Japan: Record-Breaking Rain Batters Chiba, Triggering Evacuations 6

Eight people have been confirmed dead in Chiba Prefecture after record rainfall hit the greater Tokyo area through early Friday, August 14. Nearly 7,000 people were stranded overnight at Narita Airport as trains and buses were suspended, while about 23,000 homes remained without power across the area.

Swimming: Pan Pacific swimming

Swimming: Pan Pacific swimming

Satomi Suzuki of Japan competes en route to winning bronze in the women's 100-meter breaststroke final at the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships in Irvine, California, on Aug. 13, 2026.

Swimming: Pan Pacific swimming

Swimming: Pan Pacific swimming

Satomi Suzuki of Japan competes en route to winning bronze in the women's 100-meter breaststroke final at the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships in Irvine, California, on Aug. 13, 2026.

Swimming: Pan Pacific swimming

Swimming: Pan Pacific swimming

Satomi Suzuki of Japan competes en route to winning bronze in the women's 100-meter breaststroke final at the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships in Irvine, California, on Aug. 13, 2026.

Swimming: Pan Pacific swimming

Swimming: Pan Pacific swimming

Shin Ohashi of Japan swims en route to claiming silver in the men's 100-meter breaststroke final at the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships in Irvine, California, on Aug. 13, 2026.

Swimming: Pan Pacific swimming

Swimming: Pan Pacific swimming

Shin Ohashi of Japan swims en route to claiming silver in the men's 100-meter breaststroke final at the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships in Irvine, California, on Aug. 13, 2026.

Swimming: Pan Pacific swimming

Swimming: Pan Pacific swimming

Tomoyuki Matsushita of Japan swims en route to winning the men's 400-meter individual medley final at the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships in Irvine, California, on Aug. 13, 2026.

Swimming: Pan Pacific swimming

Swimming: Pan Pacific swimming

Tomoyuki Matsushita of Japan swims en route to winning the men's 400-meter individual medley final at the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships in Irvine, California, on Aug. 13, 2026.

Swimming: Pan Pacific swimming

Swimming: Pan Pacific swimming

Tomoyuki Matsushita of Japan swims en route to winning the men's 400-meter individual medley final at the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships in Irvine, California, on Aug. 13, 2026.

Swimming: Pan Pacific swimming

Swimming: Pan Pacific swimming

Tomoyuki Matsushita of Japan swims en route to winning the men's 400-meter individual medley final at the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships in Irvine, California, on Aug. 13, 2026.

Swimming: Pan Pacific swimming

Swimming: Pan Pacific swimming

Tomoyuki Matsushita of Japan swims en route to winning the men's 400-meter individual medley final at the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships in Irvine, California, on Aug. 13, 2026.

Swimming: Pan Pacific swimming

Swimming: Pan Pacific swimming

Tomoyuki Matsushita of Japan swims en route to winning the men's 400-meter individual medley final at the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships in Irvine, California, on Aug. 13, 2026.

World Cosplay Summit in Nagoya

World Cosplay Summit in Nagoya

Two representatives from Hong Kong perform en route to winning the championship at the World Cosplay Summit in Nagoya, central Japan, on Aug. 2, 2026.

China: Man Grabs Snake With Bare Hands After Roadside Bite in Hunan

A terrifying roadside encounter was caught on a passing vehicle's dashcam, showing a man grabbing a snake with his bare hands after it bit him. The incident occurred on July 15, 2026, in Huaihua, Hunan, when a snake suddenly rushed out and bit the man's foot as he rode along the road. He stopped, seized the snake with his hands, and brought it under control before heading to a hospital. Medical checks later confirmed the snake was mildly venomous and his condition was not serious. The driver who filmed the video said the road ran close to mountainous terrain, where they encountered three large snakes along the route.

Images related to the Tokyo Electric Power Company's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant

Images related to the Tokyo Electric Power Company's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant

An image related to the Tokyo Electric Power Company’s Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. The photo shows a sign on National Route 6 indicating the Tokyo Electric Power Company’s Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant.=July 16,2026,Fukushima

US: West Virginia Flash Floods Trigger Rescues, State of Emergency 6

Torrential rains caused flash flooding across West Virginia on Tuesday, July 21, inundating homes and businesses, washing out bridges and roads, and triggering numerous water rescues, with Gov. Patrick Morrisey declaring a state of emergency for all 55 counties. Two people died on Tuesday night, Morrisey's office confirmed on Thursday. Search and rescue efforts, including by the National Guard, continued across several communities.

Chile: Storm Floods Roadways in Atacama Region

An intense frontal storm system brought heavy rain to Chile's Atacama Region over the weekend, flooding roadways including Route 5 North near Copiapó.

US: Dust Storm Sweeps Through Phoenix Metro, Causing Power Outages and Flight Delays

The National Weather Service issued a Dust Storm Warning for the Phoenix metro area on Sunday, July 12, as a wall of dust swept through the area. The storm reduced visibility, triggered traffic delays and knocked out power to thousands. It also grounded flights at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, with nearly 400 flights delayed.

US: Severe Flooding Swamps New Jersey Streets 4

Severe flooding continued to disrupt the tri-state area on Monday, with heavy rainfall inundating New Jersey after a weekend of severe weather. Social media videos showed submerged streets across New Jersey.

[Breaking News]Mt. Fuji climbing season

TOKYO, Japan, July 1 Kyodo - Climbers head to the top of Mt. Fuji along the Yoshida route on July 1, 2026. The route in Yamanashi Prefecture, as well as the Subashiri route in Shizuoka Prefecture, opened the same day for the start of the official climbing season through Sept. 10. (Kyodo)

Japanese wins gold at ballet competition in Moscow

Japanese wins gold at ballet competition in Moscow

Ryoma Hudzeleu of Japan performs en route to winning the men's senior solo division at the 15th International Ballet Competition in Moscow on July 4, 2026.

Japanese wins gold at ballet competition in Moscow

Japanese wins gold at ballet competition in Moscow

Ryoma Hudzeleu of Japan performs en route to winning the men's senior solo division at the 15th International Ballet Competition in Moscow on July 4, 2026.

US: Gold Mountain Fire Continues to Spread Near Ouray With Zero Containment

The Gold Mountain Fire in Ouray County, Colorado, grew to over 21,000 acres with zero containment on Friday, July 3. Evacuation orders remained in place as U.S. 550 north of Ouray was again closed to traffic.

Mt. Fuji climbing season

Mt. Fuji climbing season

Climbers head to the top of Mt. Fuji along the Yoshida route in Yamanashi Prefecture on July 1, 2026. The route, as well as the Subashiri route in Shizuoka Prefecture, opened the same day for the start of the official climbing season through Sept. 10.

Mt. Fuji climbing season

Mt. Fuji climbing season

Climbers head to the top of Mt. Fuji along the Yoshida route on July 1, 2026. The route in Yamanashi Prefecture, as well as the Subashiri route in Shizuoka Prefecture, opened the same day for the start of the official climbing season through Sept. 10.

Mt. Fuji in climbing season

Mt. Fuji in climbing season

A ritual to cut a sacred shimenawa rope tied to a torii gate is held during the opening ceremony of the Subashiri route in Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan, on Mt. Fuji on July 1, 2026, as the official climbing season began for Japan's highest mountain, straddling Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures. The route is open through Sept. 10.

Mt. Fuji in climbing season

Mt. Fuji in climbing season

People begin climbing Mt. Fuji along the Subashiri route on July 1, 2026. The route in Shizuoka Prefecture up Japan's highest mountain, straddling Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures, opened the same day for the start of the official climbing season through Sept. 10.

JR East to start self-driving bus service

JR East to start self-driving bus service

A bus driver takes his hands off the wheel during a media demonstration of self-driving operations in Tome, Miyagi Prefecture, on May 28, 2026, ahead of commercial services starting the following day. JR East will operate self-driving buses every Friday and Saturday through July 4 on a 15.5-kilometer route in the northeastern Japan city.

1st oil tanker to arrive in Japan passing Hormuz since Iran war

CHITA, Japan, May 25 Kyodo - Video taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on May 25, 2026, shows the Idemitsu Maru, an oil tanker operated by a unit of major Japanese petroleum company Idemitsu Kosan Co., off Chita, Aichi Prefecture, central Japan, following its arrival earlier in the day after transiting the Strait of Hormuz in late April. It is the first oil tanker to arrive in Japan having passed through the strait since the Iran war erupted and left traffic through the vital energy route heavily restricted. (Kyodo)

1st oil tanker to arrive in Japan passing Hormuz since Iran war

1st oil tanker to arrive in Japan passing Hormuz since Iran war

Photo taken from Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture, central Japan, on May 25, 2026, shows the Idemitsu Maru, an oil tanker operated by a unit of major Japanese petroleum company Idemitsu Kosan Co., following its arrival earlier in the day after transiting the Strait of Hormuz in late April. It is the first oil tanker to arrive in Japan having passed through the strait since the Iran war erupted and left traffic through the vital energy route heavily restricted.

1st oil tanker to arrive in Japan passing Hormuz since Iran war

1st oil tanker to arrive in Japan passing Hormuz since Iran war

Photo taken from Tahara in Aichi Prefecture, central Japan, shows the Idemitsu Maru (R), an oil tanker operated by a unit of major Japanese petroleum company Idemitsu Kosan Co., sailing toward Ise Bay on May 25, 2026, after transiting the Strait of Hormuz in late April. It is the first oil tanker to arrive in Japan having passed through the strait since the Iran war erupted and left traffic through the vital energy route heavily restricted.

1st oil tanker to arrive in Japan passing Hormuz since Iran war

1st oil tanker to arrive in Japan passing Hormuz since Iran war

Photo taken from Tahara in Aichi Prefecture, central Japan, shows the Idemitsu Maru, an oil tanker operated by a unit of major Japanese petroleum company Idemitsu Kosan Co., sailing toward Ise Bay on May 25, 2026, after transiting the Strait of Hormuz in late April. It is the first oil tanker to arrive in Japan having passed through the strait since the Iran war erupted and left traffic through the vital energy route heavily restricted.

1st oil tanker to arrive in Japan passing Hormuz since Iran war

1st oil tanker to arrive in Japan passing Hormuz since Iran war

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on May 25, 2026, shows the Idemitsu Maru, an oil tanker operated by a unit of major Japanese petroleum company Idemitsu Kosan Co., off Chita, Aichi Prefecture, central Japan, following its arrival earlier in the day after transiting the Strait of Hormuz in late April. It is the first oil tanker to arrive in Japan having passed through the strait since the Iran war erupted and left traffic through the vital energy route heavily restricted.

1st oil tanker to arrive in Japan passing Hormuz since Iran war

1st oil tanker to arrive in Japan passing Hormuz since Iran war

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on May 25, 2026, shows the Idemitsu Maru, an oil tanker operated by a unit of major Japanese petroleum company Idemitsu Kosan Co., off Chita, Aichi Prefecture, central Japan, following its arrival earlier in the day after transiting the Strait of Hormuz in late April. It is the first oil tanker to arrive in Japan having passed through the strait since the Iran war erupted and left traffic through the vital energy route heavily restricted.

1st oil tanker to arrive in Japan passing Hormuz since Iran war

1st oil tanker to arrive in Japan passing Hormuz since Iran war

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on May 25, 2026, shows the Idemitsu Maru, an oil tanker operated by a unit of major Japanese petroleum company Idemitsu Kosan Co., off Chita, Aichi Prefecture, central Japan, following its arrival earlier in the day after transiting the Strait of Hormuz in late April. It is the first oil tanker to arrive in Japan having passed through the strait since the Iran war erupted and left traffic through the vital energy route heavily restricted.

1st oil tanker to arrive in Japan passing Hormuz since Iran war

1st oil tanker to arrive in Japan passing Hormuz since Iran war

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on May 25, 2026, shows the Idemitsu Maru, an oil tanker operated by a unit of major Japanese petroleum company Idemitsu Kosan Co., off Chita, Aichi Prefecture, central Japan, following its arrival earlier in the day after transiting the Strait of Hormuz in late April. It is the first oil tanker to arrive in Japan having passed through the strait since the Iran war erupted and left traffic through the vital energy route heavily restricted.

First arrival to Japan of oil tanker passing Hormuz since Iran war

First arrival to Japan of oil tanker passing Hormuz since Iran war

Photo taken from Tahara in Aichi Prefecture, central Japan, shows the Idemitsu Maru, an oil tanker operated by a unit of major Japanese petroleum company Idemitsu Kosan Co., arriving in Ise Bay on May 25, 2026, after transiting the Strait of Hormuz in late April. It is the first oil tanker to arrive in Japan through the strait since the Iran war erupted and left traffic through the vital energy route heavily restricted.

First arrival to Japan of oil tanker passing Hormuz since Iran war

First arrival to Japan of oil tanker passing Hormuz since Iran war

Photo taken from Tahara in Aichi Prefecture, central Japan, shows the Idemitsu Maru, an oil tanker operated by a unit of major Japanese petroleum company Idemitsu Kosan Co., arriving in Ise Bay on May 25, 2026, after transiting the Strait of Hormuz in late April. It is the first oil tanker to arrive in Japan through the strait since the Iran war erupted and left traffic through the vital energy route heavily restricted.

Hello Kitty shinkansen makes final run

Hello Kitty shinkansen makes final run

Fans gather at JR Shin-Osaka Station in Osaka to witness the final run of a Hello Kitty shinkansen bullet train decorated with ribbons and character illustrations inside and out on May 17, 2026. The 500-series Shinkansen operated by West Japan Railway Co. carried about 1 million passengers since debuting in June 2018 on the route between Shin-Osaka and JR Hakata Station in Fukuoka.

Hello Kitty shinkansen makes final run

Hello Kitty shinkansen makes final run

A Hello Kitty shinkansen bullet train decorated with ribbons and character illustrations inside and out arrives at JR Shin-Osaka Station in Osaka for its final run on May 17, 2026. The 500-series Shinkansen operated by West Japan Railway Co. carried about 1 million passengers since debuting in June 2018 on the route between Shin-Osaka and JR Hakata Station in Fukuoka.

Hello Kitty shinkansen makes final run

Hello Kitty shinkansen makes final run

Fans gather at JR Shin-Osaka Station in Osaka to witness the final run of a Hello Kitty shinkansen bullet train decorated with ribbons and character illustrations inside and out on May 17, 2026. The 500-series Shinkansen operated by West Japan Railway Co. carried about 1 million passengers since debuting in June 2018 on the route between Shin-Osaka and JR Hakata Station in Fukuoka.

Hello Kitty shinkansen makes final run

Hello Kitty shinkansen makes final run

A Hello Kitty shinkansen bullet train decorated with ribbons and character illustrations inside and out arrives at JR Shin-Osaka Station in Osaka for its final run on May 17, 2026. The 500-series Shinkansen operated by West Japan Railway Co. carried about 1 million passengers since debuting in June 2018 on the route between Shin-Osaka and JR Hakata Station in Fukuoka.

South Africa: Violent Storm Sends Ocean Foam Surging Into Victoria Bay

Violent storms battered Victoria Bay near George in South Africa's Western Cape on May 6, sending thick sea foam surging inland and flooding beachfront properties, though no major structural damage was reported.

Vessels in Strait of Hormuz

Vessels in Strait of Hormuz

Photo taken on May 5, 2026, shows vessels in the Strait of Hormuz off Bandar Abbas, southern Iran. The standoff between the United States and Iran continues over the critical shipping route for oil and gas.

Vessels in Strait of Hormuz

Vessels in Strait of Hormuz

Photo taken on May 5, 2026, shows vessels in the Strait of Hormuz off Bandar Abbas, southern Iran. The standoff between the United States and Iran continues over the critical shipping route for oil and gas.

Scenic route reopens in World Heritage Shiretoko area

Scenic route reopens in World Heritage Shiretoko area

Cars and motorcycles travel on the Shiretoko crossing road in Shari in Hokkaido, northern Japan, on April 28, 2026, as the scenic route in the World Heritage-listed Shiretoko region resumes operation for the spring tourist season after being closed for about six months due to snowfall.

China: Off-Road Team Rescues Camel Trapped in Wire Fencing in Inner Mongolia

On April 24, 2026, in Chifeng, Inner Mongolia, a video captured a rescue mission unfolding along a desert crossing route from the sacred tree area of the Ulan Buh Desert to Ji’aobao. Members of an off-road team spotted a camel that had been stuck for three to four days, its leg tightly entangled in wire fencing. The team leader carefully crouched down and began cutting away the metal wires wrapped around the animal’s leg, taking care not to cause further injury. The camel appeared exhausted and weak, remaining motionless even after being freed, its legs stiff from prolonged restraint. The video ended with the camel gradually managing to stand up, wobbling at first before stabilizing itself as the rescuers looked on.

China: Delivery Worker Helps Stop Fire From Spreading in Ningbo

A food delivery rider in Ningbo, China interrupted his route on January 21, 2026, to fight a fire he encountered.A food delivery rider in Ningbo, China interrupted his route on January 21, 2026, to fight a fire he encountered. He calmly grabbed a nearby extinguisher and sprayed the flames, with local residents joining in. Together, they brought the fire under control before it could spread further.

US: Lightning Flashes Over Enid as Tornado-Producing Storms Sweep Through Oklahoma 2

Multiple tornadoes were confirmed in Oklahoma on Thursday, April 23, after a stretch of severe storms tore across the northern region, leaving a path of damaged homes and downed power lines. This aerial footage shows intense lightning hitting around Enid amid the tornado-producing storms, captured from aboard Delta Flight 1719.

US: Lightning Flashes Over Enid as Tornado-Producing Storms Sweep Through Oklahoma

Multiple tornadoes were confirmed in Oklahoma on Thursday, April 23, after a stretch of severe storms tore across the northern region, leaving a path of damaged homes and downed power lines. This aerial footage shows intense lightning hitting around Enid amid the tornado-producing storms, captured from aboard Delta Flight 1719.