Tag Archives: oceania

Qantas flight diverted after being struck by lightning over WA

A Qantas flight travelling from from Perth to Port Hedland had to be diverted amid reports of a lightning strike earlier today.

A Qantas spokesperson confirmed plane QF1206 is undergoing engineering checks at Karratha Airport in the state's Pilbara region.

It landed 9:16am AWST, about an hour-and-a-half after departing Perth.

READ MORE: Husband of Sydney stabbing victim says incident is 'a bit weird'

The Qantas flight was diverted to Karratha Airport in the in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

"It was reportedly struck by lightning," a spokesperson told 9news.com.au.

"It had to be diverted for an engineering check. Passengers have since been diverted onto another flight.

"Aircraft are designed to withstand and fly safely when struck by lightning but it is policy that they get inspected at their arrival port after a strike. At no point was the safety of the flight compromised."

Qantas is set to announce the world's longest non-stop flights to Europe and the United States today.

A cold front is blowing through the state, bringing rain, isolated thunderstorms, strong winds and colder temperatures.

Record rainfall kills at least eight in Seoul, flash flooding destroys city

At least eight people were killed in Seoul after record downpours flooded homes, roads and subway stations in the South Korean capital, cutting power and forcing hundreds to evacuate, according to authorities.

South Korea's Interior and Safety Ministry said three of those who died had been trapped in a flooded semi-basement. Nine others were injured and six people remain missing, the ministry said.

Since midnight Monday local time, parts of Seoul saw a total of 422 millimetetres of rain, prompting authorities to raise the highest Level 3 emergency alert. The city recorded 141.5 millimetres of rain per hour – the highest rate since authorities began keeping records.

READ MORE: Husband of Sydney stabbing victim says incident is 'a bit weird'

Heavy rains drenched South Korea's capital region, turning the streets of Seoul's affluent Gangnam district into a river, leaving submerged vehicles and overwhelming public transport systems.

Photos from across the city show severe flooding, with people wading across roads up to their thighs in water.

Though floodwaters had largely receded by Tuesday morning, cars and buses were left strewn across roads and sidewalks, blocking morning traffic.

READ MORE: Taiwan's foreign minister says island will stand up to China threats

Parts of Seoul were inundated after 400mils of rainfall poured down, creating intense flash flooding which killed eight people.A vehicle is damaged on the sidewalk after floating in heavy rainfall in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday.

In some parts of Seoul, drains backed up and sent water pouring back into streets and subway stations, according to the Seoul Metro. A number of subway stations were closed due to flooding, with lines temporarily suspended Monday night. As of Tuesday morning, authorities were still working to reopen the stations.

Several regions south of the Han River were worst affected, including the wealthy, modern Gangnam district where some buildings and stores were flooded and lost power.

Around 800 residents were evacuated to schools and gyms or voluntarily sought shelter in local community centers as flooding affected more than 741 houses and shops, according to authorities.

READ MORE: Single cause 'aggravating' more than half of known human diseases

Flash flood rips through Seoul, killing eight peopleVehicles, which had been submerged by the heavy rainfall, block a road in Seoul, South Korea.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol sent his condolences to the victims on Tuesday, saying he would conduct an on-site inspection and work to prevent additional damage.

He also pointed out the need to review the country's disaster management system, since extreme and unpredictable weather is expected to become increasingly common due to the climate crisis.

Heavy rain is expected to continue on Tuesday, with up to 100 millimetres of rain per hour in some regions, according to the country's Meteorology Administration.

Parts of Japan also saw downpours on Monday night, with some regions of Hokkaido reporting flooding – but no injuries as of Tuesday. Authorities have warned of the risk of flash floods and landslides.

Husband of Sydney stabbing victim says incident is 'a bit weird'

The husband of a woman allegedly stabbed at her doorstep in Sydney's eastern suburbs has told 9News that the incident is "a bit weird".

Police said Helen Coulston, 45, opened her front door to a man allegedly known to her before being stabbed at her Dover Heights doorstep on Monday afternoon.

Her husband, Walt Coulston, said his wife is doing as "well as you can expect" as she remains in hospital with a severe chest wound.

READ MORE: Olivia Newton-John dies aged 73

Helen Coulston was allegedly stabbed on the doorstep of her Dover Heights home.

Coulston spoke to 9News as he was returning home to his children with lunch.

"I've got to go give the kids lunch, sushi, they love it," he said.

He only agreed to speak about the incident after asking a journalist where her jacket was from.

"I have to ask you where you got your jacket from everyone likes it, it's obviously the most important thing happening, so if you tell me that, I'll tell you something," he said.

Coulston said the incident was "a bit weird" as the accused is allegedly known to the family.

"Could you imagine the person who was the best man at your wedding and the godfather to your daughter doing that?" Coulston said.

Walt Coulston, the victim's husband, speaks to the media following allegedly stabbing.

A man has since been charged with causing wounding or grievous bodily harm with intent to murder.

He was refused bail and will face court today.

'They were so brave, extremely brave'

Three builders have been praised for their actions after they heard Helen's screams and rushed to the scene to help her.

The men helped to disarm the alleged attacker before he fled but was later arrested by police.

READ MORE: Celebrities pay tribute to Olivia Newton John following her death

A property in Dover Heights

A neighbour witnessed the aftermath of the incident.

"My understanding was she opened the door because he was familiar to her," witness Marina Bassin said.

"There were three of them. They were so brave, extremely brave.

"She also was extremely brave, screaming for help."

Best tech for dad this Father's Day

Father's Day is just around the corner and 9news.com.au has put together a list of the best tech for dad this year. 

If you need some ideas to show the father figure in your life how much you love them, we've got you covered. But one thing's for certain, tech for dad doesn't always come cheap.

Mark your calendar, Father's Day is on Sunday September 4. 

Music-loving dad

Sennheiser Momentum – $599

These noise-cancelling headphones can help dad drain out the chaotic noise of life for an excellent listening experience.

They've also got a smart on/off function, allowing dad to quickly pick up where he left off after any slight interruptions. 

Soundboks Go – $1099

This is a heavy-duty Bluetooth speaker with great battery life.

If dad isn't cranking it at full volume you should be able to get two days out of a full charge. It's also surprisingly light for its size, making it easy to take with you on any camping or fishing trip.

Travelling dad

July Carry On Pro – $425

This carry-on luggage bag has a detachable laptop pocket and a phone charger system hidden away under the handle.

The Carry On Pro is lightweight but sports a tough outer shell. It's also on four wheels, so lugging it across terminals is a breeze. 

Belkin Boost Charge Power Bank 20K – $79.95

Belkin also has some great porta-power solutions, Belkin Boost Charge Power Bank 20K, which retails for just under $80, can charge two devices at once.

Techy dad

Belkin Boost Charge 3-in-1 Wireless Charger with MagSafe – $230

It's the perfect bedside table companion.

I've used Belkin's phone and watch charging station for years now and it hasn't let me down.

This device works best with MagSafe-compatible iPhones but also has a Qi charger underneath for Airpods and the like. 

This charge stand retails for $229.95.

READ MORE: Meet the Australians on Quantum Computing's cutting edge

Twelve South PowerPic – $99

A picture frame that doubles as a wireless charger?

Your dad already draws power from the sight of your face and for $99, his phone can too.

Magnets connect a plate of glass to the back panel that together, slide into a plain black base which will suit most desktops.

Make sure his phone supports wireless charging before you buy!

READ MORE: 'Tempted to replace my TV': Projector you can even take on a trip

Nanoleaf – $119

Nanoleaf's range starts at about $120 and now features a stack of different shapes and styles.

The Nanoleaf Elements have a wooden style, offering a natural finish to any bar, workshop, or garage.

The module design allows you to add as many panels as you like in any direction. 

Nanoleaf also has their classic triangular panels and Nanoleaf Lines.

Outdoor dad

MoeBot S5 – $999

How about a robotic lawnmower to give dad back his weekends?

This little robot can independently mow lawns up to 600 square metres, navigating inclines up to 30 degrees.

Whether dad has a sore back or is simply over having to maintain the grass, the MoeBot robot lawnmowers are a cut above the rest. 

Traeger Pro 575 – $1599

This wood-fired barbecue is full of tech, Traeger calls it WiFIRE technology.

Temperature, timers, and alerts can all be controlled through the Traeger app – meaning you can set and forget, then return later to a succulent, smoky feast. 

It also boasts "all terrain" wheels, meaning no surface is a problem when it's time for grilling.

TV dad

Philips PicoPix Max TV – $1495

This small-sized projector is the perfect travel companion.

The box may say it's only a 120-inch screen size, but that size can easily stretch out to double that with minimal quality loss.

It includes Android TV, has inbuilt speakers and one charge will get around four hours of playtime. 

REVIEW: 'Don't throw out your laptop'

Coffee dad

Lavazza A Modo Mio Voicy – $349

This coffee machine has Amazon's voice assistant built in.

This means you can ask Alexa to make you a coffee from anywhere in the house.

It may sound a little gimmicky, but it's two presents in one – a high-quality coffee machine and a smart assistant.

Nespresso Atelier – $549

Nespresso's latest original line capsule machine has a detachable milk frother that froths the milk while it's in your cup, meaning less washing up for dad.

Right now they're only available for Nespresso's boutique stores and online. 

READ MORE: Review: 2022's best gaming headphones

Biker dad

Forcite MK1S – $1299

Forcite's latest helmet has an inbuilt camera, an audio system for music and calls, notification lights, and one of the highest safety grades going around.

It's also owned and designed in Australia.

These helmets can be customised to suit your needs.

Gamer dad

Xbox Design Lab – $99

Customise dad his own Xbox controller with Xbox Design Lab.

These controllers can be customised down to the grips on the handles – you can also have a name or Gamertag engraved to the controller.

READ MORE: Xbox brings hotly anticipated new options to Australian gamers

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless – $649

Known for their quality gaming gear, SteelSeries' latest gaming headphones are the best on the market, not just in sound quality but in design too.

Dad can't go wrong with these. 

Sony Inzone H9 – $449

Sony's new INZONE Gaming headphones should be hitting the shelves just before Father's Day.

9news.com.au recently went hands-on with the devices and can happily recommend the H7 and H9 to any gaming dad. 

Sony's INZONE range is coming to stores and online on August 18.

READ MORE: Sam Kerr speaks to FIFA 23 cover 'dream come true'

VIVE Pro 2 – $2199

HTC VIVE Pro 2 VR

5K resolution, wide 120-degree field of view, 120Hz refresh rate – if the price wasn't a giveaway, the HTC VIVE Pro 2 is an absolute beast when it comes to VR.

It offers a near unmatched virtual reality experience, taking dad to places all around the world from the comfort of the lounge room  – and is still much cheaper than a family holiday to Europe. 

READ MORE: Review: Suunto 5 Peak smartwatch  

Gtek Replicator Mechanical Keyboard – $99

This keyboard has been my daily keyboard for a couple of months now and hasn't let me down.

The keyboard can comfortably handle it all, from active gaming to everyday computer work.

The RGB lighting, palm rest and volume scroll wheel are also a nice touch.

Games

When it comes to the latest games for dad, here's our list: 

  • Lawn Mowing Simulator: Landmark Edition – Does dad like mowing the lawn but the yard is already done? This is the solution for the dad addicted to cutting grass. 
  • MLB The Show 22 – Despite being published by Sony, MLB The Show is available on Xbox and PC too.  It's perfect for any major league baseball lover. 
  • NBA 2K23 – This one is releasing a few days after Father's Day, but a sure winner for the basketball-loving dad. 

Or you could always swing dad a subscription to Xbox Game Pass or PlayStation Plus Deluxe, there are hundreds of games on both platforms for dad to indulge in.

READ MORE: Lawn mowing videogame comes to PlayStation