Global Snapshot: Floods, Vigils, and Olympic Celebrations Mark Monday
The Guardian's picture editors have curated a compelling selection of photographs from around the world for Monday, February 23, 2026. These images capture a diverse range of events, from natural disasters and political gatherings to cultural celebrations and sporting triumphs.
Natural Disasters and Humanitarian Efforts
In Germany, the village of Eichen is surrounded by flooded fields after weeks of heavy rain and snowfall, highlighting the impact of severe weather. Similarly, in France, a member of the Red Cross navigates a flooded street in Saintes following Storm Nils, underscoring the challenges of climate-related events. Meanwhile, in Syria, a humanitarian aid convoy departs from Aleppo, carrying essential supplies like food, bedding, and fuel for hospitals and water stations to support communities in need.
Political and Social Movements
Political activities were prominent, with the British prime minister, Keir Starmer, chairing a roundtable meeting at 10 Downing Street to discuss changes to the special educational needs and disabilities system. In the Philippines, Maria Espinosa, mother of a drug war victim, displays a photo of her late son during a hearing for former president Rodrigo Duterte at the International Criminal Court. Additionally, Reform UK's leader, Nigel Farage, and Zia Yusuf delivered a speech in Dover, marking Yusuf's first address as the party's home affairs spokesperson.
Cultural and Sporting Highlights
Cultural moments included models posing backstage before the Di Petsa show during London Fashion Week, and in Thailand, people photographed themselves with blossoming tabebuia rosea trees at Kasetsart University. On the sporting front, freestyle skier Zoe Atkin celebrated her bronze medal during the Team GB homecoming at Gatwick airport, following Team GB's best Winter Olympics performance with five medals, including three golds, finishing 15th in the standings.
International Affairs and Memorials
In Iran, a veiled woman walks past an anti-US mural as nuclear negotiations between Iran and the US are set to resume. In Russia, President Vladimir Putin participated in a wreath-laying ceremony for Defender of the Fatherland Day. A candlelight vigil in California mourned victims of a deadly avalanche in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, while in New York, a woman braved snowfall near Grand Central station.
Other Notable Events
Additional scenes included a fountain installation on London's South Bank designed to highlight Britain's sewage scandal, private security members leaving Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate following Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest, and men getting tattoos removed in Jakarta during Ramadan. In Ukraine, a resident cleaned an area after a Russian drone strike, and in Melbourne, a hot-air balloon floated past the city skyline.
