Lightning Kills 35 Cows in Prayagraj

A total of 35 cows were killed after lightning struck during heavy rains at a government-run temporary cow shelter in Bahadurpur area of Prayagraj of which the carcasses were buried after an autopsy.

After the incident, a team led by DistrictMagistrate of Prayagraj, Bhanu Chand Goswami rushed to the spot calling theveterinary doctors to check on the other affected animals.

Arvind Singh, Chief Development Officer of Prayagrajsaid that there were 344 animals at the cow shelter. Singh said that they weretold by the caretaker of the shelter that 22 animals died in the lightningstrike after which a team of veterinary doctors rushed to the spot. However, 13other animals died a few hours later during the treatment.

Singh further informed that they have shifted theother animals to another cow shelters nearby.

According to reports, the autopsy report of theanimals stated death occurred due to a lightning strike.

As per the directives of the state government, over4,000 temporary cow shelters were opened across the state. These temporaryshelters have kept nearly 2.25lakh cows and progeny. The officials have alsobeen directed by the state government to ensure cow sheds are self-reliant andall facilities should be provided to the animals in order to protect them.

Meanwhile, incessant rains have led to an increase in the water level of River Ganga in Prayagraj which has led to a flood-like situation at Sangam Ghat with houses near the river submerged in water. Thousands have been displaced from the surrounding areas of the swelled up river.