New Zealand: Cyclone Vaianu Batters North Island, Forcing Evacuations and Power Outages

Cyclone Vaianu made landfall on New Zealand's North Island on Sunday, April 12, bringing winds exceeding 130 km/h, heavy rain, and waves over 6 meters. Around 5,000 homes lost power, hundreds were evacuated, and over 90 regional flights were cancelled. Several areas were placed under emergency declarations.

New Zealand: Cyclone Vaianu Batters North Island, Forcing Evacuations and Power Outages 2

Cyclone Vaianu made landfall on New Zealand's North Island on Sunday, April 12, bringing winds exceeding 130 km/h, heavy rain, and waves over 6 meters. Around 5,000 homes lost power, hundreds were evacuated, and over 90 regional flights were cancelled. Several areas were placed under emergency declarations.

US: Smoke Rises as 160-Acre Wildfire in New Jersey Prompts Evacuations

A 160-acre wildfire in West Deptford Township, Gloucester County, New Jersey, was fully contained by 6 p.m. Saturday, April 11. The blaze prompted voluntary evacuations and threatened around 60 structures, but no injuries were reported and no buildings were damaged. The cause remains under investigation.

Imitation chrysanthemum production in western Japan

TANABE, Japan, April 6 Kyodo - Production of imitation chrysanthemum flowers is under way in Tanabe, Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan, on April 6, 2026, ahead of a three-day annual festival at the World Heritage-listed Kumano Hongu Taisha shrine, starting on April 13. (Kyodo)

China: Meerkats’ Nighttime Gathering Under Light in Zhejiang

On March 25, 2026, in Zhejiang, a video recorded four meerkats standing beneath a light. The animals remained grouped closely together under the lamp, occasionally turning their heads toward the filmer. Their posture and arrangement made them look curious, alert, and almost as if they were attending a small private dance party.

US: Potawatomi Hotel Casino Evacuated After Roof Fire Sends Black Smoke Into Sky 3

Potawatomi Hotel Casino in Milwaukee was evacuated on Monday, April 6, after a fire broke out in the HVAC system on the roof of the casino building, sending a massive plume of black smoke into the sky. The fire was brought under control with no injuries reported, and the casino reopened to the public at 6 p.m.

US: Potawatomi Hotel Casino Evacuated After Roof Fire Sends Black Smoke Into Sky 2

Potawatomi Hotel Casino in Milwaukee was evacuated on Monday, April 6, after a fire broke out in the HVAC system on the roof of the casino building, sending a massive plume of black smoke into the sky. The fire was brought under control with no injuries reported, and the casino reopened to the public at 6 p.m.

US: Potawatomi Hotel Casino Evacuated After Roof Fire Sends Black Smoke Into Sky

Potawatomi Hotel Casino in Milwaukee was evacuated on Monday, April 6, after a fire broke out in the HVAC system on the roof of the casino building, sending a massive plume of black smoke into the sky. The fire was brought under control with no injuries reported, and the casino reopened to the public at 6 p.m.

Imitation chrysanthemum production in western Japan

Imitation chrysanthemum production in western Japan

Production of imitation chrysanthemum flowers is under way in Tanabe, Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan, on April 6, 2026, ahead of a three-day annual festival at the World Heritage-listed Kumano Hongu Taisha shrine, starting on April 13.

Golf: Aramco Championship

Golf: Aramco Championship

Lauren Coughlin of the United States poses with the victor's trophy after winning the Aramco Championship golf tournament with a 7-under total at Shadow Creek Golf Course in Las Vegas on April 5, 2026.

Taiwan: Fire Breaks Out at CPC Dalin Refinery After Heavy Oil Leak in Kaohsiung 2

A fire broke out at CPC Corporation's Dalin Refinery in Kaohsiung on April 3, 2026, after heavy oil leaked from a tank in Zone F. Firefighters dispatched 10 vehicles and 22 personnel to the scene, where the valve was immediately shut off. The cause of the incident is still under investigation.

Taiwan: Fire Breaks Out at CPC Dalin Refinery After Heavy Oil Leak in Kaohsiung 3

A fire broke out at CPC Corporation's Dalin Refinery in Kaohsiung on April 3, 2026, after heavy oil leaked from a tank in Zone F. Firefighters dispatched 10 vehicles and 22 personnel to the scene, where the valve was immediately shut off. The cause of the incident is still under investigation.

Taiwan: Fire Breaks Out at CPC Dalin Refinery After Heavy Oil Leak in Kaohsiung

A fire broke out at CPC Corporation's Dalin Refinery in Kaohsiung on April 3, 2026, after heavy oil leaked from a tank in Zone F. Firefighters dispatched 10 vehicles and 22 personnel to the scene, where the valve was immediately shut off. The cause of the incident is still under investigation.

Japan: Illuminated Cherry Blossom Trees Line Iino River in Full Bloom in Aichi

On March 30, 2026, cherry blossom trees lining approximately 100 meters along the Iino River in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, central Japan were captured glowing under illumination as the flowers reached full bloom. The light-up event runs until April 5.

Japan: Nara’s Iconic Deer Welcome Spring Under Cherry Blossoms

Nara, Japan, is home to over 1,000 wild sika deer that freely roam the city's parks and streets, as they are considered sacred in Shinto tradition. On Sunday, March 29, temperatures in Nara climbed to over 20°C, as deer and visitors alike enjoyed the cherry blossoms under the warm spring sunshine.

US: Businesses Evacuated as Vegetation Fire Breaks Out Near San Diego River in Santee

On Sunday, March 29, the Santee Fire Department responded to a vegetation fire near the San Diego River in Santee. Walmart, Michaels, and other nearby businesses were evacuated, though no residential evacuations were ordered, and forward progress was halted. No injuries or structural damage were reported, and the cause of the fire remained under investigation.

WTO ministerial meeting in Cameroon

WTO ministerial meeting in Cameroon

The final day of the 14th World Trade Organization ministerial meeting is under way in Yaounde, Cameroon, on March 30, 2026.

Golf: Axa Ladies golf tournament

Golf: Axa Ladies golf tournament

Saki Nagamine of Japan poses for a photo after winning the Axa Ladies golf tournament title after carding 13-under 203 at UMK Country Club in Miyazaki, southwestern Japan, on March 29, 2026.

Golf: Axa Ladies golf tournament

Golf: Axa Ladies golf tournament

Saki Nagamine of Japan poses with the victor's trophy after winning the Axa Ladies golf tournament title after carding 13-under 203 at UMK Country Club in Miyazaki, southwestern Japan, on March 29, 2026.

Golf: Axa Ladies golf tournament

Golf: Axa Ladies golf tournament

Saki Nagamine of Japan poses with the victor's trophy after winning the Axa Ladies golf tournament title after carding 13-under 203 at UMK Country Club in Miyazaki, southwestern Japan, on March 29, 2026.

Canada: Rooftop Fire Breaks Out in Downtown Toronto After Possible Propane Explosion 6

Firefighters extinguished a fire on the roof of a building under construction on Richmond Street in downtown Toronto on Friday, March 27, after a possible explosion involving propane cylinders. No injuries were reported, though road closures remained in place in the area.

Canada: Rooftop Fire Breaks Out in Downtown Toronto After Possible Propane Explosion 5

Firefighters extinguished a fire on the roof of a building under construction on Richmond Street in downtown Toronto on Friday, March 27, after a possible explosion involving propane cylinders. No injuries were reported, though road closures remained in place in the area.

Canada: Rooftop Fire Breaks Out in Downtown Toronto After Possible Propane Explosion 3

Firefighters extinguished a fire on the roof of a building under construction on Richmond Street in downtown Toronto on Friday, March 27, after a possible explosion involving propane cylinders. No injuries were reported, though road closures remained in place in the area.

Canada: Rooftop Fire Breaks Out in Downtown Toronto After Possible Propane Explosion 4

Firefighters extinguished a fire on the roof of a building under construction on Richmond Street in downtown Toronto on Friday, March 27, after a possible explosion involving propane cylinders. No injuries were reported, though road closures remained in place in the area.

Canada: Rooftop Fire Breaks Out in Downtown Toronto After Possible Propane Explosion

Firefighters extinguished a fire on the roof of a building under construction on Richmond Street in downtown Toronto on Friday, March 27, after a possible explosion involving propane cylinders. No injuries were reported, though road closures remained in place in the area.

Canada: Rooftop Fire Breaks Out in Downtown Toronto After Possible Propane Explosion 2

Firefighters extinguished a fire on the roof of a building under construction on Richmond Street in downtown Toronto on Friday, March 27, after a possible explosion involving propane cylinders. No injuries were reported, though road closures remained in place in the area.

US: Large Fire Near Newark Liberty International Airport Sends Thick Smoke Into Sky

A large fire broke out near Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey on Thursday, March 26, 2026, sending thick plumes of black smoke into the sky visible across the region. Firefighters were called to 635 Delancy Street in Newark at about 2:48 p.m., where an outdoor fire had spread to an occupied building. Everyone inside was able to evacuate safely and no injuries were reported. The blaze was brought under control at about 4:30 p.m., and its cause remains under investigation. No flights in or out of Newark Airport were affected by the fire.

China: Cat Chases Fish Shadows Cast From Glowing Aquarium

On March 21, 2026, in Yuxi, located in southwestern China’s Yunnan province, a video recorded a dim indoor scene after the room lights had been turned off. Only a soft yellow lamp above the aquarium remained on. Under the light, fish swimming inside the tank cast moving shadows onto the floor. A white cat noticed the shapes and appeared to mistake them for real fish. The cat repeatedly pounced toward the floor, chasing the shifting shadows as they glided across the room. Each time the shadow moved, the cat followed quickly and tried again. The image of the yellow-lit tank, the moving fish shadows, and the white cat’s repeated leaps created a quiet but striking scene.

Spain: Storm Therese Brings Floods and Chaos to Canary Islands 6

Storm Therese has caused widespread disruption across Gran Canaria and Tenerife, with heavy rain triggering road closures, landslides, and flooding. Residents in parts of southern Gran Canaria are confined to their homes, while Tenerife remains under an orange weather alert. Authorities are urging people to avoid ravines, flood-prone areas, and unnecessary travel.

Spain: Storm Therese Brings Floods and Chaos to Canary Islands 5

Storm Therese has caused widespread disruption across Gran Canaria and Tenerife, with heavy rain triggering road closures, landslides, and flooding. Residents in parts of southern Gran Canaria are confined to their homes, while Tenerife remains under an orange weather alert. Authorities are urging people to avoid ravines, flood-prone areas, and unnecessary travel.

Spain: Storm Therese Brings Floods and Chaos to Canary Islands 2

Storm Therese has caused widespread disruption across Gran Canaria and Tenerife, with heavy rain triggering road closures, landslides, and flooding. Residents in parts of southern Gran Canaria are confined to their homes, while Tenerife remains under an orange weather alert. Authorities are urging people to avoid ravines, flood-prone areas, and unnecessary travel.

Spain: Storm Therese Brings Floods and Chaos to Canary Islands 4

Storm Therese has caused widespread disruption across Gran Canaria and Tenerife, with heavy rain triggering road closures, landslides, and flooding. Residents in parts of southern Gran Canaria are confined to their homes, while Tenerife remains under an orange weather alert. Authorities are urging people to avoid ravines, flood-prone areas, and unnecessary travel.

Spain: Storm Therese Brings Floods and Chaos to Canary Islands 3

Storm Therese has caused widespread disruption across Gran Canaria and Tenerife, with heavy rain triggering road closures, landslides, and flooding. Residents in parts of southern Gran Canaria are confined to their homes, while Tenerife remains under an orange weather alert. Authorities are urging people to avoid ravines, flood-prone areas, and unnecessary travel.

Spain: Storm Therese Brings Floods and Chaos to Canary Islands

Storm Therese has caused widespread disruption across Gran Canaria and Tenerife, with heavy rain triggering road closures, landslides, and flooding. Residents in parts of southern Gran Canaria are confined to their homes, while Tenerife remains under an orange weather alert. Authorities are urging people to avoid ravines, flood-prone areas, and unnecessary travel.

Japan: Wildfire Rages in Gunma’s Ueno Village, Prompting Evacuation

A wildfire that broke out on Saturday, March 21 in Ueno Village, Gunma Prefecture, continues to burn with no sign of containment. Approximately 96 hectares of forest have been scorched as of Monday morning, March 23. A prefabricated mountain structure was destroyed, and 9 households comprising 21 residents remain under evacuation orders. No injuries have been reported.

US: Fire Inside Lincoln Tunnel to New York Prompts Partial Closure

Part of New York City's Lincoln Tunnel was temporarily closed on Thursday, March 19, after a vehicle fire broke out inside the tunnel, causing significant traffic delays. All lanes were reopened, according to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, though the cause of the fire remained under investigation.

US: Rooftop Fire Breaks Out Near NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Midtown 4

Thick plumes of black smoke billowed into the sky over Midtown Manhattan on Tuesday, March 17, after a fire broke out in a cooling tower on the roof of a building under renovation near the start of the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade. Construction workers evacuated safely and no impact reported on the parade.

Suzuki Motor to raise output capacity in India

Suzuki Motor to raise output capacity in India

Photo taken on March 18, 2026, shows vehicles under shipment at a plant operated by Japan's Suzuki Motor Corp. in Hansalpur, western India. Suzuki will raise annual automobile production capacity at the plant by 250,000 units to 1 million units with the addition of a new line dedicated to electric vehicles now under construction.

Suzuki Motor to raise output capacity in India

Suzuki Motor to raise output capacity in India

Photo taken on March 18, 2026, shows an assembly line operated by Japan's Suzuki Motor Corp. in Hansalpur, western India. Suzuki will raise annual automobile production capacity at the plant by 250,000 units to 1 million units with the addition of a new line dedicated to electric vehicles now under construction.

US: Rooftop Fire Breaks Out Near NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Midtown 3

Thick plumes of black smoke billowed into the sky over Midtown Manhattan on Tuesday, March 17, after a fire broke out in a cooling tower on the roof of a building under renovation near the start of the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade. Construction workers evacuated safely and no impact reported on the parade.

US: Rooftop Fire Breaks Out Near NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Midtown 2

Thick plumes of black smoke billowed into the sky over Midtown Manhattan on Tuesday, March 17, after a fire broke out in a cooling tower on the roof of a building under renovation near the start of the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade. Construction workers evacuated safely and no impact reported on the parade.

US: Rooftop Fire Breaks Out Near NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Midtown

Thick plumes of black smoke billowed into the sky over Midtown Manhattan on Tuesday, March 17, after a fire broke out in a cooling tower on the roof of a building under renovation near the start of the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade. The cause of the fire was under investigation with construction workers evacuating safely and no impact reported on the parade.

China: Adorable Dog Caught Hiding Under Its Own Fur for Peaceful Sleep

On September 18, 2023, in Hebei Province, northern China, a fluffy clump of fur lay quietly on the floor. When the owner lifted it, a dog's sleepy face appeared beneath, revealing that it had been napping with its head completely covered by its own coat. As the fur fell back down like a blanket, the dog drifted right back to sleep.

US: Massive Shelf Cloud Spotted Over Missouri Under Tornado Watch

A massive shelf cloud was spotted over Wentzville, Missouri, on Sunday, March 15, as a line of severe thunderstorms brought strong winds and a risk for tornadoes to the area.

US: Powerful ‘Kona’ Storm Batters Hawaii, Triggering State of Emergency

A powerful 'Kona' storm battered the Hawaiian Islands, bringing dangerous flooding and wind gusts over 100 mph, under a statewide State of Emergency declared by Governor Josh Green. Widespread power outages were reported across the islands on Saturday, March 14, with Oahu remaining under a flood watch throughout the day.

Japan: Giant Underground Pipe Shoots 13 Meters Above Ground in Osaka

On Wednesday, March 11, a large underground steel pipe suddenly protruded about 13 meters above the ground below the elevated Shin-Midosuji road in the Umeda district of Osaka, prompting traffic restrictions in the surrounding area. The cause of the incident remains under investigation and no injuries have been reported.

US: Lightning Illuminates Sky Over Paulsboro as Severe Thunderstorm Hits Part of NJ

Some areas of New Jersey were under severe thunderstorm warnings Wednesday night, March 11, as strong storm cells swept across the region. Forecasters said the storms could produce small hail and wind gusts of up to 60 mph. The video captures lightning lighting up the night sky in Paulsboro.

Taiwan: Fire Breaks Out at Apartment in Kaohsiung

A fire broke out at an apartment building on Dagong Road in Yancheng District, Kaohsiung City, around 7:30 PM on Thursday, March 12. Police and fire services promptly responded, extinguishing the blaze and evacuating six residents. Three individuals were hospitalized after feeling unwell. The fire was brought under control shortly, and the cause is currently under investigation by the fire department.

National People's Congress in Beijing

National People's Congress in Beijing

Women dance outside the Great Hall of the People in Beijing where a plenary session of the eight-day National People's Congress is under way on March 9, 2026.

China: Cat Unexpectedly Grabs Ball During Tennis Game in Lijiang

On February 3, 2026, a video captured in Lijiang, China, two young men playing tennis under bright sunshine with snow-covered mountains in the distance. During the match, a cat lounging near the court quickly grabbed a tennis ball that rolled out of bounds, holding it tightly like a toy.