US: Lightning-Sparked Grass Fire Forces Evacuations in Canyon, Texas 2

A grass fire sparked by lightning prompted mandatory evacuations in Canyon, Texas on Thursday, May 14, burning more than 7,000 acres across Randall County. The Hunggate Fire is one of the multiple fires burning in the Texas panhandle.

Japan: Magnitude 6.3 Earthquake Hits Miyagi, Shinkansen Service Suspended

A magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck off the coast of Miyagi Prefecture at 8:22 p.m. on Friday, May 15, with no tsunami threat. The Tohoku Shinkansen was suspended between Tokyo and Shin-Aomori. This video was filmed inside a suspended Shinkansen after the earthquake.

Japan: Magnitude 6.3 Earthquake Hits Miyagi, Shinkansen Service Suspended 2

A magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck off the coast of Miyagi Prefecture at 8:22 p.m. on Friday, May 15, with no tsunami threat. The Tohoku Shinkansen was suspended between Tokyo and Shin-Aomori. This video shows light shaking during the earthquake in Minamisoma City, Fukushima Prefecture.

Japan: Rising Temperatures Bring Surge in Bear Sightings Near Residential Areas 2

As spring temperatures rose, bears in Japan emerged from hibernation and ventured closer to human settlements in search of food, with sightings reported one after another, prompting authorities to urge residents to stay alert. This video was captured in Joetsu, Niigata on May 13, 2026.

China: Avalanche Bears Down on Climbers at Mount Everest Camp

On May 12, 2026, at a camp on the south slope of Mount Everest in Tibet, a video captured a sudden avalanche in the Himalayas. A climber was filming the mountain scenery when a teammate recorded the avalanche behind them. Snow mist suddenly rose across the valley and moved very quickly. The snow cloud soon covered the sky, and the teammates quickly lay down to avoid danger. Fortunately, everyone was safe in the end.

China: Glowing White Object Spotted Moving Across Sky in Hangzhou

On May 10, 2026, in Hangzhou, eastern China, a video captured a mysterious white glowing object moving across the sky. The object appeared similar to a UFO, with a bright ring-like glow that seemed to expand and shrink as it traveled overhead.

China: Concerned Mother Horse Runs Behind Car Carrying Sick Foal to Vet

On May 13, 2026, in Inner Mongolia, northern China, a video captured an emotional moment as a sick foal was taken by car for medical treatment. As the owner drove the foal to a veterinarian, the mother horse ran closely behind the vehicle, seemingly worried about where her baby was being taken. The sound of the horse’s hooves echoed along the ground as she chased after the car, creating a touching scene.

China: Turtle Bites Cat Drinking Water From Water Tank

On May 11, 2026, in Jilin, located in northeastern China, a video captured a turtle lying at the bottom of a water tank. A cat seemed to be thirsty and bent down to drink water from the tank. The sound may have disturbed the sleeping turtle. The turtle suddenly became angry and jumped up to bite the cat. The cat reacted very quickly, moved away from the tank, and jumped onto the table.

Japan: Rising Temperatures Bring Surge in Bear Sightings Near Residential Areas

As spring temperatures rose, bears in Japan emerged from hibernation and ventured closer to human settlements in search of food, with sightings reported one after another, prompting authorities to urge residents to stay alert. This video was captured at Natsui Community Center in Iwate on Friday, May 15.

Spain: Teachers Strike Continue Across Valencian Community

A strike in public education continued across the Valencian Community on Thursday, May 14. Teachers and the wider education community took to the streets demanding better pay, quality public education, and instruction in Valencian.

US: Lightning-Sparked Grass Fire Forces Evacuations in Canyon, Texas

A grass fire sparked by lightning prompted mandatory evacuations in Canyon, Texas on Thursday, May 14, burning more than 7,000 acres across Randall County. The Hunggate Fire is one of the multiple fires burning in the Texas panhandle.

US: Smoke Fills LIRR Train as Fire Shuts Down Penn Station Service

Smoke filled a Long Island Rail Road train car after an electrical fire broke out on a feeder cable inside the East River Tunnel near Penn Station on Thursday, May 14, forcing the MTA to suspend LIRR service and divert trains.

Canada: Dust Storm Blankets Southern Manitoba, Causing Hazardous Conditions 2

Canadian weather authorities issued a rare dust storm warning Thursday, May 14 for a wide swath of southern Manitoba, including Winnipeg and the Red River Valley. Strong westerly winds gusting up to 100 km/h sent dust swirling across the region, suddenly dropping visibility to dangerous levels in some areas. Authorities urged drivers to turn on headlights and reduce speed. Dust storm warnings are considered uncommon in the province.

Canada: Blowing Dust Reduces Visibility Along Alberta Highway Amid Wind Warning

Blowing dust reduced visibility across parts of Alberta on May 14, as Environment and Climate Change Canada issued a Wind Warning for a large swath of the province. This video was captured from a car driving on Highway 21 south of Trochu, central Alberta.

Canada: Dust Storm Blankets Southern Manitoba, Causing Hazardous Conditions

Canadian weather authorities issued a rare dust storm warning Thursday, May 14 for a wide swath of southern Manitoba, including Winnipeg and the Red River Valley. Strong westerly winds gusting up to 100 km/h sent dust swirling across the region, suddenly dropping visibility to dangerous levels in some areas. Authorities urged drivers to turn on headlights and reduce speed. Dust storm warnings are considered uncommon in the province.

US: Everglades Wildfire Scorches Over 11,000 Acres in South Florida 3

A wildfire burning across the Everglades along the Broward and Miami-Dade county border in Florida had scorched more than 11,400 acres as of Wednesday, May 13, with the blaze now fully contained and controlled, according to the Florida Forest Service. Roads in the area were closed, and residents were advised to keep windows shut and stay indoors if they have respiratory issues. No injuries were reported.

Austria: Four Protesters Removed From Eurovision Arena During Israel’s Performance 2

Four audience members were removed from Vienna's Wiener Stadthalle during the Eurovision Song Contest first semi-final on Tuesday, May 12, after chants of "Stop the genocide" were heard as Israel's Noam Bettan performed. Despite the protests, Bettan qualified for Saturday's grand final.

Japan: Severe Weather Strikes Across Country, Causing Widespread Disruption

Severe weather struck Japan on Thursday, May 14, with guerrilla thunderstorms causing flooding in Yokohama, hail cutting power to over 10,000 homes in Kanagawa, and graupel reported in Yamaguchi and Yamanashi prefectures.

UK: London Battered by May Hailstorm

A hailstorm struck London on Wednesday, May 13, battering the city and disrupting commutes.

Canada: Granville Street Bridge Closed Due to Police Incident in Vancouver

The Granville Street Bridge in Vancouver was closed in both directions on Tuesday afternoon, May 12, during rush hour due to a police incident. While authorities did not confirm details, social media posts suggested the closure was related to a mental health crisis involving a person on the bridge structure.

China: Mysterious Glowing Objects Flash Across Night Sky Over Jinan

On May 7, 2026, in Pingyin County, Jinan, a video captured bright unidentified objects flashing across the dark sky above the city. The glowing light appeared to move rapidly while emitting a strong white and bluish glow, instantly attracting the attention of people on the ground. The footage showcased the object hovering or streaking through the night sky as nearby residents watched in surprise.

China: Ostrich Bumps Woman Off Electric Scooter in Liaoning

On May 9, 2026, in Dalian, Liaoning, a video captured an ostrich slowly jogging after a woman riding an electric scooter along a road. The ostrich appeared calm at first as it followed closely behind the scooter while swaying its neck from side to side. As the woman tried to continue riding away, the ostrich suddenly caught up and bumped into the scooter, causing both the rider and the vehicle to fall onto the ground.

US: Grand Fire Threatens 650 Homes in Chino Hills, California

A brush fire dubbed the Grand Fire broke out near Chino Hills, San Bernardino County, California, on Wednesday evening, May 13, burning approximately 30 acres and prompting temporary evacuation orders for around 650 homes. Some 250 firefighters, helicopters, and ground crews brought the blaze under control by 10:30 p.m., and all evacuation orders were lifted. One firefighter was hospitalized with minor injuries. No structural damage was reported. The cause remains under investigation.

China: Tired Lizard Revived With Refreshing Mist in Jiangsu

On April 2, 2026, in Jiangsu, a video recorded a lizard resting weakly on a platform. At first, the reptile appeared tired and inactive, lying still with little visible movement. The filmer then picked up a manual spray bottle and gently sprayed water over the lizard’s body. Almost immediately, the lizard became alert and lifted its head. It closed its eyes while receiving the mist, looking as if it were enjoying the moisture.

China: Excited Dog Runs Straight Into Glass Door at Jiangsu Shop

On April 3, 2026, in Jiangsu, a video recorded a small dog running excitedly toward a shop. The glass door at the entrance was closed, but the dog did not seem to notice. It rushed forward and hit the glass directly. The collision appeared painful, and the dog stopped at the doorway looking stunned and pitiful. A shop employee quickly opened the door after seeing what happened. Once the entrance was clear, the dog hurried inside.

US: All 11 Survivors Rescued After Small Plane Crashes off Florida Coast

A small plane crashed approximately 80 miles off Melbourne, Florida on Tuesday, May 12, after encountering rough weather. All 11 people aboard the Beechcraft BE30, which had taken off from Abaco Island in the Bahamas, were rescued and taken to hospital for evaluation.

Spain: Fire Guts Restaurant in La Manga, Sending Smoke Across Coastline

A fire broke out at the ZM Isla del Ciervo restaurant in La Manga, Murcia, on Wednesday morning, May 13, sending a large column of black smoke visible across the coastline. Firefighters from multiple agencies extinguished the blaze, which gutted most of the restaurant. No injuries were reported.

US: Powerful Storms Bring Rain, Hail and Flooding to Central Florida 3

Powerful storms swept through Central Florida on Tuesday, May 12, bringing widespread rain, hail, and flooding with severe thunderstorm warnings issued for multiple counties. A tornado warning was issued for Pasco County in the afternoon. National Weather Service later confirmed two tornadoes touch down in the county.

US: Shoppers Camp Out for Audemars Piguet x Swatch “Royal Pop” Drop in New York

Dozens of people are camped out outside of the Times Square Swatch store ahead of the May 16 in-store-only release of the Audemars Piguet x Swatch "Royal Pop." Lines started to form on Sunday, six days ahead of the watch’s official release.

UK: Three Women Found Dead in Sea off Brighton Beach

Emergency services responded to Brighton Beach on Wednesday, May 13, after three women were found unresponsive in the sea in the early hours. Despite rescue efforts, all three were declared dead at the scene. Police and coastguard conducted a search operation along the shoreline near Black Rock Beach and Brighton Pier.

US: Powerful Storms Bring Rain, Hail and Flooding to Central Florida 2

Powerful storms swept through Central Florida on Tuesday, May 12, bringing widespread rain, hail, and flooding with severe thunderstorm warnings issued for multiple counties.

US: Everglades Wildfire Burns Over 11,000 Acres in South Florida

A wildfire in the Florida Everglades has burned over 11,000 acres across Broward and Miami-Dade counties. Firefighters made significant progress on Tuesday bringing it to 80% containment. The fire, first reported Sunday near Mack's Fish Camp off Krome Avenue, prompted evacuations and air quality alerts across the region. Multiple agencies including the Florida Forest Service, National Guard, and Broward Sheriff's Office responded.

US: Strong Winds and Driving Rain Hit Myrtle Beach as Cold Front Moves Through

Strong winds and heavy driving rain lashed Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on Sunday, May 11, as a cold front moved through the area, reducing visibility and whipping trees amid severe weather conditions.

US: Powerful Storms Bring Rain, Hail and Flooding to Central Florida

Powerful storms swept through Central Florida on Tuesday, May 12, bringing widespread rain, hail, and flooding with severe thunderstorm warnings issued for multiple counties.

Austria: Four Protesters Removed From Eurovision Arena During Israel’s Performance

Four audience members were removed from Vienna's Wiener Stadthalle during the Eurovision Song Contest first semi-final on Tuesday, May 12, after chants of "Stop the genocide" were heard as Israel's Noam Bettan performed. Despite the protests, Bettan qualified for Saturday's grand final. This video was recorded after Israel's performance.

Japan: Hailstorms Reported Across Kansai Region

Hail fell across multiple prefectures in Japan's Kansai region, including Kyoto and Hyogo, on Wednesday, May 13.

Japan: Hailstorms Reported Across Kansai Region 2

Hail fell across multiple prefectures in Japan's Kansai region, including Kyoto and Hyogo, on Wednesday, May 13.

Philippines: Lava Collapse Triggers Pyroclastic Flow at Mayon Volcano

Mayon Volcano in the Philippines generated a pyroclastic density current (PDC), locally known as "uson," along the Mi-isi Gully on Wednesday, May 13, with a volcanic plume rising to approximately 4,000 meters, as the volcano continued to show intensified magmatic unrest under Alert Level 3. Authorities reiterated that entry into the danger zone remained strictly prohibited, with residents advised to remain alert for possible evacuation.

China: Sneaky Cat Steals Ham Sausage From Tourists’ Backpack at Scenic Spot in Shijiazhuang

On May 1, 2026, at Baoduzhai Scenic Area in Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, a tabby cat was caught on camera sneaking up behind two resting tourists, reaching into their unzipped backpack, and making off with a ham sausage — all without the travelers noticing.x

China: Unmanned Forklift Reverses on Its Own and Crashes Into Ambulance

On April 15, 2026, a forklift at a company compound in Nanchong, Sichuan, China, suddenly reversed on its own and crashed into a parked ambulance. No one was operating the vehicle at the time. Staff suspected a short circuit in the forklift's electrical system triggered the unexpected movement.

China: Rare Sun Halo Dazzles Residents in Hunan

On May 10, 2026, residents in Changsha, Hunan, China, were treated to a rare sun halo — a colorful ring of light encircling the sun — caused by sunlight refracting through ice crystals in cirrostratus clouds above the city.

China: Red Carp Caught Spinning in Whirlpool in Sichuan

On May 10, 2026, a red carp in a pond in Sichuan, China, was filmed spinning repeatedly in place, apparently caught in a small whirlpool on the water's surface.

US: Fire Guts Historic 150-Year-Old Church in Downtown Madison, Indiana

On Monday evening, May 11, fire tore through Trinity United Methodist Church, a 150-year-old landmark in downtown Madison, Indiana, collapsing the roof and causing major damage. No injuries were reported.

US: Fire Breaks Out at Historic Temple Theatre in Downtown Tacoma, Washington

A fire broke out on Tuesday, May 12, at the historic Temple Theatre in downtown Tacoma, Washington, sending a thick plume of black smoke visible across the city. Firefighters brought it under control within an hour. No injuries were reported.

US: Cold Front Slams Austin With Hurricane-Force Winds and Large Hail on Mother’s Day

A cold front brought a line of strong storms with wind gusts, hail, heavy rain, and lightning to the Austin area on Sunday, May 10, Mother's Day, leaving thousands without power.

US: Anti-Zionist Protest Turns Violent Outside Brooklyn Synagogue, Arrests Made

On Monday night, May 11, roughly 200 anti-Zionist protesters marched through Brooklyn's Orthodox Jewish neighborhood, clashing with counter-protesters outside a synagogue hosting an Israeli real estate event, leading to multiple arrests and physical assaults.

Mexico: Heavy Rain Causes Severe Flooding Across Mexico City 2

Mexico City authorities issued a red alert Monday evening, May 11 as heavy rainfall triggered severe flooding across multiple boroughs, including Álvaro Obregón, Tlalpan, and Cuajimalpa. Rainfall of up to 50mm caused rivers and reservoirs to overflow, inundating homes and roads. No injuries were reported.

UK: Apartment Fire in Battersea Forces 50 Residents to Evacuate, Three Hospitalized

A fire broke out on the seventh floor of a 10-story residential building on Charlotte Despard Avenue in Battersea, London, on Monday evening, May 11. Around 50 residents were evacuated, and three people were hospitalized. Some 60 firefighters responded to the blaze, which destroyed a four-room apartment. The cause is under investigation.

Strait of Hormuz

BANDAR ABBAS, Iran, May 11 Kyodo - Video taken on May 8, 2026, shows ships in the Strait of Hormuz off Bandar Abbas, southern Iran. (Kyodo)

China: Clever Owner Lures Hiding Hamster Out With Help From Its Companion

On April 11, 2026, in Hubei, a video recorded an owner trying to bring a hidden hamster out from under a sofa. The owner kept two golden hamsters, but one of them had crawled underneath and refused to come out. The owner then came up with an unusual solution. A string was gently placed around the neck of the second hamster, and that hamster was lowered beneath the sofa. Not long afterward, the hidden hamster followed along and finally emerged from underneath the furniture. The owner’s method appeared to work surprisingly well.