•  

China: Enormous Waterspout Reaches Into Dark Clouds Over Hohhot

An enormous funnel cloud appeared to connect the ground with the sky above Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, on August 20, 2026, as a massive rotating column rose into dark storm clouds. Video shows the towering vortex twisting beneath the cloud base, creating the striking impression of a link between earth and sky.

  •  

US: Ethan Fire Breaks Out Near Santa Fe Dam in Irwindale, California

A brush fire dubbed the Ethan Fire broke out Sunday, August 23, at Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area in Irwindale, California, sending a towering column of smoke into the sky that was visible from nearby communities.

  •  

UK: Thousands Gather in Trafalgar Square for Vigil Honoring Jason Arday

Tens of thousands gathered at Trafalgar Square in London on Monday, August 17, for a vigil honoring Jason Arday, the 41-year-old former Cambridge professor found dead at his home on Friday. The vigil, organized by Stand Up to Racism, included a minute's silence and tributes from MPs and campaigners following Arday's recent resignation amid plagiarism accusations.

  •  

China: Waterspout Spotted Over Songhua River in Heilongjiang

A dramatic waterspout formed over the Songhua River in Zhaoyuan County, Daqing, Heilongjiang on August 3, sending a towering column of water high into the sky. Local meteorological authorities said it caused no casualties or property damage.

  •  

UK: Air Ambulance Lands in Trafalgar Square After Covent Garden Stabbing

Four men were stabbed in London's Covent Garden district on Endell Street on Wednesday, August 5, prompting a major emergency response. A 47-year-old woman has been arrested in connection with the incident. A London Air Ambulance helicopter was filmed in Trafalgar Square, where a temporary landing zone had been set up in front of Nelson's Column, though all victims were ultimately transported to hospital by road.

  •  

China: Dust Devil Spotted Near Heidushan in Gobi Desert, Qinghai

A dust devil was spotted in the Heidushan area of the Gobi Desert in Qinghai, China, on July 21, 2026, sending a swirling column of sand high into the sky.

  •  

China: Deadly Tornado Forms Over Lake in Ezhou

A tornado formed over a lake in Ezhou, Hubei, on July 6, 2026, as a man filmed the dramatic scene. Dark clouds gathered before a rotating column of wind appeared over the water, and violent winds soon swept debris into the air. Winds reached levels 8 to 13 across 53 townships, with two townships hitting level 13, and the extreme weather caused 11 deaths. The man filming the storm later revealed injuries he sustained.

  •  

Spain: Wildfire Breaks Out Along Segura River in Murcia, Forcing Evacuations

A wildfire broke out Saturday afternoon in Murcia, Spain, near the banks of the Segura River, forcing the evacuation of nearby homes and prompting a major emergency response. A large column of black smoke visible across the city.

  •  

Italy: Fire Breaks Out on Exterior of Naples Hospital, Prompting Evacuations

A fire broke out on the exterior facade of the Ospedale del Mare hospital in the Ponticelli district of Naples, Italy, sending a thick column of black smoke visible from a distance. Several wards were evacuated as a precaution though the flames did not reach the hospital's interior.

  •  

US: Massive Warehouse Fire Destroys Medline Distribution Center in Northern California

A massive fire broke out at a Medline distribution warehouse in Tracy, Northern California, on Thursday, June 11, destroying the one-million-square-foot facility and sending a large column of black smoke into the sky. The blaze started around 1 p.m. and prompted evacuations in the surrounding area.

  •  

Indonesia: Mt Lewotobi Laki-Laki Erupts, Sending Volcanic Material 2.5km High

Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupted multiple times on Friday, June 5, sending volcanic material 2.5 kilometres into the air and forcing a local airport to close.

  •  

Indonesia: Mount Marapi Erupts as Authorities Issue Alert and Exclusion Zone 2

Mount Marapi in West Sumatra erupted on Saturday, May 30, sending a 2,000-metre grey ash column drifting northeast, while authorities maintained a Level II Alert and a 3-kilometre exclusion zone around the crater.

  •  

Indonesia: Mount Marapi Erupts as Authorities Issue Alert and Exclusion Zone

Mount Marapi in West Sumatra erupted on Saturday, May 30, sending a 2,000-metre grey ash column drifting northeast, while authorities maintained a Level II Alert and a 3-kilometre exclusion zone around the crater.

  •  

Spain: Fire Guts Restaurant in La Manga, Sending Smoke Across Coastline

A fire broke out at the ZM Isla del Ciervo restaurant in La Manga, Murcia, on Wednesday morning, May 13, sending a large column of black smoke visible across the coastline. Firefighters from multiple agencies extinguished the blaze, which gutted most of the restaurant. No injuries were reported.

  •  

China: Massive Dust Whirlwind Spirals Into Sky Over Yongcheng, Henan

On April 29, 2026, in Yongcheng, Henan, a video captured a massive dust whirlwind forming on flat ground as strong winds swept across an open area. The towering column of dust rapidly spiraled upward, creating a long twisting shape that stunned people nearby. Witnesses said the dust tornado remained visible for more than ten minutes as it continued spinning intensely in the distance.

  •  

Indonesia: Mount Dukono Erupts, Sending Ash Nearly 11 Kilometers High

Mount Dukono erupted Friday morning, May 8 at 07:41 local time, sending an ash column some 11,087 meters above sea level and drifting northward. It was the volcano's seventh eruption in a week. Indonesia's volcanology authority PVMBG has kept the volcano at Activity Level II (Alert), warning residents and visitors to stay at least 4 kilometers from the Malupang Warirang Crater.

  •  

China: Children Nearly Hit by Sudden Water Tornado in Henan

On March 22, 2026, in Xinyang, Henan, China, a sudden water tornado formed on a calm pond and rushed toward a group of children playing nearby — then vanished within seconds. The children were unharmed.

  •  

China: Burning Paper Spirals Into Mini Tornado After You Shen Ritual in Guangdong

A Chinese worship ceremony appeared to trigger a sudden mini tornado when burning paper offerings spiraled into the air without any warning wind. Filmed on February 25, 2026, in Lianjiang, Guangdong, the video shows ashes and flames suddenly twisting into a vertical column shortly after a traditional You Shen ritual ended. Residents had been burning paper ingots when the fire rapidly spun upward, forming what looked like a small tornado. The woman who recorded the scene, surnamed Huang, said the air had been completely still moments before the ashes violently lifted off the ground. The swirling column gradually weakened, and the burning paper fell back down as the air returned to calm.

  •  

Indonesia: Mount Semeru Erupts, Sending Ash Plume 2,000 Meters High

Mount Semeru in East Java erupted early Saturday, February 14, sending hot clouds up to 6 km from the crater and ash columns as high as 2,000 meters. Authorities maintained the Level III alert and warned residents to stay clear of river valleys and areas within 13 km of the summit.

  •  
Daily Life of Women in Afghanistan

Daily Life of Women in Afghanistan

Women wearing burqas gather around a column draped with religious fabrics during Ashura in Kabul, Afghanistan on December 27, 2009. Ashura marks the climax of a 10-day mourning period commemorating the death of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Mohammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE. Photo by Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

  •  
Daily Life of Women in Afghanistan

Daily Life of Women in Afghanistan

Women wearing burqas gather around a column draped with religious fabrics during Ashura in Kabul, Afghanistan on December 27, 2009. Ashura marks the climax of a 10-day mourning period commemorating the death of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Mohammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE. Photo by Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

  •  

China: Strong Autumn Gusts Create “Leaf Vortex” in Henan Province

On November 24, 2025, in Henan, China, powerful gusts gathered fallen leaves into a circular motion, forming a swirling vortex on the pavement.

  •  

China: Massive Water Column Shoots Up From Burst Pipe in Shanxi

On November 9, in Taiyuan, Shanxi, a water pipe for heating supply burst in the middle of the road. The footage showed a massive column of water shooting several meters high.

  •  
Pope Leo XIV's Traditional Homage To The Immaculate Conception - Rome

Pope Leo XIV's Traditional Homage To The Immaculate Conception - Rome

Pope Leo XIV pays homage to the statue of the Immaculate Conception in the Piazza di Spagna in Rome, Italy on December 8, 2025. Continuing a decades-old tradition Pope Leo XIV prayed at the foot of the 12-meter column on top of which the figure of the Virgin Mary is placed. Photo by (EV) Matteo Pernaselci/ Vatican Media/ABACAPRESS.COM

  •  
Pope Leo XIV's Traditional Homage To The Immaculate Conception - Rome

Pope Leo XIV's Traditional Homage To The Immaculate Conception - Rome

Pope Leo XIV greets Roberto Gualtieri, mayor of Rome, before paying homage to the statue of the Immaculate Conception in the Piazza di Spagna in Rome, Italy on December 8, 2025. Continuing a decades-old tradition Pope Leo XIV prayed at the foot of the 12-meter column on top of which the figure of the Virgin Mary is placed. Photo by (EV) Simone Risoluti/ Vatican Media/ABACAPRESS.COM

  •  
Pope Leo XIV's Traditional Homage To The Immaculate Conception - Rome

Pope Leo XIV's Traditional Homage To The Immaculate Conception - Rome

Pope Leo XIV pays homage to the statue of the Immaculate Conception in the Piazza di Spagna in Rome, Italy on December 8, 2025. Continuing a decades-old tradition Pope Leo XIV prayed at the foot of the 12-meter column on top of which the figure of the Virgin Mary is placed. Photo by (EV) Simone Risoluti/ Vatican Media/ABACAPRESS.COM

  •  
Pope Leo XIV's Traditional Homage To The Immaculate Conception - Rome

Pope Leo XIV's Traditional Homage To The Immaculate Conception - Rome

Pope Leo XIV pays homage to the statue of the Immaculate Conception in the Piazza di Spagna in Rome, Italy on December 8, 2025. Continuing a decades-old tradition Pope Leo XIV prayed at the foot of the 12-meter column on top of which the figure of the Virgin Mary is placed. Photo by (EV) Mario Tomassetti/ Vatican Media/ABACAPRESS.COM

  •  
Pope Leo XIV's Traditional Homage To The Immaculate Conception - Rome

Pope Leo XIV's Traditional Homage To The Immaculate Conception - Rome

Pope Leo XIV pays homage to the statue of the Immaculate Conception in the Piazza di Spagna in Rome, Italy on December 8, 2025. Continuing a decades-old tradition Pope Leo XIV prayed at the foot of the 12-meter column on top of which the figure of the Virgin Mary is placed. Photo by (EV) Simone Risoluti/ Vatican Media/ABACAPRESS.COM

  •  
Pope Leo XIV's Traditional Homage To The Immaculate Conception - Rome

Pope Leo XIV's Traditional Homage To The Immaculate Conception - Rome

Pope Leo XIV pays homage to the statue of the Immaculate Conception in the Piazza di Spagna in Rome, Italy on December 8, 2025. Continuing a decades-old tradition Pope Leo XIV prayed at the foot of the 12-meter column on top of which the figure of the Virgin Mary is placed. Photo by (EV) Simone Risoluti/ Vatican Media/ABACAPRESS.COM

  •  
Pope Leo XIV's Traditional Homage To The Immaculate Conception - Rome

Pope Leo XIV's Traditional Homage To The Immaculate Conception - Rome

Pope Leo XIV pays homage to the statue of the Immaculate Conception in the Piazza di Spagna in Rome, Italy on December 8, 2025. Continuing a decades-old tradition Pope Leo XIV prayed at the foot of the 12-meter column on top of which the figure of the Virgin Mary is placed. Photo by (EV) Simone Risoluti/ Vatican Media/ABACAPRESS.COM

  •  
Pope Leo XIV's Traditional Homage To The Immaculate Conception - Rome

Pope Leo XIV's Traditional Homage To The Immaculate Conception - Rome

Pope Leo XIV pays homage to the statue of the Immaculate Conception in the Piazza di Spagna in Rome, Italy on December 8, 2025. Continuing a decades-old tradition Pope Leo XIV prayed at the foot of the 12-meter column on top of which the figure of the Virgin Mary is placed. Photo by (EV) Vatican Media/ABACAPRESS.COM

  •  
Pope Leo XIV's Traditional Homage To The Immaculate Conception - Rome

Pope Leo XIV's Traditional Homage To The Immaculate Conception - Rome

Pope Leo XIV pays homage to the statue of the Immaculate Conception in the Piazza di Spagna in Rome, Italy on December 8, 2025. Continuing a decades-old tradition Pope Leo XIV prayed at the foot of the 12-meter column on top of which the figure of the Virgin Mary is placed. Photo by (EV) Vatican Media/ABACAPRESS.COM

  •  
Pope Leo XIV's Traditional Homage To The Immaculate Conception - Rome

Pope Leo XIV's Traditional Homage To The Immaculate Conception - Rome

Pope Leo XIV pays homage to the statue of the Immaculate Conception in the Piazza di Spagna in Rome, Italy on December 8, 2025. Continuing a decades-old tradition Pope Leo XIV prayed at the foot of the 12-meter column on top of which the figure of the Virgin Mary is placed. Photo by (EV) Simone Risoluti/ Vatican Media/ABACAPRESS.COM

  •  
Pope Leo XIV's Traditional Homage To The Immaculate Conception - Rome

Pope Leo XIV's Traditional Homage To The Immaculate Conception - Rome

Pope Leo XIV pays homage to the statue of the Immaculate Conception in the Piazza di Spagna in Rome, Italy on December 8, 2025. Continuing a decades-old tradition Pope Leo XIV prayed at the foot of the 12-meter column on top of which the figure of the Virgin Mary is placed. Photo by (EV) Simone Risoluti/ Vatican Media/ABACAPRESS.COM

  •  
Pope Leo XIV's Traditional Homage To The Immaculate Conception - Rome

Pope Leo XIV's Traditional Homage To The Immaculate Conception - Rome

Pope Leo XIV pays homage to the statue of the Immaculate Conception in the Piazza di Spagna in Rome, Italy on December 8, 2025. Continuing a decades-old tradition Pope Leo XIV prayed at the foot of the 12-meter column on top of which the figure of the Virgin Mary is placed. Photo by (EV) Simone Risoluti/ Vatican Media/ABACAPRESS.COM

  •  
Pope Leo XIV's Traditional Homage To The Immaculate Conception - Rome

Pope Leo XIV's Traditional Homage To The Immaculate Conception - Rome

Pope Leo XIV pays homage to the statue of the Immaculate Conception in the Piazza di Spagna in Rome, Italy on December 8, 2025. Continuing a decades-old tradition Pope Leo XIV prayed at the foot of the 12-meter column on top of which the figure of the Virgin Mary is placed. Photo by (EV) Vatican Media/ABACAPRESS.COM

  •  
Pope Leo XIV's Traditional Homage To The Immaculate Conception - Rome

Pope Leo XIV's Traditional Homage To The Immaculate Conception - Rome

Pope Leo XIV pays homage to the statue of the Immaculate Conception in the Piazza di Spagna in Rome, Italy on December 8, 2025. Continuing a decades-old tradition Pope Leo XIV prayed at the foot of the 12-meter column on top of which the figure of the Virgin Mary is placed. Photo by (EV) Vatican Media/ABACAPRESS.COM

  •  
First images From Copernicus Sentinel-5A

First images From Copernicus Sentinel-5A

Handout photo dated October 13, 2025 shows Copernicus Sentinel-5A has delivered its first images after its launch on 13 August 2025, marking a significant milestone in the monitoring of air quality from space. The Sentinel-5 mission provides observations of key air pollutants, essential climate variables, and stratospheric ozone, which is the protective layer shielding life on Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation. This visualisation, created with Sentinel-5A data acquired on 13 October 2025, shows atmospheric concentrations of two trace gases: ozone (O₃) and formaldehyde (HCHO). The image on the left presents the formaldehyde vertical column density. Elevated concentrations along the northwestern coast of Angola are linked to emissions from wildfires, while increased levels over the Central African Republic stem from a combination of fire activity and biogenic emissions. The image on the right shows a global map of ozone. The hole in stratospheric ozone above Antarctica is clearly visible, with column den

  •  
Illustration - Christmas in Paris

Illustration - Christmas in Paris

FRANCE, PARIS (75) 8TH ARRONDISSEMENT, THE CHAMPS ELYSEES AT CHRISTMAS TIME, MORRIS COLUMN Photo by Jarry Tripelon/Only Paris/ABACAPRESS.COM

  •  
Illustration - Christmas in Paris

Illustration - Christmas in Paris

FRANCE, PARIS (75) 8TH ARRONDISSEMENT, THE CHAMPS ELYSEES AT CHRISTMAS TIME, MORRIS COLUMN Photo by Jarry Tripelon/Only Paris/ABACAPRESS.COM

  •  
Exhibition of Ancient Chinese Bamboo Slips - Wuhan

Exhibition of Ancient Chinese Bamboo Slips - Wuhan

People visit the exhibition "Ancient Chinese Bamboo and Wooden Slips" at the Hubei Provincial Museum in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, Oct. 28, 2025. Featuring 230 pieces (sets) of bamboo and wooden slips from multiple historical periods, the exhibition opened here on Tuesday. Bamboo and wooden slips, each containing a narrow vertical column of dozens of characters, can be classified as China's earliest form of books. They used to be the most important objects to write on before paper was invented. Photo by Xiao Yijiu/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

  •  
Exhibition of Ancient Chinese Bamboo Slips - Wuhan

Exhibition of Ancient Chinese Bamboo Slips - Wuhan

People visit the exhibition "Ancient Chinese Bamboo and Wooden Slips" at the Hubei Provincial Museum in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, Oct. 28, 2025. Featuring 230 pieces (sets) of bamboo and wooden slips from multiple historical periods, the exhibition opened here on Tuesday. Bamboo and wooden slips, each containing a narrow vertical column of dozens of characters, can be classified as China's earliest form of books. They used to be the most important objects to write on before paper was invented. Photo by Xiao Yijiu/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

  •  
Exhibition of Ancient Chinese Bamboo Slips - Wuhan

Exhibition of Ancient Chinese Bamboo Slips - Wuhan

A man visits the exhibition "Ancient Chinese Bamboo and Wooden Slips" at the Hubei Provincial Museum in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, Oct. 28, 2025. Featuring 230 pieces (sets) of bamboo and wooden slips from multiple historical periods, the exhibition opened here on Tuesday. Bamboo and wooden slips, each containing a narrow vertical column of dozens of characters, can be classified as China's earliest form of books. They used to be the most important objects to write on before paper was invented. Photo by Xiao Yijiu/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

  •  
Exhibition of Ancient Chinese Bamboo Slips - Wuhan

Exhibition of Ancient Chinese Bamboo Slips - Wuhan

This photo taken on Oct. 28, 2025 shows a set of bamboo slips on display during the exhibition "Ancient Chinese Bamboo and Wooden Slips" at the Hubei Provincial Museum in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province. Featuring 230 pieces (sets) of bamboo and wooden slips from multiple historical periods, the exhibition opened here on Tuesday. Bamboo and wooden slips, each containing a narrow vertical column of dozens of characters, can be classified as China's earliest form of books. They used to be the most important objects to write on before paper was invented. Photo by Xiao Yijiu/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

  •  
Exhibition of Ancient Chinese Bamboo Slips - Wuhan

Exhibition of Ancient Chinese Bamboo Slips - Wuhan

This photo taken on Oct. 28, 2025 shows a set of bamboo slips on display during the exhibition "Ancient Chinese Bamboo and Wooden Slips" at the Hubei Provincial Museum in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province. Featuring 230 pieces (sets) of bamboo and wooden slips from multiple historical periods, the exhibition opened here on Tuesday. Bamboo and wooden slips, each containing a narrow vertical column of dozens of characters, can be classified as China's earliest form of books. They used to be the most important objects to write on before paper was invented. Photo by Xiao Yijiu/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

  •  
Exhibition of Ancient Chinese Bamboo Slips - Wuhan

Exhibition of Ancient Chinese Bamboo Slips - Wuhan

This photo taken on Oct. 28, 2025 shows a set of bamboo slips on display during the exhibition "Ancient Chinese Bamboo and Wooden Slips" at the Hubei Provincial Museum in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province. Featuring 230 pieces (sets) of bamboo and wooden slips from multiple historical periods, the exhibition opened here on Tuesday. Bamboo and wooden slips, each containing a narrow vertical column of dozens of characters, can be classified as China's earliest form of books. They used to be the most important objects to write on before paper was invented. Photo by Xiao Yijiu/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

  •  
Exhibition of Ancient Chinese Bamboo Slips - Wuhan

Exhibition of Ancient Chinese Bamboo Slips - Wuhan

People visit the exhibition "Ancient Chinese Bamboo and Wooden Slips" at the Hubei Provincial Museum in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, Oct. 28, 2025. Featuring 230 pieces (sets) of bamboo and wooden slips from multiple historical periods, the exhibition opened here on Tuesday. Bamboo and wooden slips, each containing a narrow vertical column of dozens of characters, can be classified as China's earliest form of books. They used to be the most important objects to write on before paper was invented. Photo by Xiao Yijiu/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

  •  
Exhibition of Ancient Chinese Bamboo Slips - Wuhan

Exhibition of Ancient Chinese Bamboo Slips - Wuhan

This photo taken on Oct. 28, 2025 shows the exhibition "Ancient Chinese Bamboo and Wooden Slips" at the Hubei Provincial Museum in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province. Featuring 230 pieces (sets) of bamboo and wooden slips from multiple historical periods, the exhibition opened here on Tuesday. Bamboo and wooden slips, each containing a narrow vertical column of dozens of characters, can be classified as China's earliest form of books. They used to be the most important objects to write on before paper was invented. Photo by Xiao Yijiu/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

  •  
Exhibition of Ancient Chinese Bamboo Slips - Wuhan

Exhibition of Ancient Chinese Bamboo Slips - Wuhan

People visit the exhibition "Ancient Chinese Bamboo and Wooden Slips" at the Hubei Provincial Museum in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, Oct. 28, 2025. Featuring 230 pieces (sets) of bamboo and wooden slips from multiple historical periods, the exhibition opened here on Tuesday. Bamboo and wooden slips, each containing a narrow vertical column of dozens of characters, can be classified as China's earliest form of books. They used to be the most important objects to write on before paper was invented. Photo by Xiao Yijiu/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

  •  
Illustration - Noel in Paris

Illustration - Noel in Paris

FRANCE, PARIS (75) (1ST ARRONDISSEMENT), PLACE VENDOME. PANORAMIC VIEW OF THE SQUARE WITH ITS CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS AT DUSK. IN THE CENTER, THE VENDOME COLUMN AND THE STATUE OF NAPOLEON Photo by Francois Roux/Only Paris/ABACAPRESS.COM

  • Main
  • Top
  • Editorial
  • Creative
  • About Us
  • About ILG
  • Terms of use
  • Company
  • BEHIND
  • Price List
  • Single Plan
  • Monthly Plan
  • Services
  • Shooting
  • Rights Clearance
  • Support
  • FAQ
  • How To Buy
  • Contact Us
  • Become a Partner

© KYODO NEWS IMAGES INC

All Rights Reserved.

  • Editorial
  • Olympics
  • News
  • Sports
  • Japan
  • Tech
  • Royal
  • Disaster
  • NorthKorea
  • Old Japan
  • SNS
  • Creative
  • Food
  • Japan
  • Landscape
  • Animal
  • Popular
  • #Ukraine
  • #China
  • #coronavirus
  • #N. Korea
  • #Russia
  • #Thailand
  • #Ukraine
  • #China
  • #coronavirus
  • #N. Korea
  • #Russia
  • #Thailand
  • Food
  • Japan
  • Landscape
  • Animal
  • Olympics
  • News
  • Sports
  • Japan
  • Tech
  • Royal
  • Disaster
  • NorthKorea
  • Old Japan
  • SNS