Global Disaster Watch (Dec 8-12)
Nuclear Crisis
(Dec 12) Evidence is mounting that the meltdown at the Fukushima nuclear power plant was actually caused by the earthquake itself. Tepco insisted that the culprit was the huge tsunami so that the resumption of the operation of existing nuclear power stations that are suspended currently due to regular inspections would not be delayed. (Source)
(Dec 8th) Radiation experts from Greenpeace International found hot spots of up to 37 microSieverts per hour in a garden only a few meters away from a house and an accumulation of radioactivity in drainage systems, puddles and ditches. Overall, the radiation levels in these neighbourhoods are so high that people receive an exposure to radiation just from external sources that is ten times the annual allowed dose. How high their internal exposure is from eating contaminated food and inhaling or ingesting radioactive particles remains unknown, since no government program is keeping track of this. (Source)
Earthquakes
Mexico
(Dec 11) A magnitude-6.5 earthquake struck in Mexico’s western Guerrero state, shaking buildings and causing panic in the nation’s capital and the Pacific resort of Acapulco. Officials said at least three people died, but there were no reports of widespread damage. The U.S. Geological Service initially estimated the quake at magnitude at 6.8, but downgraded it to 6.7 and then 6.5. A quake of that magnitude is capable of causing severe damage, although the depth of this temblor lessened its impact.(Source)
India
(Dec 10) For the third time within a month, high ranges of the district, bordering neigbouring Idukki, experienced tremors when mild earthquake shook Erattupetta and adjoining areas in India on Saturday afternoon. The same areas experienced tremors on November 18 and November 26. The one on November 26 had recorded a magnitude of 3.2 on the Richter scale. (Source)
Kashmir
(Dec 11) Local newspapers carried front page stories about the prediction that a mega earthquake in Kashmir. The study warns: “Given building codes and population in the region, it could mean a death toll of 300,000 people.” Over 40,000 people were killed across the Line of Control (LOC) in Kashmir and Pakistan-administered parts of Kashmir in an earthquake measuring 7.9 on the Richter Scale in 2005. (Source) The prediction also said the quake would trigger landslides which would dam the Jhelum river and plunge the valley under water, causing the region to be underwater for three months. (Source)
Unusual Weather
Taiwan
(Dec 8th) The abnormality of the recent weather in northern Taiwan peaked as the highest temperature during the day reached over 30 degrees Celsius in northern Taipei on Wednesday. The RECORD-BREAKING TEMPERATURE appeared at the Banqiao weather station — NEVER BEFORE had the station seen 31.2 degrees Celsius in December. (Source)
Thailand
(Dec 12) As the floods are receding, drought could emerge as a new problem hitting some areas next year especially in provinces due to dwindling water reserves and massive drainage of water during the flood period. Dams and reservoirs normally store 6-7 billion cubic metres of water largely for agricultural purposes during the dry season. But the floods this year forced officials to drain up to 2 billion cu/m of water from flooded areas. (Source)
United States
(Dec 12) Texas: This worst single-year drought in Texas history is affecting the roads. The dry spell has sucked all the moisture out of Central Texas’s topsoil. And that’s caused cracks to form and bumps to pop up. As soil alongside the pavement heats up, moisture evaporates, and the soil then begins to compress. That can bend the edges of roads, and cause the asphalt to break. (Source)
(Dec 12) Oklahoma: The state experienced its hottest summer yet, and 69 percent of the state still was in exceptional drought at the end of summer, but thanks to November rains, only 10 percent of the state is in exceptional drought. The worst may be over, but 85 percent of the state still remains in drought to some degree. Now, farmers are dealing with the repercussions of the drought. (Source)
(Dec 12) Missouri: In October, the USDA designated 101 Missouri counties as natural disaster areas due to drought. This showed a recognition of crop losses caused by lack of rain and excessive heat during July and August. Crop farmers weren’t the only ones affected by the heat and drought. Cattle farmers saw pastures dry up early, forcing many to start feeding hay far earlier than normal. (Source)
Reports of Earthquakes and Skyquakes in the U.S.
Fierce Winds Wreak Havoc in Southern California, Utah, and Scotland on Dec 1
Health Threats
(Dec 10) WORLD health ministers say they are being vigilant after a Dutch laboratory developed a mutant version of the deadly bird flu virus that is for the first time contagious among humans.The Dutch authorities confirmed that the virus itself is stored in a very secured way and that the necessary permits were given and that the researchers are bound by a code of conduct. (Source)
Updated News Watch
Global Disaster Watch: Dec 1-7
Troubling increase in global volcanic activity
