Friday, December 20News That Matters

Tag: coastal disaster

Hunga Tonga Eruption Unprecedented Climate Impacts Explored in New Study

Hunga Tonga Eruption Unprecedented Climate Impacts Explored in New Study

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters
Sydney, Australia – The catastrophic eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcano on January 15, 2022, not only created a massive tsunami but also sent shockwaves around the globe, triggering a series of environmental consequences that are still being studied. A new paper published in the Journal of Climate sheds light on the extensive and unusual climate impacts of this eruption. Ozone Hole and Unexpected Weather Patterns According to the study, the Hunga Tonga eruption played a significant role in creating last year's exceptionally large ozone hole and contributed to the unexpectedly wet summer of 2024. The eruption's effects are anticipated to influence winter weather patterns for years to come. Typically, volcanic eruptions emit sulphur dioxide, which cools the Earth's su...
Remal Cyclone Movement Update: Severe Cyclonic Storm “Remal” Over North Bay of Bengal

Remal Cyclone Movement Update: Severe Cyclonic Storm “Remal” Over North Bay of Bengal

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters
The Severe Cyclonic Storm "Remal" (pronounced as "Re-Mal") over the North Bay of Bengal has intensified significantly. As of 0830 hrs IST today, May 26, 2024, the cyclone was centered near latitude 19.8°N and longitude 89.3°E. It is positioned approximately 260 km south-southwest of Khepupara (Bangladesh), 310 km south of Mongla (Bangladesh), 240 km south-southeast of Sagar Islands (West Bengal), and 280 km south-southeast of Canning (West Bengal). The storm is currently moving northward at a speed of 7 kmph, with maximum sustained winds of 90-100 kmph gusting up to 110 kmph. Forecast and Expected Impact Movement and Landfall: Remal is expected to continue its northward trajectory, intensifying further. It is predicted to make landfall between Sagar Island (India) and Khepupara ...
IMD Issues Yellow Alert for Seven Kerala Districts Amidst Heavy Rainfall

IMD Issues Yellow Alert for Seven Kerala Districts Amidst Heavy Rainfall

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has raised concerns over the persisting heavy rainfall in Kerala by issuing a yellow alert for seven districts. According to the latest forecast, Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasargod are expected to witness significant rainfall, ranging from 6 cm to 11 cm, on Saturday. State Revenue Minister K. Rajan shared alarming statistics, revealing that Kerala has witnessed 11 rain-related deaths from May 9 to May 23. These fatalities include six drownings, two quarry accidents, two lightning strikes, and one house collapse, painting a grim picture of the ongoing weather challenges. In response to the escalating situation, Minister Rajan urged residents to exercise caution and avoid venturing into water bodie...
Pre-Cyclone Watch: Severe Weather Warnings for West Bengal Coast

Pre-Cyclone Watch: Severe Weather Warnings for West Bengal Coast

Breaking News, Disasters
The depression over the central Bay of Bengal, reported by IMD at 0830 hours IST on 24th May 2024, has moved northeastwards. It is currently centered near latitude 15.5° N and longitude 88.7° E, approximately 730 km south-southwest of Khepupara, Bangladesh, and 750 km south of Canning, West Bengal. This system is expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm by the morning of 25th May and further strengthen into a severe cyclonic storm by the night of 25th May. It is projected to move northwards, crossing between Sagar Island (India) and Khepupara (Bangladesh) around midnight on 26th May as a severe cyclonic storm indicated by India Meteorological Department (IMD). Heavy Rainfall Predictions Significant rainfall is anticipated across various regions due to the depression: West Benga...
Study Finds Microplastics in Human Testes, Raising Concerns About Male Fertility

Study Finds Microplastics in Human Testes, Raising Concerns About Male Fertility

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment
A new study published in the journal Toxicological Sciences has uncovered a worrying presence of microplastics in every human testicle examined. This finding heightens concerns about the potential impact of plastic pollution on male fertility. Comprehensive Analysis of Microplastics Researchers at the University of New Mexico (UNM) conducted a detailed analysis of tissue samples from both dogs and humans. The study, led by Xiaozhong "John" Yu, MD, PhD, MPH, a professor in the UNM College of Nursing, identified 12 types of microplastics in 47 canine and 23 human testes. The results showed that microplastics were present in all samples examined. "Our study revealed the presence of microplastics in all human and canine testes," Yu stated. He emphasized the potential implications for ...
Solar Storm Impacts Ocean Depths: Unveiling the Power of Solar Activity

Solar Storm Impacts Ocean Depths: Unveiling the Power of Solar Activity

Breaking News, Disasters, Space
In May 2024, a powerful solar storm not only illuminated Earth's skies with breathtaking auroras but also extended its influence deep into the ocean. The effects were detected by Ocean Networks Canada (ONC), whose magnetic compasses, used to monitor the ocean off Canada's coast, recorded significant distortions in Earth's magnetic field due to an influx of solar particles. These measurements demonstrate the extraordinary power of the solar storm. The data collected provides valuable insights for future solar storm events and enhances our understanding of how these solar activities impact Earth. "The next two years will be the peak of the 11-year solar cycle. After a decade of relative inactivity, aurora events like this past weekend are likely to become more frequent over the next co...
Mild Heatwave Sweeps Across Bangladesh Amid Rising Temperatures

Mild Heatwave Sweeps Across Bangladesh Amid Rising Temperatures

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters
As temperatures continue to soar across the country following a period of continuous rains earlier this month, a mild heatwave has gripped over 58 districts, with the potential to spread further in the coming days. The Department of Meteorology has issued a two-day heatwave warning or 'heat alert' in response to the escalating temperatures. Meanwhile, meteorologists have raised concerns about a potential cyclonic formation in the South Bay of Bengal after May 20, with the risk of down pressure in the sea that could intensify into a cyclone. Meteorologist Dr. Muhammad Abul Kalam Mallick warned of the likelihood of a cyclone forming in the South Bay of Bengal after the 21st, based on observations from various cyclone models. While the trajectory and intensity of the potential cyclone, ...
Intense Cyclone Forming in Bay of Bengal, Set to Impact Multiple Indian States

Intense Cyclone Forming in Bay of Bengal, Set to Impact Multiple Indian States

Breaking News, Disasters
An intense cyclone is currently forming in the Bay of Bengal and is anticipated to impact the Indian states of Odisha, Maharashtra, and Gujarat between May 23 and May 27, according to Mumbai Nowcast. Meteorological models predict heavy rains in Gujarat and Mumbai around May 28. The cyclone, gaining strength, is expected to make landfall on the eastern coast before moving westward, affecting a broad area of the country. While the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has not yet issued an official announcement on the cyclone, it has noted the likelihood of heatwave conditions in isolated pockets over Gangetic West Bengal on May 18 and 19, Odisha from May 19 to 21, and Gujarat from May 17 to 18. Similar heatwave conditions are expected to prevail in Bihar from May 17 to 19 and Jharkhan...
Scientists Unravel Mystery of Antarctic Polynya Formation in Ice

Scientists Unravel Mystery of Antarctic Polynya Formation in Ice

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters
After decades of puzzlement, scientists have finally unlocked the secrets behind the formation of a massive hole in the Antarctic sea ice known as a polynya. This enigmatic phenomenon, which appears intermittently near the submerged peak Maud Rise in the Weddell Sea, has long eluded explanation since its first observation in 1974. Now, a comprehensive study utilizing advanced satellite imagery, autonomous instruments, and computational modeling has shed light on the intricate mechanisms driving the formation and persistence of these vast openings in the ice. Polynyas, holes in the sea ice, are a common sight near the Antarctic shoreline, serving as crucial access points for marine mammals such as seals and whales. However, the Maud Rise polynya, situated farther from the coast, has rema...
El Niño Fades, ENSO-Neutral Conditions Expected in May

El Niño Fades, ENSO-Neutral Conditions Expected in May

Breaking News, Climate Actions
The recent observations from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) and the Climate Prediction Center (CPC-NOAA) suggest a transition from El Niño to ENSO-neutral conditions in the tropical Pacific. Despite indications of El Niño persisting, the intensity has notably diminished since its peak in March 2024. Ocean surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific have shown a gradual cooling trend, with negative sub-surface anomalies extending westward. Key indicators like the Nino 3.4 index, which reflects sea surface temperature anomalies, are steadily declining and are projected to reach the threshold for ENSO-neutral conditions within the next few weeks. Additionally, the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) remains within the ENSO-neutral range, indicating a shift towards neutral co...