Bali’s Mt Agung Volcano Continues Heating Up

Mass Evacuation: 140,000 people flee Bali town of Amed turning it into a ghost town

Mt Agung Volcano continues to exhale a large column of steam, smoke and ash, while ominously eying the town of Amed.

The normally bustling tourist town, located about 4km outside Mt Agung volcano’s exclusion zone, has been experiencing  more than 1,000 tremors per day, prompting residents and tourists to abandon the town.

More than 100,000 others are expected to abandon nearby villages as fears of an “imminent eruption” mount.

Authorities has set up about 500 temporary shelters outside the exclusion zone around the volcano, said the National Disaster Management Agency.

However, the shelters may prove unsafe, if a large, explosive eruption occurs.

Vanuatu Volcano: State of Emergency Declared

Meanwhile, most of 11,000 residents in Vanuatu’s Ambae island have abandoned the volcanic island under evacuation orders, as the Manaro Voui volcano continues emitting ash, smoke and volcanic gases, stoking fears of an imminent eruption.

Vanuatu: State of emergency on Ambae island; Monaro #Volcano on Alert Level 4. Paama & Abrym Islands also on alert. https://t.co/UzZFJPAltO

— Travel – State Dept (@TravelGov) September 28, 2017

Mass Evacuation Planned in Vanuatu as Ambae Volcano Eruption Intensifies

Alert Level for Ambae volcano is raised from Level 3 to Level 4 [0-5 scale]

Authorities in Vanuatu were preparing to evacuate up to 5,000 people on Saturday, as eruption on the 400sqkm Ambae island [Manaro Voui] continued to intensify.

“Volcanic activity at Ambae is continuing to increase. The Alert Level for Ambae volcano is raised from Level 3 to Level 4, or moderate eruption state,” said  Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department (GMVD).

“In the early hours, around 3-4am [on Saturday,] we noticed that the activity started to increase, followed by another eruptive phase… So the ash plume from Ambae is still there now. The ash fall is expected all around the island,” said the manager of the Geohazards Department at GVMD.

“The increased level of activity means increased area of risk. There’s more risk to people exposed on the island.”

The increased activity follows a 6.4 magnitude quake that struck 85km NNW of Isangel, Vanuatu, on September 20. [FEWW Ref: JQHM]

• A Tsunami of Earthquakes Striking Globally

Click box to retrieve image!

Meanwhile, the Alert Level for Ambrym volcano remains at the Level 3 [since September 15.]

AMBRYM VOLCANO – 16°15’00”S, 168°07’00”E Summit Elevation 4377ft (1334m) Current Vanuatu Volcano Alert Level: Level 3 Source: GVMD [Copyright]

A Tsunami of Earthquakes Striking Globally

Grace-285H

Significant Earthquakes Strike Vanuatu, PNG, Japan Region

Significant and Notable Earthquakes Strike Vanuatu, PNG, Japan Region.

Vanuatu

Magnitude: 6.4 mww  
Location: 18.798°S, 169.095°E [85km NNW of Isangel, Vanuatu]
Depth: 200.2 km
Time: 2017-09-20 20:09:49 (UTC)

Papua New Guinea (PNG)

M 5.9 – 165km N of Finschhafen, PNG  
Location: 5.110°S 147.834°E
Depth: 10.0 km
Time: 2017-09-20 22:13:36 (UTC)

Japan Region

M 6.1 – 281km ESE of Kamaishi, Japan 
Location: 37.982°N 144.669°E
Depth: 10.0 km
Time: 2017-09-20 16:37:16 (UTC)

Data source: USGS

Strong Earthquake Strikes SNHT

M6.3 quake strikes S of Isangel, Vanuatu

EQ Details
Magnitude: 6.3Mw [USGS/EHP]
Location: 20.564°S, 169.321°E; depth=13.6 km (8.5 mi)
Time: 2016-06-19 09:47:22 (UTC)

Distances:

• 112.0 km (69.6 mi) S of Isangel, Vanuatu
• 217.0 km (134.8 mi) E of We, New Caledonia
• 330.0 km (205.1 mi) SSE of Port-Vila, Vanuatu

Aftershocks:
4.9 103km SW of Isangel, Vanuatu 2016-06-19 12:17:59 UTC 56.7 km
4.9 110km SW of Isangel, Vanuatu 2016-06-19 10:31:57 UTC 51.6 km
4.8 95km SSW of Isangel, Vanuatu 2016-06-19 10:03:32 UTC 75.6 km

Foreshocks:
5.0 118km SSW of Isangel, Vanuatu 2016-06-18 20:38:08 UTC 35.2 km

Other Significant Seismicity
5.5 124km WNW of Bengkulu, Indonesia 2016-06-18 21:15:51 UTC 47.3 km
5.5 78km W of San Antonio de los Cobres, Argentina 2016-06-18 17:29:44 UTC 167.3 km

Significant Events – April 30, 2016

Strong aftershocks continue to rattle Vanuatu

Latest Events [USGS/EHP]

• M5.1 (16.262°S, 167.205°E) 27km SW of Lakatoro, Vanuatu 2016-04-30 09:26:30 UTC; depth=12.1km
• M4.7 28km SW of Lakatoro, Vanuatu 2016-04-30 08:45:57 UTC 7.3 km
• M6.0 (16.306°S, 167.188°E) 32km SW of Lakatoro, Vanuatu 2016-04-30 08:35:42 UTC; depth=4.8km
• M5.0 31km SW of Norsup, Vanuatu 2016-04-30 04:38:28 UTC; depth=10.0km
• M4.8 48km W of Norsup, Vanuatu 2016-04-29 22:50:14 UTC;depth=19.3km

Philippines: Drought and dry spells [OCHA]

Some 42 per cent of the Philippines is currently experiencing drought or dry spells brought on by El Niño effect. As of 15 April, 39 provinces, cities, municipalities and villages have declared a state of calamity. The worst affected areas are Mindanao and the Visayas regions. According to UN OCHA, around 181,687 farmers and 224,834 hectares of agricultural land have been affected since January 2016. Already, an estimated CHF 81 million in agricultural production has been lost. Rainfall for March was again well below normal.

Most of the affected areas are in Mindanao. According to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), as of April 16, a total of 457,497 families or 2,124,790 persons from Regions NCR, I, II, III, IV-A, IV-B, VI, VII, X, XI, XII, and ARMM have been affected by El Nino.

Significant Quakes Strike Both Sides of Pacific; NZ Volcanoes Awaken

DET

M7.0 earthquake strikes Vanuatu followed by M6.6 at Northern East Pacific Rise

M7.0 earthquake occurred beneath the island of Melampa in the Vanuatu island chain of the southwest Pacific Ocean as a result of thrust faulting on or near the boundary between the Australia and Pacific plates, USGS/EHP reported.

EQ Details

Magnitude: 7.0Mw [1km SE of Norsup, Vanuatu]
Location: 16.074°S, 167.393°E; depth=27.2 km (16.9 mi)
Time: 2016-04-28 19:33:24 (UTC)
Distances:

1.0km (0.6 mi) SE of Norsup, Vanuatu
64.0km (39.8 mi) SSE of Luganville, Vanuatu
208.0km (129.2 mi) NNW of Port-Vila, Vanuatu
536.0km (333.1 mi) N of We, New Caledonia

Magnitude: 6.6Mw [Northern East Pacific Rise]
Location: 10.271°N, 103.715°W; depth=10.0 km (6.2 mi)
Time: 2016-04-29 01:33:38 (UTC)
Distances:

• 602.0 km (374.1 mi) E of Clipperton Island, France
• 838.0 km (520.7 mi) SSW of Acapulco de Juarez, Mexico
• 838.0 km (520.7 mi) SSW of Tecpan de Galeana, Mexico
• 844.0 km (524.4 mi) SSW of Petatlan, Mexico
• 1,126.0 km (699.7 mi) SSW of Mexico City, Mexico

NO major tsunami threats generated by the two quakes.

Two NZ Volcanoes Show Signs of Unrest

Mt Ruapehu

A volcanic earthquake swarm has been reported at Mt Ruapehu. The seismicity began on April 26. The Crater Lake temperature, which has been rising since October 2015,  has now reached 40°C (from 25°C in mid-April). Mt Ruapehu remains at Volcanic Alert Level 1 (Minor volcanic unrest), Geonet reported.

White Island

A minor eruption occurred at White Island (Whaakari) at about 11:00 pm on Wednesday, 27 April 2016. Moderately elevated seismic activity is occurring, said Geonet. Additionally:

• Water level in the Crater Lake has fallen by 2m in the last 2 weeks.
• Lake temperature has increased by 2°C, to 58°C, since February.
• SO2 output ranging from 90 to 480 tons per day reported over the last 5 weeks, but said to be typical values for White Island.

“A dark-green ash deposit from the eruption covers at least 80% of the floor of Main Crater, and up the sides of the crater wall on both the north and south sides. At a distance of 500 m from the eruption site the ash deposit is about 5 mm thick. The green colour is due to minerals on the ash.”

Alert Level was initially raised to Level 3 (Minor Volcanic Eruption) and the Aviation Color Code to Orange. The Alert Level was lowered to 2 from 3 on Thursday.

 

Enhanced Seismicity Continues in Hot Spot near Sanma, Vanuatu

M6.4 quake strikes NW of Port-Olry, Vanuatu

EQ Ddetails

Magnitude: 6.4Mw
Location: 14.523°S 166.352°E
Depth: 16.0 km (9.9 mi)- 95km NW of Port-Olry, Vanuatu
Time: 2016-04-14 21:50:27 (UTC)
Distances:

• 95.0 km (59.0 mi) NW of Port-Olry, Vanuatu
• 142.0 km (88.2 mi) NW of Luganville, Vanuatu
• 413.0 km (256.6 mi) NNW of Port-Vila, Vanuatu
• 714.0 km (443.7 mi) N of We, New Caledonia
• 842.0 km (523.2 mi) N of Paita, New Caledonia

[Source: USGS/EHP]

Strong Seismicity Continues in Vanuatu Region

PPV

Third significant earthquake in four days strikes north of Sanma

M6.7 quakes Jolts Sanma, Vanuatu, the third significant event to occur in the area within four days.

Tsunami Evaluation

This event did not generate a destructive tsunami.

EQ Details
Magnitude: 6.7Mw
Location: 14.217°S, 166.554°E;
Depth: 35km
Time: 2016-04-06 at 06:54:54 UTC
Nearby Cities:

• 106km (65.9 mi) W of Sola, Vanuatu
• 181km (112.5 mi) NNW of Luganville, Vanuatu
• 454km (282.1 mi) NNW of Port-Vila, Vanuatu
• 769km (477.8 mi) N of We, New Caledonia

[USGS/EHP]

[EQ Location Map. Source: USGS/EHP]

Related Links

• 2ND Significant Earthquake Strikes Vanuatu Region   April 6, 2016
• Strong Earthquake Jolts Port-Olry, Vanuatu  April 3, 2016

 

 

2ND Significant Earthquake Strikes Vanuatu Region

M6.9 Quakes Jolts Sanma, Vanuatu

The quake was the second significant event to occur in the area within three days.

Tsunami Evaluation

This event did not generate a destructive tsunami.

EQ Details
Magnitude: 6.9Mw
Location: 14.110°S, 166.567°E; depth=33.7 km (20.9 mi)
Time: 2016-04-06 06:58:50 (UTC)

Nearby Cities:

• 109km (68mi) WSW of Sola, Vanuatu
• 170km (106mi) NNW of Luganville, Vanuatu
• 442km (275mi) NNW of Port-Vila, Vanuatu
• 756km (470mi) N of We, New Caledonia
• 887km (551mi) SE of Honiara, Solomon Islands

[USGS/EHP]

[EQ Location Map. Source: USGS/EHP]
Related Links

• Strong Earthquake Jolts Port-Olry, Vanuatu  April 3, 2016

Strong Earthquake Jolts Port-Olry, Vanuatu

M6.9 Quake Strikes Vanuatu Region

EQ Locations
Magnitude: 6.9Mw
Location: 14.352°S 166.821°E
Depth: 35.0 km
Date/ Time: 2016-04-03 @ 08:23:53 UTC
Nearby Cities

• 81km (50mi) NNW of Port-Olry, Vanuatu
• 135km (84mi) NNW of Luganville, Vanuatu
• 407km (253mi) NNW of Port-Vila, Vanuatu

[Source: USGS/EHP]

Felt Areas Include Sanma, Torba and Luganville

Tsunami Evaluation Issued by PTWC [09:12UTC SUN APR 3 2016]-

• MINOR SEA LEVEL FLUCTUATIONS OF UP TO 0.3 METERS ABOVE AND BELOW THE NORMAL TIDE MAY CONTINUE OVER THE NEXT FEW HOURS.

• THE TSUNAMI THREAT FROM THIS EARTHQUAKE HAS NOW MOSTLY PASSED. ANY REMAINING THREAT SHOULD BE EVALUATED BY LOCAL AUTHORITIES IN IMPACTED AREAS.

Red Alert in Vanuatu as Cyclone ULA Approaches

Cat 4 ULA packing winds of 175 km/hr continues to intensify

Vanuatu government has issued a red alert for the Tafea province, urging residents to stay indoors as powerful Cyclone ULA approaches the country’s southern portion.

TC Warning issued by meteo.gov.vu

Tropical Cyclone Warning Number 11 for TAFEA province.

Tropical Cyclone Warning Number 11 issued by the Vanuatu Meteorology and 
Geo-Hazards Department, Port Vila at 8:54pm VUT Sunday 10 January 2016 for
TAFEA province.

At 8:00pm local time, Severe Tropical Cyclone Ula (941 hPa) Category 4 was 
located at 20.8 degrees South 170.5 degrees East. The Severe Tropical Cyclone 
is positioned at the bottow center of square letter J, number 10 (J,10) 
of the Vanuatu Tropical Cyclone Tracking Map. This is about 95 KM southeast 
of Aneityum and 190 KM southeast of Tanna. Severe Tropical Cyclone Ula 
has moved in a southwest direction at 14 KM/HR in the past 3 hours.

Winds close to the center are estimated at 175 KM/HR and continue to intensify. 
Expected position of the system in the next 6 hours will be near 
22.6 degrees South 170.0 degrees East.  

Damaging Strong to Gale force winds of 65 to 75 KM/HR will continue to affect 
Anietyum, Futuna and south of Tanna tonight and slowlt decreasing as Tropical cyclone Ula
slowly moves southwards.

Forecast Positions
Date and Time                     Position                 Intensity
+06 hours (2am, 11 Jan)           21.6S, 170.1E            95 KTS (175 KM/HR)
+12 hours (8am, 11 Jan)           22.6S, 170.0E            90 KTS (165 KM/HR)
+18 hours (2pm, 11 Jan)           23.6S, 170.0E            90 KTS (165 KM/HR)
+24 hours (8pm, 11 Jan)           24.8S, 170.3E            90 KTS (165 KM/HR)
+36 hours (8am, 12 Jan)           27.2S, 171.5E            90 KTS (165 KM/HR)
+48 hours (8pm, 12 Jan)           29.3S, 173.4E            80 KTS (150 KM/HR)

Heavy rain and possible flooding in low lying areas and areas close to the river 
banks including coastal flooding are expected. Very rough to 
phenomenal seas with heavy swells are also expected.

The Vanuatu National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) advises that RED Alert 
is still in effect for TAFEA province. For action on this alert, call NDMO on 
22699 or 33366.

The next warning on Severe Tropical Cyclone Ula will be issued at 12:00am.
Therefore, people over TAFEA are advised to continue to listen to all Radio 
Outlets to get the latest information on this system. 

This warning is also available on VMGD's website www.meteo.gov.vu 

Last March Cyclone PAM tore through Vanuatu’s south islands, killing or injuring  dozens of people, leaving about 50,000 people homeless and destroying 90 percent of their crops.

Powerful Quake Rattles Islands of Vanuatu

M7.1 Quake Strikes near Port-Olry, Vanuatu

Centered at 14.842°S, 167.306°E the quake occurred at a depth of 127.0 km, reported USGS/EHP.

At least one aftershock measuring 4.7Mw occurred, as of posting.

EQ Details

Magnitude: 7.1Mw
Time: 2015-10-20 21:52:02 UTC
Location: 14.842°S, 167.306°E
Depth: 127.0 km
Distances:

• 35km (22mi) NE of Port-Olry, Vanuatu
• 77km (48mi) N of Luganville, Vanuatu
• 337km (209mi) NNW of Port-Vila, Vanuatu

No destructive tsunami due to event depth.

Cyclone PAM: “Entire communities have been blown away”

Links sent by Tom C.

Super Cyclone PAM probably caused “one of the worst disasters ever seen in the Pacific”

Up to 90 per cent of homes in Vanuatu’s capital Port Villa has reportedly  been seriously damaged by Super Cyclone PAM, leaving “most” of the population homeless, with no information available yet as to the fate of more than 33,000 people who live on the extremely vulnerable outer islands. 

“This is likely to be one of the worst disasters ever seen in the Pacific,” said Oxfam Country Director in Port Vila, Colin Collet van Rooyen.

“Entire communities have been blown away.”

Cyclone PAM made a direct hit on Vanuatu island late Friday, plowing through the archipelago of 65 islands [pop. ~ 270,000] with supercharged force.

“With more than 250,000 people at risk from the severe tropical cyclone there is real concern of a potentially high death toll and of enormous destruction, particularly given the traditional housing that is so prevalent through the islands,” said the report.

“Cyclone Pam has destroyed all but one of mobile towers in Port Vila so no comms between Efate and both nth and sth provinces,” said a UNICEF employee. Read more…

Tuvalu, Kiribati, Solomon Islands

Meantime, Tuvalu’s prime minister has declared a state of emergency, after the deadly cyclone caused widespread flash floods, severely affecting about half of his nation’s population.

The cyclone has also flattened homes, flooded fields and destroyed crops in Kiribati and the Solomon Islands, affecting thousands of families, said reports.

• Hospital, morgue and schools all damaged by Cyclone Pam
• Stories of devastation from Vanuatu in the aftermath of Cyclone Pam

FIRE-EARTH Links

• PAM Wreaks “Complete Devastation” in Vanuatu March 14, 2015
• Super Cyclone PAM Devastating South Pacific Nations March 13, 2015

PAM Wreaks “Complete Devastation” in Vanuatu

Super Cyclone PAM devastates Vanuatu islands

The category five monster cyclone smashed into Vanuatu islands in the South Pacific, wreaking “complete devastation.”

There are fears that dozens have lost their lives, and entire villages razed,  in what may be one of the region’s deadliest, and most destructive weather disasters.

Super Cyclone Pam, charged with sustained winds of 275km/h, gusting up to 340 km/hr [FIRE-EARTH estimates based on blog models,] slammed directly into the island nation late Friday.

“The damage is quite extensive in Port Vila but there are so many more vulnerable islands. I can’t even imagine what it’s like in those vulnerable communities,” said an emergency communications officer with World Vision in Port Vila, citing reports that entire villages in remote areas have been destroyed.

“The scene here this morning is complete devastation – houses are destroyed, trees are down, roads are blocked and people are wandering the streets looking for help,” said Tom Skirrow of Save the Children.

“Communications are down across much of the country with the total extent of the devastation unlikely to be known for several days.”

Some 44 people may have lost their lives in Penama province in the north-east of Vanuatu, said the UN’s Office for the Co-ordination for Humanitarian Assistance (UNOCHA).

“There are destructive winds, rain, flooding, landslides, sea surges and very rough seas and the storm is exceedingly destructive there,” said Australian Foreign Minister.

“While it is too early to say for certain, early reports are indicating that this weather disaster could potentially be one of the worst in Pacific history,” said a UNICEF spokesperson.

“The sheer force of the storm combined with communities just not set up to withstand it, could have devastating results for thousands across the region.”

Related Links

• Super Cyclone PAM Devastating South Pacific Nations March 13, 2015

Super Cyclone PAM Devastating South Pacific Nations

PAM bearing down on Vanuatu after devastating several South Pacific nations

PAM a SUPERCHARGED category five tropical storm, is bearing down on Vanuatu after causing destruction in several South Pacific nations, including Kiribati, the Solomon Islands, and Tuvalu.

Vanuatu authorities issued a red alert nationwide, after the cyclone moved closer and was expected to hit the capital, Port Vila, Friday night.

Meantime, the Vanuatu Meteorological Services (VMS) issued the following warning:

At 12:00am local time, Severe Tropical Cyclone PAM was located at 17.8 degrees South 168.7 degrees East. This is about 45km east of Port Vila and 105km north northwest of Erromango. Severe Tropical  Cyclone PAM moved in a south direction at 17 km/hr in the past 3 hours.

The central pressure of the system is estimated at 900 hPa. Winds close to the centre are estimated at 250 km/hr. Severe Tropical Cyclone PAM is forecast to be at 20.2 degrees South 169.2 degrees East within the next 06 to 12 hours.

Very Destructive Hurricane Force winds of 255 km/hr is affecting SHEFA, MALAMPA and PENAMA provinces and slowly extending to TAFEA province.

Destructive Storm Force winds of 120 km/hr will continue to affect SANMA and TORBA provinces, slowly decreasing to gale force winds of 75 km/hr as the system moves further southward.

Very Destructive winds and very rough to phenomenal seas with heavy swells is affecting TORBA, PENAMA, SANMA, MALAMPA, SHEFA and TAFEA provinces. Heavy to torrential rainfalls and flooding, including flash flooding are expected over low lying areas and areas close to the river banks. Landslide is also expected. Coastal flooding from storm surge is expected near and along the coastal areas.

State of Emergency in Tuvalu

PAM has already caused flash flooding in the island nation of Tuvalu, located midway between Hawaii and Australia, forcing the authorities to declare a state of emergency.

The cyclone has also flattened homes, flooded fields and destroyed crops in Kiribati and the Solomon Islands, affecting thousands of families, said reports.

*//

Strong Earthquake Rattles Vanuatu

M6.4 strikes 83km ESE of Lakatoro, Vanuatu

Centered at 16.44°S, 168.12°E the quake occurred at a depth of 10.0km, reported USGS/EHP.

The event was followed by at least one significant aftershock, measuring 5.1Mw, as of posting.

More aftershocks could follow.

Earthquake Details
Magnitude: 6.4Mw
Location: 16.440°S, 168.119°E depth=10.0 km
Event Time: 2015-02-19 13:18:32 (UTC)
Nearby Cities:

• 83km (52mi) ESE of Lakatoro, Vanuatu
• 143km (89mi) SE of Luganville, Vanuatu
• 144km (89mi) N of Port-Vila, Vanuatu
• 503km (313mi) N of We, New Caledonia

Strong Quake Jolts Port-Vila, Vanuatu

M6.8 quake strikes NNE of Port-Vila, Vanuatu

Centered at 17.00°S, 168.53°E the quake occurred at a depth of 218.5km, according to USGS/EHP.

The event was preceded by a foreshock, measuring 4.7Mw, occurring at a depth of 117.7 km, some 125km NW of Sola, Vanuatu, about 2 hours earlier.

 

EQD
Magnitude: 6.8Mw
Location: 17.000°S 168.531°E
Depth: 218.5km
Time: 2015-01-23 at 03:47:27UTC

Heightened Seismicity Continues Across the U.S.

SEISMIC HAZARD
HEIGHTENED GLOBAL SEISMICITY
SCENARIOS 08, 07
.

Quakes Rattle Alaska to New Jersey, Hawaii to Puerto Rico

More than 97 percent of all quakes in the 24 hours to posting have occurred in the United States.

1 Day, All Magnitudes Worldwide: 348 earthquakes – Updated: 2014-07-08 15:44:28UTC.  Showing 338 earthquakes in map area. Source: USGS/EHP

7 Days

About 96 percent of all earthquakes worldwide occurring over the past 7 days have struck the United States (including Puerto Rico).

7 Days, All Magnitudes Worldwide: 2,048 earthquakes – Updated: 2014-07-08 15:53:22 UTC. Showing  1,971 earthquakes in map area. Source: USGS/EHP

Other Significant Seismicity

M6.3 – 13km NNE of Port-Vila, Vanuatu
Event Time: 2014-07-08 12:56:26 UTC
Location: 17.617°S 168.359°E depth=114.0km (70.8mi)

M5.5 – 15km NNE of Shiraoi, Japan
Event Time: 2014-07-08 09:05:23 UTC
Location: 42.681°N 141.411°E depth=10.0km (6.2mi)
Nearby Cities: 790km (491mi) N of Tokyo, Japan

M4.8 – 82km WSW of San Antonio, Chile
Event Time: 2014-07-08 13:25:26 UTC
Location: 33.912°S 72.431°W depth=13.1km (8.1mi)
Nearby Cities: 172km (107mi) WSW of Santiago, Chile

---

IMPORTANT NOTICE: FIRE-EARTH EQ Forecast

For detailed FIRE-EARTH Earthquake Forecasts tune into UDCCpf daily @ 06:32UTC.

---

 Related Links

• Earthquakes Strike California, New York, Oklahoma… July 6, 2014
• 95 Percent of All Earthquakes Strike U.S. July 2, 2014
• 90 Percent of All Quakes Strike U.S. June 30, 2014
• U.S. West Shaking Like Jelly  June 30, 2014

M6.4 Quake Strikes WNW of Sola, Vanuatu

SEISMIC HAZARD
HEIGHTENED GLOBAL SEISMICITY
SCENARIOS 08, 07
.

Strong quake occurs 85km WNW of Sola, Vanuatu

Centered at 13.577°S, 166.826°E, the quake struck at a depth of 59.9km (37.2mi), said USGS/EHP.

EQ Details

MAGNITUDE: 6.4Mw
Event Time: 2014-06-19 10:17:58 UTC

Location: 13.577°S 166.826°E depth=59.9km (37.2mi)
Nearby Cities

• 85km (53mi) WNW of Sola, Vanuatu
• 219km (136mi) N of Luganville, Vanuatu
• 878km (546mi) ESE of Honiara, Solomon Islands

 

---

IMPORTANT NOTICE: FIRE-EARTH EQ Forecast

The next detailed FIRE-EARTH Earthquake Forecast will be released together with Bulletin NO. 108  on Friday,   June 20, 2014.

---

 

Powerful Quake Strikes Loyalty Islands

Latest Shocks Point to a Potentially Catastrophic Phase of Seismicity in PRF: FIRE-EARTH

• USGS downgraded the mainshock from a Magnitude 7.1 to M6.8

• The Mainshock followed by at least a half dozen aftershocks, the largest of which measured 5.8MW

• NO Pacific-wide Tsunami reported.

Earthquake Details

• Magnitude: 6.8
• Date-Time: Tuesday, May 10, 2011 at 08:55:09 UTC
• Location: 20.252°S, 168.273°E
• Depth 14.9 km (9.3 miles)
  Region: LOYALTY ISLANDS
• Distances:
• 134 km (83 miles) SW of Isangel, Tanna, Vanuatu
• 149 km (92 miles) NNE of Tadine, Loyalty Islands, New Caledonia
• 276 km (171 miles) S of PORT-VILA, Efate, Vanuatu
• 1,741 km (1081 miles) ENE of BRISBANE, Queensland, Australia
• Location Uncertainty: horizontal +/- 13.2 km (8.2 miles); depth +/- 2.5 km (1.6 miles)
• Source:  USGS NEIC (WDCS-D)

Earthquake Location Map (Source: EMSC)

Related Links

• Significant Earthquakes Strike PRF: LARGE SCALE TECTONICS LOOM 
• Global Tectonics Warning – April 27
• M6.9 Quake Strikes Solomon Islands
• Global Tectonics Alert
• Alaska Earthquake Forecast: Update 3
• Global Tectonics Alert – April 9
• Japan Earthquakes, Disasters: Recent History and FIRE-EARTH Forecasts 
• WARNING: JPTRMT1
• Tectonics Update – March 10

Global Disasters

• 2011 Much More Disastrous
• 2010 Disasters [Includes Links to 2010 Disaster Calendar]
• 2011 Disaster Calendar

Earthquake and Volcano Links

• FEWW Volcano Links
• Volcanoes
• FEWW Earthquake Links

New System Headed Australia Way?

Area of Convection 90P, ENE of Vanuatu, Continues Developing

• Time/Date: 01:00UTC Feb 18, 2011
• Current Position: 14.1S 168.9E
• Location: ~ 260km ENE of Vanuatu

Convection Area 90P – IR satellite image. Source: CIMSS. Click image to enlarge.

Convection Area 90P – IR satellite image (NHC Enhancement). Source: CIMSS. Click image to enlarge.

Related Links:

• More Australian Coal, Anyone?
• In Nature They Don’t Trust
• Back-to-Back Disasters Could Hit Australia

M 7.4 Quake Strikes Vanuatu Islands

A Powerful Earthquake Measuring at least 7.4Mw Strikes Vanuatu Islands, Triggers Local Tsunami

The earthquake, epicentered at 168.02°E, 17.48°S, struck at about 05:24UTC  at a depth of about 45km, creating a small tsunami measuring up to a height of about 70 – 80cm.

There were no reports of casualties or major damage, as of posting; however, according to eyewitness reports the powerful quake shook the ground for about 10 seconds.

At last a dozen aftershocks, some measuring greater than 5.0Mw, have so far occurred. More aftershocks should be expected.

Earthquake Details:

Region: Vanuatu Islands
Time: 2010-08-10 05:23:47.8 UTC
Magnitude: 7.4
Epicenter: 168.02°E 17.48°S
Depth: 45 km
Source: GFZ Potsdam – Earthquake Bulletin

Related Links:

• Latest Significant Earthquakes
• New Wave of Powerful Quakes Jolts the Planet
• Global Earthquakes Tempi Rising
• 3 Waves of Significant Quakes Strike Our Planet

• FEWW Volcano Links
• Volcanoes
• FEWW Earthquake Links

Gaua Volcano Eruption Intensifies

Volcanic ash, poisonous gases, mudslide plague the tiny island

Vanuatu government officials may finally evacuate residents of Gaua Island

According to VAAC, Gaua produced volcanic ash plumes on  13 to 16 and again on 19 to 21 April, with most of the plumes rising to an altitudes of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. The advisories on 14-15 April noted that the plumes were mostly steam.

Vanuatu Geohazards Observatory said: “Field observations reported by the Geohazards officer in Gaua confirmed significant change of activity with ticker and higher emissions of ash columns (see photos in page 4). Since last week (end of march/beginning of April 2010) the ash plumes height dwell between 7000 and 10000 feet every day. Field reports also stated that the explosion sounds could be heard from the villages daily. Moreover, starting from the 3rd of April 2010 the volcanic bombes projections from Gaua volcano could be observed from all the coastal villages from the north to the south of the island with reports of the ashfall.”

The thick, steam-rich plume from Guau Volcano blows directly northeast in this natural-color satellite image acquired on April 24, 2010 by ALI aboard NASA’s EO-1 spacecraft. The thick steam is brighter white than the surrounding lower altitude clouds. Vegetation is green, as is Lake Letas. Vegetation to the south and west of the volcano, damaged by ash and acidic volcanic gases, is dark gray-brown. Image and Caption: NASA [edited by FEWW for brevity.]

OMI Image

Click image to enlarge.

–

Serial No 1,636. Starting April 2010, each entry on this blog has a unique serial number. If any of the numbers are missing, it may mean that the corresponding entry has been blocked by Google/the authorities in your country. Please drop us a line if you detect any anomaly/missing number(s).

Related Links:

• FEWW Volcano Links
• Volcanoes
• FEWW Earthquake Links

Tropical Cyclones Now Come in Pairs

Tropical Cyclones 19P and 20P

Two Active Tropical Cyclones Roam the South Pacific, a Third System May Form Soon (probability in 48 hours ≥ 50 percent—Fire Earth Forecast)

MTSAT-1R image showing the locations of TC 20P and TC 19P in the South Pacific ocean.  Click Image to update.

Tropical Cyclone 20P Currently Over Espiritu Santo,  Vanuatu

Forecast Details on March 12 at 06:00UTC
Position: 14.3S 165.6E
Max Sustaind Winds: 75km/hr (~ 40 kts)
Wind Gusts: 90km/hr (~ 50 kts)
Movement: 270 degrees
Forward Speed: 9km/hr (~ 5 kts)
Location: Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu
Sources: JTWC, Digital Typhoon, CIMSS and others.

Visible/IR images of TC 20P Close to Vanuatu. Source CIMSS. Click Images to enlarge.

Tropical Cyclone 20P Currently NW of Western Samoa

Visible/IR images of TC 19P NW of Western Samoa. Source CIMSS. Click Images to enlarge.

Details on March 12 at 03:00UTC

Position:  10.7S 177.4W
Max Sustained Winds:  ~ 70km/hr
Wind Gusts: 90km/hr (~ 50 kts)
Movement: 260 degrees
Forward Speed:  ~ 12km/hr (07 kts)
Location: 890km  (485 NM) WNW of Pago-Pago
Sources: JTWC, Digital Typhoon, CIMSS and others.

Related Links:

• FEWW New Hurricane Scale

Strong Quake Strikes Vanuatu – March 4

Strong Earthquake Measuring Up to 6.6Mw Strikes 210 km N of Luganville, Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu

The quake struck at a depth of about 180km on Thursday, March 04, 2010 at 14:02:30 local time.

The mainshock was preceded by a Magnitude 5.0 foreshock.

Location
The epicenter was located at 13.616°S, 167.135°E, USGS said.

Tsunami Status
The hypocenter of this event was located too deep below the ocean floor to cause  a significant tsunami.

10-degree Map Centered at 15°S,165°E

EQ Location Map. Source: USGS/EHP. Image Edited and Enhanced by FEWW.

The quake occurred near 3 volcanoes: Gaua (80km), Suretamatai (40km) and Motlav (60km).

Gaua has been active sporadically since September 2009.

According to Global Volcanism Program website

On 29 January, the Vanuatu Geohazards Observatory reported significant changes in Gaua’s activity over the previous two weeks. They noted that since 16 January more gas was emitted and multiple explosions produced denser and darker ash plumes. During 22-29 January, the water level in the river to the E that Lake Letas feeds rose 10 cm. Gas-and-ash plumes rose 3 km and drifted S and W. On 24 January nearby villagers reported seeing ejected material from Strombolian activity. The Wellington VAAC reported that on 27 January an ash cloud was seen on satellite imagery. Strong explosions were seen and heard from East Gaua on 29 January. According to the VAAC, the Vanuatu Geohazards Observatory reported that gas-and-ash plumes rose to altitudes of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted S and W that same day.

Fire-Earth Moderators believe Gaua could resume activity in the coming days.

Related Links:

• Chile Earthquake Links Page
• FEWW Earthquake Links
• Volcanoes
• FEWW Volcano Links