From Typhoon Champi in Taiwan and a deadly earthquake in Tibet to severe flooding across Europe and Latin America, communities on several continents have faced a week of devastating weather and natural disasters.
Typhoon Champi forced widespread closures across Taiwan on Friday, 23 October, as powerful winds and torrential rain battered the island. One person was killed and 171 others injured, while more than 2,600 residents were evacuated from mountainous areas. More than 77,000 homes lost power, with authorities cancelling all 262 domestic flights and 717 international services. Wind gusts reached around 191 km/h, with the storm forecast to pass close to northeastern Taiwan before heading towards southern Japan.
A powerful magnitude 7 earthquake struck Tibet in southwestern China on Thursday, 22 October, killing 16 people and injuring 65 others. More than 12,000 residents were relocated, while over 300 police officers joined rescue and relief operations in Nagqu. Authorities recorded 413 aftershocks after what was China's strongest earthquake since January 2024. President Xi Jinping ordered an all-out rescue operation, medical treatment for the injured and urgent assistance for affected communities.
At least four people have been killed as violent storms and flooding swept through southern France, forcing dozens of residents into emergency shelters in towns between Montpellier and Marseille. Floodwaters disrupted roads and rail services, while forecasters predicted improving conditions in the south. However, Storm Austen was expected to bring powerful winds to northwestern France between Thursday and Friday.
Storm Adam unleashed torrential rain and severe flooding across eastern Spain, killing at least three people and forcing more than 2,000 residents to flee their homes. Helicopters airlifted stranded residents from rooftops, while emergency crews carried out nearly 100 rescues in Valencia and Alicante. More than 600 mm of rain fell in parts of Alicante province in just 36 hours, leaving towns cut off and transport services disrupted. The storm was expected to move towards Catalonia, bringing the threat of further heavy rainfall.
Intensifying storms linked to El Niño have unleashed destructive flooding and extreme weather across parts of Latin America. In Paraguay, rising waters along the Paraná River have affected around 4,200 families, while one woman was killed when her home collapsed. Flooding also claimed the lives of two farm workers in Argentina, as powerful waves battered coastal communities in Mexico and extreme weather struck Peru. UN officials warned that El Niño could push Pacific temperatures unusually high, increasing the risk of further floods and droughts in the months ahead.
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Russian strikes on Ukraine overnight killed at least two people and injured 15 others, including two children, Ukrainian authorities said. Meanwhile, Russia said it had intercepted the vast majority of 630 Ukrainian drones launched towards Moscow.
Saudi Aramco has ordered staff to evacuate its headquarters amid escalating Houthi attacks on the kingdom. Two people were killed in an attack on Dammam airport, while Iran's IRGC Navy claimed strikes on seven vessels and warned the U.S. of a wider response.
Russia is willing in principle to resume peace talks with Ukraine and the United States in November, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said after President Vladimir Putin met U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff in St Petersburg.
Yemen's Houthis have denied targeting the holy city of Medina on Wednesday adding that they have not conducted any military operations towards Saudi Arabia either, denying earlier comments from the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen.
Super typhoon Champi is set to batter Japan’s Okinawa Prefecture from Friday (23 October), bringing violent winds, torrential rain and waves up to 11 metres high, as airlines cancel flights and organisers scrap a major festival.
A powerful magnitude 7 earthquake has struck Tibet in southwestern China, killing 16 people and injuring 65, while forcing more than 12,000 residents to relocate as rescue teams respond to widespread aftershocks.
Almost all of Taiwan shut down on Friday ahead of the arrival of Typhoon Champi, which is forecast to bring strong winds and torrential rain to the island.
U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order expanding access to tax-exempt diesel as soaring fuel prices frustrate voters ahead of the midterm elections. But farmers say using the fuel on public roads is too risky, while many other drivers cannot get hold of it.
The FIFA U-20 World Cup 2027 will take place from 17 September to 9 October next year in Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced on Friday.
French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday that ‘illegitimate’ protests would be banned in the coming days. He blamed ‘seditious’ ultra-left groups and vandals for last weekend’s riots and looting, as authorities prepare for fresh demonstrations on Saturday.
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