Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

People line up at the town government office in Hikawa in Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on July 31, 2026, to receive bottles of water three days after a powerful earthquake hit the region.

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

A Kyushu Shinkansen bullet train runs after leaving Kumamoto Station in Kumamoto Prefecture on July 31, 2026. The reopening of a section of the Kyushu Shinkansen Line earlier in the day restored full rail service between Kumamoto Station and Hakata Station in Fukuoka Prefecture after a powerful earthquake suspended operations three days earlier.

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

A Kyushu Shinkansen bullet train runs after leaving Kumamoto Station in Kumamoto Prefecture on July 31, 2026. The reopening of a section of the Kyushu Shinkansen Line earlier in the day restored full rail service between Kumamoto Station and Hakata Station in Fukuoka Prefecture after a powerful earthquake suspended operations three days earlier.

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

A Kyushu Shinkansen bullet train runs after leaving Kumamoto Station in Kumamoto Prefecture on July 31, 2026. The reopening of a section of the Kyushu Shinkansen Line earlier in the day restored full rail service between Kumamoto Station and Hakata Station in Fukuoka Prefecture after a powerful earthquake suspended operations three days earlier.

China: Mudslide Blocks Mountain Road in Yunnan, Stranding Vehicles

A mudslide blocked the mountain road from Shangri-La to Wudi Lake in Yunnan on July 16, 2026, burying vehicles in thick mud and debris and leaving a long line of cars stranded as travelers waited for help.

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

A passenger heads to a ticket gate at JR Kumamoto Staton in Kumamoto Prefecture, on July 31, 2026, as the Kyushu Shinkansen Line resumes operations on a section to and from Hakata Station in Fukuoka Prefecture following its suspension after a powerful earthquake three days earlier.

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Photo shows fallen electric poles on July 30, 2026, along a JR line railroad in Hikawa, a Kumamoto Prefecture town devastated by a powerful earthquake that hit the region two days earlier.

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Photo shows fallen electric poles on July 30, 2026, along a JR line railroad in Hikawa, a Kumamoto Prefecture town devastated by a powerful earthquake that hit the region two days earlier.

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Photo shows fallen electric poles on July 30, 2026, along a JR line railroad in Hikawa, a Kumamoto Prefecture town devastated by a powerful earthquake that hit the region two days earlier.

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Photo shows fallen electric poles on July 30, 2026, along a JR line railroad in Hikawa, a Kumamoto Prefecture town devastated by a powerful earthquake that hit the region two days earlier.

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Photo shows fallen electric poles on July 30, 2026, along a JR line railroad in Hikawa, a Kumamoto Prefecture town devastated by a powerful earthquake that hit the region two days earlier.

Chile: Train Fire at Santa Isabel Station Forces Evacuations

A fire broke out around 5:20 PM on Monday, July 27, in a stopped train at Santa Isabel station on Line 5 of the Santiago Metro, forcing the evacuation of hundreds of passengers and a partial line closure.

Baseball: Yankees vs. White Sox

Baseball: Yankees vs. White Sox

Munetaka Murakami of the Chicago White Sox catches a line drive hit by Jazz Chisholm of the New York Yankees in the fourth inning of a baseball game at Rate Field in Chicago on July 29, 2026.

Baseball: Yankees vs. White Sox

Baseball: Yankees vs. White Sox

Munetaka Murakami of the Chicago White Sox catches a line drive hit by Jasson Dominguez of the New York Yankees in the eighth inning of a baseball game at Rate Field in Chicago on July 29, 2026.

Baseball: Yankees vs. White Sox

Baseball: Yankees vs. White Sox

Munetaka Murakami of the Chicago White Sox catches a line drive hit by Jasson Dominguez of the New York Yankees in the eighth inning of a baseball game at Rate Field in Chicago on July 29, 2026.

US: Powerful Storms Slam Maryland With Damaging Winds, Flash Flooding 2

A powerful line of thunderstorms swept across Maryland on Tuesday, July 28, bringing damaging winds, heavy rain, flash flooding and widespread power outages. The storms prompted a tornado watch for several counties, a flood warning that closed numerous roads in Baltimore, and an hours-long pause in air traffic at BWI Airport.

US: Thunderstorms Bring Flash Flood and Tornado Warnings to DC Region 2

A powerful line of thunderstorms swept across the Washington, D.C. region on Tuesday, July 28, bringing damaging winds, heavy rain, flash flooding and widespread power outages. The storms prompted flash flood and tornado warnings.

Spain: Fire in Barcelona Metro Tunnel Seen From Glories Station

A fire broke out in the Barcelona metro's Line 1 tunnel between El Clot and Glories stations during evening rush hour on Monday, July 27, filling a train carrying around 300 passengers with thick smoke and prompting some to evacuate through the tunnel. Medical services treated 137 people for injuries. Authorities have not yet officially confirmed it. This video shows the fire seen from Glories station with smoke filling the tunnel and coming into the platform.

Spain: Passengers Evacuate Station as Fire Breaks Out on Barcelona Metro

A fire broke out in the Barcelona metro's Line 1 tunnel between El Clot and Glories stations during evening rush hour on Monday, July 27, filling a train carrying around 300 passengers with thick smoke and prompting some to evacuate through the tunnel. Medical services treated 137 people for injuries. Authorities have not yet officially confirmed it.

US: Thunderstorms Bring Flash Flood and Tornado Warnings to DC Region

A powerful line of thunderstorms swept across the Washington, D.C. region on Tuesday, July 28, bringing damaging winds, heavy rain, flash flooding and widespread power outages. The storms prompted flash flood and tornado warnings.

JR Tokai Yamanashi Maglev Test Line

JR Tokai Yamanashi Maglev Test Line

JR Tokai Yamanashi Maglev Test Line=July 23,2026,Yamanashi

JR Tokai Yamanashi Maglev Test Line

JR Tokai Yamanashi Maglev Test Line

JR Tokai Yamanashi Maglev Test Line=July 23,2026,Yamanashi

Baseball: Dodgers vs. Mets

Baseball: Dodgers vs. Mets

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani is tagged out in a failed attempt to reach third base after hitting a line drive to right in the fifth inning of a baseball game against the New York Mets at Citi Field in New York on July 24, 2026.

Baseball: Dodgers vs. Mets

Baseball: Dodgers vs. Mets

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani hits a line drive to right and runs through second base in a failed attempt to reach third base in the fifth inning of a baseball game against the New York Mets at Citi Field in New York on July 24, 2026.

China: Cat Flips Between Clotheslines Like an Acrobat

A tabby cat performed an acrobatic flip between two clotheslines in Sichuan province, China, on July 20, 2026, gripping one wire before smoothly twisting its body onto the neighboring line. Chinese social media users praised the cat's agility, joking that it must have practiced kung fu.

France: Car Fire Near Nantes Roma Camp Burns Over 10 Hectares

A car caught fire near the Roma camp at Prairie de Mauves in Nantes, France, on Monday, July 20, and the blaze spread to burn more than 10 hectares, destroying several caravans. The nearby rail line was suspended, residents including those from the camp were evacuated, and ENEDIS preemptively cut power, leaving 369 customers without electricity, with no injuries reported so far.

Football: 2026 World Cup

Football: 2026 World Cup

Spain players line up ahead of the World Cup football final against Argentina at New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19, 2026.

Football: 2026 World Cup

Football: 2026 World Cup

Spain players line up ahead of the World Cup football final against Argentina at New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19, 2026.

Football: 2026 World Cup

Football: 2026 World Cup

Argentina players line up ahead of the World Cup football final against Spain at New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19, 2026.

Football: 2026 World Cup

Football: 2026 World Cup

Argentina players line up ahead of the World Cup football final against Spain at New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19, 2026.

Football: 2026 World Cup

Football: 2026 World Cup

Spain players line up ahead of the World Cup football final against Argentina at New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19, 2026.

Japan revises Imperial House Law

Japan revises Imperial House Law

People visit a square facing the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on July 17, 2026. Japan enacted the revised Imperial House Law the same day, permitting the imperial family to adopt males aged 15 or older who are descended from emperors through the male line in 11 former branch families and allowing female members to retain their imperial status even after marrying commoners.

Japan revises Imperial House Law

Japan revises Imperial House Law

People visit a square facing the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on July 17, 2026. Japan enacted the revised Imperial House Law the same day, permitting the imperial family to adopt males aged 15 or older who are descended from emperors through the male line in 11 former branch families and allowing female members to retain their imperial status even after marrying commoners.

Japan revises Imperial House Law

Japan revises Imperial House Law

People visit a square facing the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on July 17, 2026. Japan enacted the revised Imperial House Law the same day, permitting the imperial family to adopt males aged 15 or older who are descended from emperors through the male line in 11 former branch families and allowing female members to retain their imperial status even after marrying commoners.

Japan revises Imperial House Law

Japan revises Imperial House Law

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara (front, L) bows after the House of Councillors passed a bill to revise the Imperial House Law during a plenary session in Tokyo on July 17, 2026. The amendment to the 1947 law permits the imperial family to adopt males aged 15 or older who are descended from emperors through the male line in 11 former branch families and also allows female members to retain their imperial status even after marrying commoners.

Japan revises Imperial House Law

Japan revises Imperial House Law

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara stands up after the House of Councillors passed a bill to revise the Imperial House Law during a plenary session in Tokyo on July 17, 2026. The amendment to the 1947 law permits the imperial family to adopt males aged 15 or older who are descended from emperors through the male line in 11 former branch families and also allows female members to retain their imperial status even after marrying commoners.

Japan revises Imperial House Law

Japan revises Imperial House Law

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara stands up after the House of Councillors passed a bill to revise the Imperial House Law during a plenary session in Tokyo on July 17, 2026. The amendment to the 1947 law permits the imperial family to adopt males aged 15 or older who are descended from emperors through the male line in 11 former branch families and also allows female members to retain their imperial status even after marrying commoners.

Japan revises Imperial House Law

Japan revises Imperial House Law

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara stands up after the House of Councillors passed a bill to revise the Imperial House Law during a plenary session in Tokyo on July 17, 2026. The amendment to the 1947 law permits the imperial family to adopt males aged 15 or older who are descended from emperors through the male line in 11 former branch families and also allows female members to retain their imperial status even after marrying commoners.

Japan revises Imperial House Law

Japan revises Imperial House Law

Japan's House of Councillors passes a bill to revise the Imperial House Law during a plenary session in Tokyo on July 17, 2026. The amendment to the 1947 law permits the imperial family to adopt males aged 15 or older who are descended from emperors through the male line in 11 former branch families and also allows female members to retain their imperial status even after marrying commoners.

Japan revises Imperial House Law

Japan revises Imperial House Law

Japan's House of Councillors passes a bill to revise the Imperial House Law during a plenary session in Tokyo on July 17, 2026. The amendment to the 1947 law permits the imperial family to adopt males aged 15 or older who are descended from emperors through the male line in 11 former branch families and also allows female members to retain their imperial status even after marrying commoners.

Japan revises Imperial House Law

Japan revises Imperial House Law

Japan's House of Councillors passes a bill to revise the Imperial House Law during a plenary session in Tokyo on July 17, 2026. The amendment to the 1947 law permits the imperial family to adopt males aged 15 or older who are descended from emperors through the male line in 11 former branch families and also allows female members to retain their imperial status even after marrying commoners.

Baseball: MLB All-Star Game

Baseball: MLB All-Star Game

National League players line up ahead of the Major League Baseball All-Star Game against the American League at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia on July 14, 2026.

Baseball: MLB All-Star Game

Baseball: MLB All-Star Game

American League players line up ahead of the Major League Baseball All-Star Game against the National League at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia on July 14, 2026.

Baseball: MLB All-Star Game

Baseball: MLB All-Star Game

American League players line up ahead of the Major League Baseball All-Star Game against the National League at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia on July 14, 2026.

Baseball: MLB All-Star Game

Baseball: MLB All-Star Game

National League players line up ahead of the Major League Baseball All-Star Game against the American League at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia on July 14, 2026.

Baseball: MLB All-Star Game

Baseball: MLB All-Star Game

National League players line up ahead of the Major League Baseball All-Star Game against the American League at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia on July 14, 2026.

Baseball: MLB All-Star Game

Baseball: MLB All-Star Game

American League players line up ahead of the Major League Baseball All-Star Game against the National League at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia on July 14, 2026.

UK: Fire Tears Through Walthamstow, Leaving One House Destroyed

A fire broke out in Walthamstow on Sunday, July 12, leaving one house destroyed and a second home damaged before crews stopped it from spreading to more properties. There were no reports of any injuries. It caused disruption to the Weaver London Overground line, and its cause remains under investigation.

UK: Trackside Fire Forces Closure of London’s Stratford Station 2

A large trackside fire forced the closure of Stratford station in east London on Friday, July 10, suspending several train services. Passengers were evacuated from trains stopped near the station, with some walking along the tracks to safety. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time.

Spain: Los Gallardos Wildfire Kills 12, Leaves 23 Missing in Almería

A wildfire broke out in Los Gallardos, Almería, Spain, on Thursday afternoon, July 9, killing at least 12 people and leaving 23 missing. Authorities say a fallen power line cable sparked the blaze.