Eight cows were killed by a lightning strike in Jholaguda village under Murkar Panchayat of Dasamantpur block in Koraput district.
The incident occurred when two local farmers, Govind Hikaka and Darshan Hikaka, had taken their cattle to graze on Mali hill, about one kilometer from the village.
Sudden thunder and lightning struck while the cattle were grazing, killing five cows belonging to Govind and three belonging to Darshan on the spot. The farmers, both from tribal communities, expressed deep anguish over the loss, stating that the cattle were their primary source of livelihood.
“We depended on these cows for farming and survival. With them gone, we don’t know how we’ll manage,” said the grieving farmers.
The local veterinary department has reportedly submitted a request for government compensation to support the affected families. Officials are expected to assess the damage and initiate relief measures.
