Oil spill from Tobago spreads over 160 km towards Grenada’s marine area

Oil spill from Tobago spreads over 160 km towards Grenada’s marine area

Satellite images from the Copernicus Sentinel-1 mission have revealed the scale of an oil spill off Trinidad and Tobago’s coast, following The Gulfstream shipwreck. The spill has extended over 160 km (100 miles) westwards, threatening neighboring marine areas.

Catalonia’s worst drought in a century prompts declaration of drought emergency, new water restrictions, Spain

Catalonia’s worst drought in a century prompts declaration of drought emergency, new water restrictions, Spain

Barcelona and the wider region of Catalonia have declared a drought emergency following three consecutive years of insufficient rainfall, leading to reservoir levels falling critically low. Pere Aragones, the head of the regional government, announced immediate water-saving restrictions affecting six million people. With reservoirs at less than 16% capacity, the emergency is described as the worst drought Catalonia has experienced in a century, necessitating drastic reductions in water usage for residents, municipalities, farmers, and businesses alike.

Slow lava eruption continues at Great Sitkin volcano, Alaska

Slow lava eruption continues at Great Sitkin volcano, Alaska

The Alaska Volcano Observatory reported a continuous slow eruption of lava in the summit crater of Great Sitkin Volcano as of 19:30 UTC on January 30, 2024. The Aviation Color Code remains at Orange and Alert Level at Watch.

Intense paroxysms at Anak Krakatau volcano, Indonesia

Intense paroxysms at Anak Krakatau volcano, Indonesia

The Anak Krakatau volcano, located in Indonesia’s Sunda Strait, has resumed its explosive activity, exhibiting a series of short-lived lava-fountaining episodes known as paroxysms last night. The eruptions lasted up to 150 seconds while ash was reaching 2 100 m (7 000 feet) above sea level.

Rapid growth of newly-formed island near Iwo Jima, Japan

Rapid growth of newly-formed island near Iwo Jima, Japan

On November 1, 2023, a new island was born approximately 1 km (0.62 miles) off the southern coast of Iwoto Island, Japan, following intense volcanic activity. This latest addition to the Ogasawara island chain, now nearly merging with Iwoto, was first identified by military personnel stationed there.

Extensive flooding hits Democratic Republic of Congo, nearly 1 500 homes destroyed or damaged

Extensive flooding hits Democratic Republic of Congo, nearly 1 500 homes destroyed or damaged

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is grappling with a humanitarian crisis following extensive flooding caused by ongoing torrential rains since November 13, 2023. The most severe impacts have been recorded in the eastern and north-eastern regions, including Baraka City and Dungu Town, where thousands have been displaced, and homes have been destroyed.

Guaíba River overflows in Porto Alegre’s center in third-highest flood since 1941, Brazil

Guaiba River overflows in Porto Alegre’s center in third-highest flood since 1941, Brazil

The Guaiba River in Porto Alegre, Brazil, reached a historic water level of 3.01 meters on the morning of November 20, 2023. This marked the third-highest flood level since 1941, following heavy rainfall across its contributing basins. The rising waters led to the river overflowing its banks at the Central Wharf, a rare occurrence in the city’s recent history.