The Northern Climate Observer

The Northern
Climate Observer

In this edition: Intense rainfall in Russia's Far East has led to severe flooding and evacuations. In Norway, a family faces uncertainty following extreme rain events and repeated flooding in their home. In Alaska, an unprecedented double Jökulhlaup brings flooding to communities along the Kenai River. In Southeast, the red and blue king crab fishery remains closed due to low stock numbers; and in the Southwest, a local observer raises concerns about PFAS and food safety. In Sweden, the first case of African swine fever has been confirmed, leading to export bans and closure of a communities forest area. In Finland, bird flu infections have led to the culling of 109,000 foxes at affected fur farms. In Washington's Puget Sound, three harbor seals have tested positive for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, the first appearance in marine mammals on the West Coast. Finally from the Resilience Desk, a backhaul program in Alaska successfully removed batteries and e-waste from 45 rural communities.

	Intense Rainfall Brings Floods to Russia's Far East Primorye Region Vladivostok, Primorskiy, Russia The Moscow Times / The Moscow Times / August 31, 2023 Intense rainfall in Russia's Far East Primorye region caused floods, power outages, and evacuations, with water levels exceeding the norm by eightfold in some areas, following previous flooding caused by tropical storm Khanun. Read article on The Moscow Times
	The Hokksund family has water in their living room for the second time – probably won't be able to move home until next year Drammen, Buskerud, Norway Eirik Sørenmo Påsche / NRK / August 28, 2023 The Hokksund family in Drammen, Norway, has experienced flooding in their living room for the second time and may not be able to return home until next year due to ongoing flooding in the area. Read article on NRK
	Homeowners along the Kenai River fight rising flood waters Sterling, Alaska, United States Lauren Maxwell / September 14, 2023 The Kenai River has been running high ever since two glacier dammed lakes emptied into the river over the last few days. In the Kenai Keys subdivision near Sterling, the river is lapping at the doorsteps of the hundred or so homes that line the river. Longtime resident Frank Turpin said although he’s seen worse flooding, this one is significant. The road leading into the gated subdivision is flooded in numerous places although some vehicles can still make it through. Neighbors who live on higher ground have offered their yards for people wishing to store cars or other items until the waters recede. Read article
	Southeast commercial red and blue king crab fishery remains closed for upcoming season Juneau, Alaska, United States Alaska's News Source / September 5, 2023 The Southeast Alaska commercial red and blue king crab fishery will remain closed for the upcoming season due to low stock numbers, although some areas have shown signs of rebounding, according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Read article on Alaska's News Source
	Can I safely eat the strawberries I picked? Cold Bay, Alaska, United States Nadine Kochuten, Christy McDonald and Sarah Yoder / September 6, 2023 "I am concerned about high levels of PFAS contamination in the drinking water?" Read post on the LEO Network
	First case of African swine fever confirmed in Sweden Fagersta, Västmanland, Sweden Sveriges Radio / Sveriges Radio / September 7, 2023 African swine fever is harmless to humans but deadly to pigs and wild boars. An outbreak in Serbia, Bosnia and Croatia this summer has led farmers there to cull thousands of animals. Read article on Sveriges Radio
	All animals to be culled at fur farms with bird flu infections Ostrobothnia Province, Finland News / Last month the Finnish Food Authority ordered all minks to be put down at fur farms with diagnosed avian influenza infections. Now the order has been expanded to cover all animals at such farms. The agency’s latest order affects approximately 115,000 animals, including 109,000 foxes. Read article on News
	Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Found in Seals on Marrowstone Island in Puget Sound Marrowstone, Washington, United States NOAA / August 25, 2023 Three adult harbor seals in Puget Sound have tested positive for the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 strain, marking the first incidence of HPAI in marine mammals on the West Coast, and officials are urging beachgoers to avoid contact with wildlife. Read article on NOAA
	A new e-waste program is recycling tons of batteries from rural Alaska Alaska, United States Alaska Public Media / KTOO / September 7, 2023 A new e-waste program in rural Alaska collected and recycled over 145,000 pounds of lead-acid batteries from 45 communities, addressing the challenge of hazardous waste disposal in remote areas. Read article on KTOO

The Northern Climate Observer is published by the Center for Climate and Health. We track news coverage from across the circumpolar north and provide readers with a curated roundup of climate change related events. Thank you for reading our newsletter and for paying attention to our changing world.

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Northern Climate Observer

The Northern Climate Observer is published weekly by the Center for Climate and Health. We track news from across the circumpolar north and provide readers with a curated roundup of climate change related events.

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Northern Climate Observer

The Northern
Climate Observer