Lightning Strikes 18 Cows Dead [VIDEO]

Cows lie lifeless in Trans Mara, Narok County after being struck by lightning.
Cows lie lifeless in Trans Mara, Narok County after being struck by lightning.
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A man in Transmara, Narok County, is counting losses after lightning strike killed his entire herd of 18 cows.

Speaking to the media, the owner, Joseph Sikawa, disclosed that the unfortunate incident took place on the evening of Sunday, January 17, during a heavy downpour.

He further revealed that the incident was a double tragedy for him since 16 cows from the heard were pregnant.

A video seen by Kenyans.co.ke showed the cows lying lifeless on the ground.

John Sakwa who lost 18 cows to lightning
John Sakwa who lost 18 cows to lightning.
Citizen Digital

"We have faced this hardship this evening when lightning strike killed the 18 cows. Out of the 18 cows, 16 were pregnant while the other two were bulls," stated Sikawa.

He further appealed to the government to help him since livestock farming was his source of livelihood.

"I plead with well wishers to help me because I depended on the cows. This was the source of food for my children," he added.

The area is said to be prone to lightning with 17 cows being struck in three separate incidents.

"Incidents like this have occurred several times. In recent times, our neighbours lost 6 cows to lightning. We ask the state to step in and help us prevent tragedies like this one," stated the resident.

A report by ResearchGate in 2012 noted that lightning in Kenya ranked high among the most unpredictable, underrated and neglected yet so dangerous a natural hazards.

According to the report, it was ranked as the most underrated weather-related hazard in terms of response, management and research.

It is estimated that 10,000 people around the world die every year from lighting while 100,000 are left injured.

Below is the video:

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