Construction
Japan Inc. in a fight to bring earthquake-dampening tech to Turkey
U.S. and European vendors have a head start in the temblor-prone nation
Natural disasters
TSMC assessing impact of 6.4-magnitude Taiwan quake on chip hub
Impact on production of world's most advanced chips not yet clear
Natural disasters
North Korea replaces flood-hit villages on Chinese border with block housing
Satellite and on-the-ground photos show new, compact settlements
Natural disasters
Japan marks 30 years since Kobe quake that killed over 6,400
Quake-prone country considers establishing a new disaster management agency
Natural disasters
Japan megaquake would leave half a million without shelter: survey
40% of communities in Nankai Trough zone fall short on space for evacuees
Natural disasters
Magnitude-6.9 quake hits southwest Japan, small tsunamis observed
No immediate reports of injury, damage or link to risk of megaquake
Fires
Aerial assault aims to stem Los Angeles Palisades fire spread
Blazes kill at least 16 people; 13 others estimated to be missing
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Fires
New fires pop up in LA area as officials tally over 10,000 burned buildings
Dozens of blocks flattened to smoldering rubble in scenic Pacific Palisades
Fires
Explosive Los Angeles wildfires rage on even as fierce winds ebb
At least five dead and nearly 180,000 ordered to evacuate in face of devastating blazes
Natural disasters
Xi orders all-out efforts in aftermath of Tibet earthquake
Disaster kills at least 126 while spotlighting Beijing's sway over autonomous region
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Natural disasters
Japan marks 1 year since powerful Noto quake, rebuilding remains slow
Some 21,000 residents remain evacuated or in temporary housing as of late December
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Commodities
Thailand's December rubber production cut nearly 30% by floods
Heavy monsoon rains disrupt tree tapping in world's largest latex-producing nation
Natural disasters
Vanuatu quake leaves at least 14 dead as rescue efforts kick in
Australia, New Zealand send help as aftershocks hit Pacific island nation
Politics
Japan enacts 13.9tn yen extra budget for economic package
Spending plan includes inflation relief steps and disaster reconstruction costs
Natural disasters
Magnitude 7.4 earthquake hits Vanuatu, one reported dead
Tsunami warning has been called for the region
Energy
Nuclear reactor in western Japan restarted for first time since 2012
Plant in Shimane's capital aims to resume operations after meeting post-Fukushima requirements
Natural disasters
Strong quake strikes off California, tsunami warning canceled
Tsunami warning initially issued for 4.7m residents of California and Oregon
Economy
Philippines downgrades 2024 GDP growth forecast to 6%-6.5%
Country now expects 6%-8% growth in 2025 as Trump uncertainty looms
Natural disasters
Malaysia suffers more than 380 sq. km of paddy damage from floods
Farmers reeling in state of Kedah, which grows about half of the nation's rice
Natural disasters
Thailand and Malaysia brace for more floods as first wave subsides
Worst storms in decades have already deluged hundreds of thousands of homes
Economy
Philippines' Q4 growth to be dampened by typhoons, official says
Agricultural damage weighs down ability to meet full-year target of 6-7%
Natural disasters
Tokyo not ready to help inbound tourists in case of disaster: survey
70% of city's 23 wards lack plans for foreigners, despite visitor influx
Environment
India's capital chokes as pollution hits 50 times safe limit
Seasonal filthy air shuts schools and fuels outrage as farmers burn waste
Natural disasters
At least eight Filipinos killed as super typhoon strikes Philippines
Sixth storm in the past month triggers landslides and storm surges
Climate Change
Bangladesh deaths from dengue reach 407 as outbreak worsens
78,595 admitted to hospitals as changes in weather patterns allow mosquitoes to breed
Natural disasters
Super typhoon Man-Yi set to weaken as it barrels through Philippines
Tropical cyclone triggered more than a million evacuations and damaged buildings
Natural disasters
Bali flights canceled due to volcanic ash
80 flights from Singapore, Hong Kong and Australian cities have been affected
Energy
Central Japan nuclear reactor fails post-Fukushima safety check
Atomic watchdog confirms decision made in August, meaning unit cannot restart
Natural disasters
Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi erupts again, government to widen restricted zone
Authorities continue evacuation of 16,000 people from nearby villages