New Zealand: Landslide Hits Mount Maunganui 3

Six people, including two teenagers, are missing after a major landslide struck a local campground in Mount Maunganui on Thursday, January 22. Police are also seeking information on three others as search and rescue operations continue in a dangerous environment, with authorities describing the incident as a national tragedy and the community rallying to support affected families.

US: Strong Winter Storm Brings Blizzard Conditions To Sierra Nevada 3

A strong winter storm hit the Sierra Nevada on Friday, March 1, bringing heavy snow and high winds. Blizzard Warnings were issued for the area, including Lake Tahoe and eastern Nevada. The Sierra Avalanche Center warned that the danger of avalanches was high. Yosemite National Park and many ski resorts in the region announced they were closing at least for the day.

Giant Xmas tree in Hakodate

Giant Xmas tree in Hakodate

HAKODATE, Japan - A 20-meter Xmas tree, set up on a platform in Hakodate Bay in Hakodate, Hokkaido, northern Japan, is lit with illuminations Dec. 1, 2011. The fir tree is a gift from Halifax, Canada, a sister city of Hakodate.

Troubled ferry towed to Hakodate Bay

Troubled ferry towed to Hakodate Bay

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter shows a car ferry, the Sunflower Daisetsu, that caught fire off Japan's northernmost main island of Hokkaido, being towed to Hakodate Bay, also Hokkaido. A 44-year-old junior officer was killed in the fire. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Troubled ferry towed to Hakodate Bay

Troubled ferry towed to Hakodate Bay

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter shows a car ferry, the Sunflower Daisetsu, that caught fire off Japan's northernmost main island of Hokkaido, being towed to Hakodate Bay, also Hokkaido. A 44-year-old junior officer was killed in the fire. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

View of hakodate city from hillside

View of hakodate city from hillside

Hakodate city and harbour from the side of Mt. Hakodate. The colours are rough and have faded away, so the image is rather unclear. To the fore is greenery, the city, and the port and bay, and the mountains of Kameda peninsula can be seen in the distance.==Date:unknown, Place:Hakodate, Photo:unknown, (Credit:Nagasaki University Library/Kyodo News Images) [Cabinet Number12‐9‐0]

Giant Xmas tree in Hakodate

Giant Xmas tree in Hakodate

HAKODATE, Japan - A 20-meter Xmas tree, set up on a platform in Hakodate Bay in Hakodate, Hokkaido, northern Japan, is lit with illuminations Dec. 1, 2011. The fir tree is a gift from Halifax, Canada, a sister city of Hakodate. (Kyodo)

Troubled ferry towed to Hakodate Bay

Troubled ferry towed to Hakodate Bay

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter shows a car ferry, the Sunflower Daisetsu, that caught fire off Japan's northernmost main island of Hokkaido, being towed to Hakodate Bay, also Hokkaido. A 44-year-old junior officer was killed in the fire. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Troubled ferry towed to Hakodate Bay

Troubled ferry towed to Hakodate Bay

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter shows a car ferry, the Sunflower Daisetsu, that caught fire off Japan's northernmost main island of Hokkaido, being towed to Hakodate Bay, also Hokkaido. A 44-year-old junior officer was killed in the fire. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo