Dominican Republic: Tropical Storm Melissa Batters, Causing Damage and Disruptions 2

Tropical Storm Melissa swept through the Dominican Republic, toppling trees, traffic lights, and triggering small landslides. Authorities closed schools and government offices across several provinces as the storm disrupted water systems and threatened severe flooding. Melissa is expected to strengthen into a Category 4 hurricane this weekend as it lashes the Caribbean with heavy rain and destructive winds.

Indonesia: Mt. Lewotobi Erupts, Triggers Highest Alert and Spews Ash High Into Sky

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki on Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara, erupted late Tuesday, October 15, and again early Wednesday, spewing ash up to 10 kilometers into the sky. Indonesia’s volcanology agency raised the alert to its highest level after detecting deep tremors that signaled possible explosive activity.

Australia: Record Flooding Batters Northern NSW After Heavy Rainfall 2

Flooding has battered cities and towns across the Mid-North Coast and the Hunter Region in northern New South Wales, leaving many residents stranded or forced to evacuate after days of heavy rainfall. In the city of Taree, the Manning River surpassed its 1929 record of six meters and was still rising as of Wednesday morning, May 21. Authorities have issued 13 emergency-level alerts.

Australia: Record Flooding Batters Northern NSW After Heavy Rainfall 3

Flooding has battered cities and towns across the Mid-North Coast and the Hunter Region in northern New South Wales, leaving many residents stranded or forced to evacuate after days of heavy rainfall. In the city of Taree, the Manning River surpassed its 1929 record of six meters and was still rising as of Wednesday morning, May 21. Authorities have issued 13 emergency-level alerts.

US: Severe Weather Warning for Houston Area With Hail, High Winds, Tornado Risk

The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the Houston area until evening of Monday, May 5. It brought hail, damaging winds, flooding, and possible tornadoes.

US: Sunset Fire Ignites In Hollywood Hills, Triggering Mandatory Evacuation Orders

A brush fire, dubbed the Sunset Fire, broke out in the Hollywood Hills on Wednesday evening, January 8, triggering mandatory evacuation orders.

Philippines: Thunderstorms Hit, Bringing Intense Rainfall To Central Regions

The regions of Visayas, Bicol, Calabarzon, and Mimaropa may experience cloudy skies with scattered rains as isolated thunderstorms hit. According to reports, heavy rainfall of 100 to 200 mm was expected in Northern Samar on Monday.

JCP head Shii asks voters for support in general election

JCP head Shii asks voters for support in general election

FUNABASHI, Japan - Japanese Communist Party leader Kazuo Shii gives a stump speech near JR Funabashi Station in Chiba Prefecture on Aug. 29, 2009, making a final plea for voter support in the Aug. 30 House of Representatives election. Shii, who heads the minor opposition party, is among candidates seeking reelection as a lower house member.

Democratic Party's Okada campaigning for upper house election

Democratic Party's Okada campaigning for upper house election

Katsuya Okada, who heads the main opposition Democratic Party, makes a stump speech in front of JR Funabashi Station in Chiba Prefecture, east of Tokyo, on June 20, 2016, for the July 10 House of Councillors election. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

"Funassyi" draws attention to dangers of fraud

"Funassyi" draws attention to dangers of fraud

Funassyi, the popular unofficial mascot of the city of Funabashi, near Tokyo, attends an event with local police officers at JR Funabashi Station on June 7, 2016. Funassyi was appointed as "special press officer" to draw attention to the dangers of fraud. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

JCP head Shii asks voters for support in general election

JCP head Shii asks voters for support in general election

FUNABASHI, Japan - Japanese Communist Party leader Kazuo Shii gives a stump speech near JR Funabashi Station in Chiba Prefecture on Aug. 29, 2009, making a final plea for voter support in the Aug. 30 House of Representatives election. Shii, who heads the minor opposition party, is among candidates seeking reelection as a lower house member. (Kyodo)

2 female teenagers hurt in separate stabbing incidents in Chiba

2 female teenagers hurt in separate stabbing incidents in Chiba

Police officers investigate the scene near JR Chiba Station, east of Tokyo, on Aug. 23, 2016, where a 14-year-old girl was seriously injured after being stabbed by a man on a bicycle. A 19-year-old female university student was stabbed about an hour later in Funabashi, Chiba Prefecture. A man in his 20s has been questioned on a voluntary basis for possible involvement in the incidents. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo