On June 3, 2024, at approximately 12:30 AM, Hawaii's Kilauea volcano began erupting. This eruption occurred within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, located south of the Kilauea caldera and north of the Koa'e fault system and Hilina Pali Road. It marked the first eruption in this area since 1974.
The eruption resulted in lava flows and a visible red glow in the sky, which could be seen from the Crater Rim Trail and Volcano House. Initially, the alert level was raised due to the eruption, but it was later lowered as the lava output was relatively low and the eruption occurred in a remote area.
Due to the eruption, several areas within the park, including Hilina Pali Road, Kulanaokuaiki Campground, Pepeiao Cabin, and Ka'aha Trail, were temporarily closed. The National Park Service and the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory are continuously monitoring the situation.
The primary hazard from the volcanic activity is the emission of sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas. This gas can create "vog" (volcanic smog), which poses health risks to residents and visitors. People in the affected areas are advised to follow safety guidelines to mitigate these risks.
In June 2024, a severe heatwave in India has been recorded as a significant natural disaster. The heatwave has caused substantial damage across various states in India.
The extreme heat has resulted in at least 211 deaths and approximately 25,000 cases of heat-related illnesses. The most affected regions include the northern and central states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan, where temperatures exceeded 45 degrees Celsius in some areas.
In response, the Indian government and local authorities have implemented campaigns to prevent heatstroke and set up emergency treatment centers. They are also providing water and shelter in public places to help people cope with the heat. Health warnings have been issued, advising residents to stay indoors.
The heatwave has also severely impacted agriculture, causing difficulties in crop growth, which threatens food security. Additionally, livestock health has deteriorated due to the extreme heat.
This heatwave in India highlights the increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters due to climate change, underscoring the urgent need for long-term mitigation strategies.
