Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Photo taken from a drone on Aug. 10, 2026, shows damaged JR line railroads in Hikawa, Kumamoto Prefecture, devastated by a powerful earthquake that struck the southwestern Japan prefecture on July 28.

Internal affairs minister in quake-hit Kumamoto

Internal affairs minister in quake-hit Kumamoto

Japanese Internal Affairs and Communications Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi on Aug. 16, 2026, meets with a resident of Uki, a Kumamoto Prefecture city devastated by a powerful earthquake on July 28. The minister unveiled a plan during his visit to use proceeds from municipality-sponsored lottery ticket sales to support victims of the disaster.

Japan PM meets with governor of quake-hit Kumamoto Pref.

Japan PM meets with governor of quake-hit Kumamoto Pref.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (front, 4th from L) receives a host of demands -- including financial support -- from Kumamoto Gov. Takashi Kimura (front, 3rd from L) at the premier's office in Tokyo on Aug. 18, 2026, after some regions in the southwestern Japan prefecture were devastated by a powerful earthquake on July 28.

Japan PM meets with governor of quake-hit Kumamoto Pref.

Japan PM meets with governor of quake-hit Kumamoto Pref.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (3rd from R) receives a host of demands -- including financial support -- from Kumamoto Gov. Takashi Kimura (4th from R) at the premier's office in Tokyo on Aug. 18, 2026, after some regions in the southwestern Japan prefecture were devastated by a powerful earthquake on July 28.

Japan PM meets with governor of quake-hit Kumamoto Pref.

Japan PM meets with governor of quake-hit Kumamoto Pref.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (R) receives a host of demands -- including financial support -- from Kumamoto Gov. Takashi Kimura (2nd from R) at the premier's office in Tokyo on Aug. 18, 2026, after some regions in the southwestern Japan prefecture were devastated by a powerful earthquake on July 28.

Japan PM meets with governor of quake-hit Kumamoto Pref.

Japan PM meets with governor of quake-hit Kumamoto Pref.

Kumamoto Gov. Takashi Kimura (C) meets the press at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Aug. 18, 2026, following a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The governor handed a host of demands to the prime minister after certain regions in the southwestern Japan prefecture were devastated by a powerful earthquake on July 28.

Japan PM meets with governor of quake-hit Kumamoto Pref.

Japan PM meets with governor of quake-hit Kumamoto Pref.

Kumamoto Gov. Takashi Kimura meets the press at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Aug. 18, 2026, following a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The governor handed a host of demands to the prime minister after certain regions in the southwestern Japan prefecture were devastated by a powerful earthquake on July 28.

Japan PM meets with governor of quake-hit Kumamoto Pref.

Japan PM meets with governor of quake-hit Kumamoto Pref.

Kumamoto Gov. Takashi Kimura meets the press at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Aug. 18, 2026, following a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The governor handed a host of demands to the prime minister after certain regions in the southwestern Japan prefecture were devastated by a powerful earthquake on July 28.

Japan PM meets with governor of quake-hit Kumamoto Pref.

Japan PM meets with governor of quake-hit Kumamoto Pref.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (2nd from R) receives a host of demands -- including financial support -- from Kumamoto Gov. Takashi Kimura (3rd from R) at the premier's office in Tokyo on Aug. 18, 2026, after some regions in the southwestern Japan prefecture were devastated by a powerful earthquake on July 28.

Japan PM meets with governor of quake-hit Kumamoto Pref.

Japan PM meets with governor of quake-hit Kumamoto Pref.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (2nd from R) receives a host of demands -- including financial support -- from Kumamoto Gov. Takashi Kimura (3rd from R) at the premier's office in Tokyo on Aug. 18, 2026, after some regions in the southwestern Japan prefecture were devastated by a powerful earthquake on July 28.

Japan PM meets with governor of quake-hit Kumamoto Pref.

Japan PM meets with governor of quake-hit Kumamoto Pref.

Kumamoto Gov. Takashi Kimura meets with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at the premier's office in Tokyo on Aug. 18, 2026, after certain regions in the southwestern Japan prefecture were devastated by a powerful earthquake on July 28. The governor handed a host of demands to the prime minister to help support people affected by the disaster.

Japan PM meets with governor of quake-hit Kumamoto Pref.

Japan PM meets with governor of quake-hit Kumamoto Pref.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi meets with Kumamoto Gov. Takashi Kimura at the premier's office in Tokyo on Aug. 18, 2026, after some regions in the southwestern Japan prefecture were devastated by a powerful earthquake on Aug. 28. The governor handed a host of demands to the prime minister to help support people affected by the disaster.

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Workers cover damaged roofs with waterproof sheeting on Aug. 6, 2026, in Yatsushiro, a Kumamoto Prefecture city devastated by a powerful earthquake on July 28, ahead of the expected approach of a typhoon.

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Workers cover damaged roofs with waterproof sheeting on Aug. 6, 2026, in Yatsushiro, a Kumamoto Prefecture city devastated by a powerful earthquake on July 28, ahead of the expected approach of a typhoon.

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Photo shows fallen electric poles on July 30, 2026, along a JR line railroad in Hikawa, a Kumamoto Prefecture town devastated by a powerful earthquake that hit the region two days earlier.

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Photo shows fallen electric poles on July 30, 2026, along a JR line railroad in Hikawa, a Kumamoto Prefecture town devastated by a powerful earthquake that hit the region two days earlier.

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Photo shows fallen electric poles on July 30, 2026, along a JR line railroad in Hikawa, a Kumamoto Prefecture town devastated by a powerful earthquake that hit the region two days earlier.

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Photo shows fallen electric poles on July 30, 2026, along a JR line railroad in Hikawa, a Kumamoto Prefecture town devastated by a powerful earthquake that hit the region two days earlier.

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Photo shows fallen electric poles on July 30, 2026, along a JR line railroad in Hikawa, a Kumamoto Prefecture town devastated by a powerful earthquake that hit the region two days earlier.

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Photo taken on July 30, 2026, shows a mobile generator mobilized at a makeshift evacuation center in Yatsushiro, a Kumamoto Prefecture city devastated by a powerful earthquake that hit the region two days earlier, causing power outages to many households.

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Photo taken on July 30, 2026, shows a gym used as an evacuation center in Yatsushiro, a Kumamoto Prefecture city devastated by a powerful earthquake that hit the region two days earlier.

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Photo taken on July 30, 2026, shows a mobile generator mobilized in Uki, a Kumamoto Prefecture city devastated by a powerful earthquake that hit the region two days earlier, causing power outages to many households.

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Photo taken on July 30, 2026, shows a mobile generator mobilized at a makeshift evacuation center in Yatsushiro, a Kumamoto Prefecture city devastated by a powerful earthquake that hit the region two days earlier, causing power outages to many households.

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Photo taken on July 30, 2026, shows a portable air-conditioner and fan at a makeshift evacuation center in Uki, a Kumamoto Prefecture city devastated by a powerful earthquake that hit the region two days earlier.

Spain: Burgohondo Fire Continues to Rage, Prompting Historic Emergency Declaration 2

A wildfire that broke out in Burgohondo, in Spain's Ávila province, quickly escalated as it spread and devastated the Valle de Iruelas nature reserve. It was part of a series of blazes across Ávila and the neighboring Madrid region that forced more than 60,000 people to evacuate or shelter in place by the weekend, prompting Spain to declare its first-ever national state of emergency over wildfires.

Spain: Burgohondo Fire Continues to Rage, Prompting Historic Emergency Declaration

A wildfire that broke out in Burgohondo, in Spain's Ávila province, quickly escalated as it spread and devastated the Valle de Iruelas nature reserve. It was part of a series of blazes in Ávila and the neighboring Madrid region that forced the evacuation of around 60,000 people, prompting Spain to declare its first-ever national state of emergency over wildfires on Friday, July 24.

Crown princess Kiko visits quake-hit Wajima

Crown princess Kiko visits quake-hit Wajima

Japanese Crown Princess Kiko visits a regional community center in Wajima, an Ishikawa Prefecture city devastated by the January 2024 massive earthquake, on July 23, 2026. (Pool photo)

Crown princess Kiko visits quake-hit Wajima

Crown princess Kiko visits quake-hit Wajima

Japanese Crown Princess Kiko (L) visits the venue of a mass medical examination in Wajima, an Ishikawa Prefecture city devastated by the January 2024 massive earthquake, on July 23, 2026. (Pool photo)

Crown princess Kiko visits quake-hit Wajima

Crown princess Kiko visits quake-hit Wajima

Japanese Crown Princess Kiko (L) chats with medical staff during a visit to the venue of a mass medical examination in Wajima, an Ishikawa Prefecture city devastated by the January 2024 massive earthquake, on July 23, 2026. (Pool photo)

Venezuela: Skies Over Caracas Turn Red at Sunset Days After Deadly Earthquakes 2

Days after powerful earthquakes devastated parts of Venezuela, residents of Caracas witnessed the sky turn a deep crimson red at sunset on Tuesday, June 30, with videos of the phenomenon spreading rapidly on social media and fueling speculation of a link to the recent seismic activity. Atmospheric scientists said the display, known locally as a candilazo, was a well-understood optical phenomenon caused by sunlight interacting with airborne particles, rather than evidence of "earthquake lights" or other seismic-related causes.

Venezuela: Skies Over Caracas Turn Red at Sunset Days After Deadly Earthquakes

Days after powerful earthquakes devastated parts of Venezuela, residents of Caracas witnessed the sky turn a deep crimson red at sunset on Tuesday, June 30, with videos of the phenomenon spreading rapidly on social media and fueling speculation of a link to the recent seismic activity. Atmospheric scientists said the display, known locally as a candilazo, was a well-understood optical phenomenon caused by sunlight interacting with airborne particles, rather than evidence of "earthquake lights" or other seismic-related causes.

Japan imperial family's trip to Fukushima

Japan imperial family's trip to Fukushima

Japan's Emperor Naruhito (2nd from R), Empress Masako and their daughter Princess Aiko on April 7, 2026, visit a roadside rest area in the tsunami-devastated northeastern Japan town of Namie, Fukushima Prefecture. Fifteen years after the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disasters that struck northeastern Japan in March 2011, they are visiting the prefecture to see the recovery efforts firsthand.

Japan imperial family's trip to Fukushima

Japan imperial family's trip to Fukushima

Japan's Emperor Naruhito (2nd from R), Empress Masako and their daughter Princess Aiko on April 7, 2026, visit a roadside rest area in the tsunami-devastated northeastern Japan town of Namie, Fukushima Prefecture. Fifteen years after the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disasters that struck northeastern Japan in March 2011, they are visiting the prefecture to see the recovery efforts firsthand.

CORRECTED: Japan imperial family's trip to Fukushima

CORRECTED: Japan imperial family's trip to Fukushima

Japan's Emperor Naruhito (far L), Empress Masako and their daughter Princess Aiko on April 7, 2026, visit a roadside rest area in the tsunami-devastated northeastern Japan town of Namie, Fukushima Prefecture. Fifteen years after the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disasters that struck northeastern Japan in March 2011, they are visiting the prefecture to see the recovery efforts firsthand.

EU commissioner visits quake-hit Wajima in central Japan

EU commissioner visits quake-hit Wajima in central Japan

European Commissioner for Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib (front, R) visits on April 3, 2026, the former site of a morning market in Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture, gutted by fire following a massive earthquake that devastated central Japan's Noto Peninsula area in January 2024.

EU commissioner visits quake-hit Wajima in central Japan

EU commissioner visits quake-hit Wajima in central Japan

European Commissioner for Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib (back, L) visits on April 3, 2026, a temple in Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture, damaged by a massive earthquake that devastated central Japan's Noto Peninsula area in January 2024.

EU commissioner visits quake-hit Wajima in central Japan

EU commissioner visits quake-hit Wajima in central Japan

European Commissioner for Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib (back, L) visits on April 3, 2026, a temple in Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture, damaged by a massive earthquake that devastated central Japan's Noto Peninsula area in January 2024.

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

A cenotaph built in the tsunami-devastated northeastern Japan town of Namie in Fukushima Prefecture in memory of its victims is pictured in the morning sun on March 11, 2026, the 15th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake.

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

A cenotaph built in the tsunami-devastated northeastern Japan town of Namie in Fukushima Prefecture in memory of its victims is pictured in the morning sun on March 11, 2026, the 15th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake.

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

People pray in front of a cenotaph built in the tsunami-devastated northeastern Japan town of Namie in Fukushima Prefecture in memory of its victims on March 11, 2026, the 15th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake.

Japan defense minister at ASDF base in Miyagi Pref.

Japan defense minister at ASDF base in Miyagi Pref.

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi boards a Japan Air Self-Defense Force Blue Impulse aerobatic team plane during a visit to the ASDF's base in Higashimatsushima in Miyagi Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on March 8, 2026. The plane flew over coastal areas of Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures devastated by the March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami disaster, ahead of its 15th anniversary.

Japan defense minister at ASDF base in Miyagi Pref.

Japan defense minister at ASDF base in Miyagi Pref.

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi boards a Japan Air Self-Defense Force Blue Impulse aerobatic team plane during a visit to the ASDF's base in Higashimatsushima in Miyagi Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on March 8, 2026. The plane flew over coastal areas of Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures devastated by the March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami disaster, ahead of its 15th anniversary.

Chile: 19 Dead, Over 50,000 Evacuated as Wildfires Threaten Concepción

On Sunday, January 18, Chilean President Gabriel Boric declared a state of catastrophe across two regions as deadly wildfires claimed at least 19 lives. More than 50,000 people have been evacuated from the Ñuble and Biobío regions. President Boric warned that the death toll is expected to rise as search teams reach devastated areas. Blistering heat and strong winds have severely hampered firefighting efforts, with temperatures soaring to 100°F (38°C) on Sunday, January 18.

Gaza Seaport Sunset

Gaza Seaport Sunset

An aerial view shows displaced Palestinians living in makeshift shelters among the ruins of destroyed buildings along the coastline of Gaza City in the Gaza Strip on January 6, 2026. The war has devastated large parts of Gaza City, leaving much of the population displaced and reliant on temporary shelters. Photo by Hassan Salem/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Gaza Seaport Sunset

Gaza Seaport Sunset

An aerial view shows displaced Palestinians living in makeshift shelters among the ruins of destroyed buildings along the coastline of Gaza City in the Gaza Strip on January 6, 2026. The war has devastated large parts of Gaza City, leaving much of the population displaced and reliant on temporary shelters. Photo by Hassan Salem/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Gaza Seaport Sunset

Gaza Seaport Sunset

An aerial view shows displaced Palestinians living in makeshift shelters among the ruins of destroyed buildings along the coastline of Gaza City in the Gaza Strip on January 6, 2026. The war has devastated large parts of Gaza City, leaving much of the population displaced and reliant on temporary shelters. Photo by Hassan Salem/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Gaza Seaport Sunset

Gaza Seaport Sunset

An aerial view shows displaced Palestinians living in makeshift shelters among the ruins of destroyed buildings along the coastline of Gaza City in the Gaza Strip on January 6, 2026. The war has devastated large parts of Gaza City, leaving much of the population displaced and reliant on temporary shelters. Photo by Hassan Salem/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Gaza Seaport Sunset

Gaza Seaport Sunset

An aerial view shows displaced Palestinians living in makeshift shelters among the ruins of destroyed buildings along the coastline of Gaza City in the Gaza Strip on January 6, 2026. The war has devastated large parts of Gaza City, leaving much of the population displaced and reliant on temporary shelters. Photo by Hassan Salem/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Gaza Seaport Sunset

Gaza Seaport Sunset

An aerial view shows displaced Palestinians living in makeshift shelters among the ruins of destroyed buildings along the coastline of Gaza City in the Gaza Strip on January 6, 2026. The war has devastated large parts of Gaza City, leaving much of the population displaced and reliant on temporary shelters. Photo by Hassan Salem/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Gaza Seaport Sunset

Gaza Seaport Sunset

An aerial view shows displaced Palestinians living in makeshift shelters among the ruins of destroyed buildings along the coastline of Gaza City in the Gaza Strip on January 6, 2026. The war has devastated large parts of Gaza City, leaving much of the population displaced and reliant on temporary shelters. Photo by Hassan Salem/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM