Science File / An exploration of issues and trends affecting science, medicine and the environment

Southern Africa Drought

At least 18 people have died of hunger over two months in the Tete province of northwestern Mozambique because of crop failures caused by drought. Many residents fled into Zimbabwe and other neighboring countries. The lingering drought across southern Africa has prompted some climatologists to warn the region’s residents that their climate is changing. Mike Hulme,a researcher at the University of East Anglia in England, advised that “climate is something that can no longer be taken as a constant, and that climate change has to be included in future planning.”

Penquin Plunge

The number of penguins at the Punta Tombo wildlife reserve in southern Argentina has dropped 37% over eight years, 21% since last November. The decline may be are result of oil spills and fishing, officials announced. Huge catches of anchovy, squid and cod in the South Atlantic during the penguins’ breeding season may be to blame, said Nestor Garcia, director of Wildlife Conservation of Chubut, a region in Argentina. “Once they were killed off by oil spills and now they are dying of hunger-- both problems caused by man,” Garcia said.

Tropical Storms

Weak tropical storm Colleen formed briefly in the western Pacific, then dissipated after bringing squalls and high surf to Wake Island. Maximum winds were about 50 m.p.h.

Earthquakes

The strongest of two tremors that rocked eastern Taiwan knocked tiles from the walls at an elementary school in T’ai- tung. No injuries were reported from the shaking. Earth movements were also felt in Indonesia’s North Sulawesi province, Sumatra, eastern Siberia, southern Japan’s Miyako Island, southwestern Mexico and along central parts of the California- Nevada border.

The Rain in Spain

Heavy rains fell in Spain’s southermost region of Andalusia, easing a five- year period of severe drought. Meteorologists said four inches of rain fell in the Seville area. It was unclear whether the region’s reservoirs, which were at their lowest levels on record during the past few months, had been replenished. More rain was predicted for the region.

Autumn Twisters

Tallahassee, Fla., was raked by a fast- moving twister that damaged several homes and businesses, and knocked down trees and power lines. Addition sources: U.S. Climate Analysis Center, U.S. Earthquake Information Center and the World Meteorological Organization.

Copyright 1995 Chronicle Features