Typhoon Ragasa brought Hong Kong and swathes of southern China to a standstill this week after barreling through remote islands in the Philippines and mountainous regions of Taiwan.

The powerful storm triggered landslides, flooding and huge waves. In Taiwan, at least 14 people died and 31 others were still missing Thursday after a natural dam collapsed a day earlier, unleashing 68 million tons of water and flooding the nearby Guangfu township.

The Philippines, Taiwan and southern China experience multiple typhoons annually, but the human-caused climate crisis has made storms more unpredictable and extreme.

Here are some of the stories that made headlines over the past week, as well as some photos that caught our eye.

Editor’s note: This gallery contains graphic images. Viewer discretion is advised.

People build a human tower, also known as a “castell,” during La Mercè celebrations in Barcelona, Spain, on Wednesday, September 24.
People build a human tower, also known as a “castell,” during La Mercè celebrations in Barcelona, Spain, on Wednesday, September 24.
Emilio Morenatti/AP
Erika Kirk, widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, speaks at <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2Fpolitics%2Flive-news%2Fcharlie-kirk-funeral-09-21-25">his memorial</a> in Glendale, Arizona, on Sunday, September 21. Tens of thousands of supporters filled State Farm Stadium to pay their respects. Charlie Kirk, 31, <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2025%2F09%2F10%2Fpolitics%2Fcharlie-kirk-obituary">was fatally shot</a> while speaking at Utah Valley University on September 10.
Erika Kirk, widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, speaks at his memorial in Glendale, Arizona, on Sunday, September 21. Tens of thousands of supporters filled State Farm Stadium to pay their respects. Charlie Kirk, 31, was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University on September 10.
Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP
US President Donald Trump, left, prepares to address the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday, September 23. Trump criticized the UN during <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2Fpolitics%2Flive-news%2Ftrump-presidency-unga-speech-09-23-25%23cmfwp3kcq00053b6ozxdffvr0">his largely off-script speech</a>.
US President Donald Trump, left, prepares to address the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday, September 23. Trump criticized the UN during his largely off-script speech.
Mike Segar/Reuters
A motorcycle burns in Manila, Philippines, during an anti-corruption protest on Sunday, September 21. <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2Fphilippines-anti-corruption-protest-digvid">Protests erupted in Manila</a> over the government’s alleged mismanaging of flood projects.
A motorcycle burns in Manila, Philippines, during an anti-corruption protest on Sunday, September 21. Protests erupted in Manila over the government’s alleged mismanaging of flood projects.
Lisa Marie David/Reuters
Drivers compete during the NASCAR Truck Series race in Loudon, New Hampshire, on Saturday, September 20.
Drivers compete during the NASCAR Truck Series race in Loudon, New Hampshire, on Saturday, September 20.
Meg Oliphant/Getty Images
Federal agents detain some of the state and local officials who were <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2025%2F09%2F19%2Fus%2Fice-chicago-protests-broadview">demanding access to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in New York</a> on Thursday, September 18. At center, from left, are New York state assemblyman Steven Raga, New York state Sen. Jabari Brisport and New York City comptroller Brad Lander.
Federal agents detain some of the state and local officials who were demanding access to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in New York on Thursday, September 18. At center, from left, are New York state assemblyman Steven Raga, New York state Sen. Jabari Brisport and New York City comptroller Brad Lander.
Yuki Iwamura/AP
A bee searches for nectar on a flower in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, on Friday, September 19.
A bee searches for nectar on a flower in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, on Friday, September 19.
Boris Roessler/dpa/picture alliance/Getty Images
Late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2025%2F09%2F23%2Fmedia%2Fjimmy-kimmel-abc-return-audience-reactions">returns from a nearly weeklong suspension</a> on Tuesday, September 23. In an eloquent and emotional monologue, Kimmel assailed “anti-American” efforts to curtail free speech in the United States and signaled that he won’t temper his criticism of President Donald Trump. He also addressed his remarks about Charlie Kirk’s suspected killer that led ABC to halt production of his show.
Late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel returns from a nearly weeklong suspension on Tuesday, September 23. In an eloquent and emotional monologue, Kimmel assailed “anti-American” efforts to curtail free speech in the United States and signaled that he won’t temper his criticism of President Donald Trump. He also addressed his remarks about Charlie Kirk’s suspected killer that led ABC to halt production of his show.
Randy Holmes/Disney/Getty Images
A protester lights flares in Marseille, France, on Thursday, September 18. Hundreds of thousands of people took part in anti-austerity protests across France, unions said, urging President Emmanuel Macron and his new Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu to acknowledge their anger and scrap looming budget cuts.
A protester lights flares in Marseille, France, on Thursday, September 18. Hundreds of thousands of people took part in anti-austerity protests across France, unions said, urging President Emmanuel Macron and his new Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu to acknowledge their anger and scrap looming budget cuts.
Miguel Medina/AFP/Getty Images
The Cleveland Guardians’ David Fry is <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2025%2F09%2F24%2Fsport%2Fbaseball-mlb-david-fry-hospital-intl">hit in the face by a pitch</a> as he tries to bunt against the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday, September 23. Fry sustained facial and nasal fractures, his team said. He is expected to make a full recovery in six to eight weeks.
The Cleveland Guardians’ David Fry is hit in the face by a pitch as he tries to bunt against the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday, September 23. Fry sustained facial and nasal fractures, his team said. He is expected to make a full recovery in six to eight weeks.
Nick Cammett/Getty Images
A construction worker makes his way along a track-level walkway in a metro tunnel built beneath the Panama Canal in Arraiján, Panama, on Tuesday, September 23.
A construction worker makes his way along a track-level walkway in a metro tunnel built beneath the Panama Canal in Arraiján, Panama, on Tuesday, September 23.
Matias Delacroix/AP
Ukrainian service members are stationed in the country’s Donetsk region, near the front lines of the war with Russia, on Thursday, September 18.
Ukrainian service members are stationed in the country’s Donetsk region, near the front lines of the war with Russia, on Thursday, September 18.
Serhii Korovainyi/Reuters
Yuliana Andrea Agudelo embraces her son Sebastian Agudelo after he was rescued from a gold mine that had collapsed in Segovia, Colombia, on Wednesday, September 24.
Yuliana Andrea Agudelo embraces her son Sebastian Agudelo after he was rescued from a gold mine that had collapsed in Segovia, Colombia, on Wednesday, September 24.
Santiago Saldarriaga/AP
Light reflects off the One World Trade Center in New York on Monday, September 22.
Light reflects off the One World Trade Center in New York on Monday, September 22.
Charly Triballeau/AFP/Getty Images
The body of 2-year-old Malek Al-Zaqzouq, who was killed in an Israeli military strike, is prepared for burial at Al-Aqsa Hospital before his funeral in Deir al-Balah, Gaza, on Monday, September 22.
The body of 2-year-old Malek Al-Zaqzouq, who was killed in an Israeli military strike, is prepared for burial at Al-Aqsa Hospital before his funeral in Deir al-Balah, Gaza, on Monday, September 22.
Abdel Kareem Hana/AP
US sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson, center, races in front of the pack during a 4x100 relay held at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo on Sunday, September 21. The US team won the gold.
US sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson, center, races in front of the pack during a 4x100 relay held at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo on Sunday, September 21. The US team won the gold.
Patrick Smith/Getty Images
A dog shakes off water after swimming in a pool in Berlin on Sunday, September 21.
A dog shakes off water after swimming in a pool in Berlin on Sunday, September 21.
Nadja Wohlleben/Reuters
Palestinians at a charity kitchen outside a displacement camp in Khan Yunis, Gaza, on Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025. (Saher Alghorra/The New York Times)
Palestinians at a charity kitchen outside a displacement camp in Khan Yunis, Gaza, on Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025. (Saher Alghorra/The New York Times)
Saher Alghorra/The New York Times/Redux
A soldier holds a giant Serbian flag during a military parade in the country’s capital of Belgrade on Saturday, September 20.
A soldier holds a giant Serbian flag during a military parade in the country’s capital of Belgrade on Saturday, September 20.
Oliver Bunic/AFP/Getty Images
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens makes a one-handed touchdown catch during an NFL game against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, September 21.
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens makes a one-handed touchdown catch during an NFL game against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, September 21.
Erin Hooley/AP
People in Glendale, Arizona, sing at the <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2Fpolitics%2Flive-news%2Fcharlie-kirk-funeral-09-21-25">memorial service</a> for slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk on Sunday, September 21.
People in Glendale, Arizona, sing at the memorial service for slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk on Sunday, September 21.
Caitlin O'Hara/Reuters
A model appears backstage at a De la Cierva & Nicolás fashion show in Madrid on Friday, September 19.
A model appears backstage at a De la Cierva & Nicolás fashion show in Madrid on Friday, September 19.
Manu Fernandez/AP
US first lady Melania Trump, left, tours Windsor Castle with Britain’s Queen Camilla during a <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2Fworld%2Flive-news%2Ftrump-uk-state-visit-09-17-2025-intl">state visit</a> to Windsor, England, on Thursday, September 18.
US first lady Melania Trump, left, tours Windsor Castle with Britain’s Queen Camilla during a state visit to Windsor, England, on Thursday, September 18.
Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Serbia’s Pavle Perić faces the outstretched hands of Iranian players during a round-of-16 match at the Volleyball World Championship on Tuesday, September 23.
Serbia’s Pavle Perić faces the outstretched hands of Iranian players during a round-of-16 match at the Volleyball World Championship on Tuesday, September 23.
Aaron Favila/AP
A vehicle teeters on the edge of a <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2025%2F09%2F24%2Fworld%2Fvideo%2Fbangkok-thailand-sinkhole-vrtc-ldn-digvid">massive sinkhole</a> that opened in Bangkok, Thailand, on Wednesday, September 24. Thailand’s prime minister said it was caused by works on an underground train line. No injuries were reported, according to the Reuters news agency.
A vehicle teeters on the edge of a massive sinkhole that opened in Bangkok, Thailand, on Wednesday, September 24. Thailand’s prime minister said it was caused by works on an underground train line. No injuries were reported, according to the Reuters news agency.
Chalinee Thirasupa/Reuters
Paris Saint-Germain star Ousmane Dembélé reacts as he <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2025%2F09%2F22%2Fsport%2Fsoccer-ballon-dor-ousmane-dembele-aitana-bonmati">receives the Ballon d'Or trophy</a> on Monday, September 22. Dembélé had a brilliant season for the French club, scoring 35 times as they won the European treble.
Paris Saint-Germain star Ousmane Dembélé reacts as he receives the Ballon d'Or trophy on Monday, September 22. Dembélé had a brilliant season for the French club, scoring 35 times as they won the European treble.
Thibault Camus/AP
A heron takes flight as the sun rises in London’s Richmond Park on Tuesday, September 23.
A heron takes flight as the sun rises in London’s Richmond Park on Tuesday, September 23.
Toby Melville/Reuters
People hold copies of “107 Days,” Kamala Harris’ campaign memoir, as the former vice president and US presidential candidate <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2025%2F09%2F22%2Fpolitics%2Fkamala-harris-interview-new-book-takeaways">starts her book tour</a> in New York on Wednesday, September 24.
People hold copies of “107 Days,” Kamala Harris’ campaign memoir, as the former vice president and US presidential candidate starts her book tour in New York on Wednesday, September 24.
Angelina Katsanis/AP
Galyna, 70, is seen at a nursing home in Kharkiv, Ukraine, on Friday, September 19. The war with Russia has strained Ukraine's ability to address many complex health issues. For the elderly, the air-raid sirens and explosions cause significant stress, especially when they are forced to relocate from their homes.
Galyna, 70, is seen at a nursing home in Kharkiv, Ukraine, on Friday, September 19. The war with Russia has strained Ukraine's ability to address many complex health issues. For the elderly, the air-raid sirens and explosions cause significant stress, especially when they are forced to relocate from their homes.
Paula Bronstein/Getty Images
San Francisco 49ers kicker Eddy Piñeiro, center, celebrates his game-winning field goal against Arizona on Sunday, September 21.
San Francisco 49ers kicker Eddy Piñeiro, center, celebrates his game-winning field goal against Arizona on Sunday, September 21.
Godofredo A. Vásquez/AP
A Hindu devotee performs rituals during the Mahalaya festival in Mumbai, India, on Sunday, September 21.
A Hindu devotee performs rituals during the Mahalaya festival in Mumbai, India, on Sunday, September 21.
Rafiq Maqbool/AP
Seattle Mariners manager Dan Wilson celebrates with his team after they clinched a playoff berth on Tuesday, September 23.
Seattle Mariners manager Dan Wilson celebrates with his team after they clinched a playoff berth on Tuesday, September 23.
Steph Chambers/Getty Images
Television presenter Bill Nye dances on his star after it was unveiled on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Monday, September 22.
Television presenter Bill Nye dances on his star after it was unveiled on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Monday, September 22.
Mario Anzuoni/Reuters
People participate in fire rituals during the Autumn Equinox celebration in Vilnius, Lithuania, on Monday, September 22.
People participate in fire rituals during the Autumn Equinox celebration in Vilnius, Lithuania, on Monday, September 22.
Mindaugas Kulbis/AP
Stephen Purvis poses with his 8.8-kilogram (19.4-pound) onion that won heaviest onion during the Harrogate Autumn Flower Show near Ripon, England, on Friday, September 19.
Stephen Purvis poses with his 8.8-kilogram (19.4-pound) onion that won heaviest onion during the Harrogate Autumn Flower Show near Ripon, England, on Friday, September 19.
Oli Scarff/AFP/Getty Images
Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson, center, celebrates with teammates after they defeated the Seattle Storm to advance in the WNBA playoffs on Thursday, September 18. Wilson, the league’s most valuable player, scored the go-ahead basket in the deciding Game 3.
Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson, center, celebrates with teammates after they defeated the Seattle Storm to advance in the WNBA playoffs on Thursday, September 18. Wilson, the league’s most valuable player, scored the go-ahead basket in the deciding Game 3.
John Locher/AP
Migrants wade into the water in Gravelines, France, to get to a “taxi boat” as they look to cross the English Channel at dawn on Friday, September 19. <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2025%2F09%2F18%2Fworld%2Fgallery%2Fphotos-this-week-september-11-september-18">See last week in 34 photos</a>.
Migrants wade into the water in Gravelines, France, to get to a “taxi boat” as they look to cross the English Channel at dawn on Friday, September 19. See last week in 34 photos.
Dan Kitwood/Getty Images