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US: One Injured as Severe Thunderstorms Leave Widespread Damage Across Central Texas

Severe thunderstorms swept through Central Texas on Tuesday night, May 19, bringing powerful winds, heavy rain, and frequent lightning, leaving thousands without power and widespread damage across the region. In Austin, a man was critically injured after a tree fell on him.

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Japan emperor, empress at tree-planting ceremony

Japan emperor, empress at tree-planting ceremony

Japan's Emperor Naruhito, alongside Empress Masako, addresses a national tree-planting ceremony in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, on May 17, 2026.

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Japan emperor, empress at tree-planting ceremony

Japan emperor, empress at tree-planting ceremony

Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako plant saplings at a national tree-planting ceremony in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, on May 17, 2026. (Pool photo)

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Japan emperor, empress at tree-planting ceremony

Japan emperor, empress at tree-planting ceremony

Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako plant saplings at a national tree-planting ceremony in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, on May 17, 2026. (Pool photo)

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Japan emperor, empress at tree-planting ceremony

Japan emperor, empress at tree-planting ceremony

Japan's Emperor Naruhito, alongside Empress Masako, addresses a national tree-planting ceremony in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, on May 17, 2026. (Pool photo)

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Japan emperor, empress at tree-planting ceremony

Japan emperor, empress at tree-planting ceremony

Japan's Emperor Naruhito, alongside Empress Masako, addresses a national tree-planting ceremony in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, on May 17, 2026. (Pool photo)

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Japan emperor, empress at tree-planting ceremony

Japan emperor, empress at tree-planting ceremony

Japan's Emperor Naruhito plants a sapling at a national tree-planting ceremony in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, on May 17, 2026. (Pool photo)

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Japan emperor, empress at tree-planting ceremony

Japan emperor, empress at tree-planting ceremony

Japan's Emperor Naruhito plants a sapling at a national tree-planting ceremony in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, on May 17, 2026.

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Japan emperor, empress at tree-planting ceremony

Japan emperor, empress at tree-planting ceremony

Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako wave at a national tree-planting ceremony in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, on May 17, 2026. (Pool photo)

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Japan emperor, empress at tree-planting ceremony

Japan emperor, empress at tree-planting ceremony

A national tree-planting ceremony is held in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, with the attendance of Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, on May 17, 2026.

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Japan emperor, empress at tree-planting ceremony

Japan emperor, empress at tree-planting ceremony

A national tree-planting ceremony is held in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, with the attendance of Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, on May 17, 2026.

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Japan emperor, empress at tree-planting ceremony

Japan emperor, empress at tree-planting ceremony

Japan's Emperor Naruhito addresses a national tree-planting ceremony in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, on May 17, 2026.

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Japan emperor, empress at tree-planting ceremony

Japan emperor, empress at tree-planting ceremony

Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako attend a national tree-planting ceremony in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, on May 17, 2026. (Pool photo)

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Japan emperor, empress visit Ehime

Japan emperor, empress visit Ehime

Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako visit the Nagahama health center in Ozu, Ehime Prefecture, on May 16, 2026. The imperial couple was visiting the western Japan prefecture on a two-day trip and was scheduled to attend a national tree-planting ceremony the following day. (Pool photo)

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Japan emperor, empress visit Ehime

Japan emperor, empress visit Ehime

Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako wave to well-wishers upon arriving at Matsuyama Airport in Ehime Prefecture on May 16, 2026. The imperial couple was visiting the western Japan prefecture on a two-day trip to attend a national tree-planting ceremony the following day, among other events.

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Japan emperor, empress visit Ehime

Japan emperor, empress visit Ehime

Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako visit the Nagahama health center in Ozu, Ehime Prefecture, on May 16, 2026. The imperial couple was visiting the western Japan prefecture on a two-day trip and was scheduled to attend a national tree-planting ceremony the following day. (Pool photo)

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Japan emperor, empress visit Ehime

Japan emperor, empress visit Ehime

Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako wave to well-wishers upon arriving at Matsuyama Airport in Ehime Prefecture on May 16, 2026. The imperial couple was visiting the western Japan prefecture on a two-day trip to attend a national tree-planting ceremony the following day, among other events.

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Japan emperor, empress visit Ehime

Japan emperor, empress visit Ehime

Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako arrive at Matsuyama Airport in Ehime Prefecture on May 16, 2026, for a two-day visit that includes attendance at a national tree-planting ceremony in the western Japan city of Matsuyama the following day. (Pool photo)

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Japan emperor, empress visit Ehime

Japan emperor, empress visit Ehime

Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako arrive at Matsuyama Airport in Ehime Prefecture on May 16, 2026, for a two-day visit that includes attendance at a national tree-planting ceremony in the western Japan city of Matsuyama the following day. (Pool photo)

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Japan emperor, empress visit Ehime

Japan emperor, empress visit Ehime

Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako arrive at Matsuyama Airport in Ehime Prefecture on May 16, 2026, for a two-day visit that includes attendance at a national tree-planting ceremony in the western Japan city of Matsuyama the following day. (Pool photo)

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Japan emperor, empress depart for Ehime

Japan emperor, empress depart for Ehime

Japan's Emperor Naruhito (C) and Empress Masako are greeted at Tokyo's Haneda airport on May 16, 2026, before departing for a two-day trip to Ehime Prefecture, where they will attend a national tree-planting ceremony the following day.

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Japan emperor, empress depart for Ehime

Japan emperor, empress depart for Ehime

Japan's Emperor Naruhito (C) and Empress Masako are greeted at Tokyo's Haneda airport on May 16, 2026, before departing for a two-day trip to Ehime Prefecture, where they will attend a national tree-planting ceremony the following day.

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Japan emperor, empress depart for Ehime

Japan emperor, empress depart for Ehime

Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako are greeted at Tokyo's Haneda airport on May 16, 2026, before departing for a two-day trip to Ehime Prefecture, where they will attend a national tree-planting ceremony the following day.

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China: Violent Winds Knock Down Large Tree in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan

A violent storm swept through Xishuangbanna in Yunnan province, on Sunday, April 27, bringing sudden strong winds that struck the area without warning. A large tree beside a nearby shop collapsed during the storm, captured on video by a witness filming from inside the shop.

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US: Thunderstorms Bring Hail to Southern Michigan

Strong thunderstorms brought hail and gusty winds to southern Michigan on Monday evening. The National Weather Service issued alerts for Van Buren, Kalamazoo and Calhoun counties, warning of wind gusts up to 50 mph and nickel-sized hail. In southeast Michigan, severe storms caused power outages and downed trees across several communities, including St. Clair Shores, where a falling tree damaged a home.

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US: Thunderstorms Bring Hail to Southern Michigan 2

Strong thunderstorms brought hail and gusty winds to southern Michigan on Monday evening. The National Weather Service issued alerts for Van Buren, Kalamazoo and Calhoun counties, warning of wind gusts up to 50 mph and nickel-sized hail. In southeast Michigan, severe storms caused power outages and downed trees across several communities, including St. Clair Shores, where a falling tree damaged a home.

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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.

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US: EF-1 Tornado Tears Through Belton, Missouri, Leaving Trail of Destruction

An EF-1 tornado struck Belton, Missouri, on Friday, April 17, causing structural and tree damage through a neighborhood and a historic cemetery. The National Weather Service confirmed the tornado, which was part of an intense line of thunderstorms moving across the Kansas City metropolitan area.

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Cherry blossom viewing in Osaka

OSAKA, Japan, April 9 Kyodo - People stroll at the Japan Mint head office in Osaka on April 9, 2026, as its 560-meter-long, tree-lined path opens to the public for annual cherry blossom viewing through April 15. More than 300,000 visitors are expected for the event, which began in 1883. (Kyodo)

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[Breaking News]Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

ISE, Japan, April 13 Kyodo - Citizens transport a tree on the Isuzu River in Ise, Mie Prefecture, on April 12, 2026, as part of rites for the "Shikinen Sengu" Ise Jingu shrine building reconstruction every 20 years at the Shinto shrine in the central Japan city. Over 30 rites are planned for the 63rd "Shikinen Sengu," with a history of about 1,300 years. It culminates in 2033 when an object believed to contain the spirit of the shrine's deity will be transferred to the shrine's newly reconstructed main hall. (Kyodo)

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Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

Citizens transport a tree on the Isuzu River in Ise, Mie Prefecture, on April 12, 2026, as part of rites for the "Shikinen Sengu" Ise Jingu shrine building reconstruction every 20 years at the Shinto shrine in the central Japan city. Over 30 rites are planned for the 63rd "Shikinen Sengu," with a history of about 1,300 years. It culminates in 2033 when an object believed to contain the spirit of the shrine's deity will be transferred to the shrine's newly reconstructed main hall.

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Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

Citizens transport a tree on the Isuzu River in Ise, Mie Prefecture, on April 12, 2026, as part of rites for the "Shikinen Sengu" Ise Jingu shrine building reconstruction every 20 years at the Shinto shrine in the central Japan city. Over 30 rites are planned for the 63rd "Shikinen Sengu," with a history of about 1,300 years. It culminates in 2033 when an object believed to contain the spirit of the shrine's deity will be transferred to the shrine's newly reconstructed main hall.

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Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

Citizens transport a tree on the Isuzu River in Ise, Mie Prefecture, on April 12, 2026, as part of rites for the "Shikinen Sengu" Ise Jingu shrine building reconstruction every 20 years at the Shinto shrine in the central Japan city. Over 30 rites are planned for the 63rd "Shikinen Sengu," with a history of about 1,300 years. It culminates in 2033 when an object believed to contain the spirit of the shrine's deity will be transferred to the shrine's newly reconstructed main hall.

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Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

Citizens transport a tree on the Isuzu River in Ise, Mie Prefecture, on April 12, 2026, as part of rites for the "Shikinen Sengu" Ise Jingu shrine building reconstruction every 20 years at the Shinto shrine in the central Japan city. Over 30 rites are planned for the 63rd "Shikinen Sengu," with a history of about 1,300 years. It culminates in 2033 when an object believed to contain the spirit of the shrine's deity will be transferred to the shrine's newly reconstructed main hall.

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Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

Citizens transport a tree on the Isuzu River in Ise, Mie Prefecture, on April 12, 2026, as part of rites for the "Shikinen Sengu" Ise Jingu shrine building reconstruction every 20 years at the Shinto shrine in the central Japan city. Over 30 rites are planned for the 63rd "Shikinen Sengu," with a history of about 1,300 years. It culminates in 2033 when an object believed to contain the spirit of the shrine's deity will be transferred to the shrine's newly reconstructed main hall.

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[Breaking News]Ancient cherry tree in Japan

MIHARU, Japan, April 9 Kyodo - A full-bloomed cherry tree estimated to be over 1,000 years is illuminated in Miharu in Fukushima Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on April 8, 2026. With its flowers spreading in all directions from the branches, the government-protected tree is known as the "waterfall cherry tree of Miharu." (Kyodo)

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Cherry blossom viewing in Osaka

Cherry blossom viewing in Osaka

People stroll at the Japan Mint head office in Osaka on April 9, 2026, as its 560-meter-long, tree-lined path opens to the public for annual cherry blossom viewing through April 15. More than 300,000 visitors are expected for the event, which began in 1883.

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Ancient cherry tree in Japan

Ancient cherry tree in Japan

A cherry tree estimated to be over 1,000 years old comes into full bloom in Miharu in Fukushima Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on April 8, 2026. With its flowers spreading in all directions from the branches, the government-protected tree is known as the "waterfall cherry tree of Miharu."

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Ancient cherry tree in Japan

Ancient cherry tree in Japan

A full-bloomed cherry tree estimated to be over 1,000 years is illuminated in Miharu in Fukushima Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on April 8, 2026. With its flowers spreading in all directions from the branches, the government-protected tree is known as the "waterfall cherry tree of Miharu."

  •  
Ancient cherry tree in Japan

Ancient cherry tree in Japan

A cherry tree estimated to be over 1,000 years old comes into full bloom in Miharu in Fukushima Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on April 8, 2026. With its flowers spreading in all directions from the branches, the government-protected tree is known as the "waterfall cherry tree of Miharu."

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Ancient cherry tree in Japan

Ancient cherry tree in Japan

A cherry tree estimated to be over 1,000 years old comes into full bloom in Miharu in Fukushima Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on April 8, 2026. With its flowers spreading in all directions from the branches, the government-protected tree is known as the "waterfall cherry tree of Miharu."

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Japan: Strong Winds Knock Down Cherry Tree in Saitama

Strong winds battered Tokyo and Saitama Prefecture on Monday, April 7, prompting the Japan Meteorological Agency to issue a wind advisory for parts of the area. Kumagaya recorded a maximum instantaneous wind speed of 21.9 m/s. This video shows a cherry tree that appears to have been knocked down by gusty winds in Saitama City.

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China: Clumsy Panda Cub Loses Grip and Falls From Tree in Fujian

On March 17, 2026, in Fujian, a video recorded a panda cub climbing a tree to play. While moving around on the trunk, the cub suddenly lost its grip and fell down. A worker picked the cub up and looked it over carefully, turning it slightly as if checking for injuries.

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China: Family Rescues Cat Stranded Six Stories Up in Tree for Over a Day

This is the heartwarming moment that a Chinese family rescued a cat trapped high in a tree after it had been stranded for more than a day. On March 22, 2026, in Gongyi, Henan, the video captured a tense yet touching rescue as a small cat was found stuck at the top of a tree roughly six stories high. The cat had reportedly been trapped for an entire day and night, unable to climb down. In the footage, members of a local woman’s family worked together, using a homemade device assembled from an extendable pole to reach the frightened cat. As the pole was carefully maneuvered upward, the cat clung nervously to the branches, drawing concern from those watching below. After several careful attempts, the rescuers managed to secure the cat and guide it safely down, prompting relief and cheers. The video ended with the cat safely back on the ground, appearing unharmed as the family gathered around to check on it.

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Japan: Tokyo’s Iconic Rikugien Weeping Cherry Tree Reaches Full Bloom

Rikugi-en Garden in Bunkyo, Tokyo, is home to a stunning weeping cherry tree that becomes one of the city's most beloved cherry blossom spots each spring. The large, centuries-old tree is beautifully illuminated at night during the blooming season, creating a magical atmosphere reflected in the garden's traditional pond. The contrast between the delicate pink blossoms and the classical Japanese landscape makes it a must-visit destination for cherry blossom viewing in Tokyo.

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[Breaking News]Cherry blossoms in Tokyo

TOKYO, Japan, March 19 Kyodo - The Somei Yoshino cherry tree that the Japan Meteorological Agency uses as a benchmark tree to declare the official start of the spring cherry blossom season, comes into bloom at Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo on March 19, 2026, five days earlier than the average year. (Kyodo)

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Japan: Tokyo’s Cherry Blossom Season Officially Begins, Five Days Ahead of Average

Tokyo's cherry blossom season officially began on Thursday, March 19, after the Japan Meteorological Agency confirmed blooms on the sample Somei-yoshino tree at Yasukuni Shrine, five days earlier than the average year.

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Cherry blossoms in Tokyo

Cherry blossoms in Tokyo

The Somei Yoshino cherry tree that the Japan Meteorological Agency uses as a benchmark tree to declare the official start of the spring cherry blossom season, comes into bloom at Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo on March 19, 2026, five days earlier than the average year.

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Cherry blossoms in Tokyo

Cherry blossoms in Tokyo

The Somei Yoshino cherry tree that the Japan Meteorological Agency uses as a benchmark tree to declare the official start of the spring cherry blossom season, comes into bloom at Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo on March 19, 2026, five days earlier than the average year.

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Cherry tree comes into bloom in Japan

Cherry tree comes into bloom in Japan

A "Somei Yoshino" cherry tree comes into bloom at Kochi Castle in the western Japan city of Kochi on March 16, 2026. The area and the central Japan city of Gifu became the first to see the trees bloom in Japan.

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