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Published 18:02 IST, January 20th 2020

Teenager, man struck by lightning in NSW as thunderstorms batter Australia

Teenager, man suffered severe burns after being struck by lightning in the Blue Mountains and another two injured in Canberra as thunderstorms lashed Australia.

Reported by: Vishal Tiwari
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Two people suffered severe burns after being struck by lightning in the Blue Mountains and another two injured in Canberra as thunderstorms lashed Australia. According to international media reports, a 16-year-old boy suffered burns to his torso, arms, and legs when he was struck by lightning. The incident took place at around 2pm on Monday near Katoomba in Australia's New South Wales region. Another 24-year-old patient was also treated by paramedics after lightning hit the area.

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Thunderstorms batter Australia

Both the patients were taken to Nepean Hospital for treatment. In a statement to international media, NSW Ambulance Duty Operations Manager, Greg Marshall said that the patients were extremely lucky to be alive. Greg further added that if the lightning would have struck one centimetre, either way, they would have faced direct hit which could've been fatal. Severe thunderstorm warnings are still in place for New South Wales and Victoria, in the wake of a huge hailstorm that smashed car windows and damaged properties. 

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Severe storms hit some parts of Australia's east coast on Saturday and caused flash flooding and road closure. The severe rains have caused major highways in Queensland to close down while New South Wales has been experiencing power cuts. According to the Bureau of Meteorology in Queensland, while the heavy rainfall has somewhat subsided, the showers and thunderstorms will persist through the weekend. The Meteorology Department had predicted that the state will see widespread rainfall and storms for the next few days. According to international media reports, a forecaster said that Australia is going to see its wettest two days in the recent past.

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Read: Forecasters Predict Storms In Victoria Amid Raging Bushfires

18:02 IST, January 20th 2020