Portugal: Storm Kristin Triggers Deadly Floods and Landslides, Leaving 850,000 Without Power

Storm Kristin has left at least five dead and caused widespread devastation across central and northern Portugal. Labeled an 'extreme climatic event' by the government, the storm brought hurricane-force winds that triggered over 3,300 emergency incidents and knocked out power to 855,000 residents on Wednesday, January 28. While the peak has passed, major rail lines remain suspended and hundreds of thousands of homes are still without electricity as cleanup efforts continue.

Colombia: Heavy Rain Hits Medellín, Causing Floods and Damage 2

On January 28, 2026, heavy rainfall in Medellín triggered multiple flooding emergencies, especially in the southeastern area of El Poblado. Overflowing of the La Presidenta creek flooded streets and prompted authorities to advise using alternative routes. The storm also caused fallen trees and a collapsed wall, damaging vehicles and public spaces, though no injuries were reported. In addition, lightning strikes affected the city, temporarily suspending operation of all six Metro cable cars before service was restored. Residents were advised to stay indoors and report emergencies via local authorities.

Colombia: Heavy Rain Hits Medellín, Causing Floods and Damage

On January 28, 2026, heavy rainfall in Medellín triggered multiple flooding emergencies, especially in the southeastern area of El Poblado. Overflowing of the La Presidenta creek flooded streets and prompted authorities to advise using alternative routes. The storm also caused fallen trees and a collapsed wall, damaging vehicles and public spaces, though no injuries were reported. In addition, lightning strikes affected the city, temporarily suspending operation of all six Metro cable cars before service was restored. Residents were advised to stay indoors and report emergencies via local authorities.

US: Severe Winter Storm Slams Nashville With Snow and Ice

From January 24 to 26, 2026, a large-scale winter storm developed across the southern to northeastern United States, bringing heavy snow and freezing rain to the Nashville area. The storm created severe weather conditions across the region and caused widespread impacts.

Campaigning for general election in Japan

Campaigning for general election in Japan

Japanese Prime Minister and Liberal Democratic Party head Sanae Takaichi makes a stump speech in Tokyo's Akihabara area on Jan. 27, 2026, as official campaigning begins across Japan for the House of Representatives election on Feb. 8.

Campaigning for general election in Japan

Campaigning for general election in Japan

Japanese Prime Minister and Liberal Democratic Party head Sanae Takaichi makes a stump speech in Tokyo's Akihabara area on Jan. 27, 2026, as official campaigning begins across Japan for the House of Representatives election on Feb. 8.

Campaigning for general election in Japan

Campaigning for general election in Japan

Japanese Prime Minister and Liberal Democratic Party head Sanae Takaichi makes a stump speech in Tokyo's Akihabara area on Jan. 27, 2026, as official campaigning begins across Japan for the House of Representatives election on Feb. 8.

Campaigning for general election in Japan

Campaigning for general election in Japan

Japanese Prime Minister and Liberal Democratic Party head Sanae Takaichi makes a stump speech in Tokyo's Akihabara area on Jan. 27, 2026, as official campaigning begins across Japan for the House of Representatives election on Feb. 8.

Campaigning for general election in Japan

Campaigning for general election in Japan

Japanese Prime Minister and Liberal Democratic Party head Sanae Takaichi makes a stump speech in Tokyo's Akihabara area on Jan. 27, 2026, as official campaigning begins across Japan for the House of Representatives election on Feb. 8.

Protest against Japan PM Takaichi

Protest against Japan PM Takaichi

A protester holds up a placard reading "This dissolution is meaningless" at the venue of a stump speech by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who heads the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, in Tokyo's Akihabara area on Jan. 27, 2026. Takaichi dissolved the House of Representatives on Jan. 23 for a snap general election on Feb. 8.

Protest against Japan PM Takaichi

Protest against Japan PM Takaichi

A protester holds up a placard reading "We must not lose to a prime minister like this" at the venue of a stump speech by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who heads the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, in Tokyo's Akihabara area on Jan. 27, 2026. Official campaigning began across Japan the same day for the House of Representatives election on Feb. 8.

Canada: Snow Squalls and Cold Weather Continue to Batter Southern Ontario

Environment Canada issued snow squall and cold warnings on Tuesday, January 27, as the chilly weather continued to batter the region, including the Greater Toronto Area.

Japan: Record Snowfall Leaves Cars Stuck in Downtown Sapporo

A cold front stalled over Hokkaido on Sunday, January 25, dumping a record 54 cm of snow on Sapporo — the highest January total ever recorded in 24 hours. The following day, a video captured people pushing a car stuck in the snow in the Susukino area of downtown Sapporo.

Campaigning for general election in Japan

Campaigning for general election in Japan

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (R) who heads the ruling Liberal Democratic Party makes a stump speech, alongside Japan Innovation Party leader Hirofumi Yoshimura, in Tokyo's Akihabara area on Jan. 27, 2026. Official campaigning begins the same day across Japan for the House of Representatives election on Feb. 8.

Campaigning for general election in Japan

Campaigning for general election in Japan

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (R) who heads the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and Japan Innovation Party leader Hirofumi Yoshimura make a stump speech in Tokyo's Akihabara area on Jan. 27, 2026, as official campaigning begins across Japan for the House of Representatives election on Feb. 8.

Campaigning for general election in Japan

Campaigning for general election in Japan

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (R) who heads the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and Japan Innovation Party leader Hirofumi Yoshimura make a stump speech in Tokyo's Akihabara area on Jan. 27, 2026, as official campaigning begins across Japan for the House of Representatives election on Feb. 8.

Canada: Record-Breaking Winter Storm Paralyses Southern Ontario with Heavy Snowfall 2

Toronto and parts of southern Ontario are digging out after a record-breaking winter storm dumped over 50 cm of snow on Sunday, January 25. The historic snowfall led to widespread school closures and bus cancellations across the region on Monday, January 26, though schools in Ottawa remained open. The Ontario Provincial Police reported roughly 200 collisions over the last 24 hours as drivers struggled with the treacherous conditions. Footage shows a dog bounding through deep snow.

Heavy snow in Hokkaido

Heavy snow in Hokkaido

People cross a street in a downtown area of Sapporo in Hokkaido, northern Japan, on Jan. 26, 2026, following heavy snowfall.

Heavy snow in Hokkaido

Heavy snow in Hokkaido

People walk on a street in a downtown area of Sapporo in Hokkaido, northern Japan, on Jan. 26, 2026, following heavy snowfall.

Japan: Hundreds of Vehicles Stranded on Hokuriku Expressway Amid Record Snowfall in Fukui

Heavy snowfall in Fukui Prefecture prompted the Japan Meteorological Agency to issue a weather warning on Friday, January 23. As rapid accumulation caused severe traffic disruptions, approximately 360 vehicles were left stranded on the Hokuriku Expressway near Tsuruga City.

Japan: Brilliant Mpemba Effect Captured in Hokkaido Amid Massive Cold Wave

As a massive cold wave hit a wide area of Japan on Friday, January 23, social media footage from Hokkaido captured a brilliant display of the Mpemba effect. The video shows boiling water being thrown into the freezing air, where it instantly transforms into a shimmering cloud of ice crystals.

Japan: Dinosaur Robots in Fukui Brave Through Heavy Snow Like Prehistoric Ice Age

In Fukui, a region famous for its numerous dinosaur fossil discoveries, dinosaur robots outside Fukui Station were seen moving through a heavy snowstorm on Friday, January 23. The sight of these prehistoric figures braving the conditions under a heavy snow warning created a powerful scene, making it feel as though the area had slipped back into a prehistoric ice age.

Japan: Dinosaur Robots in Fukui Brave Through Heavy Snow Like Prehistoric Ice Age 2

In Fukui, a region famous for its numerous dinosaur fossil discoveries, dinosaur robots outside Fukui Station were seen moving through a heavy snowstorm on Friday, January 23. The sight of these prehistoric figures braving the conditions under a heavy snow warning created a powerful scene, making it feel as though the area had slipped back into a prehistoric ice age.

Missing helicopter on Mt. Aso

ASO, Japan, Jan. 21 Kyodo - Video taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on Jan. 20, 2026, shows the crater area of Mt. Nakadake, one of the peaks of Mt. Aso in Aso in Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, after a sightseeing helicopter went missing earlier in the day. (Kyodo)

Mexico: Massive Fire Destroys Plastics Factory in Xochimilco, Mexico City

A massive fire broke out at a 2,000-square-meter plastics factory in the La Noria area of Xochimilco, Mexico City, on Thursday, January 22, forcing at least 50 people to evacuate. Firefighters and Navy personnel brought the fire under control after several hours of work.

Helicopter accident on Mt. Aso

Helicopter accident on Mt. Aso

Firefighters wear gas masks in Aso in Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Jan. 22, 2026, as they prepare to resume a rescue and recovery mission for a sightseeing helicopter that went missing in the crater area of Mt. Nakadake, one of the peaks of Mt. Aso, on Jan. 20.

Missing helicopter on Mt. Aso

Missing helicopter on Mt. Aso

Japan Transport Safety Board officer Keisuke Tanoue meets the press in Aso, Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Jan. 22, 2026, after a sightseeing helicopter went missing in the crater area of Mt. Nakadake, one of the peaks of Mt. Aso on Jan. 20.

Missing helicopter on Mt. Aso

Missing helicopter on Mt. Aso

Police officers and firefighters walk toward an area near a crater on Mt. Nakadake, one of the peaks of Mt. Aso in Aso, Kumamoto Prefecture in southwestern Japan, on Jan. 21, 2026, to search for a sightseeing helicopter that went missing on Jan. 20.

Missing helicopter on Mt. Aso

Missing helicopter on Mt. Aso

Police officers and firefighters walk toward an area near a crater on Mt. Nakadake, one of the peaks of Mt. Aso in Aso, Kumamoto Prefecture in southwestern Japan, on Jan. 21, 2026, to search for a sightseeing helicopter that went missing on Jan. 20.

Aso Helicopter missing

Aso Helicopter missing

Police officers and firefighters walk toward an area near a crater on Mt. Nakadake, one of the peaks of Mt. Aso in Aso, Kumamoto Prefecture in southwestern Japan, on Jan. 21, 2026, to search for a sightseeing helicopter that went missing on Jan. 20.

Search for missing helicopter on Mt. Aso

Search for missing helicopter on Mt. Aso

A police rescue vehicle heads to Mt. Aso in Aso in Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Jan. 21, 2026, after wreckage believed to be of the sightseeing helicopter that went missing the previous day was found in the crater area of Mt. Nakadake, one of the peaks of Mt. Aso.

Search for missing helicopter on Mt. Aso

Search for missing helicopter on Mt. Aso

Photo taken on Jan. 21, 2026, in Aso in Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, shows firefighters preparing to resume a search for a sightseeing helicopter that went missing the previous day in the crater area of Mt. Nakadake, one of the peaks of Mt. Aso.

No. of foreign visitors to Japan tops 40 mil.

No. of foreign visitors to Japan tops 40 mil.

Foreign tourists take a picture at the famous scramble intersection in Tokyo's Shibuya area on Jan. 20, 2026. The number of foreign visitors to Japan surged 16 percent to an estimated 42.7 million in 2025, exceeding 40 million for the first time.

No. of foreign visitors to Japan tops 40 mil.

No. of foreign visitors to Japan tops 40 mil.

Foreign tourists take a picture at the famous scramble intersection in Tokyo's Shibuya area on Jan. 20, 2026. The number of foreign visitors to Japan surged 16 percent to an estimated 42.7 million in 2025, exceeding 40 million for the first time.

Missing helicopter on Mt. Aso

Missing helicopter on Mt. Aso

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on Jan. 20, 2026, shows the crater area of Mt. Nakadake, one of the peaks of Mt. Aso in Aso in Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, after a sightseeing helicopter went missing earlier in the day.

Search for missing helicopter on Mt. Aso

Search for missing helicopter on Mt. Aso

Firefighters gather in Aso, Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Jan. 21, 2026, before resuming a search for a sightseeing helicopter that went missing the previous day in the crater area of Mt. Nakadake, one of the peaks of Mt. Aso.

Search for missing helicopter on Mt. Aso

Search for missing helicopter on Mt. Aso

Police officers gather in Aso, Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Jan. 21, 2026, before resuming a search for a sightseeing helicopter that went missing the previous day in the crater area of Mt. Nakadake, one of the peaks of Mt. Aso.

Missing helicopter on Mt. Aso

Missing helicopter on Mt. Aso

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on Jan. 20, 2026, shows the crater area of Mt. Nakadake, one of the peaks of Mt. Aso in Aso in Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, after a sightseeing helicopter went missing earlier in the day.

Missing helicopter on Mt. Aso

Missing helicopter on Mt. Aso

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on Jan. 20, 2026, shows the crater area of Mt. Nakadake, one of the peaks of Mt. Aso in Aso in Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, after a sightseeing helicopter went missing earlier in the day.

Rescue Efforts Continue After Tragedy In Adamuz - Spain

Rescue Efforts Continue After Tragedy In Adamuz - Spain

Area of the train accident with the wrecked train convoys where the recovery work continues. On 20 January 2026, in Adamuz (Córdoba, Andalusia, Spain). The derailment of a high-speed train and the subsequent collision with another convoy, which occurred this Sunday afternoon in Adamuz (Cordoba), has left a large emergency operation in place, the suspension of several rail connections and an open investigation to clarify the causes. The number of deaths in the train derailment reached at least 40 people on Tuesday, with a total of 122 people being treated in the accident, including 117 adults and five children. There are currently 39 people in hospital - 37 adults and four children. Photo by Joaquin Corchero / Europa Press / ABACAPRESS.COM

Rescue Efforts Continue After Tragedy In Adamuz - Spain

Rescue Efforts Continue After Tragedy In Adamuz - Spain

Area of the train accident with the wrecked train convoys where the recovery work continues. On 20 January 2026, in Adamuz (Córdoba, Andalusia, Spain). The derailment of a high-speed train and the subsequent collision with another convoy, which occurred this Sunday afternoon in Adamuz (Cordoba), has left a large emergency operation in place, the suspension of several rail connections and an open investigation to clarify the causes. The number of deaths in the train derailment reached at least 40 people on Tuesday, with a total of 122 people being treated in the accident, including 117 adults and five children. There are currently 39 people in hospital - 37 adults and four children. Photo by Joaquin Corchero / Europa Press / ABACAPRESS.COM

Rescue Efforts Continue After Tragedy In Adamuz - Spain

Rescue Efforts Continue After Tragedy In Adamuz - Spain

Area of the train accident with the wrecked train convoys where the recovery work continues. On 20 January 2026, in Adamuz (Córdoba, Andalusia, Spain). The derailment of a high-speed train and the subsequent collision with another convoy, which occurred this Sunday afternoon in Adamuz (Cordoba), has left a large emergency operation in place, the suspension of several rail connections and an open investigation to clarify the causes. The number of deaths in the train derailment reached at least 40 people on Tuesday, with a total of 122 people being treated in the accident, including 117 adults and five children. There are currently 39 people in hospital - 37 adults and four children. Photo by Joaquin Corchero / Europa Press / ABACAPRESS.COM

Rescue Efforts Continue After Tragedy In Adamuz - Spain

Rescue Efforts Continue After Tragedy In Adamuz - Spain

Area of the train accident with the wrecked train convoys where the recovery work continues. On 20 January 2026, in Adamuz (Córdoba, Andalusia, Spain). The derailment of a high-speed train and the subsequent collision with another convoy, which occurred this Sunday afternoon in Adamuz (Cordoba), has left a large emergency operation in place, the suspension of several rail connections and an open investigation to clarify the causes. The number of deaths in the train derailment reached at least 40 people on Tuesday, with a total of 122 people being treated in the accident, including 117 adults and five children. There are currently 39 people in hospital - 37 adults and four children. Photo by Joaquin Corchero / Europa Press / ABACAPRESS.COM

Deadly Wildfires in Southern Chile Force Thousands to Flee

Deadly Wildfires in Southern Chile Force Thousands to Flee

(260120) -- BEIJING, January 20, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Residents clean a fire-affected area in Penco, Biobio region, Chile, January 19, 2026. Chilean President Gabriel Boric has declared a state of catastrophe in the regions of Nuble and Biobio to address the emergency. Photo by Str/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Deadly Wildfires in Southern Chile Force Thousands to Flee

Deadly Wildfires in Southern Chile Force Thousands to Flee

Photo taken on January 19, 2026 shows a fire-affected area in Penco, Biobio region, Chile. Chilean President Gabriel Boric has declared a state of catastrophe in the regions of Nuble and Biobio to address the emergency. Photo by Str/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Deadly Wildfires in Southern Chile Force Thousands to Flee

Deadly Wildfires in Southern Chile Force Thousands to Flee

Residents clean a fire-affected area in Penco, Biobio region, Chile, January 19, 2026. Chilean President Gabriel Boric has declared a state of catastrophe in the regions of Nuble and Biobio to address the emergency. Photo by Str/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Deadly Wildfires in Southern Chile Force Thousands to Flee

Deadly Wildfires in Southern Chile Force Thousands to Flee

Photo taken on January 19, 2026 shows a fire-affected area in Penco, Biobio region, Chile. Chilean President Gabriel Boric has declared a state of catastrophe in the regions of Nuble and Biobio to address the emergency. Photo by Str/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Deadly Wildfires in Southern Chile Force Thousands to Flee

Deadly Wildfires in Southern Chile Force Thousands to Flee

Residents clean a fire-affected area in Penco, Biobio region, Chile, January 19, 2026. Chilean President Gabriel Boric has declared a state of catastrophe in the regions of Nuble and Biobio to address the emergency. Photo by Str/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Deadly Wildfires in Southern Chile Force Thousands to Flee

Deadly Wildfires in Southern Chile Force Thousands to Flee

Residents clean a fire-affected area in Penco, Biobio region, Chile, January 19, 2026. Chilean President Gabriel Boric has declared a state of catastrophe in the regions of Nuble and Biobio to address the emergency. Photo by Str/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Deadly Wildfires in Southern Chile Force Thousands to Flee

Deadly Wildfires in Southern Chile Force Thousands to Flee

Residents clean a fire-affected area in Penco, Biobio region, Chile, January 19, 2026. Chilean President Gabriel Boric has declared a state of catastrophe in the regions of Nuble and Biobio to address the emergency. Photo by Str/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM