NATURAL DISASTERS & EXTREME EVENTS
Major natural disasters including earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods, hurricanes and other extreme natural events with significant human or environmental impact
6 articles
Magnitude 6 Earthquake Strikes Eastern Cuba
EL PAÍSUn terremoto de magnitud 6 sacude el este de Cuba
3/17/2026, 3:14:55 PM
A magnitude 6 earthquake struck eastern Cuba early this morning, with the epicentre located in the municipality of Imías, in the Guantánamo province. The tremor was felt across the region in the early hours. No immediate reports of casualties or major damage have been confirmed.
US West Coast Braces for Dangerous Early-Spring Heatwave
BBC WORLDUS west coast prepares for 'dangerous' heatwave in early spring
3/17/2026, 1:26:03 PM
The US west coast is bracing for a dangerous early-spring heatwave, as severe weather grips the country from coast to coast. The extreme conditions include both record heat in the west and bitter cold in other parts of the country. Meteorologists are warning residents to take precautions as the unusual weather system intensifies.
Two Students Die After Boats Capsize off Okinawa's Henoko Coast
NHK WORLD辺野古沖 2人死亡事故 1隻目の約2分後に2隻目も転覆 海保
3/17/2026, 3:23:26 AM
Two high school students from Kyoto Prefecture died after two boats carrying students on a study trip capsized off Henoko in Nago City, Okinawa — the site of the US Futenma air base relocation project. The Japan Coast Guard revealed that the second vessel capsized approximately two minutes after the first. Authorities are investigating whether intermittent large waves caused both incidents.
Tourists Stranded Near Atal Tunnel as Heavy Snowfall Halts Traffic for Second Day
NDTVVideo: Cars Abandoned, Tourists Stranded Near Atal Tunnel Amid Snowfall
3/16/2026, 6:33:27 PM
Heavy snowfall and icy road conditions have stranded more than 1,000 vehicles near the Atal Tunnel outside Manali for a second consecutive day. Traffic came to a complete halt since Sunday night as cars and tourists were left abandoned on the snow-covered roads. Authorities are working to clear the blockage and restore movement in the affected area.
South Africa Closes Mozambique Border Crossings Due to Severe Flooding
RTFloods force South Africa to shut border with neighbor (VIDEO)
3/16/2026, 3:48:08 PM
South Africa's Border Management Authority has closed two ports of entry along its border with Mozambique following severe flooding in the region. The closures are aimed at ensuring the safety of travellers and border personnel amid dangerous conditions. No timeline for reopening has been announced.
Ethiopia Landslides Kill at Least 70, Displace Thousands
RTEthiopia landslides claim 70 lives
3/13/2026, 11:13:30 AM
At least 70 people have been killed and thousands displaced after landslides triggered by heavy rains struck Ethiopia's Gamo Zone. The disaster has caused widespread destruction in the affected communities. Emergency response efforts are underway to assist the displaced population.