RECAP: SoCal Hit by Christmas Eve Storm, Flash Flooding and Evacuations Reported

A powerful Christmas Eve storm fueled by an atmospheric river brought torrential rain to Southern California on Wednesday, December 24, triggering widespread flash flooding, debris flows, and mudslide risks. Evacuation and shelter-in-place orders were issued in several areas, including Wrightwood, where Highway 2 was washed out and fire crews assisted affected homes. Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency, and residents were urged to avoid travel.

China: Monkey Rushes Across River to Grab Tourist’s Handbag

On December 14, 2025, in Ya’an, Sichuan Province, a video shows the monkey swiftly crossing the river by stepping on a rope at the Erlang Mountain Laba River Scenic Area. The footage captures the animal rushing toward a group of tourists, yanking at a visitor’s bag and refusing to let go. According to Ms. Jiang, who was visiting the riverbank with friends, monkeys on the opposite side noticed the crowd and quickly made their way across the rope with surprising speed. The video ends with tourists trying to pull the bag back as the monkey clings tightly to it on the riverbank.

Wuxia Gorge Near Yangtze River - China

Wuxia Gorge Near Yangtze River - China

An aerial drone photo taken on Nov. 22, 2025 shows a scenic spot where the mountain vegetation start to turn red along the Wuxia Gorge, one of the Three Gorges on the Yangtze River, in Wushan County, southwest China's Chongqing. Photo by Wang Quanchao/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Wuxia Gorge Near Yangtze River - China

Wuxia Gorge Near Yangtze River - China

An aerial drone photo taken on Nov. 22, 2025 shows tourists at a scenic spot where the mountain vegetation start to turn red near the Wuxia Gorge, one of the Three Gorges on the Yangtze River, in Wushan County, southwest China's Chongqing. Photo by Wang Quanchao/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Wuxia Gorge Near Yangtze River - China

Wuxia Gorge Near Yangtze River - China

An aerial drone photo taken on Nov. 22, 2025 shows a scenic spot where the mountain vegetation start to turn red along the Wuxia Gorge, one of the Three Gorges on the Yangtze River, in Wushan County, southwest China's Chongqing. Photo by Wang Quanchao/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Wuxia Gorge Near Yangtze River - China

Wuxia Gorge Near Yangtze River - China

An aerial drone photo taken on Nov. 22, 2025 shows tourists at a scenic spot where the mountain vegetation start to turn red near the Wuxia Gorge, one of the Three Gorges on the Yangtze River, in Wushan County, southwest China's Chongqing. Photo by Wang Quanchao/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Wuxia Gorge Near Yangtze River - China

Wuxia Gorge Near Yangtze River - China

An aerial drone photo taken on Nov. 22, 2025 shows a scenic spot where the mountain vegetation start to turn red near the Wuxia Gorge, one of the Three Gorges on the Yangtze River, in Wushan County, southwest China's Chongqing. Photo by Wang Quanchao/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Wuxia Gorge Near Yangtze River - China

Wuxia Gorge Near Yangtze River - China

An aerial drone photo taken on Nov. 22, 2025 shows a scenic spot where the mountain vegetation start to turn red near the Wuxia Gorge, one of the Three Gorges on the Yangtze River, in Wushan County, southwest China's Chongqing. Photo by Wang Quanchao/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Wuxia Gorge Near Yangtze River - China

Wuxia Gorge Near Yangtze River - China

An aerial drone photo taken on Nov. 22, 2025 shows tourists at a scenic spot where the mountain vegetation start to turn red near the Wuxia Gorge, one of the Three Gorges on the Yangtze River, in Wushan County, southwest China's Chongqing. Photo by Wang Quanchao/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Autumn Transhumance Along Brembo River - Dalmine

Autumn Transhumance Along Brembo River - Dalmine

A herd of cattle moves along the Brembo River during the autumn transhumance from the mountain pastures to the plains in Dalmine, Bergamo, Italy on October 30, 2025. Photo by Luca Ponti/IPA/ABACAPRESS.COM

Autumn Transhumance Along Brembo River - Dalmine

Autumn Transhumance Along Brembo River - Dalmine

A herd of cattle moves along the Brembo River during the autumn transhumance from the mountain pastures to the plains in Dalmine, Bergamo, Italy on October 30, 2025. Photo by Luca Ponti/IPA/ABACAPRESS.COM

World's First Mountain Canyon Landscape Bridge

World's First Mountain Canyon Landscape Bridge

QIANNAN, CHINA - OCTOBER 1, 2025 - World's First Mountain Canyon Landscape Bridge Longli River Bridge at Longli County, Qiannan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province, China on October 1, 2025.

World's First Mountain Canyon Landscape Bridge

World's First Mountain Canyon Landscape Bridge

QIANNAN, CHINA - OCTOBER 1, 2025 - World's First Mountain Canyon Landscape Bridge Longli River Bridge at Longli County, Qiannan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province, China on October 1, 2025.

World's First Mountain Canyon Landscape Bridge

World's First Mountain Canyon Landscape Bridge

QIANNAN, CHINA - OCTOBER 1, 2025 - World's First Mountain Canyon Landscape Bridge Longli River Bridge at Longli County, Qiannan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province, China on October 1, 2025.

World's First Mountain Canyon Landscape Bridge

World's First Mountain Canyon Landscape Bridge

QIANNAN, CHINA - OCTOBER 1, 2025 - World's First Mountain Canyon Landscape Bridge Longli River Bridge at Longli County, Qiannan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province, China on October 1, 2025.

World's First Mountain Canyon Landscape Bridge

World's First Mountain Canyon Landscape Bridge

QIANNAN, CHINA - OCTOBER 1, 2025 - World's First Mountain Canyon Landscape Bridge Longli River Bridge at Longli County, Qiannan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province, China on October 1, 2025.

World's First Mountain Canyon Landscape Bridge

World's First Mountain Canyon Landscape Bridge

QIANNAN, CHINA - OCTOBER 1, 2025 - World's First Mountain Canyon Landscape Bridge Longli River Bridge at Longli County, Qiannan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province, China on October 1, 2025.

World's First Mountain Canyon Landscape Bridge

World's First Mountain Canyon Landscape Bridge

QIANNAN, CHINA - OCTOBER 1, 2025 - World's First Mountain Canyon Landscape Bridge Longli River Bridge at Longli County, Qiannan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province, China on October 1, 2025.

World's First Mountain Canyon Landscape Bridge

World's First Mountain Canyon Landscape Bridge

QIANNAN, CHINA - OCTOBER 1, 2025 - World's First Mountain Canyon Landscape Bridge Longli River Bridge at Longli County, Qiannan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province, China on October 1, 2025.

World's First Mountain Canyon Landscape Bridge

World's First Mountain Canyon Landscape Bridge

QIANNAN, CHINA - OCTOBER 1, 2025 - World's First Mountain Canyon Landscape Bridge Longli River Bridge at Longli County, Qiannan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province, China on October 1, 2025.

World's First Mountain Canyon Landscape Bridge

World's First Mountain Canyon Landscape Bridge

QIANNAN, CHINA - OCTOBER 1, 2025 - World's First Mountain Canyon Landscape Bridge Longli River Bridge at Longli County, Qiannan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province, China on October 1, 2025.

World's First Mountain Canyon Landscape Bridge

World's First Mountain Canyon Landscape Bridge

QIANNAN, CHINA - OCTOBER 1, 2025 - World's First Mountain Canyon Landscape Bridge Longli River Bridge at Longli County, Qiannan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province, China on October 1, 2025.

World's First Mountain Canyon Landscape Bridge

World's First Mountain Canyon Landscape Bridge

QIANNAN, CHINA - OCTOBER 1, 2025 - World's First Mountain Canyon Landscape Bridge Longli River Bridge at Longli County, Qiannan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province, China on October 1, 2025.

World's First Mountain Canyon Landscape Bridge

World's First Mountain Canyon Landscape Bridge

QIANNAN, CHINA - OCTOBER 1, 2025 - World's First Mountain Canyon Landscape Bridge Longli River Bridge at Longli County, Qiannan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province, China on October 1, 2025.

World's First Mountain Canyon Landscape Bridge

World's First Mountain Canyon Landscape Bridge

QIANNAN, CHINA - OCTOBER 1, 2025 - World's First Mountain Canyon Landscape Bridge Longli River Bridge at Longli County, Qiannan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province, China on October 1, 2025.

Yuzhong Mountain Torrents Rescue Efforts - China

Yuzhong Mountain Torrents Rescue Efforts - China

Rescuers search for missing individuals with a stretcher along a river in Jiuzhuanggou Village of Mapo Town in Yuzhong County of northwest China's Gansu Province, on August 9, 2025. Rescue efforts are underway after continuous heavy rainfall triggered mountain torrents in Yuzhong County. Photo by Zhang Xiaojun /Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Yuzhong Mountain Torrents Rescue Efforts - China

Yuzhong Mountain Torrents Rescue Efforts - China

Rescuers cross a river as they search for missing individuals in Jiuzhuanggou Village of Mapo Town in Yuzhong County of northwest China's Gansu Province, on August 9, 2025. Rescue efforts are underway after continuous heavy rainfall triggered mountain torrents in Yuzhong County. Photo by Zhang Xiaojun /Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Yuzhong Mountain Torrents Rescue Efforts - China

Yuzhong Mountain Torrents Rescue Efforts - China

Rescuers attempt to get across a torrential river via a makeshift bridge in Mapo Township, Yuzhong County of northwest China's Gansu Province, on August 10, 2025. Roads damaged by mountain torrents in Yuzhong County, northwest China's Gansu Province, reopened on Sunday and power supply has been restored following the disaster that left 13 dead and 30 missing. Search and rescue efforts for the missing are underway. Photo by Bai Qiyuan /Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Liupan Mountains Ecological Barrier - China

Liupan Mountains Ecological Barrier - China

An aerial drone photo taken on July 17, 2025 shows the Madong Mountain forest farm blanketed in lush green vegetation in Yuanzhou District of Guyuan City, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. In recent years, Ningxia has leveraged major national ecological projects such as "Shan-shui (Mountain-river) Initiative" to expand green spaces and improve the ecological environment of the Liupan Mountains, which serves as a vital ecological security barrier in northwest China. Photo by Wang Peng /Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Liupan Mountains Ecological Barrier - China

Liupan Mountains Ecological Barrier - China

An aerial drone photo taken on July 17, 2025 shows the Madong Mountain forest farm blanketed in lush green vegetation in Yuanzhou District of Guyuan City, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. In recent years, Ningxia has leveraged major national ecological projects such as "Shan-shui (Mountain-river) Initiative" to expand green spaces and improve the ecological environment of the Liupan Mountains, which serves as a vital ecological security barrier in northwest China. Photo by Wang Peng /Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Liupan Mountains Ecological Barrier - China

Liupan Mountains Ecological Barrier - China

An aerial drone photo taken on July 17, 2025 shows the Madong Mountain forest farm blanketed in lush green vegetation in Yuanzhou District of Guyuan City, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. In recent years, Ningxia has leveraged major national ecological projects such as "Shan-shui (Mountain-river) Initiative" to expand green spaces and improve the ecological environment of the Liupan Mountains, which serves as a vital ecological security barrier in northwest China. Photo by Wang Peng /Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Liupan Mountains Ecological Barrier - China

Liupan Mountains Ecological Barrier - China

An aerial drone photo taken on July 17, 2025 shows the Madong Mountain forest farm blanketed in lush green vegetation in Yuanzhou District of Guyuan City, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. In recent years, Ningxia has leveraged major national ecological projects such as "Shan-shui (Mountain-river) Initiative" to expand green spaces and improve the ecological environment of the Liupan Mountains, which serves as a vital ecological security barrier in northwest China. Photo by Wang Peng /Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Liupan Mountains Ecological Barrier - China

Liupan Mountains Ecological Barrier - China

An aerial drone photo taken on July 17, 2025 shows the Madong Mountain forest farm blanketed in lush green vegetation in Yuanzhou District of Guyuan City, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. In recent years, Ningxia has leveraged major national ecological projects such as "Shan-shui (Mountain-river) Initiative" to expand green spaces and improve the ecological environment of the Liupan Mountains, which serves as a vital ecological security barrier in northwest China. Photo by Wang Peng /Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Liupan Mountains Ecological Barrier - China

Liupan Mountains Ecological Barrier - China

An aerial drone photo taken on July 17, 2025 shows the Madong Mountain forest farm blanketed in lush green vegetation in Yuanzhou District of Guyuan City, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. In recent years, Ningxia has leveraged major national ecological projects such as "Shan-shui (Mountain-river) Initiative" to expand green spaces and improve the ecological environment of the Liupan Mountains, which serves as a vital ecological security barrier in northwest China. Photo by Wang Peng /Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

China: Nujiang River Rages in Yunnan, Torrents Sweep Through Area

This is the dangerous moment that the Nujiang River turned into a raging torrent, triggering a powerful flash flood after days of relentless rainfall. On May 31, 2025, in Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan, the video showed the Nujiang River surging with muddy, turbulent water. Fueled by continuous heavy rain and intensified by orographic lift, the river’s water level rose sharply, unleashing a devastating mountain flood. Water tore through the region with alarming force, visibly inundating the riverbanks and sweeping away debris in its path. According to preliminary data, rainfall across the Nujiang River basin exceeded historical averages by more than four times. Along the Dulong River in particular, rainfall over a three-day span surpassed 300 millimeters, with some areas experiencing over 100 millimeters of downpour in just a short period. The severe flooding damaged roads, farmland, and communication infrastructure, effectively cutting off transportation to several villages. The video ended with torrents of floodwater continuing to rush downstream, leaving behind a landscape of destruction.

South Korea: Over 1,200 Evacuated as Massive Wildfire Rages in Daegu 3

On Monday, April 28, around 2 p.m., a wildfire ignited in Nogok-dong, Buk District of Daegu, rapidly spreading to affect an estimated 50 hectares (123.6 acres) within two hours due to dry conditions and strong winds. The severity of the blaze prompted Daegu city officials to order the evacuation of over 1,200 residents and the closure of a nearby highway as a precautionary measure. The clip shows the helicopters collecting water from the river for firefighting operations.

Charity ascent to highest peak of Carpathians Hoverla-2025

Charity ascent to highest peak of Carpathians Hoverla-2025

Participants cross the bridge over the mountain river during the Hoverla 2025 charity climb to the highest peak of the Carpathians to raise funds for the needs of the National Guard of Ukraine and the 80th Separate Assault Galician Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, on March 22, 2025 (Photo by Anastasiia Smolienko/Ukrinform)

Snowy Carpathians

Snowy Carpathians

A mountain river in the Carpathians, Ukraine, on March 22, 2025 (Photo by Anastasiia Smolienko/Ukrinform)

Snowy Carpathians

Snowy Carpathians

A mountain river in the Carpathians, Ukraine, on March 22, 2025 (Photo by Anastasiia Smolienko/Ukrinform)

Climbing Mount Petros from Kozmeshchyk tract

Climbing Mount Petros from Kozmeshchyk tract

ZAKARPATTIA REGION, UKRAINE - JANUARY 21, 2025 - A river carries its waters through a forest in the Carpathians in winter, Rakhiv district, Zakarpattia region, western Ukraine.

Floods Cleanup Efforts Continue - Spain

Floods Cleanup Efforts Continue - Spain

Two people clean up next to a mountain of trash, vehicles and furniture destroyed after the passage of the DANA in Alfafar, on November 9, 2024, in Alfafar, Valencia, Valencian Community, Spain. The search for possible victims of the DANA in the province of Valencia continues today with the deployment of search teams in the deepest areas of the Albufera, while work also continues in the area of the Magro River, the Rambla de Poio, the mouth of the Turia River and the sea. According to the first Emergencies report on the impact of the DANA, about 2,450 firefighters from more than 40 agencies are operating in the areas affected by the floods, in addition to 8,000 military personnel, including 52 divers. In addition, 25,000 hectares in Valencia have been affected by the cold drop. As for the number of victims, only in the province of Valencia, 215 people have been confirmed dead due to the SWD and at least 78 people are still missing. Photo by Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Floods Cleanup Efforts Continue - Spain

Floods Cleanup Efforts Continue - Spain

A mountain of trash, vehicles and furniture destroyed after the passage of the DANA in Alfafar, on November 9, 2024, in Alfafar, Valencia, Valencian Community, Spain. The search for possible victims of the DANA in the province of Valencia continues today with the deployment of search teams in the deepest areas of the Albufera, while work also continues in the area of the Magro River, the Rambla de Poio, the mouth of the Turia River and the sea. According to the first Emergencies report on the impact of the DANA, about 2,450 firefighters from more than 40 agencies are operating in the areas affected by the floods, in addition to 8,000 military personnel, including 52 divers. In addition, 25,000 hectares in Valencia have been affected by the cold drop. As for the number of victims, only in the province of Valencia, 215 people have been confirmed dead due to the SWD and at least 78 people are still missing. Photo by Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

RECAP – Hurricane Helene Causes Extensive Destruction In Southeast US

Hurricane Helene struck the southeastern United States, causing destructive flooding and leaving widespread devastation. Helene's death toll has risen to 227, hundreds are still missing, and searches for survivors are ongoing.

US: Hurricane Helene Leaves Extensive Destruction Across Southeast 6

Hurricane Helene left widespread flooding and destruction across the Southeast resulting in the loss of at least 93 lives in the region.

US: Hurricane Hone Brings Heavy Rain, Strong Winds To Hawaii 6

Hurricane Hone brought strong winds and heavy rain to Hawaii as it moved westward just south of the islands as a Category 1 storm on Sunday, August 25. Several road closures, power outages for thousands thousands of people, and flight disruptions were also reported. This video shows winds and rain in Mountain View in Puna, Hawaii Island Saturday afternoon as the storm neared.

US: Hurricane Hone Brings Heavy Rain, Strong Winds To Hawaii 5

Hurricane Hone brought strong winds and heavy rain to Hawaii as it moved westward just south of the islands as a Category 1 storm on Sunday, August 25. Several road closures, power outages for thousands thousands of people, and flight disruptions were also reported. This video shows winds and rain in Mountain View in Puna, Hawaii Island Saturday afternoon as the storm neared.

Pylypets ski resort in summer

Pylypets ski resort in summer

ZAKARPATTIA REGION, UKRAINE - AUGUST 15, 2024 - A bridge is near the Shypit Waterfall at the Pylypets ski resort in summer, Zakarpattia region, western Ukraine.

XINHUA PHOTOS OF THE DAY

XINHUA PHOTOS OF THE DAY

(240724) -- BEIJING, July 24, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- A child pats a dog in Tianmen Village, Shuicheng District of Liupanshui, southwest China's Guizhou Province, July 16, 2024. In the hinterland of Wumeng Mountain and by the Beipanjiang River, quaint stilted buildings scatter among the green mountains and waters, forming a pastoral picture, in Tianman Village. Tianmen Village is located in the northeast of Huajia Miao Buyi and Yi Township of Liupanshui City, which is a traditional Buyi ethnic village, divided into 6 hamlets with a population of more than 1,000. Surrounded by mountains on three sides and a river on the other, the remote village was once isolated. To get out of the village, people had to climb hundreds of stone stairs over the steep mountain and pass through cliffs in the canyon. Tianmen Village has a history of more than 600 years, and still retains 178 buildings made of wood shingles. The original landscape of the village and traditional folk activities have become a major fe

(GloriousGuizhou)CHINA-GUIZHOU-LIUPANSHUI-TIANMEN VILLAGE (CN)

(GloriousGuizhou)CHINA-GUIZHOU-LIUPANSHUI-TIANMEN VILLAGE (CN)

(240723) -- GUIYANG, July 23, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- An aerial drone photo taken on July 17, 2024 shows stilted buildings in Tianmen Village, Shuicheng District of Liupanshui, southwest China's Guizhou Province. In the hinterland of Wumeng Mountain and by the Beipanjiang River, quaint stilted buildings scatter among the green mountains and waters, forming a pastoral picture, in Tianman Village. Tianmen Village is located in the northeast of Huajia Miao, Buyi and Yi Township of Liupanshui City, which is a traditional Buyi ethnic village, divided into 6 hamlets with a population of more than 1,000. Surrounded by mountains on three sides and a river on the other, the remote village was once isolated. To get out of the village, people had to climb hundreds of stone stairs over the steep mountain and pass through cliffs in the canyon. Tianmen Village has a history of more than 600 years, and still retains 178 buildings made of wood shingles. The original landscape of the village and traditional fo

(GloriousGuizhou)CHINA-GUIZHOU-LIUPANSHUI-TIANMEN VILLAGE (CN)

(GloriousGuizhou)CHINA-GUIZHOU-LIUPANSHUI-TIANMEN VILLAGE (CN)

(240723) -- GUIYANG, July 23, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- Villager Lu Shengxiu (1st R) smiles as she attends a social gathering in Tianmen Village, Shuicheng District of Liupanshui, southwest China's Guizhou Province, July 16, 2024. In the hinterland of Wumeng Mountain and by the Beipanjiang River, quaint stilted buildings scatter among the green mountains and waters, forming a pastoral picture, in Tianman Village. Tianmen Village is located in the northeast of Huajia Miao Buyi and Yi Township of Liupanshui City, which is a traditional Buyi ethnic village, divided into 6 hamlets with a population of more than 1,000. Surrounded by mountains on three sides and a river on the other, the remote village was once isolated. To get out of the village, people had to climb hundreds of stone stairs over the steep mountain and pass through cliffs in the canyon. Tianmen Village has a history of more than 600 years, and still retains 178 buildings made of wood shingles. The original landscape of the village and