Record rainfall in Japan's Chiba prefecture and neighboring areas has killed at least eight people, cut power to more than 20,000 households, and left about 7,000 travelers stranded at Tokyo's Narita airport. The storm dumped what meteorologists called unprecedented amounts of water in a short period, flooding homes and roads. Rescue crews used boats to reach people trapped in submerged neighborhoods. Officials warned of further landslides as the slow-moving system kept dumping rain on the Kanto region. The disaster has renewed debate about how Japan adapts to increasingly intense rainstorms and whether existing flood defenses are enough.
The world is drawing down its oil reserves at the fastest pace in years as the Iran war disrupts shipping routes through key waterways. Energy trackers report that stockpiles in major consuming countries have fallen for several consecutive weeks. Governments have tapped strategic reserves, while tanker operators face higher insurance costs and long detours around conflict zones. Fuel prices are climbing for consumers, and airlines and trucking firms warn that higher energy costs will push up prices. Analysts say the safety margin that once protected markets from supply shocks has shrunk, and they expect prices to stay elevated until shipping lanes reopen. Traders are watching storage data closely, and diplomats are pushing for a ceasefire that could ease the pressure.
The US military said its forces disabled a cargo vessel that was trying to break the blockade of Iranian ports near the Strait of Hormuz. A Navy MH-60 helicopter fired two Hellfire missiles into the ship's engine, leaving it unable to move. The strike is a sharp escalation on one of the world's busiest shipping lanes. Iran's military adviser warned that Tehran could prolong the war until President Trump leaves office. US embassies across the Middle East are preparing for an extended period with reduced staff as security worsens. Oil prices rose in early trading, and insurers raised rates for vessels in the Gulf. The Pentagon has not said how long the blockade will last.
Chinese shipping firms are launching the first regular container services through the Arctic, connecting ports in China with the United Kingdom and other European destinations. The weekly route between Ningbo and Felixstowe can cut sailing time from roughly 40 days to about 18 to 20 days. The service follows a record summer for Arctic transits and reflects growing interest in the Northern Sea Route as an alternative to traditional shipping lanes. Shipping companies say the route avoids geopolitical flashpoints such as the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb. Environmental groups warn that more traffic in the region brings risks, including spills, noise and disruption to Arctic wildlife. China describes the effort as part of its Polar Silk Road initiative.
A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia early on Tuesday, killing more than 100 people and trapping dozens in collapsed buildings. The quake hit at night while most residents were asleep, and rescue teams are still digging through rubble in towns near the Pacific coast. Hospitals report more than 1,200 injuries, and aftershocks and landslides are slowing relief work. President Gustavo Petro has declared a state of emergency and asked for international help. The United States, Mexico, and Chile have offered rescue teams. Power and phone networks are down across a wide area, making it hard for officials to reach isolated villages. Seismologists say the quake is one of the strongest to hit Colombia in decades, and they warn that aftershocks could continue for weeks.
Russian missile attacks near Kyiv killed three people overnight, including a child, local officials said. The strikes hit residential areas on the outskirts of the Ukrainian capital as Moscow kept up its campaign of near-nightly bombardment. Ukraine's air force said it shot down several incoming missiles, but some reached their targets. President Volodymyr Zelensky repeated his warning that Ukraine is running low on missile interceptors and needs more air defense systems from allies. Rescue teams searched the wreckage through the night. The deaths drew fresh condemnation from Ukrainian leaders, who called for faster delivery of Western air defense aid.
At least 72 people died after up to 60,000 migrants rushed into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta from Morocco over two days in late July 2026. Spanish authorities blame smuggling gangs that spread false rumors about a Supreme Court ruling on immigration. Most of the migrants have returned to Morocco under army escort. The crisis has triggered emergency European Union talks, a rare Schengen suspension by Italy, and warnings of another crossing attempt on August 15. Far-right leaders have called for tighter border controls, reopening Europe's divide over migration policy.
At least 72 people died during last week's mass influx of migrants into Spain's Ceuta enclave, local officials said. Tens of thousands of people, most of them young men from West African countries, swam around the border post from Morocco to reach the Spanish territory on Africa's north coast. Most of the estimated 60,000 people who entered have since returned to Morocco. Spanish authorities sent reinforcements and set up temporary reception centers, while aid groups called for an investigation into the deaths. The surge is one of the largest border crossings into the enclave in years and has renewed debate across Europe about migration policy and cooperation with Morocco.
At least 72 people died during a mass influx of migrants into Spain's Ceuta enclave last week, local officials said. Tens of thousands of people, most of them swimming, rushed the border post from Morocco. Officials estimate about 60,000 people entered the Spanish territory during the surge, and most have since returned to Morocco. The deaths have renewed pressure on Spain and the European Union over migration policy. Humanitarian groups are calling for safe and legal routes to Europe and an independent investigation into the deaths. Spanish authorities have sent extra police and military personnel to the enclave and are reviewing border procedures.
Russia fired 28 missiles at Kyiv overnight, killing 17 people, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. Ukrainian officials said none of the missiles were intercepted. The barrage hit residential districts and left dozens injured. The failure of air defenses to respond raised new questions about Ukraine's interceptor supplies as Western deliveries lag. The attack came as both sides traded drone strikes, including a Ukrainian drone attack on the Moscow region that killed five people. Zelenskyy renewed his call for more air defense support and long-range weapons. International leaders condemned the strikes, and diplomats said the attack could complicate ceasefire talks.