In a tragic incident on Saturday, 30 sheep were killed by a lightning strike on the outskirts of Enmanabetla village in Kollapur mandal, Nagarkurnool district. The shepherd, Magdham Chinna Venkataiah, narrowly escaped the disaster.
Details of the Incident
The incident occurred around 4:30 pm when Venkataiah had taken his sheep out for grazing. As rain began, he guided the flock onto a large rock for shelter. However, about 15 to 20 sheep had not climbed onto the rock, so he stepped down to bring them up, leaving 30 sheep on the rock. At that moment, lightning struck, killing all 30 sheep instantly. Venkataiah escaped unharmed as he had just descended from the rock.
Madhavi B, tahsildar of Kollapur mandal, confirmed the details. She stated that officials prepared a report soon after being informed and submitted it, seeking compensation for the shepherd.
Government Response
On Sunday, tourism minister Jupally Krishna Rao, who was in the district reviewing the paddy situation, extended ₹50,000 as immediate financial assistance to Venkataiah. The minister visited the shepherd, inquired about the incident, and consoled him, assuring full government support.
The minister also met farmers in the mandal who suffered crop losses due to heavy rains and reviewed the ground situation.
This incident highlights the dangers posed by lightning strikes during the monsoon season and the need for timely compensation for affected families.
