until he can rise above the narrow confines
of his individualistic concerns
to the broader concerns of all humanity.**
Martin Luther King, Jr.
LARGEST QUAKES -
This morning -
5.3 SOUTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE
5.2 SOUTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE
Yesterday -
1/16/11 -
5.3 TONGA
5.3 LOYALTY ISLANDS
5.3 BANDA SEA
5.1 BONIN ISLANDS, JAPAN REGION
5.0 SOUTHEAST OF RYUKYU ISLANDS
VOLCANOES -
PHILIPPINES - Three active volcanoes in Luzon showed signs of increased activity Sunday, exhibiting rock fall, moderate steam, and minor quakes in their respective vicinities. Signs of unrest were detected in Mayon, Taal, and Bulusan volcanoes during a 24-hour observation. Phivolcs reported having observed one rock fall at Mayon Volcano in Albay and its steam was white and moderate. Meanwhile, crater glow was not observed due to thick clouds covering Mayon’s summit. “Results of ground deformation surveys conducted last November and December 2010 showed that the volcanic edifice remains inflated based on 2008 baseline data." Alert Level 1 has been raised due to Mayon’s current activity. While no eruption is imminent, Phivolcs strongly prohibited the public from wandering within the six-kilometer radius permanent danger zone due to the continuing threat from sudden small explosions and rock falls from the upper and middle slopes of the volcano. “Active river channels and those perennially identified as lahar-prone areas in the southern sector should also be avoided especially during bad weather conditions or when there is heavy and prolonged rainfall."
Meanwhile, 10 minor volcanic earthquakes were detected around Taal Volcano in Batangas last aturday. Two of 10 tremors, which occurred at 1:47 p.m. and 1:48 p.m., were felt at Intensity 1 by residents in Barangay Pira-piraso located at the northern side of the volcano. Steaming activity at the thermal area inside the main crater remained weak, while the water temperature and acidity (pH) were within the normal range. "Results of the precise leveling ground deformation survey conducted around the Volcano Island last December 2010 showed slight inflation as compared with September 2010 survey." Taal Volcano’s status remains at Alert Level 1, which means that a major eruption is not imminent. However, Phivolcs reminded the public to refrain from entering the main crater due to sudden occurrence of steam explosions and accumulation of toxic gases. It added that the northern portion of the main crater rim, in the vicinity of Daang Kastila trail, may also be dangerous when increased steam emission is reactivated along existing fissures.
With regard to Mount Bulusan in Sorsogon, Phivolcs recorded one volcanic earthquake during the past 24 hours.
“Visual observation of the crater and known thermal vents was not possible due to thick clouds covering the summit." State volcanologists noted that ground deformation surveys conducted last November and December 2010 showed that the volcanic edifice was slightly deflated relative to August 2010 survey. Bulusan Volcano’s status remains at Alert Level 1, meaning the source of activity is hydrothermal and shallow. However, no entry to the fourkilometer radius is strongly advised, since the area is at risk to sudden steam and ash explosions. Residents near valleys and river/stream channels were also advised to be vigilant against sediment-laden stream flows and lahars in the event of heavy and prolonged rainfall.
TROPICAL STORMS -
Cyclone ZELIA was 894 nmi NE of Sydney, Australia.
Indonesia's Wild Weather Predicted to Stay Even as Cyclone Peters Out - Although Tropical Cyclone Vince has lost much of its strength, strong swells are still expected off Java’s southern coast and across the eastern islands, state weather forecasters have said. Despite the storm weakening to below cyclone intensity, some places in East Java, Bali, West Nusa Tenggara and East Nusa Tenggara could experience strong windstorms for months to come. “The EXTREME WEATHER IS EXPECTED TO LAST UNTIL APRIL, although the daily situation will fluctuate,” the National Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency said on Sunday.
The extreme weather has already caused significant damage in parts of East Nusa Tenggara, with heavy rains and strong winds lashing the province for the past two weeks. Heavy rains and high waves were also expected across Maluku and Papua’s southern districts as a result of a wind convergence over the Banda Sea. Tidal surges on the East Nusa Tenggara island of Flores reached as far as 100 meters inland on Wednesday, sweeping away at least 18 houses in Nangahale village, Sikka district. No injuries were reported and affected villagers have been evacuated to emergency camps. Officials from Belu district and Kupang in West Timor reported dozens of houses damaged on Sunday, with the number expected to rise. A relief team has been sent to bring emergency aid such as sleeping mats, blankets, milk and food to people affected by the storms. The extent of the damage was still being assessed because the terrain and stormy conditions made it difficult for teams to travel to some affected areas. Meanwhile, heavy rains and strong winds resulted in limited visibility on roads in Sukoharjo and Wonogiri in Central Java. Gale-force winds also uprooted trees and damaged rooftops.
HEAVY SNOW / EXTREME COLD -
NORTH VIETNAM - After enduring a freezing cold with temperatures in mountainous areas dropping to minus four degrees Celsius, northern Vietnam is to undergo another fresh cold snap starting Saturday. The new cold bout will drive down temperatures in mountainous provinces to under 10 degrees Celsius and even lower in higher mountainous areas. Temperature in delta region provinces will dip to 11-12 degrees Celcius. The Center also predicts an even stronger cold front on January 21 lasting until January 25. The RECORD LOW TEMPERATURE this year has frozen 7,000 buffaloes and cows to death in more than 12 northern mountainous provinces. The Agriculture and Rural Development Minister urged northern provinces to take measures to protect livestock from prolonged icy weather on Friday.
