Days of Disaster Update

Seven earthquakes shake northern Israel within two days

Israel's Geophysical Institute stated that the tremors, which were felt by many northern residents, had a magnitude of 3.8 and 3.9 on the Richter Scale. Their epicenter was in southern Lebanon. Friday's tremors came a day after five quakes jolted Lebanon in the space of three hours. Two of the quakes had a magnitude of over 4, and were felt in parts of northern Israel, especially in Kiryat Shmona.

Scientists warn of New Zealand volcano eruption
Vulcanologists are warning tourists and other visitors that a shallow quake close to White Island today means they should stay away from the island this weekend.

More Volcanic Activity in Indonesia, Italy and Chile
An increase in activity was reported at Mt Etna volcano on Monday evening. Eruptions continue at Chaitén volcano in Chile. Soputan volcano in Indonesia erupted at 10 am (local time) on 6th June.

Flooding Hits Historic 500-Year Levels in Iowa
The National Weather Service called flooding in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, a "historic hydrologic event" Thursday as the swollen river poured over its banks at 500-year flood levels, forcing the evacuation of nearly 4,000 homes.

Kan. residents assess damage after deadly twisters
The twister tore a path of destruction six blocks wide through the town of 1,400 people about 140 miles west of Kansas City on Wednesday night. It left one woman dead, reduced houses and businesses to rubble, and snapped utility poles and trees.

US Midwest flooding forces evacuations, shutdowns
DES MOINES, Iowa, June 12 (Reuters) - Flooding rivers across Iowa forced residents to evacuate, closed businesses, wrecked stores and shut down highways and barge traffic, authorities said on Thursday.Iowa Gov. Chet Culver said storm and water damage to infrastructure will be in the hundreds of millions of dollars, as dozens of bridges have been damaged or destroyed. Nine rivers were at or near record levels, he said. More rain has been forecast for the coming days.