A rare earthquake has shaken the Siberian Arctic, raising concerns about new risks not only for Russia but for the entire world.
Meanwhile, other regions are suffering from record-breaking rains, wildfires, and hurricanes.
In the next few minutes, we will cover the climate events that occurred across the planet from February 26 to March 4.
Spain
Since late February, Spain has been hit by heavy rains, snowstorms, and floods. The regions of Murcia, Andalusia, and Valencia recorded record rainfall, reaching up to 258 L/m² in Castellón province. In Lorca, one person died while attempting to drive through a flooded riverbed. In Soria, around 500 vehicles were stranded.
Japan
On February 26, a wildfire broke out in the city of Ofunato, engulfing 2,100 hectares. Nearly 1,700 firefighters and 18 helicopters were deployed to battle the flames. A total of 84 buildings were damaged, and one person lost their life.
February saw record-low precipitation in Ofunato — less than 10% of the normal level — worsening the fire hazard.
Tropical Cyclone "Garance"
On February 28, Tropical Cyclone "Garance" struck Réunion Island. Winds of up to 214 km/h and torrential rains destroyed infrastructure. Around 180,000 homes were left without electricity, water, and communication, and four people lost their lives.
Southern Hemisphere
On February 25, six tropical cyclones were simultaneously active in the Indian and Pacific Oceans — an event unseen in decades. This season has been exceptionally intense, with 22 recorded cyclones whose total energy is 30% above normal (according to the ACE scale).
Afghanistan
Since February 25, Afghanistan has been experiencing heavy rainfall, snowstorms, and flooding. At least 46 people have died, and over 200 homes have been destroyed.
In February, a hailstorm and downpour in Farah province swept away several climbers during an ascent. On March 1, a landslide in Uruzgan destroyed a home.
USA
In early March, wildfires broke out in South and North Carolina. On March 1, a fire in Carolina Forest spread across 650 hectares, forcing evacuations. Strong winds and smoke reduced visibility, and schools moved classes indoors.
India
At the end of February, intense rainfall hit the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, triggering flash floods, landslides, and mudslides.
More than 400 roads, including four national highways, were closed. On February 28, a massive avalanche buried a construction site near the village of Mana in Uttarakhand state.
A total of 54 people were trapped under tons of snow. Rescuers managed to save 46, but tragically, eight lost their lives.
Russia
In Primorye, wildfires started two weeks earlier than usual, destroying 18 structures. Since the beginning of the year, 131 forest fires have been recorded in the Primorsky Krai, affecting more than 14,000 hectares.
Since early 2025, Russia — including its Arctic region — has experienced increased seismic activity.
However, particular attention is drawn to the M5.0 earthquake that struck the Krasnoyarsk Krai beyond the Arctic Circle on March 2. The epicenter was located 650 km from the city of Norilsk.
Notably, an earthquake of this magnitude is highly unusual for the typically seismically quiet Taymyr region.
According to the VolcanoDiscovery portal, this was the first recorded earthquake in this area since 1900.
Why is this earthquake so significant, and what potential dangers does it signal not only for Siberia but for the entire world? Find out in this report.