A fragile ten-day ceasefire has effectively collapsed after a series of Israeli air and drone strikes targeted multiple towns across southern Lebanon. According to Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA), strikes were reported in Sohmor, Shamaa in the Tyre district, Taybeh, and areas between Al-Qusayr and Al-Qantara in Marjayoun. A drone strike near the Litani River in Qaqaiyat al-Jisr was also confirmed, though no casualties were immediately reported in that incident. However, other early morning strikes around 3:30 AM allegedly resulted in civilian deaths, with claims emerging that non-combatant areas were hit. In Sohmor alone, over 140 homes were reportedly damaged or destroyed. Mayor Iskandar Barake has called for unity as the town reels from widespread devastation. WATCH

A powerful 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck off Japan’s northeastern coast on April 20, triggering tsunami alerts, evacuations and renewed fears of something far bigger, a potential megaquake. Initially, tsunami alerts warned of waves as high as three metres, but those fears were later scaled down as actual surges measured around 80 centimetres. The quake, recorded at a depth of 20 kilometres beneath the Pacific Ocean by the Japan Meteorological Agency, registered an upper 5 on Japan’s seismic intensity scale, strong enough to disrupt movement and damage weaker structures. While there have been no immediate reports of casualties or major destruction, the psychological impact is unmistakable. WATCH