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Archive for January 5th, 2010

El Niño Weekly Update [4 Jan 2010]

Posted by feww on January 5, 2010

ENSO Cycle: Recent Evolution, Current Status and Predictions

El Niño Weekly UPDATE prepared by Climate Prediction Center / NCEP –  4 January 2010

The latest weekly SST departures are:

  • Niño 4   ~  1.4ºC
  • Niño 3.4  ~  1.8ºC
  • Niño 3 ~ 1.4ºC
  • Niño 1+2 ~ 0.7ºC


El Niño Map. [SOURCE: NOAA/ Climate Prediction Center / NCEP]

Summary

  • El Niño is present across the equatorial Pacific Ocean.
  • Sea surface temperatures (SST) are 1.0ºC-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 last at least into the Northern Hemisphere spring [and summer] 2010.

Unless otherwise stated, information and images on this page are sourced from Climate Prediction Center/NCEP/NOAA. Edited by FEWW

For additional information, previous entries and diagrams see links below:

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El Niño Updates:


Posted in Climate Prediction, El Niño, El Niño 2010, El Niño update 2010, ENSO | Tagged: , , , , , | 2 Comments »

Kenya Deadly Deluge Wreaks Havoc

Posted by feww on January 5, 2010

Not All Kenyans Born with a Silver Spoon!

Floods in Kenya cause large-scale destruction, displacement and death

News Release from Kenya Red Cross

Torrential rains and floods in Kenya have continued to cause massive destruction, displacement and death. The Kenya Red Cross Secretary General updated the media on the countrywide situation at a press meeting in Nairobi on 5th January 2010.

At least 30,000 people urgently need relief assistance due to the ongoing floods, and an estimated 70,000 people are at risk as the rains are expected to continue until the end of January 2010.


A collapsed mud house. After days of torrential rain, all that remains of a house is a corrogated metal roof. Source: Kenya Red Cross.

Some districts in Kenya are experiencing heavy rains and floods that have caused deaths, destruction of property and displacement of hundreds of people. At least 20 people and thousands of livestock are feared dead due to the current floods that have submerged or swept away swaths of farmlands.

Four districts in Kenya are experiencing heavy rains and floods that have caused deaths, destruction of property and displacement of hundreds of people. At least 20 people and thousands of livestock are feared dead due to the current floods that have submerged or swept away swaths of farmlands.

North Rift

Four districts have been severely affected by floods in the North Rift Region, following the heavy rains experienced over the past two weeks.

In Turkana East District, at least 20,000 people have been affected by floods following heavy rains received in the area, with devastating impact on livestock, farms, infrastructure and households. Katilu and Nakwamoru irrigation schemes are the worst hit, with floods washing away sorghum and maize crops. Five people have been confirmed dead. Some 800 acres of food crops have been destroyed and five bridges washed away, 6,664 houses destroyed, two schools destroyed and two health centres damaged. The livestock deaths include shoats (4,362), cattle (235), donkeys (60) and camels (351).

In East Pokot District, River Nginyang has burst its banks and residents in downstream areas such as Chemolingot have been advised to move to higher grounds.

In West Pokot District floods have affected more than 160 households in Kongelai and destroyed 60 houses. The floods also have cut off the main Kenya-Sudan road. In Marigat area, more than 400 households have been affected by floods. More …

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Posted in Climate Change, climate refugees, crop damage, heavy rains in Kenya, West Pokot District floods | Tagged: , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Powerful EQ Strikes E of Bristol I., SSI

Posted by feww on January 5, 2010

Powerful quake measuring up to M 7.0 strikes E of Bristol Island, South Sandwich Islands

The quake struck at 58.101°S, 14.867°W, about 685 km east of Bristol Island, South Sandwich Islands, at a depth of 10km on Tuesday, January 05, 2010 at 04:56 UTC

Tsunami Evaluation:

NO threat of a destructive widespread tsunami, NOAA/NWS/West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center said.

  • Earthquake Details:
  • Magnitude:  6.7  [Maximum EQ magnitude estimated at 7.5 Mw by FireEarth]
  • Date-Time
    • Tuesday, January 05, 2010 at 04:55:39 UTC
    • Tuesday, January 05, 2010 at 03:55:39 AM at epicenter
  • Location: 58.101°S, 14.867°W
  • Depth: 10 km (6.2 miles)
  • Region: EAST OF THE SOUTH SANDWICH ISLANDS
  • Distances:
    • 685 km (425 miles) E of Bristol Island, South Sandwich Islands
    • 3660 km (2270 miles) SSW of Cape Town, South Africa
  • Location Uncertainty: horizontal +/- 10.3 km (6.4 miles)
  • Source: USGS NEIC (WDCS-D)
  • Event ID: us2010rcat

10-degree Map Centered at 60°S,10°W


Earthquake location Map. Source: USGS/EHP. Enhanced by FEWW
.

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Posted in earthquake, earthquake forecast, seismic activity report, seismic hazard report | Tagged: , , , | 2 Comments »

Solomon Isles Tsunami Destroyed Several Villages

Posted by feww on January 5, 2010

UPDATED Jan 6, 2010

Solomon Isles villages destroyed by tsunami, 9 additional aftershocks strike region

As of posting, at least three villages on Solomon Isles are believed to have been destroyed or damaged by a tsunami, 9 additional aftershocks, 8 of which measured greater than M5.0, have struck near the epicenter of the mainshock.

Main Entry: Powerful Earthquakes Strike Solomon Islands


Deep scars on the hillside caused by Monday’s mainshock  in the Western Province of the Solomon Islands. Credit: Regional Assistance Mission To Solomon Islands (handout via Reuters).

  • The mainshock which struck  on Sunday, January 03, 2010 at 22:37 UTC generated a 3-m high,  destructive tsunami.
  • The tsunami slammed on the shores of Rendova Island and neighboring Tetepare Island at about 9:30 am local time on Monday (UTC + 11:00 Hours)
  • At least 3 villages have been devastated, or damaged.
  • Up to 70 homes on Baniata village on Rendova Island were reported as destroyed or damaged.
  • The final damage toll may be much higher, local authorities said.
  • No death or injuries reported because tsunami occurred during the day and the residents managed to flee to higher grounds.
  • 9 additional aftershocks, 8 of which measured greater than M5.0, have struck near the epicenter of the mainshock.
  • The largest of the aftershocks measured up to 6.4Mw, and struck at a depth of about 35km some 35 km  SE of Gizo (8.346°S, 157.067°E), New Georgia Islands, Solomon Isles on Monday, January 04, 2010 at 11:28 UTC.
  • The latest aftershocks sent frightened villagers in the Western province of Solomon Islands again running to higher grounds fearing another tsunami.
  • Landslides were reported on Rendova and Tetepari islands.
  • Seven fishermen are reported missing.
  • No serious injuries reported.
  • About a third of the island of Rendova’s population of 3,500 people have been affected after more than 200 “houses” were destroyed.

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Posted in earthquake, earthquake 2010, Gizo, Solomon tsunami, tsunami damage | Tagged: , , , , , , | 2 Comments »