Severe wildfires in southern China claim 4 lives, spawn huge pyroCb clouds

Severe wildfires in southern China claim 4 lives, spawn huge pyroCb clouds

Devastating wildfires have swept through Sichuan and Yunnan Provinces in southern China since March 15, 2024, claiming four lives in Yunnan and leading to significant evacuations and damage. Reports from March 18 indicate that nearly 4 900 individuals have been evacuated in Sichuan’s Yajiang County alone, with the fires ravaging over 10 000 ha (24 710 acres) of land.

Rio De Janeiro hits record 62.3 °C (144.14 °F) thermal sensation, Brazil

Rio De Janeiro hits record 62.3 °C (144.14 °F) thermal sensation, Brazil

Guaratiba, a neighborhood on Rio De Janeiro’s west side, recorded a thermal sensation of 62.3 °C (144.14 °F) at 09:55 LT on Sunday, March 17, 2024, marking the highest value since the Rio Alert System’s inception in 2014. The intense heat, exacerbated by high humidity, has led to increased beach and pool attendance amidst reports of water shortages.

Shallow M6.0 earthquake hits northern Mid-Atlantic Ridge

Shallow M6.0 earthquake hits northern Mid-Atlantic Ridge

A shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.0 hit the northern Mid-Atlantic Ridge at 21:10 UTC on March 14, 2024. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth.

Los Angeles hillside collapse threatens homes, forces evacuations, California

Los Angeles hillside collapse threatens homes, forces evacuations, California

An early-morning landslide on March 13, 2023, caused significant damage to a house under construction and posed a threat to several other homes in the 3700 block of North Ventura Canyon Avenue, Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Fire Department reported no injuries, and several residents were evacuated as a precaution. The landslide led to the red-tagging of at least one building and prompted the deployment of LAFD Drone Operators to assess the situation further.

Historic drought drains crucial Sau Reservoir to a trickle, Spain

Historic drought drains crucial Sau Reservoir to a trickle, Spain

Spain’s Catalonia region is experiencing its worst drought on record, with the Sau Reservoir, a crucial water source, severely depleted as seen in March 2024 satellite images. The past three years have marked the driest period since 1914, prompting the Catalan government to declare a drought emergency on February 1, 2024, and impose water consumption restrictions on its residents and businesses.

M6.0 earthquake hits New Britain, Papua New Guinea

M6.0 earthquake hits New Britain, Papua New Guinea

A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.0 hit New Britain, Papua New Guinea at 15:13 UTC on March 13, 2024. The agency is reporting a depth of 50 km (31 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.0 at a depth of 56 km (35 miles).

Tinakula volcano in Solomon Islands erupts, sending lava toward the ocean

Tinakula volcano in Solomon Islands erupts, sending lava toward the ocean

Sentinel-2 satellite image acquired on March 11, 2024, shows Tinakula Volcano in the Solomon Islands undergoing a new effusive eruption, with lava flowing about 1 km down its western slope into the ocean. This eruption continues the activity that began in December 2018.

Thousands of high temperature records broken across Africa

Thousands of high temperature records broken across Africa

A wave of exceptionally hot weather has led to the shattering of thousands of temperature records across Africa. Nations from Cameroon to Mauritius have experienced unprecedented heat, marking historic highs for the month of March.