Lightning Strike During Sudden Storm Kills 28 Goats and Critically Injures Herder in Haryana
A devastating lightning strike during a sudden storm in Haryana's Mahendragarh district resulted in the death of 28 goats and left a herder critically injured on Wednesday evening. The incident occurred in Khedki village, where the entire herd was wiped out within moments.
Details of the Incident and Impact
The herder, identified as Gaurav, had taken the animals out for grazing when he was struck by lightning. He was immediately admitted to a nearby hospital in critical condition. The sudden weather change affected several districts across the region, bringing strong winds, rain, and light hail.
Rewari reported hail, while Bhiwani, Hisar, Sirsa, Narnaul, and Mahendragarh witnessed showers accompanied by gusty winds. In Narnaul, heavy rainfall led to waterlogging in low-lying areas, disrupting traffic and evening movement for residents.
Official Response and Compensation Plans
Animal husbandry deputy director Naseeb Singh Yadav confirmed that a team has been sent to the site to assess the situation. "Postmortem of the animals will be conducted and loss assessment is underway," he stated. He added that compensation would be provided as per norms or insurance coverage, if applicable, to help mitigate the financial impact on the affected herder.
Meteorological Causes and Safety Warnings
The meteorological department attributed the sudden weather to an active western disturbance influenced by snowfall in the northern hills. They warned of similar conditions in the coming days, prompting authorities to advise residents to avoid open areas during lightning and adverse weather to prevent further incidents.
This tragic event highlights the dangers of unpredictable weather patterns in rural areas, where livestock and agricultural activities are vulnerable to natural disasters. Local officials are urging communities to stay informed about weather updates and take necessary precautions during stormy conditions.
