Argentina: Flash Flooding Paralyzes Buenos Aires After Intense Storm

A sudden and violent storm struck Buenos Aires and the surrounding metropolitan area on Tuesday afternoon, December 23, triggering severe flash flooding after a day of extreme heat. Up to 80 millimeters of rain fell in under an hour in some areas, submerging cars, flooding streets, and paralyzing major routes including the Pan-American Highway and General Paz Avenue. At least 30 people were rescued from trapped vehicles, while emergency services received hundreds of calls. The Unicenter shopping mall in Martínez was evacuated as images of the flooding spread rapidly on social media.

Argentina: Flash Flooding Paralyzes Buenos Aires After Intense Storm 2

A sudden and violent storm struck Buenos Aires and the surrounding metropolitan area on Tuesday afternoon, December 23, triggering severe flash flooding after a day of extreme heat. Up to 80 millimeters of rain fell in under an hour in some areas, submerging cars, flooding streets, and paralyzing major routes including the Pan-American Highway and General Paz Avenue. At least 30 people were rescued from trapped vehicles, while emergency services received hundreds of calls. The Unicenter shopping mall in Martínez was evacuated as images of the flooding spread rapidly on social media.

Toyota debuts all-new bB car targeting young, music lovers

Toyota debuts all-new bB car targeting young, music lovers

TOKYO, Japan - Toyota Motor Corp. President Katsuaki WQatanabe poses beside the company's fully redesigned bB small car at a press conference in Tokyo on Dec. 26. The car, which Toyota dubs ''a car-shaped music player,'' comes equipped with nine speakers and interior lights installed in 11 locations that flash in rhythm to the music. The front seats recline and sink about 80 millimeters to let the users relax as if on a couch, the carmaker said.

Thunderstorms hit various parts of Japan

Thunderstorms hit various parts of Japan

TOKYO, Japan - Firefighters wade through the floodwater in Tokyo's Kasumigaseki district July 4 as heavy thunderstorms hit Tokyo and various other parts of Japan. In Tokyo's Otemachi district, 80 millimeters of rain fell between 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. -- the second heaviest hourly rainfall on record in the Tokyo metropolitan area.

Giant beetle fetches record 10 mil. yen

Giant beetle fetches record 10 mil. yen

TOKYO, Japan - A giant stag beetle measuring 80 millimeters long has been sold for a record 10 million yen ($90,000) at a Tokyo store specializing in insects. Store officials said a 36-year-old company president bought it for the store, claimed to be the highest ever paid for a giant stag beetle, whose scientific name is dorcus hopei.

Giant beetle fetches record 10 mil. yen

Giant beetle fetches record 10 mil. yen

TOKYO, Japan - A giant stag beetle measuring 80 millimeters long has been sold for a record 10 million yen ($90,000) at a Tokyo store specializing in insects. Store officials said a 36-year-old company president bought it for the store, claimed to be the highest ever paid for a giant stag beetle, whose scientific name is dorcus hopei.

Toyota debuts all-new bB car targeting young, music lovers

Toyota debuts all-new bB car targeting young, music lovers

TOKYO, Japan - Toyota Motor Corp. President Katsuaki WQatanabe poses beside the company's fully redesigned bB small car at a press conference in Tokyo on Dec. 26. The car, which Toyota dubs ''a car-shaped music player,'' comes equipped with nine speakers and interior lights installed in 11 locations that flash in rhythm to the music. The front seats recline and sink about 80 millimeters to let the users relax as if on a couch, the carmaker said. (Kyodo)

Thunderstorms hit various parts of Japan

Thunderstorms hit various parts of Japan

TOKYO, Japan - Firefighters wade through the floodwater in Tokyo's Kasumigaseki district July 4 as heavy thunderstorms hit Tokyo and various other parts of Japan. In Tokyo's Otemachi district, 80 millimeters of rain fell between 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. -- the second heaviest hourly rainfall on record in the Tokyo metropolitan area.