Japan: Nearly 7,000 Stranded Overnight at Narita Airport Amid Heavy Rain

Nearly 7,000 people were stranded overnight at Narita Airport in Chiba Prefecture on Thursday, August 13, after heavy rain suspended train and bus services around the area. The airport operator allowed some travelers to stay in restricted areas inside the terminals, providing food, water and sleeping bags, and long lines formed Friday morning as transport services resumed.

US: Microburst Topples Light Poles as Storms Sweep Phoenix Area 2

On Wednesday, August 12, a powerful microburst hit Chandler, Arizona, as intense monsoon thunderstorms swept the Phoenix metropolitan area, toppling light poles and causing damage. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport issued a ground stop due to the severe weather, resulting in flight delays.

Germany: Hundreds of Hectares Burn as Hürtgenwald Wildfire Forces Evacuations

A wildfire broke out in Hürtgenwald, in the Düren district of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, on Thursday, August 13. The blaze spread to around 300 hectares and was not under control as of Friday evening, prompting residents in the area to evacuate.

US: Historic Flash Flooding Devastates Southeastern Indiana as Disaster Declared

Historic flash flooding swept through southeastern Indiana on Wednesday, August 12, damaging homes and businesses. Indiana Gov. Mike Braun declared a statewide disaster on Thursday.

Japan: Record-Breaking Rain Batters Chiba, Triggering Evacuations 7

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.

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.

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Photo taken on Aug. 14 2026, shows temporary toilets set up at junior high school used as an evacuation center in Yatsushiro in the southwestern Japan prefecture of Kumamoto, following a powerful earthquake that struck the region on July 28.

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Photo taken on Aug. 9, 2026, shows temporary toilets set up at junior high school used as an evacuation center in Yatsushiro in the southwestern Japan prefecture of Kumamoto, following a powerful earthquake that struck the region on July 28.

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Photo taken on Aug. 9, 2026, shows temporary toilets set up at junior high school used as an evacuation center in Yatsushiro in the southwestern Japan prefecture of Kumamoto, following a powerful earthquake that struck the region on July 28.

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Photo taken on Aug. 9, 2026, shows temporary toilets set up at junior high school used as an evacuation center in Yatsushiro in the southwestern Japan prefecture of Kumamoto, following a powerful earthquake that struck the region on July 28.

China: Puppies Fall Into Ditch One by One in Sichuan

In Deyang, Sichuan, on August 4, 2026, four puppies were seen playing near a small wooden bridge when misfortune struck them one after another. A black puppy fell into the ditch below while attempting to cross, followed by a yellow puppy and another black puppy. Even the last puppy, after hesitating, slipped while backing away and tumbled in as well.

China: Horses Used to Pull Stranded Vehicle Out of Water

In Urumqi, Xinjiang, a father and son used two horses to pull a tourist vehicle stuck in water back onto firm ground. The vehicle was gradually dragged free as the rope tightened.

Italy: Lava and Smoke Pour From Mount Etna in Latest Eruption

Mount Etna erupted again on Monday, August 10, disrupting flights at Catania Airport. The volcanic activity continued into Tuesday, August 11. This video shows lava flowing down the slopes of Mount Etna as plumes of smoke rise into the air.

Japan: Record Rain Submerges Vehicles as Fatalities Reported in Chiba

Six 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. This video shows the hazard lights of several nearly fully submerged cars flashing.

Japan: Vehicles Abandoned on Streets Across Chiba After Record Rainfall

Six 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. This video shows the aftermath of deadly flooding, with vehicles abandoned on a street in Sakura City as local residents help direct traffic.

Torrential rain pounds eastern Japan

Torrential rain pounds eastern Japan

People wait for buses and other transportation in front of JR Chiba Station in Chiba, east of Tokyo, on the morning of Aug. 14, 2026, as train services remain suspended following torrential rain overnight. Japan's weather agency issued its highest Level 5 warning for downpours in parts of Chiba Prefecture.

Aftermath of torrential rain in eastern Japan

Aftermath of torrential rain in eastern Japan

People take shelter at the Chiba prefectural government office building, opened to stranded commuters, in Chiba, east of Tokyo, in the early morning of Aug. 14, 2026, as public transportation services remain suspended following overnight torrential rain. Japan's weather agency issued its highest Level 5 warning for downpours in parts of Chiba Prefecture.

Aftermath of torrential rain in eastern Japan

Aftermath of torrential rain in eastern Japan

A man lies on the floor near an entrance to JR Chiba Station in Chiba, east of Tokyo, in the early morning of Aug. 14, 2026, as train services remain suspended following torrential rain overnight. Japan's weather agency issued its highest Level 5 warning for downpours in parts of Chiba Prefecture.

US: EF-1 Tornado Strikes Homewood-Flossmoor, Knocking Out Power Near Chicago

On Tuesday, August 11, an EF-1 tornado confirmed by the National Weather Service struck the Homewood-Flossmoor area, near Chicago, as a storm system brought powerful winds across southern Cook County. Downed trees and power lines left widespread power outages and prompted emergency declarations.

Chile: Snowfall Hits El Abra Mine Near Calama Amid Unstable Weather

On Tuesday, August 11, snowfall hit the El Abra mine near Calama, Chile, as unstable conditions continued in the region.

US: Microburst Topples Light Poles as Storms Sweep Phoenix Area

On Wednesday, August 12, a powerful microburst hit Chandler, Arizona, as intense monsoon thunderstorms swept the Phoenix metropolitan area, toppling light poles and causing damage. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport issued a ground stop due to the severe weather, resulting in flight delays.

Torrential rain pounds Chiba Pref.

Torrential rain pounds Chiba Pref.

People stay at a makeshift evacuation center set up at the Chiba prefectural government office in the city of Chiba near Tokyo on Aug. 13, 2026, as public transportation is disrupted following torrential rain that pounded the region.

Japan: Record-Breaking Rain Batters Chiba, Triggering Evacuations in Kashiwa City 4

Torrential rain pounded Chiba Prefecture on Thursday, August 13, with radar showing about 110mm per hour near Kashiwa and 100mm near Abiko. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a record-breaking rainfall alert as Kashiwa ordered citywide evacuations amid reports of flooded roads and homes.

Japan: Record-Breaking Rain Batters Chiba, Triggering Evacuations in Kashiwa City 5

Torrential rain pounded Chiba Prefecture on Thursday, August 13, with radar showing about 110mm per hour near Kashiwa and 100mm near Abiko. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a record-breaking rainfall alert as Kashiwa ordered citywide evacuations amid reports of flooded roads and homes. This video shows flooding in Onitaka, Ichikawa City.

Japan: Record-Breaking Rain Batters Chiba, Triggering Evacuations in Kashiwa City 2

Torrential rain pounded Chiba Prefecture on Thursday, August 13, with radar showing about 110mm per hour near Kashiwa and 100mm near Abiko. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a record-breaking rainfall alert as Kashiwa ordered citywide evacuations amid reports of flooded roads and homes.

Japan: Record-Breaking Rain Batters Chiba, Triggering Evacuations in Kashiwa City 3

Torrential rain pounded Chiba Prefecture on Thursday, August 13, with radar showing about 110mm per hour near Kashiwa and 100mm near Abiko. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a record-breaking rainfall alert as Kashiwa ordered citywide evacuations amid reports of flooded roads and homes.

Japan: Record-Breaking Rain Batters Chiba, Triggering Evacuations in Kashiwa City

Torrential rain pounded Chiba Prefecture on Thursday, August 13, with radar showing about 110mm per hour near Kashiwa and 100mm near Abiko. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a record-breaking rainfall alert as Kashiwa ordered citywide evacuations amid reports of flooded roads and homes.

Air-raid drill in Taiwan

Air-raid drill in Taiwan

A main street is deserted in Taipei on Aug. 13, 2026, as people take shelter underground during an air-raid drill simulating a Chinese missile attack.

US: Severe Storms Bring Massive Shelf Cloud Over Kentucky

A massive shelf cloud was captured over Bowling Green, Kentucky, on Tuesday, August 11, as severe storms moved into the region.

Baseball: Royals vs. Dodgers

Baseball: Royals vs. Dodgers

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) celebrates with third base coach Dino Ebel as he rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run in the third inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Aug. 12, 2026.

Baseball: Royals vs. Dodgers

Baseball: Royals vs. Dodgers

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani celebrates as he rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run in the third inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Aug. 12, 2026.

Baseball: Royals vs. Dodgers

Baseball: Royals vs. Dodgers

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) celebrates with Miguel Rojas as he returns to the dugout after hitting a two-run home run in the third inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Aug. 12, 2026.

Baseball: Royals vs. Dodgers

Baseball: Royals vs. Dodgers

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani celebrates as he rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run in the third inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Aug. 12, 2026.

Baseball: Royals vs. Dodgers

Baseball: Royals vs. Dodgers

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani celebrates as he rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run in the third inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Aug. 12, 2026.

Baseball: Royals vs. Dodgers

Baseball: Royals vs. Dodgers

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani celebrates as he rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run in the third inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Aug. 12, 2026.

Baseball: Royals vs. Dodgers

Baseball: Royals vs. Dodgers

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani celebrates as he rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run in the third inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Aug. 12, 2026.

Perseid meteor shower

Perseid meteor shower

A shooting star lights up the sky over Sado in Niigata Prefecture, northwest of Tokyo, in the early hours of Aug. 13, 2026, as the annual summer Perseid meteor shower peaks.

Perseid meteor shower

Perseid meteor shower

A shooting star lights up the sky over Sado in Niigata Prefecture, northwest of Tokyo, in the early hours of Aug. 13, 2026, as the annual summer Perseid meteor shower peaks.

Perseid meteor shower

Perseid meteor shower

A shooting star lights up the sky over Sado in Niigata Prefecture, northwest of Tokyo, in the early hours of Aug. 13, 2026, as the annual summer Perseid meteor shower peaks.

Perseid meteor shower

Perseid meteor shower

A shooting star lights up the sky over Sado in Niigata Prefecture, northwest of Tokyo, in the early hours of Aug. 13, 2026, as the annual summer Perseid meteor shower peaks.

Perseid meteor shower

Perseid meteor shower

A shooting star lights up the sky over Sado in Niigata Prefecture, northwest of Tokyo, in the early hours of Aug. 13, 2026, as the annual summer Perseid meteor shower peaks.

Perseid meteor shower

Perseid meteor shower

A shooting star lights up the sky over Sado in Niigata Prefecture, northwest of Tokyo, in the early hours of Aug. 13, 2026, as the annual summer Perseid meteor shower peaks.

Perseid meteor shower

Perseid meteor shower

A shooting star lights up the sky over Sado in Niigata Prefecture, northwest of Tokyo, in the early hours of Aug. 13, 2026, as the annual summer Perseid meteor shower peaks.

China: Typhoon Winds Shatter Glass Door in Shanghai

A man in Shanghai was startled on August 9, 2026, when powerful typhoon winds shattered a glass door as he stepped outside to test the storm's strength. The sudden crash sent him jumping back before he moved quickly away from the doorway. He later warned others not to go outside during typhoons.

China: White Bull Tosses Deer During Fight in Sichuan

Near Muya Grand Monastery in Garzê, Sichuan, on August 4, 2026, a white bull and a deer clashed in a grassy field. The bull charged and used its horns to lift and toss the deer, continuing an aggressive, one-sided pursuit as the deer struggled to escape.

China: Man With Umbrella Battles Fierce Typhoon Winds in Wenzhou

A man in Wenzhou, Zhejiang, battled fierce typhoon winds on August 9, 2026, while holding an umbrella in a covered walkway. Powerful gusts inverted the umbrella as he braced himself against the storm's force.

Quake-hit Kumamoto Castle reopens to public

Quake-hit Kumamoto Castle reopens to public

Visitors head to the donjon of Kumamoto Castle in Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, on Aug. 13, 2026, as the castle reopens to the public the same day following a hiatus in the wake of a powerful earthquake that struck the region on July 28.

Quake-hit Kumamoto Castle reopens to public

Quake-hit Kumamoto Castle reopens to public

Visitors head to the donjon of Kumamoto Castle in Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, on Aug. 13, 2026, as the castle reopens to the public the same day following a hiatus in the wake of a powerful earthquake that struck the region on July 28.

Quake-hit Kumamoto Castle reopens to public

Quake-hit Kumamoto Castle reopens to public

Visitors head to the donjon of Kumamoto Castle in Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, on Aug. 13, 2026, as the castle reopens to the public the same day following a hiatus in the wake of a powerful earthquake that struck the region on July 28.

Quake-hit Kumamoto Castle reopens to public

Quake-hit Kumamoto Castle reopens to public

Visitors head to the donjon of Kumamoto Castle in Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, on Aug. 13, 2026, as the castle reopens to the public the same day following a hiatus in the wake of a powerful earthquake that struck the region on July 28.