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Natural disasters
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Natural disasters. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
KASUKABE, SAITAMA, JAPAN - 2016/06/01: GCANS Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel is an underground water flood control project. It is the largest underground flood water facility in the world and was built to control the overflow of Tokyo's rivers during Japan's monsoon seasons. GCANS has five large containment silos connected by six kilometers of tunnels. Its most famous feature is the large cistern with giant pillars that resemble an underground cathedral or temple. The main job of GCANS is to store, then divert, the overflow of water into the Edo River to avoid flood damage. (Photo by John S Lander/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Asia travel

Looking like an ancient temple, place 50 metres below ground protects Tokyo

People can visit the flood protection facility in Kasukabe, which safeguards Tokyo and has shafts large enough to fit the Statue of Liberty.

Extreme weather

US tornadoes kill more than 20 in Kentucky and Missouri

International Property

Earthquake jitters sway Thailand’s market for high-rise office towers

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Myanmar

Opinion | How Myanmar’s devastating earthquake threatens to leave a lasting economic scar

The earthquake in central Myanmar poses serious risks to its fragile economy, with damages disrupting agriculture, trade and infrastructure.

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People drive on a motorbike past a collapsed building in Mandalay on March 28 after the earthquake in central Myanmar. Photo: TNS
Myanmar

‘Junta in the way’: Myanmar quake crisis worsens amid air strikes, scarce UN aid

Myanmar’s junta is conducting air strikes after a deadly earthquake, despite a ceasefire, while a US$275 million UN aid appeal has received only US$34 million.

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Japan

As tourist bookings plunge over earthquake prophecies, Japan shuts down rumours

The Chinese embassy in Tokyo inadvertently added to the fears by warning citizens to take precautions against natural disasters.

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Thailand

Bangkok to trial disaster alerts after Myanmar quake criticism

The system will use three mobile networks to send warning messages in Thai and English, accompanied by a siren.

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Rescuers search for survivors under the rubble of a collapsed building in Bangkok, Thailand, on April, 12 2025. Photo: EPA-EFE
Thailand

Thai-Chinese firm denies safety breach at probe of Bangkok skyscraper collapse

Xin Ke Yuan Steel is being scrutinised for the quality of steel rods in a high-rise that collapsed during last month’s Bangkok earthquake, the only building to fail that day.

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Thailand

Chinese executive linked to Bangkok tower collapse arrested

The 30-storey tower was reduced to rubble when a quake struck neighbouring Myanmar last month, killing 47 people and leaving 47 missing.

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Australia

Strong swells on Australia’s east coast claim 6 over Easter weekend

Waves as high as 3.5 metres are creating hazardous surf conditions, lifesavers warn.

A surfer is dwarfed by large wave on Bronte Beach in Sydney on Friday as powerful swells hit Australia’s east coast. Photo: AFP
Myanmar

Letters | Quake-hit Myanmar can draw hope from Nepal’s rebuilding

Readers discuss Nepal’s recovery from the 2015 quake, Disney’s remake of Snow White, and the heartwarming scenes that play out on Hong Kong’s public transport.

People walk past debris in the damaged 19th century Me Nu Brick monastery in Inwa on the outskirts of Mandalay on April 12, following the devastating March 28 earthquake. Photo: AFP
Myanmar

Myanmar struggles to recover 3 weeks after deadly earthquake

The United Nations estimated that at least 2.5 million tons of debris from the quake, roughly 125,000 truckloads, will need to be removed.

Myanmar

‘Heavy heart’: Myanmar quake survivors mark ‘Thingyan’ new year amid ruins

Two weeks after the disaster which killed over 3,600, the ruling junta has commanded the usually raucous festival to have no music or dancing.

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Myanmar

Editorial | Misery of Myanmar earthquake survivors must not be forgotten

Hong Kong has role to play as the United Nations appeals for help in humanitarian crisis facing more than 17 million people.

A Hong Kong rescue team carry a survivor away from the rubble of a Mandalay hotel in Myanmar. Photo: Handout
Japan

Japan’s Kyoto offers natural disaster survival tips for foreign visitors

The move comes as more foreign travellers have been visiting the ancient Japanese capital in recent years.

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Visitors to Kyoto can find tips on how to cope with a major natural disaster in the prefecture via a website set up by local authorities. Photo: AFP
Hong Kong society

Hero’s welcome for Hong Kong rescuers after return from quake-hit Myanmar

The 51-strong team met at Hong Kong airport by top officials including city leader John Lee and Myanmar’s consul general.

Singapore

Myanmar earthquake: Singapore deploys cyborg cockroaches in rescue efforts

The insect-robot hybrids are fitted with tiny ‘backpacks’ containing infrared cameras and sensors to detect human heat signatures.

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Thailand

‘Everywhere is cracked’: Bangkok residents question high-rise safety after quake

One property manager said the quake prompted a flurry of inquiries from residents looking to relocate, due to ‘fear and anxiety’ of living far above ground.

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Workers repair damage on the exterior of a high-rise building in Bangkok following the March 28 earthquake that struck central Myanmar and Thailand. Photo: AFP
Myanmar

Myanmar junta leader visits quake epicentre – 10 days after disaster

Min Aung Hlaing’s visit reportedly hints at prioritisation of relief to religious institutions in Sagaing, where aid workers say supplies have been blocked.

Asean

Myanmar earthquake: can Asean step up to fill US aid vacuum?

The US aid retreat opens ways for China and India to use their humanitarian assistance to build influence.

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Science

Magnitude 8 earthquake risk on rise in China, surrounding regions, study warns

As the world reels from the aftermath of the Myanmar earthquake, seismologists have warned there is a heightened danger of further disasters.

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Following the devastating earthquake in Myanmar, Chinese seismologists have warned the region is entering a dangerous new phase. Photo: Xinhua
Japan

Japan rebuts criticism of its response to Myanmar earthquake rescue

A Japanese medical care unit arrived at the disaster site in Myanmar on Wednesday, four days after a Chinese team began its rescue work.

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Rescuers carry out work in Mandalay, Myanmar, on Monday after a devastating earthquake hit the country’s central region last week. Photo: Xinhua
Myanmar

Myanmar’s double disaster: an earthquake and a heartless junta

As quake survivors dig through the rubble for loved ones with their bare hands, the military bombs villages and seeks diplomatic openings.

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Climate change

Opinion | An Asia racked by natural disasters needs insurers to step up

Instead of withdrawing from high-risk areas, Asia’s insurers must become an active partner in long-term climate risk management.

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Thailand

Thais outraged by expensive furniture for now-collapsed Bangkok tower

Corruption watchdog page reveals list of items including sofas costing nearly US$5,000 and 28 rosewood armchairs for State Audit Office building.

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Rescuers search for survivors on Friday at the site of the collapsed State Audit Office tower building in Bangkok. Photo: EPA-EFE
Japan

Japan’s municipalities unready to deal with major earthquake: survey

The survey comes after Japan’s government estimated that up to 298,000 people could die from a megaquake along the Nankai Trough.

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A collapsed house in Osaki in Kagoshima prefecture after a strong earthquake hit southwestern Japan in August last year. Photo: Kyodo
Hong Kong

Editorial | Rescue heroes brave dangers on all fronts in Myanmar tragedy

As death toll from powerful earthquake rises, teams from Hong Kong and mainland China still hope to find life in ruins while civil war goes on.

Myanmar

Myanmar junta declares temporary ceasefire for quake relief

The truce, to show compassion for people affected by Friday’s 7.7 magnitude earthquake, will run until April 22.

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