Langya Henipavirus: A New Emerging Threat?
The world is tired, stressed, and suffering from the last global pandemic, the Covid-19 virus. For much of 2020 and through 2022, the entire world was in a state of lockdowns, travel bans, business closures, supply hoarding, homelessness, and rattled economies. Disputes between mandatory mask wearing, testing, vaccination, and social distancing tested the resolve of civilizations. Finally, we are past that stage and into the recovery stage, while some countries are ‘living’ with Covid-19, other countries are still imposing strict quarantine procedures, like China, where the Covid-19 virus originated. But what if this whole ordeal, albeit a crushing ordeal, was a setup for what is to come next? What if I were to tell you that we, as Earthlings, face another possible pandemic? We are not talking about Monkeypox or a resurgence of Polio. No, these two germs already have vaccines and treatments in place. The looming threat is something…
Devastating 7.0 Magnitude Earthquake Rocks Philippines
A devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake rocked the Northern Philippines on Wednesday morning, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). Around 8:43 AM local time (8:43 PM EST), the sound and rumble of an enormous earthquake rattled local Filipinos and sent them running for safety. In a video provided, you can see the tall tower-like structure in the background, crumble and break apart pieces. You can also see bystanders fleeing for safety while the amateur filmmaker is casually recording the event unfold, rocking left to right. In a different scene, the chandelier inside a residence rocks wildly back and forth. Click to see the video here. The epicenter of today’s earthquake occurred about 13 kilometers southeast of the small town of Dolores in Abra province. Check out Trip Advisor on their reviews about Dolores. Reports come in indicating only two deaths with several injured. As a precaution, there is a tsunami…
Tropical Storm Collin
TS Collin – A Depressing Storm One of the first Atlantic storms this year, which at the least is not the most severe but a prelude of what is yet to come, Tropical Storm Collin manifest early June 2, 2022 morning off the coast of South Carolina, provided a few winds and rains, and is quickly weakening into a depression and finally will devolve into a cyclone as it leaves Jacksonville, North Carolina today. While this storm is not really interesting, a get in and get out storm, it is a prelude of what is to come. This summer months provide the perfect breeding grounds for stronger storms in the Atlantic, and I guarantee you, we will see more storms with more devastating destruction power. I predict, in the middle of August, we will be seeing Cat 2’s and 3 hurricanes with perhaps a Cat 4 in September. Unless news…
Tropical Storm Aere
Tropical Storm Aere Its only the end of June but we are just finding new ways to keep cool. Sure we can go to the waterpark, go to the beach, or just spray ourselves with the garden hose. But for those living in Japan and South Korea, they are just days away from being wet with monsoon rains. Tropical Storm Aere has just manifested from the Pacific Ocean and its making its way North, hurdling towards Japan and making touchdown in South Korea. As this is monsoon season for Asian nations, we can expect more severe storms and typhoons to batter these nations. But these are just the beginning storms. Those living in Asia need to take heed for what is to come in July and August. Well, for the western hemisphere, our time is coming. July will be the start and August will be the breaking point for all-new…
Tropical Storm Chaba
Tropical Storm Chaba, another tropical storm in the Pacific Ocean, has manifested in the South China Sea and is projected to head north toward Southern China with some storms and rainfall in Macau, Guangzhou, and possibly light showers in Hong Kong. The Philippines Island may be experiencing some showers and winds, but no cause for alarm. As always, be cautious of the storms change in direction, as this can occur within hours. We will continue to monitor the situation as it unfolds. Update 6.30.2022 Tropical Storm Chaba has been increasing strength and its expected to develop into a Severe TS and then to a Typhoon as it makes landfall on the southern tip of China. Expect some flooding along the coastline and heavy rains in Macau. So much for the planned vacation at Wynn Macau. Currently no cause for alarm, just keep monitoring the news. Update 7.3.2022 The latest updates…
The Big Storm Is Coming
As many of us know, hurricane season is upon us, and that means the Atlantic states will be enduring severe storms, flash floods, strong winds, rain and hail, and quite possible tornado offshoots. And with all of these hazards come the risk of extreme damage to your property and to your very life. Last year, Hurricane Ida was a heavy-hitting Category 4 hurricane that decimated Louisiana, damaged New Jersey, New York, and other Atlantic coastal states. To see an example of some of the carnage left behind in New Orleans, watch this YouTube video from the Washington Post by clicking here. As a new season begins, meteorologists, emergency managers, utility companies, and residents who live in high-risk areas should always maintain vigilance and keep track of all the hurricane and tropical storms that manifest. But why should we keep tabs on those storms that are not in our area? Simple…
Monkeypox Outbreak: A New Pandemic
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has received many confirmed reports in several countries, including the U.S., of an outbreak of a novel strain of the Monkeypox. The UK, Spain, Portugal, and the U.S. have confirmed a small number of growing Monkeypox cases that have caused global concern. This strain of Monkeypox, which is commonly found in Africa, was brought to Massachusetts by someone who had just travelled from the UK. And while the strain is considered rare and centralized in Africa, epidemiologists still have concerns as it is a novel strain, similar to the recent SARS-CoVID-2 strain, or COVID-19, with its many sub-variants like the Delta and Omicron, are not taking any chances and monitoring the current situation closely. What is Monkeypox? Monkeypox is a rare disease that comes from the same family of viruses as Smallpox, the pandemic outbreak that devastated more than half of the…
Twister 2022: This Ain’t No Movie
Unlike the 1996 Hollywood movie that created an internet meme of a cow flying in the air, twisters, or tornadoes, are no laughing matter. Tornadoes happen in all 50 states and they take many forms. In the West, they may be known as Dust Devils, Dust Cyclones, or Sand Devils. They can be small in nature or they could be immense. The winds of Dust Devils aren’t as strong as compared to other regions, but the fact that they blanket the skyline with dust, reduce visibility by up to 100%, and can cause inhalation problems or get in your engine, still drives a need for high concern. When mixed with water, a tornado becomes a water cyclone or water spout. But among all 50 states where tornadoes could manifest, there is one region where tornadoes are frequent. That region is known as Tornado Alley. Regardless of where you live, you…