Environment

A powerful earthquake has struck north-east Afghanistan close to the border with Tajikistan. Strong tremors were felt in Pakistan, Tajikistan and India, as far away as New Delhi, with reports of casualties and damages. RT reports: The quake had a depth of 210km and took pace 39km from the town of Ashkasham, Afghanistan, the USGS reported. The China Earthquake Networks Center first measured it at 7.3 magnitude, with various centers then putting the magnitude anywhere between that and the USGS’ measurement of 6.6.

A magnitude 6.6 earthquake that hit Afghanistan this morning was felt in a number of major cities across south-west Asia. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the quake initially measured as magnitude 7.1, struck close to its border with Tajikistan, at 10:28 GMT Epicenter of 7.1 quake was located at Koh Hindukash Region Afghanistan at depth of 236 km https://t.co/i6NaeHepwPpic.twitter.com/ZDr6wIWoac — Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) April 10, 2016 The USGS said the quake struck one of the most seismically-active regions on earth.

A new study has found that children under the age of six living near a former battery plant in Vernon, California have high levels of lead in their blood. The Department of Toxic Substances Control requested that the children in the area around the plant be tested and the report released on Friday by state health officials, showed that children living close to the former Exide Technologies battery-recycling plant had higher levels of lead in their blood than those who live farther away.

A new study has revealed that fracking wastewater contains compounds that can cause hormone deformities in those that consume it.  Researchers say that water from a fracking disposal facility in west Virginia contained high levels of endocrine disruption activity. Environmentalhealthnews.org reports: The study, published today in the journal Science of the Total Environment, adds to evidence that some chemicals in hydraulic fracturing waste are hormone-mimickers or blockers and are leaching out of wastewater disposal wells and into nearby water, potentially impacting fish and human health.

An ancient planet believed to have wiped out life on Earth millions of years ago is heading in our direction once again according to a top scientist.  Planet Nine – a planet discovered at the edge of our solar system this January – has already triggered comet showers that are capable of “bombing the Earth’s surface”, killing all life, according to Daniel Whitmire of the University of Louisiana. According to Whitmire, an apocalyptic shower could happen as earlier as this month, and certainly this year.