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"It was beautiful": Rare rainbow cloud stuns small farming town

The locals of a small farming town in Western Australia have been delighted with the sighting of a rare rainbow cloud. The colourful weather phenomenon appeared above the town of Goomalling, about 130km northwest of Perth in Western Australia, on Tuesday morning. Jenni Shaw was at her family-owned business when she got a text from a friend instructing her to look up at the sky. "We all went out the front and had a look and there was some bright, rainbow-type clouds in the sky that we hadn't seen before," she told <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-10-24/rainbow-cloud-iridescence-irisation-delights-wheatbelt-community/103016928" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ABC</a>. “It was beautiful,” she said. “But we were a bit like ‘why is that like that? Should we still be outside looking or not?’” <iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Flang.lefroy.7%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02h2HTyVYSVda8NkewrireTWPS4P6wKTnuJxhBWfkNhbxGn3QzHweELRNFQczM8GsPl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="645" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Ms Shaw said the rainbow-coloured cloud was visible for just a few minutes. "It was not there long, just long enough for us all to get some photos," she said. <p class="paragraph_paragraph__3Hrfa" style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1rem; font-family: abcsans, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif;">Jessica Lingard from the Bureau of Meteorology said rainbow clouds, known as cloud iridescence, form in the same way as rainbows - when sunlight diffracts off water or ice crystals in the sky. "It's quite a rare phenomenon to catch in person," she said. "It's the perfect storm of conditions: the sun's at the right angle, the clouds are not too thin and not too thick that they're being blocked out, and the sunlight has just created this spectacle of coloured light." <div data-component="EmphasisedText"> "It's an absolutely stunning photo." </div> Lucky local residents said it wasn’t the first time they’d seen the special clouds in the area. “I have seen clouds like this a few times in my travels, mostly in the Wheatbelt,” Jill Lefroy wrote on Facebook. “Pretty awesome seeing a rainbow with no rain!” Image credits: Facebook

Domestic Travel

Am I seeing things?! Queen's image spotted in the clouds

As fans around the world mourn the sad loss of Queen Elizabeth II, one woman in the UK claims to have spotted the late Queen on her drive home, only hours after her passing. Leanne Bethell, who lives in the town of Telford in England’s West Midlands, shared a photo of what appeared to be the late monarch in her signature hat. “Driving home and Lacey starts shouting OMG! I panicked … Then she pointed this image out in the clouds,” Ms Bethell shared on Facebook. The image has of course gone viral since it was shared at a 4:05 am AEDT. At the time of publishing, the post has racked up over 16,000 likes and reactions, 9600 comments and over 33,000 shares. Outside Buckingham Palace, leagues of mourners gathered to pay tribute to the royal. A <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/she-s-really-left-us-stunning-double-rainbow-graces-the-skies" target="_blank" rel="noopener">double rainbow was also seen outside the palace</a>, as people sang “God Save the Queen”. Images: Facebook / Getty

Caring

Deb Knight opens up about miscarriage heartbreak: “A cloud of sadness”

Deb Knight knows pain and heartache all too well, she has admitted in an interview with 9Honey. The Channel 9 star, who currently is a 2GB host has revealed after two miscarriages and 11 cycles of IVF, that the pain is like a “cloud of sadness”. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842573/daily-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/7fcbfda77ffb4772b72474d1c4efd2e0" /> Image: Instagram "It was like a cloud of sadness was hanging over me at the time because it is that emotional rollercoaster, that cliché very much rings true with IVF," Deb said. "I would turn up to work and put on the brave face of presenting the news, which is what I was doing at the time. “And I look back at myself then and I don't relate to who that person was because I was just very sad." Deb and her partner Lindsay Dunbar thankfully got their happy ending, when they welcomed their son Darcy who is 11, and Elsa who is 9, through IVF. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842572/daily-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/95285d2fc3804e28a7b4222a86cb5f08" /> Image: Instagram However that would not be the only baby joy for Deb, who naturally fell pregnant at the age of 42 with her baby girl Audrey – nearly six years after she had Elsa. "It completely caught us unawares and changed everything," Deb admitted. "But the body is just a wonder and sometimes stuff happens and it happened to us. Audrey came along and we can't imagine not having her in our lives."

Caring

"Demonic" Kmart cloud artwork shocks the internet

A woman shared to Facebook about a Kmart photo print that was quite unsettling. “So after finding a demonic face in this pic I don’t want it above our bed anymore,” the woman wrote in the Kmart Inspired Homes Facebook group. “Where else can I hang a cloudy pic?” Her post attracted hundreds of comments despite the bargain at $19. <img style="width: 500px; height:281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7836883/kmart-body.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/2bd95fda41f24d77a31c41a178493c35" /> <div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text "> “I have this above my bed oh no,” one person wrote, while another added: “God I wouldn’t put it up at all.” “I might just have a really creepy mind, but I can see a mutated baby alien face happening there too,” one person commented. Others saw weird things too. “I had mine hanging in the toilet. Hubby demanded me to take it down as there was a poop monster in it,” another wrote. Some were sceptic. “If you look hard enough, you can see a demonic face in anything,” one person said. </div> </div> </div>

Art

How to back up photos with the Cloud

Lisa Du is director of <a href="https://readytechgo.com.au/" target="_blank">ReadyTechGo</a>, a service that helps people gain the confidence and skills to embrace modern technology. I just got back from a group trip to Vietnam, where we visited Hanoi, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh. With four people on this trip, you can imagine how many photos were taken and shared between us all. My phone started popping up with "Insufficient Storage".... I couldn't delete any photos because I hadn't saved them! This is where Cloud comes in. What is the cloud? Cloud refers to information that is not stored physically on your device. So storing photos "in the cloud" means putting a copy of your photos on another device, somewhere in the world (this depends on the cloud provider that you choose). <img width="394" height="" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/e785dd9ba906ed79fad48bd7e/images/8c6d8782-2ca2-4523-a44b-ed3b910bd862.png" class="mcnImage" style="max-width: 703px; line-height: 100%; outline: none; vertical-align: bottom; height: 272px;"/> Google Photos Google Photos is an app that can be downloaded onto both Apple and Android devices, and will automatically upload your photos from your devices (make sure you have an active Wi-Fi connection) Backup: Use Google Photos to back up your precious memories. It also has a great "Search" function, and you can search and organise your photos by: People, Places and things. <img width="394" height="" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/e785dd9ba906ed79fad48bd7e/images/6fa0fcba-fc1e-476d-9ddf-40ad480f9b36.png" class="mcnImage" style="max-width: 702px; line-height: 100%; outline: none; vertical-align: bottom; height: 297px;"/> By uploading and backing up my photos to Google Photos, I was able to free up space on my phone by deleting images off my device (as they are now stored in Google Photos). Very handy app, especially when travelling! And the best thing about Google Photos? Unlimited storage for free! All you need is a Google account. If you have an email address ending in gmail.com, then you have a Google account.

Technology

Maggie Beer’s chocolate cloud cake with nut cream and rose petals

“As the name implies, this cake should be as light as air. It’s a total chocolate fix, having so little else to keep it afloat … unless you count the 10 eggs of course. And if the chocolate element isn’t indulgent enough, consider the filling of nut butter and whipped cream. There are many lovely nut butters out there, but my favourite for this would have to be macadamia butter, to really push us over the edge! Luckily, life always seems to offer up plenty of reasons to celebrate,” writes Maggie Beer in her new book Maggie’s Recipes for Life. Based on the latest scientific research and with the help of one of the world’s leading Alzheimer’s researchers Professor Ralph Martins, Maggie has created more than 200 recipes that help provide the nutrients we need for optimum brain health. The proceeds from the cookbook will be shared between the Maggie Beer Foundation and the Lions Alzheimer’s Research Foundation. Serves: 10 – 12 Ingredients: <ul> <li>350 g good-quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa solids), broken into pieces</li> <li>50 g unsalted butter</li> <li>2 tablespoons raw honey</li> <li>10 free-range eggs, at room temperature, separated</li> <li>Pinch of sea salt flakes</li> <li>Organic fresh rose petals, to decorate (optional)</li> </ul> For the nut cream <ul> <li>200 ml whipping cream</li> <li>½ cup mint leaves, finely chopped</li> <li>100 g pure nut butter</li> </ul> Method: 1. Preheat the oven to 150˚C fan-forced. Grease and line 2 x 20 cm spring form tins. 2. Melt the chocolate and butter together in a heatproof bowl placed over a saucepan of just-simmering water (don’t let the bottom of the bowl touch the water). Remove from the heat, stir in the honey and set aside. 3. In the bowl of an electric mixer, whisk the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. 4. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until thick and pale. Slowly whisk in the chocolate mixture until just combined. Fold in one third of the egg whites, then ever so lightly, fold in the remaining whisked whites. (It is important to work quickly and not let the chocolate butter mixture get cold or it will set.) 5. Divide the batter between the prepared tins. Bake for 25 minutes or until a skewer withdraws clean. Remove from the oven and stand on a wire rack until completely cooled. 6. To make the nut cream, beat the cream in a large bowl until stiff peaks form. In a separate bowl, combine the mint, nut butter and a small amount of the whipped cream. Gently fold in the remaining cream. 7. To assemble, place one of the cakes on a serving plate and spread half the nut cream over the top, leaving a 2cm border. Place the remaining cake on top and spread with the remaining cream. Scatter with rose petals, if using. Note: The good news is that dark chocolate is rich in polyphenol antioxidants, particularly catechins and procyanidins, and these have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that are good for your blood vessels. Chocolate also provides some iron, manganese and magnesium. <img width="123" height="164" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/44276/1_123x164.jpg" alt="1 (36)" style="float: right;"/> This is an extract from Maggie’s Recipe for Life by Maggie Beer with Professor Ralph Martins, published by Simon & Schuster Australia, RRP $39.99. Photo credit: Dragan Radocaj

Food & Wine

The spectacular ‘Morning Glory’ cloud is coming to Australia

The Morning Glory cloud, a surreal wave-like cloud formation that can stretch over 900kms, has adventurers headed to the north Queensland settlement of Burketown. The rare meteorological formation is little known, even in Australia, and forms after dawn for about two months every year across the Gulf of Carpentaria. Garrett Russell, from the Caboolture Gliding Club in Queensland, told <a href="http://www.News.com.au" target="_blank">News.com.au</a>, “Imagine a huge roll of cotton wool that stretches from one horizon to the other and is moving across the landscape at something like 40 kilometres per hour [25 miles per hour]. There are fewer people who have flown on the morning glory than have climbed Mount Everest... They’re as smooth as silk.” The unusual cloud roll formation has been known to form in other parts of the world, but not with the same frequency and predictably as around the Gulf of Carpentaria. Pilots in motorised gliders can spend several hours riding next to the cloud. “If you’re flying at full speed, with a cloud off to your side, sometimes you might have a wing dipped into the cloud and it reminds me of when you see a surfer put his hand out and cut through the wave,” Mr Russell added. To see photos of the morning glory cloud, scroll through the gallery above. Have you ever witnessed this spectacular natural phenomenon? Let us know in the comments. Image credit: Twitter / Vanessa M Related links: <a href="/travel/domestic-travel/2016/09/10-of-the-most-spectacular-islands-in-australia/">10 of the most spectacular islands in Australia</a> <a href="/travel/domestic-travel/2016/09/10-jaw-dropping-photographs-of-the-whitsundays/">10 jaw-dropping photographs of the Whitsundays</a> <a href="/travel/travel-tips/2016/09/6-of-australias-most-spectacular-coastal-drives/">6 of Australia’s most spectacular coastal drives</a>

News

Volcanic ash cloud causes more Bali flight cancellations

For the <a href="/travel/travel-tips/2016/08/flights-between-australia-and-bali-cancelled/" target="_blank">second time</a> in just two months, volcanic ash from Mount Rinjani on the Indonesian island of Lombok is causing havoc for travellers to and from the popular holiday destination of Bali. Tigerair, Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights have all been affected since last night, when the Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre warned that conditions were not safe for flights in and out of Denpasar Airport. Jetstar has notified affected passengers via SMS and email, issuing a statement saying, “We will always put safety before schedule and will only commence flying when it is safe to do so.” While <a href="http://www.jetstar.com/au/en/travel-alerts" target="_blank">Jetstar</a> has begun resuming flights, <a href="https://tigerair.com.au/fly/travel-alerts" target="_blank">Tigerair</a> and <a href="https://www.virginaustralia.com/au/en/bookings/flight-status/travel-alerts/" target="_blank">Virgin Australia</a> passengers are still waiting for replacement flights. All travellers affected by the cancellations are being told to monitor their airline’s website for any announcements of further cancellations and replacement flights. The Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre will release an update on the situation at 10.30am (AEST) but passengers are advised to check in as normal unless told otherwise by their airline. Related links: <a href="/travel/travel-tips/2016/08/tourists-could-soon-be-boycotting-bali/">The surprising reason tourists could soon be boycotting Bali</a> <a href="/news/news/2016/09/5-foods-a-nutritionist-would-never-let-you-eat/">5 foods a nutritionist would never let you eat</a> <a href="/news/news/2016/09/olivia-newton-john-opens-up-about-missing-ex/">Olivia Newton-John opens up about missing ex</a>

News

Life in the clouds a dream in Yarra Valley

It is like a scene from a dream. Nothing but a golden sun and a fluffy blanket of cloud in my sight. I can barely resist the urge to leap out of my hot-air balloon basket and dive among the cushions around me. Ballooning delivers some surreal moments and my brief peek above the morning fog above the Yarra Valley, Australia, has been particularly hair-raising. And not for the reason I expected. Wind, it turns out, has little effect on those travelling with it, making many thick clothes unnecessary at altitude. It's one of a few instances where my quick pre-flight assumptions about ballooning are pleasantly ruled out once we are in the air. Another poor assumption is there is no fun in cruising at a slower speed. Sure, catching glimpses of landmarks are possible from the window seat of a plane. But those fleeting flashes cannot compare to the gentle meandering over farmland, tidy rows of grapevines, and the Yarra Valley's wandering rivers and creeks. The third wrong assumption is that ballooning in the Yarra Valley would be anything but first-class. Kiff Saunders, the one-time lumberjack piloting my balloon, has been at the burners of balloons all across the world for the past 30 years. In the past 12 months, he's flown in Brazil, Ireland and, after tethering a balloon to a Russian icebreaker, at the North Pole. But, despite the calls for him to remain overseas, Saunders has kept his base in Melbourne and played a part in the Yarra Valley's revival. The state's first wine region failed to see out the Great Depression but the industry was resurrected in the late 1960s by a few curious winemakers. Once Moet et Chandon, De Bortoli and McWilliams came knocking in the 1980s, the region quickly expanded and is now home to more than 80 labels. <img width="500" height="250" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/23872/shutterstock_140165680_500x250.jpg" alt="hot air balloon yarra valley"/> One of those to set foot in the area was Bendigo winery Balgownie Estate in 2002. Set on 12 hectares of undulating terrain outside Yarra Glen, the label's Yarra Valley site has quickly built a satisfying list of locally-produced wines. Its pinot noir has made the leap to the winery's premier Estate label for the first time in 2013, a cause for celebration for the Valley vineyard. "It may not be a big deal for everyone but we're really proud," says sales manager Melanie Watson. Balgownie Estate sets itself apart from other boutique wineries with its seamlessly-integrated first-class resort. A minute on the property is enough to see how it snapped up the award for Victoria's best regional accommodation by Tourism Accommodation Australia last year. An indoor pool and gym can help do away the guilt of consuming a few too many wines, while those looking for relaxation sans alcohol can step inside the day spa and health club for a soothing massage. As for food with views, few guests turn down the opportunity to watch the sun set over the vineyards as they dine at the on site restaurant. But the most valuable player on the Balgownie team is the courtesy driver, Mark. Worry about who should be designated driver ends with Mark who makes visiting several cellar doors and the tantalising Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery in all in a single a day more than possible. To some, that's the dream. Doesn’t that sound like an incredible trip? Have you ever visited the beautiful Yarra Valley, and what was your favourite part of the experience? Let us know in the comments. Written by Luke Costin. First appeared on <a href="http://Stuff.co.nz" target="_blank">Stuff.co.nz</a>. Related links: <a href="/travel/international/2016/06/australias-most-spectacular-hot-air-ballooning-locations/">Australia’s most spectacular hot air ballooning locations</a> <a href="/travel/international/2016/04/mcg-melbourne-greatest-stadium-in-world/">Is the MCG the world’s greatest stadium?</a> <a href="/travel/international/2015/11/weird-australian-events/">8 wacky Australian events not to miss</a>

International Travel

New “Cloud Bread” is taking the world by storm

Anyone who’s had to remove gluten or carbohydrates from their diet would agree that sometimes this diet requires a bit of creativity to keep things interesting. On the plus side some cool recipe ideas come out of it – the latest being cloud bread. This low-carb, gluten-free bread is made with just four ingredients (eggs, cream cheese, cream of tartar, and a packet of sweetener) and kind of looks a little like patties (or clouds). And while it might sound a little basic, reviews from people trying these recipes have been good! Here’s one recipe from <a href="http://thebigapplemama.com/2016/01/no-carb-cloud-bread.html" target="_blank">The Big Apple Mama</a>, who adds a touch of rosemary for kick of flavour, and another nice one from food blogger <a href="http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/1034703/flourless-low-carb-gluten-free-cloud-bread-recipe">She Knows</a>. Cloud bread also happens to be high in protein, providing a guilt-free, melt-in-your-mouth bread substitute that works great as a hamburger or a sandwich bun. You can also toast them with jam for a tasty breakfast. Related links: <a href="/news/news/2016/02/two-nuns-ski-cross-country/">Two nuns ski cross country in habits</a> <a href="/news/news/2016/02/prince-charles-receives-rare-photo-of-queen-elizabeth-ii/">Prince Charles receives rare photograph of Queen as a teenager</a> <a href="/news/news/2016/02/pictures-that-capture-life-above-and-below-the-sea/">15 breathtaking pictures that capture life above and below the sea</a>

News

Wave clouds appear over Colorado ski resort

These stunning pictures, captured by Breckenridge Ski Resort residents in Colorado, appear to show the clouds ready to “break” like waves into an ocean. The unusual weather formation from “when a layer of cloud is found beneath a layer of warmer air and the two layers happen to be moving in separate directions”, according to Andy Russell, a weather and climate lecturer at Brunel University. Mountainous areas like Colorado are more likely to experience weather patterns like this due to the atmospheric properties at this elevation.

International Travel

UFO clouds form above Cape Town

UFO-like cloud formations forming above Cape Town have left locals scratching their heads. Many have taken to social media to share this unnerving weather pattern. And while it may look like an alien invasion it’s actually a strange cloud formation. This eerie cloud formation is a phenomenon known as lenticular clouds, caused when high winds blow over rough terrain, such as mountains and valleys. Scroll down to see more images: <img width="500" height="500" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/10843/cloud-number-two_500x500.jpg" alt="Cloud Number Two"/> Image credit: Twitter / Rory_OB1 <img width="499" height="405" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/10844/cloud-number-three_499x405.jpg" alt="Cloud Number Three"/> Image credit: Instagram / joshua.oates <img width="499" height="400" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/10847/cloud-number-four_499x400.jpg" alt="Cloud Number Four"/> Image credit: Instagram / beanibop <img width="500" height="403" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/10848/cloud-number-six_500x403.jpg" alt="Cloud Number Six"/> Image credit: Twitter / DiBrown5 <img width="500" height="334" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/10849/cloud-number-one_500x334.jpg" alt="Cloud Number One"/> Hero image credit: Instagram / instagram_sa

International Travel

How will the Bali ash cloud affect your travel plans?

Following the eruption of an Indonesian volcano, an ash cloud is predicted to affect international flights for several days, according to the Bureau of Meteorology. The weather conditions have led to the closing of Bali’s International airport and have since left thousands of Australians stranded since.If you’re afraid that your travel plans will be affected by the ash cloud, Allianz insurance has offered the following information to consider:“If you entered into your policy before 5pm (AEDT) Tuesday 3 November 2015:If you are currently travelling:If you have started your journey and your transport is delayed or cancelled or your accommodation is affected due to the Mt Rinjani volcanic ash cloud, there may be provision to claim for reasonable additional travel, accommodation and meal expenses. Limits, conditions and exclusions apply under your policy and for full details you should refer to the Product Disclosure Statement and Certificate of Insurance you received when you purchased your travel insurance. If you have not yet departed, your policy includes cover for cancellation of your journey, or the unused portions of your journey, as a result of the Mt Rinjani volcanic ash cloud.If you have not yet departed: If your pre-booked travel arrangements are cancelled, delayed or rescheduled as a result of the Mt Rinjani volcanic ash cloud and you have not yet departed, you may be able to claim for cancellation or rearrangement of your journey (whichever is the lesser). We recommend you contact your travel agent or travel provider regarding the best option in altering your trip. Some travel providers may provide penalty free options to amend travel arrangements and we recommend you contact them for further details. If you entered into a policy after 5pm (AEDT) Tuesday 3 November 2015: Our policies do not cover claims for losses caused by something that you were aware of at the time of purchasing your policy.  If you entered into a policy after 5pm (AEDT) Tuesday 3 November 2015 we would expect that this was done with an awareness of the Mt Rinjani volcanic ash cloud.  For these policies, we will not, to the extent permitted by law, pay any claim caused by or arising from or in any way connected with the Mt Rinjani volcanic ash cloud.What next steps should you take?  You should take all reasonable steps to minimise your expenses and this includes rearranging your journey where possible. By reasonable we mean appropriate and consistent—for example if you have been using two star or budget accommodation on your trip to date, then we advise that the replacement accommodation you seek should be of a similar standard.   How can we help?We will assess your claim under the terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy. If you have a Cancellation only policy, your policy does not include cover for any additional expenses. If you have a Budget policy, please refer to your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for the precise benefits covered. You will need to submit all receipts for any additional transport, food or accommodation expenses. If you are claiming cancellation or additional expenses you will need to submit all documents showing what your original planned pre-paid arrangements were, along with any receipts and documents showing your new arrangements, and advice from the travel provider indicating the non-refundable portion of the journey. Any compensation and/or refunds you receive from a third party (e.g. airline) for transport, food or accommodation will be deducted from any settlement if your claim is accepted. Finally, to help Australians avoid difficulties overseas, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) maintains travel advisories for more than 160 destinations overseas <a href="http://www.smarttraveller.gov.au" target="_blank">via its website.</a> DFAT’s travel advice provides accurate, up-to-date information about the risks Australians might face overseas, assisting you to make well-informed decisions about whether, when and where to travel. We recommend that you stay up-to-date with its destination specific travel advisories for the country of your destination as your travel insurance cover may be affected if you travel to high risk areas or situations. Contact us  If you have any questions or queries, please contact our Allianz Global Assistance Information Hotline on 1300 725 154. Dedicated Event phone line and Events teamCustomers calls relating to the Bali Ash Cloud are now isolated to specific, trained consultants. You will notice this option when contacting Allianz Global Assistance "If your call is in regards to....press 1".With our events process now in place, calls relating to the Bali Ash Cloud will be isolated from Business-As-Usual calls and we are working to reduce the impact on normal operations. All available resources are currently working to ensure our commitment remains to our customers. SmarttravellerWe recommend all customers remain up-to-date with the most recent updates from the Australian Government via <a href="http://www.smarttraveller.gov.au" target="_blank">the Smarttraveller website.</a><a href="http://www.smarttraveller.gov.au"> </a>We will publish this and any updated travel insurance advisories <a href="http://www.allianz-assistance.com.au" target="_blank">on our website</a>”Related links: <a href="/travel/travel-insurance/2015/09/common-travel-mistakes/">10 mistakes we all make when travelling (and how to avoid them)</a><a href="/travel/travel-insurance/2015/10/travel-insurance-and-natural-disasters/">How does travel insurance work when there is a natural disaster?</a><a href="/travel/travel-insurance/2015/09/emergency-health-travel-kit/">The emergency health kit you should always travel with</a>

Travel Insurance

Watch: Super-charged volcanic ash cloud

Now this a sight that looks straight out of the latest blockbuster movie but it’s completely real. BBC Earth has released footage of a super-charged volcanic ash cloud sparked by lightning. It’s called a “dirty thunderstorm” and it’s rare, but luckily filmmaker Marc Szeglat managed to capture the extraordinary event on camera so we could all witness this incredible natural phenomenon. Related links: <a href="/travel/domestic-travel/2015/08/australias-best-mountains-to-climb/">6 of the best Australian mountains to climb</a> <a href="/travel/domestic-travel/2015/08/australia-travel-2015/">Australian travel to-do list: 2015</a> <a href="/travel/domestic-travel/2015/08/best-glamping-spots/">The best glamping spots</a>

News

Toxic orange cloud spread near Barcelona

A thick orange cloud could be seen in the sky some 60km from Barcelona, before spreading over residential areas nearby on Thursday. The cloud was caused by an explosion at a chemical plant in northern Spain and authorities advised residents of several small towns near Barcelona to stay indoors as a large toxic cloud spread over the area. Three people were injured.The regional government of Catalonia said in a statement that the blast appeared to have been caused by two chemicals coming into contact during delivery to the plant, owned by Spanish company Simar.Catalan authorities told people to shut their windows and stay inside as a precaution, and cut off some roads in the area as well as a train line.By 11am local time, the confinement order was partially lifted, although emergency services were still advising children and elderly people as well as pregnant women to stay indoors in six affected towns.Related links:<a href="/news/news/2015/02/thieves-love-tourists/" target="_blank">Most popular tourist destinations for thieves</a><a href="/news/news/2015/02/bodybuilding-bulls/" target="_blank">Your eyes are not fooling you, these are bodybuilding bulls</a><div><a href="/news/news/2015/02/village-for-dementia-patients/%20" target="_blank">An amazing village that is care centre for dementia patients</a></div>

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"It was beautiful": Rare rainbow cloud stuns small farming town

Am I seeing things?! Queen's image spotted in the clouds

Deb Knight opens up about miscarriage heartbreak: “A cloud of sadness”