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New Straits Times
an hour ago
- Climate
- New Straits Times
Japan cleared of all tsunami advisories after quake off Russia coast
TOKYO: The Japan Meteorological Agency on Thursday lifted the last remaining tsunami advisories issued after a magnitude 8.8 earthquake struck off Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula the previous day, Kyodo News Agency reported. The agency had sent warnings for areas from Hokkaido in northern Japan to Wakayama Prefecture in the west, but they were downgraded to advisories on Wednesday night. Tsunami continued to reach the shores, with some locations seeing larger waves arrive on Thursday. Some of the advisories were lifted Thursday morning, leaving those mainly covering the Pacific coasts of the northern main island of Hokkaido and northeastern Japan. At least 10 locations recorded larger waves early on Thursday than on Wednesday, with Tokachi Port in Hokkaido and Oarai in Ibaraki Prefecture seeing tsunami as high as 70 centimetres. The highest tsunami seen after the quake was a 1.3-metre wave observed at Kuji Port in Iwate Prefecture on Wednesday afternoon. After the tsunami warnings were issued, a woman in her 50s in Mie Prefecture died while trying to evacuate, and 10 sustained injuries, according to the Japanese top government spokesman. Eleven evacuees were taken to hospital after they fell ill due to the high summer temperatures. Some railway operations continued to be disrupted, with JR Hokkaido suspending services from the first train on some sections, while some residents on Hokkaido spent the night at evacuation centres. Kayoko Nakajima, 76, was one of around a dozen people who sought refuge at a municipal office in Kushiro, Hokkaido. "The floor was hard and cold, and I couldn't sleep well due to the noise," she recalled.– Bernama

Herald Sun
2 days ago
- Climate
- Herald Sun
Pacific-wide tsunami alert after 8.8-magnitude earthquake in Russia
A Pacific-wide tsunami warning has been issued following a megaquake off the coast of Russia that triggered massive waves and flooded a port town in the far east. The first tsunami was observed in northern Japan, measuring around 30 centimetres, broadcaster NHK reported. The wave hit the main northern island of Hokkaido, with NHK warning that subsequent waves could be much higher. Russia's emergencies ministry said a tsunami hit and flooded the port town of Severo-Kurilsk, where the population of around 2000 people was evacuated, after a magnitude-8.8 earthquake off Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula at 7.34pm Eastern Time (9.34am AEST). Wednesday's quake is being hailed the world's biggest in 14 years, the largest since the catastrophic 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Tsunami warnings have been issued for much of the US West Coast. The US Tsunami Warning Centers said that waves exceeding three metres above the tide level were possible along some coasts of Ecuador, northwestern Hawaiian islands and Russia. Between one and three metre waves were possible along some coasts of Chile, Costa Rica, French Polynesia, Guam, Hawaii, Japan, and other islands and island groups in the Pacific, it said. Waves of up to one metre were possible elsewhere, including British Colombia in Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, Tonga and Taiwan. The Bureau of Metereology said there is no tsunami threat to Australia. FOLLOW UPDATES BELOW:


Observer
15-07-2025
- Observer
The Seasonal Spectacle of the Socotra Cormorant in Musandam
Photos by Ali al Harbi Each year, between July and September, the coastlines of Musandam are transformed into a breathtaking scene, one that occurs only once annually and captures the hearts of nature lovers and wildlife photographers alike. It is the season when the elusive Socotra Cormorant makes its way to the shores of Oman, turning the northern tip of the Sultanate into a living stage for a rare natural performance. For birdwatchers and photographers in search of extraordinary moments, this seasonal migration is nothing short of a gift, one that draws lenses and eyes from all corners of the country and beyond. This dark-feathered seabird, known scientifically as Phalacrocorax nigrogularis, is named after Socotra Island in Yemen but migrates across specific regions of the Arabian Gulf. Standing up to 80 centimetres tall, the Socotra Cormorant is distinguished by its shimmering black plumage and graceful movements. Oman's Musandam coast serves as one of the bird's key seasonal stopovers and one of the most remarkable, as the species is globally classified as 'Vulnerable' by the IUCN Red List. What makes this bird particularly captivating is its synchronized behaviour. It travels in flocks that can number in the tens of thousands, swimming in perfect harmony as if composing a moving artwork across the sea's surface. Underwater, the cormorant displays agile hunting techniques, diving up to 15 metres deep and remaining submerged for more than three minutes while pursuing sardines, anchovies, and other small fish — an extraordinary feat among seabirds of the region. Musandam's isolated and quiet beaches provide the ideal sanctuary for the cormorant's summer migration, which typically begins in July and lasts until late September or early October. During this brief window, the coastline becomes a hub of ecological activity. Studies have recorded as many as 45,000 birds congregating along the shores of Musandam during the summer months, making it one of the largest and most vital gathering sites for this species in the world. For photographers, researchers, and birding enthusiasts, this gathering presents a rare opportunity to observe and document the bird's natural behaviour without the need to travel to remote islands or restricted reserves. What astonishes many observers is not only the sheer size of the flocks but also the bird's endurance and flight capabilities. Despite having relatively narrow wings, the Socotra Cormorant is capable of travelling vast distances with remarkable efficiency. One of the most visually stunning moments happens at sunrise and sunset, when thousands of birds take flight or land in synchronised waves, casting dancing shadows across the ocean in a spectacle that seems almost choreographed by nature itself. Recognising the ecological and tourism value of this annual phenomenon, Oman has taken deliberate steps to protect the Socotra Cormorant and its natural habitats. National efforts include monitoring migratory populations, restricting disruptive human activities during the migration season, and designating areas of high ecological importance for special conservation oversight by entities such as the Environment Authority. Moreover, Oman's vision for sustainable eco-tourism increasingly embraces such natural spectacles, aiming to transform them into meaningful experiences that support local communities whilst preserving biodiversity. For photographers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone drawn to rare and fleeting wonders, the presence of the Socotra Cormorant on Musandam's shores is an open invitation. This majestic and mysterious bird calls on you to witness its journey, to capture moments that cannot be replicated, and to become part of a quiet celebration of nature's artistry. Its presence is more than just a seasonal migration; it's a symbol of the delicate balance between nature and humanity, a reminder that some treasures, once lost, may never return. In the end, the migration of the Socotra Cormorant is not merely a biological event. It is a silent festival of life, a visual symphony that touches the soul of every person who believes in the beauty of the natural world. With every new season, this bird reminds us that Oman is home to some of the planet's most extraordinary ecological treasures, gems worth protecting, cherishing, and sharing with the world.


7NEWS
31-05-2025
- 7NEWS
Mother of missing teen Pheobe Bishop speaks out as search continues around Bundaberg two weeks after she vanished
The devastated mother of missing teen Pheobe Bishop has spoken out and said she's happy to to be under fire as long as Australia keeps talking about her daughter. Kylie Johnson has been actively promoting the search campaign to find her daughter since the 17-year-old disappeared from the Bundaberg area, in Central Queensland, on 15 May. Every day, Johnson has been sharing posts on social media to raise awareness about the case, some of which have drawn nasty comments from trolls. As the search for her daughter entered its 15th day, Johnson penned a new post urging her supporters to not be angry at critics, explaining that they, too, contribute to the efforts to bring her daughter home. 'My posts aren't public to defend myself or react to negative comments. In fact negative comments also draw conversations and that's what WE as a FAMILY need to bring Phee home,' she wrote on Friday. 'Hell I will take any conversation if it has My BABY walking down our driveway or calling any of us as a family… 'So please don't be mad at the Trolls. They have a roll (sic) to play just like the amazing people who honestly just want our Pheobe home.' Police say Bishop was last seen about 8.30am on May 15 at Airport Dr in Bundaberg, Queensland, as reported to them by her housemates. The teenager was planning to fly to Perth to spend time with a boyfriend, but never entered the terminal or checked in for her flight. Bishop had been living with couple Tanika Bromley and James Wood in a home in nearby Gin Gin. Six days after she vanished, detectives revealed they are treating the case as 'suspicious' and set up two crimes scenes - one in Bromley's car and the other at the Gin Gin property. The grey Hyundai ix35 was later released after police examined the vehicle and seized items. Police have repeatedly said Wood and Bromley have been co-operative in the investigation and 7NEWS does not suggest either party is involved in Bishop's disappearance. A six-day search of the dense scrub and creek beds at Good Night National Park - involving police, firefighters, and SES crews - was suspended on Wednesday. Police said the greater Gin Gin area would remain a focus of their investigation and searches would recommence as needed and more information came to light. 'Investigations are ongoing and police are continuing to run out several lines of enquiry,' police said. Anyone with information, vision or sightings of the grey Hyundai ix35 between May 15 to 18 in the greater Gin Gin area is urged to contact police. Pheobe is described as about 180 centimetres tall, with a pale complexion, long dyed red hair, and hazel eyes.


The Irish Sun
19-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Irish Sun
Aldi launches £8 decor buy that adds ‘sparkle' to your garden this summer – it looks dazzling on sunny days
EVERY garden looks 10 times better under the summer sunshine, especially with this fun Aldi buy. Shoppers will soon be able to add a trendy touch to their outdoor space with this budget-friendly item. 2 A budget-friendly buy adds a glamorous touch to your garden this summer (stock image) Credit: GETTY You can transform your garden into a glamorous set-up with this quirky decor buy. It will add some personality to your space as well as brightening up the area. The Available in the classic silver or pink, this decor buy will set you back just £7.99. Read More On Garden Buys "Add some sparkle to your outside living space and get ready to host those summer parties," said the product description. It measures 15 centimetres in height and is described as manufacturers as "suitable for indoor use". The reflective surface of the mirror disco pot showers its surroundings with dazzling rays of sunlight. On sunny days, it instantly brightens up any room or area you place it. Most read in Fabulous It instantly draws the eye to your plants and gives your space a fun retro feel. And this unique item isn't the only Aldi item on offer for elevating your garden. I made a DIY fence for £68 with pallets from Facebook Marketplace - it gives more privacy & people say it's 'fantastic' A And the One Home Bargains buy is said to to your garden. Another item from the bargain retailer is You can also pick up a £3 from Home Bargains. Don't miss out... Visit The Sun's shopping home and garden hub for more news, deals and tips. For more discounts and recommendations from the Sun Shopping team, sign up to our newsletter and join the Or you can nab a that creates a "tranquil atmosphere" in your garden. A Home Bargains also has a that turns your patio into an "outdoor living room". Plus, a that will instantly level up your outdoor space. 2 The Disco Ball Planter will soon be available from Aldi for just £7.99 Credit: Aldi