REALTIME DISASTER BLOG: 10/16/11

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Airline manager: 2nd plane crashes in 5 days in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, no deaths

A second light aircraft crashed on takeoff Wednesday in Botswana’s Okavango Delta but all six people onboard survived unscathed, the air charter company said.

Another failed takeoff in the same area five days ago killed eight foreigners.

Delta Air manager Kagiso Senwedi told The Associated Press that the passengers — a Namibian and four French tourists with a South African pilot — are being transported by boat from Delta Camp in Botswana’s remote north to Maun town.

“They are all a bit shaken, which is understandable, and did not want to fly back,” he said, adding some suffered only minor injuries.

He said the company’s Cessna 206 single-engine turbo-charged aircraft crashed in a failed takeoff from Delta Camp’s dirt airstrip Wednesday morning.

He had no further details: “We’re communicating by radio and should know more later in the day.”

A Cessna 208B operated by Moremi Air crashed shortly after takeoff Friday from Xakanaxa bush airfield and burst into a conflagration that apparently killed the British pilot and seven tourists from France, Switzerland and the UK. Rescuers who arrived quickly at the scene had to ferry buckets of water from a nearby swamp to try to douse the blaze.

Four people survived last week’s crash, including a badly burned Frenchwoman who was medically evacuated for treatment to Johannesburg in neighboring South Africa.

The Ministry of Transport is investigating both crashes. source

7.3 quake shakes Kermadec Islands, Tsunami Issued for New Zealand - 21st Oct 2011

A large earthquake has struck near Raoul Island this morning, with a tsunami warning provisionally issued for New Zealand.New Zealand's National Crisis Management Centre has been activated after the 7.3-magnitude quake struck at 6.57 am today, at a depth of 16km.
It was located 230 kilometeres east of Raoul Island and 310 kilometeres east of Macauley Island, according to GeoNet.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC) has issued a Tsunami Information Bulletin in response to the earthquake.
A tsunami is possible, but scientists are now assessing the severity of the threat to New Zealand.
Civil Defence are advising people in coastal areas to stay off beaches, stay out of the water, not to go sightseeing, to listen to the radio and to follow instructions from local Civil Defence authorities.
Raoul Island is the largest and northernmost of the main Kermadec Islands, about 1100 kilometres north-east of New Zealand's North Island. Source

5.1 Magnitude Earthquake SOUTHWEST OF SUMATRA, INDONESIA - 22nd Oct 2011

A magnitude 5.1 earthquake has struck Southwest of Sumatra, Indonesia at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles), the quake hit at 00:18:01 UTC Saturday 22nd October 2011.
The epicenter was 294 km ( 182 miles) SSW of T,-Telukbetung, Sumatra, Indonesia
No Tsunami Warning Issued - No reports of Damage or Injuries reported at this time

San Francisco Bay Area earthquakes 22nd Oct 2011

San Francisco Bay Area has been hit by two earthquakes in the past 40 minutes, originating from the same area of the 4.0 and 3.8 from yesterday

The first one struck at 07:06:37 UTC 22nd October 2011 and measured at 2.8 Magnitude with a depth of 8 km (4.9 miles) - 3 km ( 1.8 miles) ESE from Berkeley, California

The first one struck at 07:45:43 UTC 22nd October 2011 and measured at 2.5 Magnitude with a depth of 8 km (4.9 miles) - 4 km ( 2.4 miles) ESE from Berkeley, California

Friday, October 21, 2011

6.2 Magnitude Earthquake HOKKAIDO, JAPAN - 21st Oct 2011

A magnitude 6.2 earthquake has struck Hokkaido, Japan at a depth of 188.2 km (116.9 miles), the quake hit at 08:02:38 UTC Thursday 20th October 2011.
The epicenter was 17 km ( 10 miles) Northeast of Asahikawa, Hokkaido, Japan
No reports of Damage or Injuries reported at this time

5.1 Magnitude Earthquake BANDA SEA, INDONESIA - 21st Oct 2011

A magnitude 5.1 earthquake has struck the Banda Sea, Indonesia at a depth of 112.3 km (69.8 miles), the quake hit at 02:55:58 UTC Friday 21st October 2011.
The epicenter was 195 km ( 121 miles) Northwest of Saumlaki, Kepulauan Tanimbar, Indonesia
No Tsunami Warning Issued - No reports of Damage or Injuries reported at this time

5.1 Magnitude Earthquake JUJUY, ARGENTINA - 20th Oct 2011

A magnitude 5.1 earthquake has struck Jujuy, Argentina at a depth of 224.9 km (139.8 miles), the quake hit at 23:26:44 UTC Thursday 20th October 2011.
The epicenter was 64 km ( 39 miles) WSW of Abra Pampa, Jujuy, Argentina
No reports of Damage or Injuries reported at this time

5.0 Magnitude Earthquake GUJARAT, INDIA - 20th Oct 2011

A magnitude 5.0 earthquake has struck Gujarat, India at a depth of 15.5 km (9.6 miles), the quake hit at 17:18:35 UTC Thursday 20th October 2011.
The epicenter was 129 km ( 80 miles) SSW from Rajkot, Gujarat, India
No reports of Damage or Injuries reported at this time

Our New World no longer needs a war crimes international criminal court as the Slaughter continues

Note: So here we have it. They finally managed to execute Gaddafi, with headlines and images around the world, like the image you see here, making fun of a leader that was once said to have given his people wealth unseen in the rest of Africa.

So is it OK to execute a tyrant? Parade the image around the world? And disrespect the dead in this way? If so, where are the images of the TERRORIST leader Saddam?

Over the past few months many have been executed without even having been given a chance of appearing in a war criminal court. Why are we paying for this, when the leaders of war have become judge, jury and executioner all rolled into one, and why are they doing nothing about YEMEN, SYRIA, IVORY COAST... and the list can go on... ?

They and only they decide who they wish to help and for whatever reason the rest of the innocent people go on being slaughtered without the luxury of international help and special shoot-to-kill policies that certain ~~oil rich~~nations seem to benefit from.

Finally, recently you would have noticed in the news that a group of American troops was sent into Uganda on a mission to ~~assassinate~~ capture another dictator. Guess what? Uganda is also rich with benefits: oil.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

On This Day In World Weather History – 20 October

World Volcanic Activity Report – Katla, El Hierro, Tambora, Shiveluch

Rare Moderate Earthquake Strikes Southern Texas

5.0 Magnitude Earthquake SOUTHERN TEXAS - 20th Oct 2011

A magnitude 5.0 earthquake has struck Southern Texas at a depth of just 5 km (3.1 miles), the quake hit at 12:24:40 UTC Thursday 20th October 2011.
The epicenter was 22 km ( 14 miles) Northwest of Pawnee, Texas
No reports of Damage or Injuries reported at this time

Experts Concerned with Abnormal Seismic Activity - Azores

Portuguese American Journal
Thu, 13 Oct 2011 20:27 CDT

Experts in the Azores have alerted the population of São Miguel Island for seismic activity which they considered to be above normal. The seismic events where located in the system of Fogo and Congro lakes, the central region of the island.

"The situation is ongoing and the number of microseisms is slightly above reference values" said Wednesday João Luís Gaspar from the Center of Volcanology and Geological Risk Assessment (CVARG) of the University of the Azores.

He also said that the seismic activity was the result of "very low magnitude earthquakes" adding that "none of which have been felt by the population."

Declining to comment on what the evolution of the crisis could be João Luís Gaspar recalled that "seismological activity is difficult to predict," but that the possibility could not be eliminated of an earthquake occurrence which may be felt by the population. He said, "It does not mean it will happen; only that one cannot eliminate that possibility."

According to the CVARG website, the Fogo-Congro system is one of the most critical seismologic areas of the archipelago where accumulated tensions exist resulting from the lithospheric interplay of the Eurasian, African and American plates.

The Azores are sitting on the so called "Azores triple junction" area where the North American, Eurasian and African plates meet. This area is responsible for frequent geological and volcanic activity on the islands. Periodic volcanic eruptions and earthquake events, with occasional tidal waves, can have devastating effects on the Azorean islands.

Spanish Island Residents Allowed Return as Volcano Remains Stable

2011-10-19 22:35:23 Xinhua Web Editor: Guo

Residents of the village of La Restinga on the island of el Hierro have been allowed to make a brief return to their homes Wednesday, according to the regional authority of the Canary Islands.

The inhabitants were evacuated last Thursday at the start of a volcanic eruption off the shore of the most westerly of the Spanish controlled Canary Islands.

While they are not allowed to stay in their homes, the residents have been allowed to go back in order to collect any necessary items and carry out necessary tasks around their residences.

The eruption off the coast of el Hierro has caused a huge stain of sulphur to color the sea a bright green and pieces of pumice stone have also been seen floating in the water after being expelled from an underwater crater off the shore of the island.

Residents had hoped to return home on Wednesday, but were not allowed to do so because of the strong smell of sulphur in the air, which although not a threat to health, was likely to cause discomfort.

Maria Jose Blanco, Director of the National Geographic Institute in the Canary Islands, informed on Thursday that recent seismic activity had been stable and that any tremors that had been detected were at a depth of 10 km.

However, Blanco refused to make any long term predictions over the possible progression of the eruption, saying it was impossible to rule out any possible scenario.

Blanco added that the sulphur in the region of the port of La Restinga was strong enough to make people's eyes water on Wednesday, but that the smell had disappeared Thursday and there were even fish swimming in the water.

On Sunday Spanish government scientist Ramon Otriz, who is the co-ordinator of the scientific team, gave the first conclusions of the study, saying there would be four stages, which could eventually see "the creation of a small island from which a flow of lava could spread."

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

5.5 Magnitude Earthquake SOUTHERN IRAN - 19th Oct 2011

A magnitude 5.5 earthquake has struck Southern Iran at a depth of 40.3 km (25 miles), the quake hit at 02:52:44 UTC Wednesday 19th October 2011.
The epicenter was 51 km ( 31 miles) North of Lar, Iran
No reports of Damage or Injuries reported at this time

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Kenya Hit Hard By Flash Floods

LARGEST QUAKES -
This morning -
6.0 NEW BRITAIN REGION, P.N.G.
5.1 JUJUY, ARGENTINA

Yesterday -
10/17/11 -
5.1 OFF EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN
5.3 NEW BRITAIN REGION, P.N.G.
5.1 SOUTHEAST OF TAIWAN

On This Day In World Weather History – 18 October

El Hierro Tunnels Open Alert for La Restinga Remains on RED - 18th Oct 2011

The Authorities have decided to postpone the return of residents to their properties in La Restinga, El Hierro. The sulfur Stain spreading across the sea has now reached the docks and the smell of sulfur is very noticeable.

Analysis of enviromental quality has taken place to check the toxicity levels and the Director General of Emergency Canarias, Juan Manuel Santana reviewed the current situation and announced there is no Danger to those who decided to return to their homes.

Santana also announced that the tunnels Roquillios will Reopen soon but under restricted conditions (from 08:00 - 20:00) and will be Prohibited restrictions to certain vehicles. The seismic activity levels have decreased during the past week which has lowered the chances of possible landslides.

Alerts for La Restinga remain on RED and residents must stay vigilant at all times and be ready for a quick evacuation, the rest of the Island remains on YELLOW alert level.

6.3 Magnitude Earthquake NEW BRITAIN REGION, PAPUA NEW GUINEA - 18th Oct 2011

A magnitude 6.3 earthquake has struck the New Britain Region, Papua New Guinea at a depth of 9.9 km (6.2 miles), the quake hit at 05:05:04 UTC Tuesday 18th October 2011.
The epicenter was 100 km ( 62 miles) ESE of Kimbe, New Britain, Papua New Guinea
No Tsunami Warning Issued - No reports of Damage or Injuries reported at this time

Monday, October 17, 2011

5.3 Magnitude Earthquake NEW BRITAIN REGION, PAPUA NEW GUINEA - 17th Oct 2011

A magnitude 5.3 earthquake has struck the New Britain Region, Papua New Guinea at a depth of 47.2 km (29.3 miles), the quake hit at 19:51:55 UTC Monday 17th October 2011.
The epicenter was 107 km ( 66 miles) ESE of Kimbe, New Britain, Papua New Guinea
No Tsunami Warning Issued - No reports of Damage or Injuries reported at this time

Alert as Northern Ireland faces flash flooding - 17th Oct 2011

Parts of Northern Ireland could be affected by flash flooding today as up to 30mm of rain falls in just a few hours.Plummeting temperatures and chilly winds are expected, along with gusts of up to 50mph in some places.
The Met Office last night issued a yellow warning and weather experts predicted that heavy rain will batter most of the province from 8am.
MeteoGroup forecaster Tom Tobler said the combination of wind and rain would make for some miserable conditions throughout the day.
"There is a yellow warning in place for rain between 8am and 8pm, so it could be most unpleasant," said Mr Tobler. Read More

Scientists believe the volcano of El Hierro has more magma than the Teneguía, La Palma of 1971. - 17th Oct 2011
The eruption on La Palma in 1971 drove forty million cubic meters of magmatic material to the surface and lasted 24 days. The El Hierro Volcano could take up to a month and a half and release fifty million cubic meters of Magma.

Scientists who have been working around El Hierro believe the volcano that rumbles beneath the soil of the smallest island of the Canary Islands can hide a magma chamber bigger than Teneguía which erupted in La Palma, in 1971 . This conclusion was reached after complex mathematical calculations that lead them to have a real close approximation of what lies along the 12 km route where they believe the magma has accumulated over the past three months, Since the first detected earthquake swarm started in July. The Swarm had scientists from around the world watching the area closely.

On October 26, 1971 the Teneguía made an appearance in La Palma. The eruption lasted over 24 days, until 18 November and, according to studies, it is believed that drove about forty million cubic meters of magma. At that time, due to lack of technical means, nothing could be anticipated, but after the end of the eruption itself Scientists studied in detail the volcano and reached different conclusions. One was the amount of magma expelled.

Now, just 40 years later, scientists are based on the deformation suffered by the island in the last three months (about 5 centimeters) and in the path of the lava under the earth during that time (about 12 miles) that runs under El Hierro, are expecting the output will be near 50 million cubic meters of lava.

With this data on the table, the rash that breaks through at this time under the waters of the Sea Calm in La Restinga, could take between a month and a half, according to estimates calculated by the scientific community which moved to Meridian Island. Source

REALTIME DISASTER BLOG