Asia Deep View

Central China has been hit by two rare tornadoes that killed at least eight people and caused widespread destruction across Hubei province. Powerful winds overturned vehicles, tore roofs from buildings, and left one person missing as rescue teams rushed to affected areas. Authorities have also warned of more heavy rain, while Super Typhoon Bavi approaches China's eastern coast, raising fears of further flooding, landslides, and severe weather in the days ahead.

At least nine people have been killed and dozens injured after Russia launched another wave of missile strikes on Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, just days after a previous deadly attack. Rescue teams are searching through the rubble of damaged apartment buildings as fires burn across the city. The strikes come ahead of a key NATO summit, where President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to seek stronger military support and faster deliveries of air defense systems from allies.

Taiwan has staged one of its most extensive civil-defense drills, simulating a nightmare scenario that included a Chinese blockade, cyberattacks, disinformation, a powerful earthquake, infrastructure sabotage, and a full-scale invasion. More than 370 government and military officials took part in the exercise to test emergency response and wartime readiness. Officials say the drills are designed to strengthen national resilience as military pressure from China continues to grow across the Taiwan Strait

Venezuela's earthquake disaster has turned even deadlier, with the death toll rising to more than 900 and thousands injured. Rescue teams from around the world are searching collapsed buildings for survivors as families anxiously await news of missing loved ones. Hospitals are overwhelmed, aftershocks continue to shake affected areas, and emergency aid is pouring into the country as officials warn the humanitarian crisis is far from over.

Venezuela is battling a devastating earthquake disaster after twin powerful quakes killed at least 235 people and injured more than 4,300. Rescue teams are racing to find survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings in Caracas and La Guaira as aftershocks continue. A state of emergency has been declared, international aid is arriving, and officials warn the death toll could rise as search and recovery efforts continue.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte met President Donald Trump in Washington to ease tensions over the Iran conflict and the alliance's future. Rutte highlighted increased European defence spending and NATO's support during the conflict, while Trump criticized allies for not backing U.S. actions against Iran. The talks come ahead of July's NATO summit, where defence funding, troop deployments, and the alliance's unity are expected to dominate discussions.

Taiwan has warned that the response time to any potential Chinese military action is shrinking, prompting new combat-readiness drills focused on rapid wartime mobilisation. Defence officials say the military must be prepared to react immediately if China turns routine exercises into an actual attack. As tensions rise, Taiwan is accelerating military modernisation and increasing defence spending, while Beijing accuses Taipei of pursuing independence and warns against separatist activities.

India's LPG imports from the United States are set to exceed 1 million tonnes in June, a record high, as New Delhi moves to secure cooking fuel supplies amid disruptions in the Middle East. The shift follows reduced shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, prompting Indian refiners to buy larger volumes from the U.S. despite higher costs. Officials say supplies are stabilizing, while imports from the UAE and other Gulf producers are gradually recovering as regional tensions ease.

A shooting at a high school in Tacloban City, Philippines, has left three people dead and five others injured. Police confirmed one suspect has been arrested while another remains at large following the attack at San Jose National High School. Additional security personnel have been deployed as investigators work to determine the motive. Authorities are urging the public to avoid spreading unverified information while the investigation continues.

A tragic fire at the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach Hotel in the Dominican Republic has left one woman dead and forced the evacuation of nearly 1,700 tourists. Authorities say flames spread rapidly through parts of the resort's palm-thatched roof, fueled by strong winds. Emergency crews brought the blaze under control, while guests were relocated to nearby hotels. Investigators are now working to determine the cause of the fire at the popular Caribbean destination.