15 May

India: Thunderstorms and Dust Storms

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India
Thunderstorms and Dust Storms
Severe dust storms across northern India have killed at least 80 people and injured 136 more since Sunday night. The storms have destroyed homes, left hundreds without electricity, uprooted trees, and killed livestock. Officials say they are expecting the death toll to rise. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sadness for the lost lives and encouraged residents of Uttar Pradesh, Agra, Alwar, Bharatpur, Dholpurand, and Kheragarh to take precautionary safety measures. The southern state of Andhra Pradesh was hit by more than 41,000 lightning strikes since Sunday, knocking down 300 electricity poles. Seventy flights were diverted from Delhi’s International airport. This map depicts the states being hit by the dust storms and thunderstorms. Click on the map to learn more.

Graphic Source: Yahoo News
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United States
Controversy in Seattle 
The Seattle City Council passed a bill that will tax big businesses in order to alleviate the city’s homelessness issue and a lack of affordable housing. The bill has been publicly opposed by 132 businesses including Amazon, the citie’s largest private sector employer. The bill will take effect in January 2019 and will affect the top 3% of businesses in Seattle. It will raise an estimated $44.7 million dollars a year, 60% of which will go towards building affordable housing, the other 40% will go towards emergency services for the homeless. The tax will be suspended after five years unless the city renews it. The Seattle area is home to the third largest concentration of homeless people in the United States, half of whom are living on the streets, unsheltered. This interactive map depicts homeless encampments in Seattle. Click on the map to learn more.

Graphic Source: KIRO 7
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United States
New Fissures Open
An 18th fissure has opened up on the Big Island of Hawaii after the eruption of the Kilauea volcano.  Since May 3rd, volcanic activity has continuously opened up fissures in the ground, spewing high levels of sulfur dioxide gas along with large amounts of ashfall. The 18th fissure that opened up reportedly sent “lava bombs” 500 feet into the air.  The residents of surrounding neighborhoods report severe conditions such as choking and inability to breathe. The USGS warns of a potential explosion from the Halemaumau crater at the top of the Kilauea volcano that could generate an ash fall within a 12-mile radius.This map depicts the locations of the fissures and areas covered by lava, from May 10th. Click on the map to enlarge more.

Graphic Source: NY Times

Yesterday’s Answer

Q: Which country lies on both the equator and the Tropic of Capricorn?

A: Brazil
Brazil is the only country that passes through both the equator and the Tropic of Capricorn. The Tropic of Capricorn lies at 23.5° South of the equator. 

Source 

Today’s Question

 

Q:  What lake in Ghana is situated within an ancient meteorite impact crater?

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