Monday's global photo selection captures dramatic scenes from natural disasters, cultural moments, and everyday life. From Germany's Rhine River to China's typhoon-hit coast, these images tell stories of resilience, destruction, and adaptation.
Mouse Tower Emerges as Rhine Waters Recede
In Bingen, Germany, people walk over a stone dam normally submerged, heading toward the Mäuseturm (Mouse Tower) in the Rhine's middle. This medieval tower, steeped in legend, becomes accessible during low water levels, offering a rare glimpse of the riverbed.
Typhoon Dolphin Wreaks Havoc in China
Typhoon Dolphin left a trail of destruction in China's Zhejiang province, where a fallen wall crushed cars. In Shanghai, heavy rain and strong winds caused congested traffic, and a man struggled with an umbrella against the downpour. The typhoon's aftermath also spurred emergency preparations: vendors at Qiandao Lake agricultural market launched an emergency supply mechanism ahead of Typhoon Haikui, stocking goods for potential shortages.
Wildfires Rage Across Europe
Firefighters battled a blaze at a livestock facility near Kouvaras, south of Athens, Greece, as captured by Aris Messinis. In Tírig, Spain, a helicopter dropped water over a forest fire that broke out Saturday, with Andreu Esteban documenting the effort. Meanwhile, in Ebbw Vale, Wales, horses grazed on Llangynidr Moor as wildfires burned nearby, a scene photographed by Huw Fairclough.
Record-Early Grape Harvest in Catalonia
In Catalonia, Spain, a man wearing a headlamp collected grapes before dawn at Gramona winery in Bedorc, as cooler temperatures prevailed. The harvest began on 22 July, the earliest on record in Catalonia, signaling climate shifts affecting viticulture. Nacho Doce captured this early morning labor.
Drought and Volcanic Activity
In Saint-Denis-Bovesse, Belgium, dry sunflowers stood in a field amid prolonged dry weather, photographed by Olivier Hoslet. Meanwhile, Mount Etna's eruptive phase persisted at the Voragine summit crater in Sicily, Italy, with Salvatore Allegra documenting the ongoing volcanic activity.
Urban Resilience and Conflict Aftermath
In Taichung City, Taiwan, people took the brace position at an underground car park during an air raid drill, part of an urban resilience exercise captured by Daniel Ceng. In Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, burnt cars sat next to a damaged residential building after a Russian airstrike, photographed by Darya Nazarova. In Minab, Iran, a classroom in a primary school destroyed in late February during the US and Israel's war with Iran was shown by Atta Kenare.
Culture and Commerce
In Beijing, China, people walked down stairs as they toured a newly opened bookstore at a shopping centre, photographed by Andy Wong. In Manikganj, Bangladesh, small wooden boats lined up for sale at the historic Ghior boat market, dating back about 200 years and considered the largest in the country, captured by Syed Mahabubul Kader. In Edinburgh, Scotland, Drew Lausch posed during a photocall to promote his festival fringe show, Friendliest, at Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, with Jeff J Mitchell on hand.
