[Breaking News]15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

RIKUZENTAKATA, Japan, March 11 Kyodo - The monument to the "Miracle Pine," the only tree in a coastal forest that was not flattened by the deadly tsunami in northeastern Japan, is pictured in the morning sun in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, on March 11, 2026, the 15th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake. (Kyodo)

Spain: Snow Blankets Avila, Dozens of Snowplows Deploy to Keep Roads Clear

Snow returned to the province of Avila on Monday, with flakes beginning to fall and blanketing the area. The provincial government deployed several snowplows and dozens of workers to keep roads clear the next morning.

US: Fast-Moving Storm Brings Snow to Omaha Area, Nebraska

A fast-moving storm brought snow to the Omaha area Wednesday morning, March 11.

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

A cenotaph built in the tsunami-devastated northeastern Japan town of Namie in Fukushima Prefecture in memory of its victims is pictured in the morning sun on March 11, 2026, the 15th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake.

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

A cenotaph built in the tsunami-devastated northeastern Japan town of Namie in Fukushima Prefecture in memory of its victims is pictured in the morning sun on March 11, 2026, the 15th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake.

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

A former local government-run facility in the Miyagi Prefecture town of Minamisanriku is pictured in the morning sun on March 11, 2026, the 15th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake. The building has been preserved as an architectural relic to commemorate the victims and teach future generations about the disaster.

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

A former local government-run facility in the Miyagi Prefecture town of Minamisanriku is pictured in the morning sun on March 11, 2026, the 15th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake. The building has been preserved as an architectural relic to commemorate the victims and teach future generations about the disaster.

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

The monument to the "Miracle Pine," the only tree in a coastal forest that was not flattened by the deadly tsunami in northeastern Japan, is pictured in the morning sun in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, on March 11, 2026, the 15th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake.

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

The monument to the "Miracle Pine," the only tree in a coastal forest that was not flattened by the deadly tsunami in northeastern Japan, is pictured in the morning sun in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, on March 11, 2026, the 15th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake.

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

The monument to the "Miracle Pine," the only tree in a coastal forest that was not flattened by the deadly tsunami in northeastern Japan, is pictured in the morning sun in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, on March 11, 2026, the 15th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake.

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

The monument to the "Miracle Pine," the only tree in a coastal forest that was not flattened by the deadly tsunami in northeastern Japan, is pictured in the morning sun in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, on March 11, 2026, the 15th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake.

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

The monument to the "Miracle Pine," the only tree in a coastal forest that was not flattened by the deadly tsunami in northeastern Japan, is pictured in the morning sun in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, on March 11, 2026, the 15th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake.

China: Rare Pre-Dawn Hailstorm Startles Residents in Kunming

On March 6, 2026, an unusual pre-dawn hailstorm struck Kunming, Yunnan, jolting residents awake with a sudden roar. Countless ice pellets hammered the ground and rooftops, their sharp clatter echoing through the silent early morning streets. The storm lasted roughly 20 minutes, blanketing surfaces in white.

Tokyo stocks plunge

Tokyo stocks plunge

A financial monitor in Tokyo on March 9, 2026, shows the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average sinking over 4,200 points during the morning trading session on inflation concerns as crude oil futures surged to more than $100 per barrel.

Tokyo stocks plunge

Tokyo stocks plunge

A financial monitor in Tokyo on March 9, 2026, shows the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average sinking over 4,200 points during the morning trading session on inflation concerns as crude oil futures surged to more than $100 per barrel.

US: SpaceX Falcon 9 Launch Creates “Jellyfish Cloud”

An early morning SpaceX Falcon 9 launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station created a glowing “space jellyfish” effect over Florida on March 4, 2026. The phenomenon occurred when sunlight illuminated the rocket’s high-altitude exhaust plume before sunrise, producing a colorful, jellyfish-like cloud. The rocket successfully carried 29 Starlink satellites into orbit, and its booster landed safely at sea.

US: Time-Lapse Captures SpaceX “Jellyfish” Cloud

An early morning SpaceX Falcon 9 launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station created a glowing “space jellyfish” effect over Florida on March 4, 2026. The phenomenon occurred when sunlight illuminated the rocket’s high-altitude exhaust plume before sunrise, producing a colorful, jellyfish-like cloud. The rocket successfully carried 29 Starlink satellites into orbit, and its booster landed safely at sea.

Tokyo stocks plunge

Tokyo stocks plunge

A monitor at a currency trading company in Tokyo shows the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average plunging over 1,900 points on the morning of March 4, 2026, amid the continuing conflict in the Middle East.

UK: London Streets Fill With Celebrations After Death of Ali Khamenei 2

On Saturday night, February 28, as bombs fell across the Middle East and rumors spread about the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, north London’s Finchley Road was filled with Iranian expatriates celebrating in the streets. By Sunday morning, Khamenei’s death in a joint U.S.-Israel strike was confirmed. Hundreds of people in Iran were also reported killed in the ongoing attacks, including at least 148 children who died in a strike on an elementary school in the south. Across Iran, some people celebrated while others mourned. In London, members of the Iranian community also gathered for a rally following the news.

UAE: Drone Intercepted in Ras Al Khaimah, No Injuries Reported

Ras Al Khaimah authorities said debris fell in Al Hamra Village on Monday morning after air defence systems intercepted an Iranian drone. No injuries were reported. Officials urged the public to rely on official sources and avoid spreading unverified information.

UK: London Streets Fill With Celebrations After Death of Ali Khamenei

On Saturday night, February 28, as bombs fell across the Middle East and rumors spread about the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, north London’s Finchley Road was filled with Iranian expatriates celebrating in the streets. By Sunday morning, Khamenei’s death in a joint U.S.-Israel strike was confirmed. Hundreds of people in Iran were also reported killed in the ongoing attacks, including at least 148 children who died in a strike on an elementary school in the south. Across Iran, some people celebrated while others mourned. In London, members of the Iranian community also gathered for a rally following the news.

Tokyo stocks tumble

Tokyo stocks tumble

A financial monitor in Tokyo shows the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average falling more than 1,500 points during morning trading on March 2, 2026, as concern grew over the global economic outlook following the weekend launch of U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.

US: Grass Fire Prompts Evacuation in Thornton, Colorado

A fast-moving grass fire fueled by strong winds and dry conditions broke out in Thornton, Colorado, Wednesday morning, February 25, injuring four firefighters and one civilian and prompting evacuations of nearby neighborhoods, businesses, and Pinnacle Charter School. Thick smoke forced a temporary closure of Interstate 25, while roughly 150 responders worked to contain the 10-acre blaze by mid-afternoon. No homes were destroyed, evacuations were later lifted, and the cause remains under investigation. This video shows smoke visible from the River North Art District (RiNo), north of downtown Denver.

US: Brush Fire Spreads in Collier County, Florida Amid Drought and Strong Winds 2

A rapidly growing brush fire in Collier County, Florida, has burned more than 24,000 acres since igniting Monday morning February 23 and remains uncontained as crews battle flames south of Immokalee near Interstate 75, also known as Alligator Alley. The human-caused blaze has prompted lane closures and reduced visibility due to heavy smoke, while drought conditions and strong winds continue to fuel dangerous fire behavior.

Nikkei index soars

Nikkei index soars

A financial data monitor in Tokyo shows the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average soaring above the 59,000 line during morning trading on Feb. 26, 2026, setting a record intraday high for the second straight day, following overnight gains on Wall Street amid expectations for stronger artificial intelligence-related demand.

US: Brush Fire Spreads in Collier County, Florida Amid Drought and Strong Winds

A rapidly growing brush fire in Collier County, Florida, has burned more than 25,000 acres since igniting Monday morning February 23 and remains uncontained as crews battle flames south of Immokalee near Interstate 75, also known as Alligator Alley. The human-caused blaze has prompted lane closures and reduced visibility due to heavy smoke, while drought conditions and strong winds continue to fuel dangerous fire behavior.

US: Avalanches Hit Big Cottonwood Canyon, Utah, Injure Skiers and Close State Road

A backcountry avalanche struck Big Cottonwood Canyon on Saturday morning, February 21, prompting a search and rescue response and the closure of State Route 190, causing major traffic disruptions. Two skiers were buried in a separate slide the same day and suffered critical and serious injuries, while another avalanche later injured one person. After heavy snowfall created unstable snowpack, more than 50 avalanches have been reported across northern Utah in 48 hours, and officials warn of extremely dangerous conditions.

Chile: M6.2 Earthquake Shakes Coquimbo Region

A strong 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck the Coquimbo region of northern Chile on Thursday morning, February 12. The quake hit near the town of Punitaqui at a depth of nearly 37 km. No tsunami warning was issued, and there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties. The video shows power lines swaying in San Ramón, Coquimbo.

Japan: Water Shoots 10 Meters Into Air After Pipe Accident

Water erupted from an underground water pipe at an intersection in Kawaguchi, Saitama Prefecture on Thursday morning, February 12, shooting up to around 10 meters and flooding nearby roads, which were closed to traffic. The prefectural authorities said the incident may have been caused by a contractor’s mistake during air valve replacement work.

Spain: Overcrowding Forces Temporary Closure of Parla Train Station in Madrid

Madrid’s Cercanías railway closed Parla station on Monday morning, February 9, for safety reasons due to overcrowding, caused by a train drivers’ strike and works on the C-4 line that sharply reduced train frequencies. The station was shut between 7:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., with normal service expected to improve after C-4 works finish next week.

Nikkei jumps over 5% to record high

Nikkei jumps over 5% to record high

A financial data monitor in Tokyo shows the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average trading above the 57,000 line for the first time following a gain of more than 3,000 points during the morning session on Feb. 9, 2026, after Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party scored a landslide victory in the House of Representatives election.

Ireland: Weather Warnings Reissued as Heavy Rain and Winds Batter Island

Strong winds whipped up huge waves along the Dublin coast on Thursday, February 5, as severe weather accompanied by heavy rain and flooding battered Ireland. Twelve counties remain under weather warnings as Ireland braces for another day of torrential rain. A Status Orange rain warning is now in effect for Dublin, Wicklow, Louth, and Waterford. The alert for Dublin and Wicklow, which began this morning, has been extended until 3 p.m. on Friday, February 6. Status Yellow warnings remain in place for several other regions, while multiple train services have been suspended until further notice due to flooding.

Spain: Genil River Swells in Granada as Storm Leonardo Nears 5

Andalusia is on high alert as Storm Leonardo brings intense rainfall, strong winds, and dangerous coastal conditions, raising flood risks amid already saturated ground. This video shows the swollen Genil River in Granada on Wednesday morning, February 4.

Spain: Genil River Swells in Granada as Storm Leonardo Nears 4

Andalusia is on high alert as Storm Leonardo brings intense rainfall, strong winds, and dangerous coastal conditions, raising flood risks amid already saturated ground. This video shows the swollen Genil River in Granada on Wednesday morning, February 4.

Spain: River Levels Rise in Malaga as Storm Leonardo Brings Heavy Rain

Storm Leonardo has caused rapid river level rises across Málaga province, with the Guadiaro under red alert and at risk of overflowing after heavy rainfall on already saturated ground. Several other rivers, including the Genal and Guadalteba, have also reached warning levels, with localized flooding reported. This video shows Guadalmedina River on the Cotina area on Wednesday morning, February 4.

Spain: Genil River Swells in Granada as Storm Leonardo Nears

Andalusia is on high alert as Storm Leonardo brings intense rainfall, strong winds, and dangerous coastal conditions, raising flood risks amid already saturated ground. This video shows the swollen Genil River in Granada on Wednesday morning, February 4.

Spain: Genil River Swells in Granada as Storm Leonardo Nears 2

Andalusia is on high alert as Storm Leonardo brings intense rainfall, strong winds, and dangerous coastal conditions, raising flood risks amid already saturated ground. This video shows the swollen Genil River in Granada on Wednesday morning, February 4.

Japan: Record January Snowfall Hits Aomori, Disrupting Traffic and Trains

On January 28, Aomori City recorded 150 centimeters of snowfall for the first time in 40 years, causing traffic congestion across the city and a series of train service suspensions. Snow depth reached 154 centimeters by 9 p.m., tying for the second-highest January total on record, last seen on January 30, 1986. According to Aomori Prefecture, as of 2 p.m. on January 29, two people had died and 85 others were injured, while damage was confirmed at four residential properties. The video captures conditions in Aomori City on the morning of January 29, showing the extent of the heavy snowfall.

Dollar hits 2-month low in Tokyo

Dollar hits 2-month low in Tokyo

Financial monitors at a currency trading company in Tokyo show the U.S. dollar hitting a two-month low in the upper 153 yen range on the morning of Jan. 26, 2026, amid lingering wariness of a possible yen-buying intervention by U.S. and Japanese authorities.

Dollar hits 2-month low in Tokyo

Dollar hits 2-month low in Tokyo

Financial monitors at a currency trading company in Tokyo show the U.S. dollar hitting a two-month low in the upper 153 yen range on the morning of Jan. 26, 2026, amid lingering wariness of a possible yen-buying intervention by U.S. and Japanese authorities.

Dollar hits 2-month low in Tokyo

Dollar hits 2-month low in Tokyo

Financial monitors at a currency trading company in Tokyo show the U.S. dollar hitting a two-month low in the upper 153 yen range on the morning of Jan. 26, 2026, amid lingering wariness of a possible yen-buying intervention by U.S. and Japanese authorities.

Dollar tumbles in Tokyo

Dollar tumbles in Tokyo

Financial monitors at a currency trading company in Tokyo show the U.S. dollar tumbling to the lower 154 yen level on the morning of Jan. 26, 2026, down about 3 yen from the previous week, amid lingering wariness of a possible yen-buying intervention by U.S. and Japanese authorities.

Exchange rate

Exchange rate

Exchange rate monitors at Gaitame.com show the Japanese yen trading at 155 to the U.S. dollar on the morning of Jan. 24, 2026, in Tokyo.

14 Dead in Shopping Center Fire - Pakistan

14 Dead in Shopping Center Fire - Pakistan

Rescuers work at the fire site at a shopping mall in Karachi, Pakistan, on January 19, 2026. The death toll from a fire at a shopping mall in Pakistan's southern port city of Karachi rose to 14 on Monday morning after rescue teams recovered more bodies during a search operation, officials said. Photo by Str/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

14 Dead in Shopping Center Fire - Pakistan

14 Dead in Shopping Center Fire - Pakistan

Smoke rages from the fire site at a shopping mall in Karachi, Pakistan, on January 19, 2026. The death toll from a fire at a shopping mall in Pakistan's southern port city of Karachi rose to 14 on Monday morning after rescue teams recovered more bodies during a search operation, officials said. Photo by Str/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

14 Dead in Shopping Center Fire - Pakistan

14 Dead in Shopping Center Fire - Pakistan

Rescuers work at the fire site at a shopping mall in Karachi, Pakistan, on January 19, 2026. The death toll from a fire at a shopping mall in Pakistan's southern port city of Karachi rose to 14 on Monday morning after rescue teams recovered more bodies during a search operation, officials said. Photo by Str/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

14 Dead in Shopping Center Fire - Pakistan

14 Dead in Shopping Center Fire - Pakistan

Rescuers work at the fire site at a shopping mall in Karachi, Pakistan, on January 19, 2026. The death toll from a fire at a shopping mall in Pakistan's southern port city of Karachi rose to 14 on Monday morning after rescue teams recovered more bodies during a search operation, officials said. Photo by Str/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

14 Dead in Shopping Center Fire - Pakistan

14 Dead in Shopping Center Fire - Pakistan

A rescuer works at the fire site at a shopping mall in Karachi, Pakistan, on January 19, 2026. The death toll from a fire at a shopping mall in Pakistan's southern port city of Karachi rose to 14 on Monday morning after rescue teams recovered more bodies during a search operation, officials said. Photo by Str/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

14 Dead in Shopping Center Fire - Pakistan

14 Dead in Shopping Center Fire - Pakistan

Rescuers work at the fire site at a shopping mall in Karachi, Pakistan, on January 19, 2026. The death toll from a fire at a shopping mall in Pakistan's southern port city of Karachi rose to 14 on Monday morning after rescue teams recovered more bodies during a search operation, officials said. Photo by Str/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

14 Dead in Shopping Center Fire - Pakistan

14 Dead in Shopping Center Fire - Pakistan

This photo taken on January 19, 2026 shows the fire site at a shopping mall in Karachi, Pakistan. The death toll from a fire at a shopping mall in Pakistan's southern port city of Karachi rose to 14 on Monday morning after rescue teams recovered more bodies during a search operation, officials said. Photo by Str/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM