week photos august
|

The week in photos: August 8-14, 2026

ByJustpaste.in

MANILA, Philippines — Bad weather conditions due to southwest monsoon or habagat prevailed over the week affecting Luzon and Western Visayas. On August 9, five young students died after a landslide struck Barangay Guisad Surong in Baguio City. 13 people were buried by thick mud and debris while three houses were hit by the landslide, affecting five families.

Nonstop rain disrupted the schooling of around 6.7 million students on August 10, following the suspension of face-to-face classes. The heavy downpour also forced the Senate to postpone the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte and the chamber’s regular session.

On August 11, a massive accumulation of floodwater and garbage at the Baclaran-Redemptorist Water Channel happened after its trash trap broke off, allowing waste to enter the waterway. Over 700 metric tons of waste and debris, equivalent to around 203 truckloads of garbage were collected after clearing operations.

Meanwhile, state auditor Xylene Mae del Campo testified before the impeachment court on August 11, saying that the Office of the Vice President spent confidential funds on Christmas parties, tree-planting, and gift-giving activity.

On August 12, counsels for the opposing parties — private prosecutor Lorna Kapunan and defense lawyer Kristine Ferrer — butted heads numerous times. Disputes arose over the use of documents for cross-examination, leading to objections and accusations of misleading questions, prompting interventions from the presiding officer Chiz Escudero.

Catch more stories in these photos from the week that was:

Water gun fight turns street into summer escape during heatwave in Seoul

Revelers take part in a water gun fight during the 2026 Seoul Vacation Festival, amid a heatwave in Seoul, South Korea, on August 8, 2026. PHOTO BY KIM SOO-HYEON/REUTERS

Stand-up paddleboarding festival in Moscow

People take part in a stand-up paddleboarding festival on the Yauza River in Moscow, Russia, on August 9, 2026. PHOTO BY YULIA MOROZOVA/REUTERS

International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, in San Salvador

Traditional dancers wait to perform in a festival marking the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples in San Salvador, El Salvador, on August 9, 2026. PHOTO BY JOSE CABEZAS/REUTERS

Japan marks 81st anniversary of Nagasaki atomic bombing

Children hold flowers during a ceremony commemorating the 81st anniversary of the bombing of the city, at Nagasaki’s Peace Park in Nagasaki, Japan, on August 9, 2026. PHOTO BY MANHAMI YAMADA/REUTERS

World premiere for the film 'The End of Oak Street' in Los Angeles

Cast members Anne Hathaway and Ewan McGregor attend the world premiere for the film ‘The End of Oak Street’ in Los Angeles, California, on August 9, 2026. PHOTO BY MARIO ANZUONI/REUTERS

Parts of Metro Manila flooded amid monsoon rains

Residents socialize at an inundated village, amid the southwest monsoon rains, in Bagong Silangan, Quezon City, on August 10, 2026. PHOTO BY ELOISA LOPEZ/REUTERS

Aftermath of Houthi strikes on the Yemeni port of Mocha

A view of the damage in the aftermath of Houthi strikes on the Red Sea port city of Mocha, Yemen, on August 10, 2026. AL JOUMHOURIYA TV SCREENGRAB VIA REUTERS

65th anniversary of the construction of the Berlin Wall

A visitor looks at a mural on a preserved section of the Berlin Wall Memorial ahead of the 65th anniversary of the construction of the Berlin Wall in Berlin, Germany, on August 10, 2026. PHOTO BY MARYAM MAJD/REUTERS

Aftermath of an earthquake, in Cali

A man sits near debris at the Torres de Limonar building in the aftermath of an earthquake, in Cali, Colombia, on August 11, 2026. PHOTO BY SERGIO ACERO/REUTERS

Rhossi, a critically endangered Kemp's ridley sea turtle, is prepared to undergo a CT scan in Houston

Rhossi, a critically endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtle, is prepared to undergo a CT scan at Houston Zoo in Houston, Texas, on August 11, 2026. PHOTO BY EVAN GARCIA/REUTERS

MMDA and DPWH clears Baclaran waterway of trash

A member of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources ‘Estero Rangers’ clears the Redemptorist Water Channel of trash washed by flood due to the continuing monsoon rain, in Baclaran, Paranaque City, on August 11, 2026. PHOTO BY RAPPLER

Aftermath of a landslide, in Mumbai

A woman mourns the death of her son following a landslide after a portion of a hill fell onto houses inside a slum in Mumbai, India, on August 12, 2026. PHOTO BY FRANCIS MASCARENHAS/REUTERS

Solar eclipse in Spain

The moon partially covers the sun during a total solar eclipse as seen from the Galactica Centre, near the Javalambre Astrophysical Observatory in Arcos de las Salinas, near Teruel, Spain, on August 12, 2026. PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN HARTMAN/REUTERS

Perseid meteor shower over the Balkans

Meteors streak across the sky during the Perseid meteor shower above the ruins of Daorson, the ancient Illyrian city dating from 300 BC to 50 BC, in Stolac, Bosnia and Herzegovina, on August 12, 2026. PHOTO BY AMEL EMRIC/REUTERS</small

Impeacment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte

Private prosecutor Lorna Kapunan makes a manifestation during the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte on August 12, 2026. SENATE SOCIAL MEDIA UNIT

Restaurant staff take shelter indoors during an Urban Resilience air-defense drill held alongside the annual Han Kuang military exercises in Taipei

Restaurant staff take shelter indoors during an Urban Resilience air-defense drill held alongside the annual Han Kuang military exercises in Taipei, Taiwan, on August 13, 2026. PHOTO BY ANN WANG/REUTERS

Aftermath of the heavy rainfall brought by remnants of Typhoon Dolphin, in Xuchang

A man wades through floodwaters at a construction material storage yard, following heavy rainfall brought by remnants of Typhoon Dolphin, in Xuchang, Henan province, China, on August 13, 2026. PHOTO BY TINGSHU WANG/REUTERS

European Athletics Championships

Poland’s Kinga Krolik, Turkey’s Tugba Yenigun, Moldova’s Andreea Stavila-Grosu and Poland’s Alicja Konieczek race during the Women’s 3000m Steeplechase Final of the European Athletics Championships at Alexander Stadium in Birmingham, Britain, on August 13, 2026. PHOTO BY HANNAH MCKAY/REUTERS

IPs belonging to Katribu protest at NCIP

Indigenous peoples group Katribu from Palawan and Kalinga hold a symbolic spearing of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) logo during a protest against the destructive mining and energy projects in their ancestral domains, at the NCIP office in Quezon City on August 14, 2026. PHOTO BY JIRE CARREON/RAPPLER

Wildfires in France

A shack stands in a forest after a wildfire in Luglon, France, on August 14, 2026. PHOTO BY STEPHANIE LECOCQ/REUTERS

– with reports from Reuters/Rappler.com

Similar Posts

  • | |

    Lilli Tagger wins first WTA singles title with impressive Prague Open Triumph

    ByJustpaste.in

      Eighteen-year-old Austrian tennis star Lilli Tagger has achieved a major milestone in her young career by winning her first-ever WTA singles title at the Prague Open. The rising talent delivered an outstanding performance in the final, defeating Ukraine’s Daria Snigur in straight sets, 7-6(3), 6-2, to secure the championship. The victory also earned Tagger a place in Austrian tennis history, as she became the first player from Austria to win the singles title at the Prague Open. Her remarkable achievement marks a significant breakthrough and highlights her growing reputation as one of the sport’s most promising young players. The championship match began with a difficult challenge for Tagger. Daria Snigur started strongly and quickly established a commanding 5-2 lead in the opening set, putting the Austrian teenager under considerable pressure. Despite facing a set point, Tagger remained calm and composed, refusing to let the match slip away. Showing impressive mental strength, she fought back by winning three consecutive games to level the score and force a tiebreak. Once the tiebreak began, Tagger took control with confident shot-making and consistent play, winning it 7-3 to claim the opening set. The momentum from the dramatic comeback carried into the second set, where Tagger displayed complete control over the match. She served exceptionally well, producing nine aces throughout the contest while combining powerful groundstrokes with aggressive baseline play. Her attacking style kept Snigur under constant pressure, allowing Tagger to comfortably win the second set 6-2 and seal the biggest victory of her career. Tagger’s journey to the Prague Open title featured several impressive performances against strong opponents. In the semifinals, she overcame Czech favorite Barbora Krejcikova in a hard-fought three-set match, demonstrating resilience, determination, and the ability to perform under pressure. Throughout the tournament, Tagger showcased an aggressive playing style built around powerful groundstrokes, confident serving, and relentless attacking tennis. Her performances reflected the guidance of her coach, former French Open champion Francesca Schiavone, whose experience has played an important role in the young Austrian’s development. Following her victory, Tagger addressed the crowd during the trophy presentation and expressed her appreciation for the support she received throughout the tournament. She described the week as unforgettable and thanked the fans for creating an incredible atmosphere that motivated all the players during the competition. The Austrian teenager also shared an emotional message for her family, who were present to witness her historic triumph. She explained that her parents usually watch her matches from home but had traveled to support her in Prague. Tagger credited them for their constant encouragement and sacrifices, saying that her achievements would not have been possible without their unwavering support. Winning the Prague Open has also had a significant impact on Tagger’s world ranking. Following her breakthrough success, she is expected to climb nearly 30 places in the WTA rankings, allowing her to enter the world’s top 50 for the first time in her career. The achievement represents another major milestone and reflects her rapid progress on the professional tennis circuit. At just 18 years of age, Lilli Tagger has already demonstrated the qualities of a future star. Her composure under pressure, powerful playing style, and determination throughout the Prague Open suggest she has the potential to compete regularly at the highest level. As she continues her professional journey, tennis fans around the world will be watching closely to see what the talented Austrian can accomplish next.

  • |

    Google’s new AI satellite image tool raises fears over fake visuals

    ByJustpaste.in

    Google has introduced a new artificial intelligence feature for Google Earth that allows users to create AI generated images using satellite, aerial and three dimensional mapping data. While the company says the tool is designed to support creative and practical uses, researchers and digital investigation experts have expressed concern that it could make it easier to produce convincing fake satellite images. The new feature, called Create Image, was launched on Thursday and uses Google’s Nano Banana 2 image generation technology. It enables users to zoom into locations on Google Earth and generate realistic visualisations within seconds using existing mapping data. Google said the tool is intended to help people visualise historical scenes, develop real estate plans and explore other creative projects. However, experts who specialise in verifying online content warn that the technology could be exploited to spread false information and manipulate public opinion. Open source intelligence researchers say Google Earth has long been considered one of the most trusted resources for checking locations, analysing events and verifying images. They fear that adding AI generated content to the platform could blur the line between authentic satellite imagery and fabricated visuals. Digital investigations expert Henk Van Ess criticised the update, arguing that Google spent years building public trust in its mapping service but has now introduced a feature capable of generating fictional scenes. He warned that even if an AI generated image is not perfect, it could still appear believable because it is linked to a platform widely regarded as reliable. Brady Africk, a research analyst at the American Enterprise Institute who specialises in satellite image analysis, also raised concerns about the technology. He said the update makes it easier to create realistic fake satellite images that could spread rapidly on social media and mislead the public. According to Africk, the growing availability of AI generated imagery could also weaken confidence in genuine satellite photographs. He warned that journalists, researchers and fact checkers may find it increasingly difficult to distinguish authentic images from manipulated ones, making investigations more challenging. In response to the criticism, Google said all images created through the new feature include its SynthID digital watermark technology. The invisible watermark is embedded into AI generated content to help identify that it was produced using Google’s artificial intelligence tools. The company also said users can ask its Gemini chatbot to check whether an image contains a SynthID watermark, providing an additional method for verifying AI generated content. The launch comes as technology companies continue expanding the use of generative artificial intelligence across their products. At the same time, governments, researchers and technology experts are calling for stronger safeguards to prevent AI tools from being used to create misleading content or spread disinformation.

  • |

    Iran advances in Hormuz talks with Oman

    ByJustpaste.in

      Iran and Oman have made significant progress in negotiations over a shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz, with both sides agreeing on the precise maritime coordinates. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said a joint statement is currently being prepared, although its release depends on the absence of outside interference. He stressed that the understanding, while important, would not by itself guarantee complete security in the strategically vital waterway. According to sources, the proposed arrangement would place Iran in charge of overseeing vessels entering the Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz. The sources described the proposal as one of Tehran’s most substantial concessions in the ongoing discussions. However, they dismissed claims made by US President Donald Trump that a comprehensive agreement to fully reopen the strait was close, saying several key issues remain unresolved. Baghaei described the negotiations with Oman as constructive and professional, noting that both countries have reached consensus on the shipping corridor. He added that officials are now working on the final wording of the joint declaration. An Iranian diplomatic source also expressed optimism that an agreement could be reached within the next couple of days if no external actors complicate the process. The source further clarified that the Strait of Hormuz has never been closed due to disagreements between Iran and Oman, insisting that any disruption to navigation depends on actions taken by the United States. Separately, Ebrahim Azizi, chairman of the Iranian parliament’s National Security Committee, said the time would eventually come when US military forces would withdraw from the region. He argued that countries hosting American bases would ultimately be responsible for financing their own security after the departure of US troops. Iranian state media also maintained that any shipping agreement with Oman would not automatically result in the reopening of the strait if Washington continued policies that Tehran considers hostile. A source quoted that the discussions with Oman are strictly bilateral and unrelated to negotiations involving the United States. In another development, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk voiced concern over a sharp increase in executions in Iran since March. He said at least 56 individuals have been executed on national security charges during this period, including 27 people connected to earlier anti-government protests. Meanwhile, Yemen’s Houthi movement claimed responsibility for launching ballistic missiles at the Saudi oil tanker Wafaa near Yanbu in the northern Red Sea. A Houthi spokesperson said the missiles struck their intended target and described the attack as part of the group’s continuing blockade against Saudi Arabia. According to the group, the tanker is the eighth vessel targeted since the blockade began in July. Iranian parliamentarian Esmail Kowsari criticised President Trump’s public statements on the Strait of Hormuz, accusing him of making inconsistent and misleading claims about the negotiations. He argued that repeated assertions about the strait reopening and Iran’s position have failed to match developments on the ground. President Trump, however, said the waterway would reopen soon and warned that Iran would face severe consequences if negotiations collapsed. He also claimed that easing tensions in the region could lead to a significant drop in global oil prices. Qatar said diplomatic mediation efforts are making steady progress, with the country’s Emir discussing the latest developments with President Trump in an effort to narrow differences between Washington and Tehran. At the same time, Israeli officials reportedly expressed concern that the United States appears willing to secure an agreement regardless of the terms, adding that Israel is receiving updates on the Hormuz negotiations only through indirect channels.

  • | | |

    For key diplomacy Erdogan urges Trump to keep Iran…

    ByJustpaste.in

    ANKARA: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has urged US President Donald Trump to keep diplomatic channels with Iran open, stressing that continued dialogue could help ease regional tensions. During a telephone conversation, Erdogan and Trump discussed bilateral ties as well as the ongoing conflicts involving Iran and Gaza, according to the Turkish presidency. The two leaders also exchanged views on defence agreements involving Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, amid growing regional security concerns. Erdogan told Trump that diplomacy should be given every opportunity and said Turkey was prepared to contribute to efforts aimed at maintaining dialogue with Iran. The Turkish president also raised concerns over the situation in Gaza, saying Israel’s military actions against Palestinians were continuing at a time when the second phase of a proposed peace plan was expected to begin. The call comes as Ankara continues to advocate diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation and promote political solutions to conflicts across the region.

  • |

    North Korean missile unit reportedly deploys to Russia for Ukraine war

    ByJustpaste.in

    Ukraine’s military intelligence claims that a North Korean missile unit has started deploying to western Russia, marking what could become a major expansion of military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang. According to Ukrainian officials, the unit may eventually be equipped with up to 120 ballistic missiles and six launchers for use in attacks against Ukraine. Andrii Cherniak, an official with Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence, said around 90 North Korean personnel are expected to be stationed in Russia’s Voronezh region as part of the Russian military’s 112th Missile Brigade. He added that discussions between senior Russian and North Korean officials next month are expected to determine the final deployment plan and missile numbers. Ukraine says North Korea has already delivered another batch of 40 KN-23 and KN-24 ballistic missiles along with military personnel. These missiles reportedly have a longer range and larger payload than Russia’s Iskander missiles, although Ukrainian military sources believe they are less accurate and have caused significant civilian casualties during previous strikes. The reported deployment comes as Russia has resumed using North Korean-made ballistic missiles after nearly a year. Ukrainian authorities say two such missiles were launched last week, including one that struck the village of Radushne in central Ukraine, reportedly killing at least five members of the same family. Ukraine remains heavily dependent on advanced air defence systems, particularly US-made Patriot batteries, to intercept ballistic missiles. Military analysts warn that an increase in North Korean missile supplies would place additional pressure on Ukraine’s already stretched air defence network, especially ahead of the winter months when Russia has previously targeted the country’s energy infrastructure. Cherniak said intelligence suggests Russia intends to integrate North Korean missile forces into its operations, although the exact role of North Korean personnel has not yet been confirmed. He also stated that about 9,500 North Korean troops remain in Russia’s Kursk region, though they are not currently taking part in direct combat operations against Ukraine. Russia and North Korea have strengthened military ties since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The two countries signed a mutual defence agreement in 2024, while Kyiv accuses Pyongyang of supplying millions of artillery shells, ballistic missiles and thousands of troops to support Russia’s war effort.

  • Twelve Minor Quakes Hit Surat Thani Over Two Days

    ByJustpaste.in

    SURAT THANI — Twelve minor tremors have rocked a subdistrict in the southern province of Surat Thani over two days, with the strongest measuring magnitude 3.5, though no damage has been reported from the seismic events. Residents in Khao Pang subdistrict of Bang Ta Khun district reported feeling the shaking, but local authorities have confirmed […]

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *