was good, ejected columns of “grayish to light brown” ash up to 1500 meters into air.
Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) emissions remained high at an average daily rate of about 5,737 metric tons, yesterday.
124 booming and rumbling sounds were heard throughout the past 24 hours.
The following Bulletin by Phivolcs was released today:
Mayon Volcano Bulletin 11 released on 24 December 2009
Mayon Volcano’s (13.2576 N, 123.6856 E) intense level of unrest continued to persist during the past observation period. Seismic activity remained elevated in number and size as the seismic network detected 815 volcanic earthquakes and harmonic tremors. Many of these volcanic earthquakes were recorded at maximum deflection. Twenty (20) ash explosions were observed during times of good visibility. These explosions produced grayish to light brown ash columns that reached height from 100 to 1500 meters above the summit before drifting towards the southwest by the prevailing northeast monsoon. Lava fountaining was observed at 2312 PM, 2314 PM, 2320 PM and 2332 PM with maximum height of 500 meters above the crater. Several explosions with ejected incandescent lava fragments were noted during night observations.
Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) emission rate remained high and was measured at an average of 5,737 tons per day (t/d) yesterday. One hundred twenty four (124) audible booming and rumbling sounds were intermittently heard for the past 24 hours. Red hot lava also continuously flowed down along the Bonga-Buyuan, Miisi and Lidong gullies.
Alert Level 4 remains hoisted over Mayon Volcano, meaning a hazardous eruption is possible within days. Thus, PHIVOLCS-DOST reiterates that the Extended Danger Zone (EDZ) from the summit of 8-km on the southern sector of the volcano and 7-km on the northern sector should be free from human activity. Areas just outside of this EDZ should prepare for evacuation in the event hazardous explosive eruptions intensify. Active river channels and those perennially identified as lahar prone in the southern sector should also be avoided especially during bad weather conditions or when there is heavy and prolonged rainfall. PHIVOLCS–DOST is closely monitoring Mayon Volcano’s activity and any new significant development will be immediately posted to all concerned.
For previous entries, additional information and links to Mayon Volcano see:
American Airlines Boeing 737 overshot the runway in Kingston, Jamaica
‘American Airlines Flight 331 had endured the crowded airports and delays of holiday travel, and were moments from their Caribbean destination. Suddenly, everything seemed to spin out of control.’ AP reported.
Workers and officials sift through debris surrounding the fuselage of American Airlines flight AA331 which crash landed overnight on a flight from Miami to Jamaica, just beyond the runway of Norman Manley International Airport, in Kingston Jamaica, Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2009. More than 40 people were injured, at least 4 seriously, and there were no fatalities, according to officials, after the plane overshot the runway in Jamaica when it landed in heavy rain. (AP Photo/Lloyd Robinson) JAMAICA OUT. Image may be subject to copyright.
The Boeing 737-800 slammed into the runway at Kingston International Airport on touchdown, skidded to a halt near the sea and the fuselage broke up into several pieces.
“I just wanted to get the hell out of there, as far as I could, because I could smell the fumes, and I knew that if it blew, it could be a pretty big fireball,” a passenger said.
Of the 154 people aboard, 92 were taken to hospitals, more than 40 were admitted, at least 4 seriously, though none with life-threatening injuries, according to Jamaican Information Minister, with a female victim requiring surgery for a broken nose and lacerations to her face.
“If the plane was going faster, it would have gone into the sea,” Jamaica’s Transport Minister said, calling the incident a “Christmas miracle.” [A possible conclusion, don’t fly to Jamaica, unless it’s Christmas time.]
“At this point, it’s now going to be in the hands of the NTSB and the FAA, plus any Jamaican government authorities that may be involved, and to start and sort of backtrack and see what happened and how it can be prevented from happening again,” an AA spokesperson said.
“All of a sudden, when it hit the ground, the plane was kind of bouncing. Someone said the plane was skidding and there was panic,” a passenger said.
“Next thing I know, I hear a crashing sound, then the sound of twisting metal. It all happened so fast, but when the plane came to rest, that’s when the screaming and the carrying on started,” a 37-year-old passenger said.
“Everybody’s overhead baggage started to fall. Literally, it was like being in a car accident. People were screaming, I was screaming … There was smoke and debris everywhere,” after the plane finally halted, another passenger said.
Source: BOM. Click image to enlarge. Image may be subject to copyright.
Current month to date rainfall totals for Australia
Source: BOM. Click image to enlarge. Image may be subject to copyright.
Australian Region Infrared Satellite Image
Source: Image from Japan Meteorological Agency satellite MTSAT-1R via Bureau of Meteorology. Click image to enlarge and update. Image may be subject to copyright.
FEWW Comments on the ongoing El Niño:
Pacific Ocean surface temperature anomalies are at their highest in the past 12 years, exceeding the anomalies recorded in the 1997-98 El Niño.
The precipitation remains high near the equator, and low in places like Australia.
The ongoing drought and deluge would cause substantial damage to crops and infrastructure.
Extremes of climate enhanced by El Nino in 2010 could contribute to food shortages in many parts of the world.
Strong Earthquake Measuring 6.2 Mw Strikes Kepulauan Mentawai Region, Indonesia
An earthquake measuring 6.2 Mw struck Kepulauan Mentawai Region, about 115 km (70 miles) WSW of Padang, Sumatra, Indonesia, at a depth of about 22km. The mainshock was followed by at least one aftershock measuring 5.3Mw.
More than two dozen quakes measuring 5.0Mw or larger, including a 6.9Mw quake that occurred in August 2009, have struck the area since mid August 2009.
Based on the existing information, FEWW EarthModel forecasts a large quake measuring ≥8.0 could strike near Padang, the capital and largest city of West Sumatra, Indonesia.
Padang has a population of about 800,000 people.
Earthquake Details:
Region: Southern Sumatra, Indonesia
Time: 2009-12-23 01:11:59.6 UTC
Magnitude: 6.2 [estimated by FEWW]
Epicenter: 99.47°E 1.43°S [location estimated by USGS: 1.419°S, 99.448°E]
Depth: 27 km
EQ Location Map. Source: GFZ Potsdam – Earthquake Bulletin. Image may be subject to copyright.
Seismic Hazard Map
Major Tectonic Boundaries: Subduction Zones -purple, Ridges -red and Transform Faults -green. Source: USGS/EHP
Historic Seismicity
Major Tectonic Boundaries: Subduction Zones -purple, Ridges -red and Transform Faults -green. Source: USGS/EHP
Fire Earth 
