Philippines Volcano Exhibits “High Unrest”; Dengue Fever on the Rise in Japan
Philippines Raises Alert Level for Mayon Volcano as Activity Increases
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The Philippines is closely monitoring the increasing activity at Mayon Volcano as numerous reports of lava and boulders spewing from the volcano’s crater prompted officials to begin the evacuation of 50,000 people residing in the “danger-zone” at Mayon’s base (TWC). On September 15 (2200 local time), the alert level of Mayon Volcano was upgraded to Alert Level 3 (max of 5), meaning that the volcano is “exhibiting relatively high unrest” with frequent volcanic quakes and tremors indicating a hazardous eruption could be imminent within weeks, if the trend continues (PHILVOCS/AHA).
Dengue Fever Outbreak First for Japan in Nearly 70 Years
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In late August, the first case of locally transmitted dengue fever since 1945 was reported in Japan (US Embassy/Japan News). As of September 16, the number of people infected with dengue fever was reported to be 124 in 17 prefectures (Japan News). Local transmission means that “mosquitoes in the area have been infected with dengue virus and are spreading it to people” (CDC).The source of the outbreak is believed to be mosquitoes in the area of Tokyo’s Yoyogi Park, which was closed on September 4 to allow the government to carry out a mosquito elimination program.
Current Hazard Warnings
Drought: United States (Southwest, Pacific)
Biomedical: West Africa
Wildfire: Bolivia, Canada (British Columbia), United States (Oregon, California)
Earthquake: Guam
Flood: Sudan, Thailand, Uruguay, United States (Middle Mississippi Valley), El Salvador, Serbia (Eastern)
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