12 cows killed in lightning strikes in Kottayam, Kerala

A view of the Cheruvalli estate near Erumeli where 12 cows were killed in a lightning strike on Wednesday evening (October 21, 2026). | Photo credit: VISHNU PRATHAP

As many as 12 cows, which were kept in a free range at Cheruvally Estate in Erumeli, Kottayam, Keralam, were killed when lightning struck amid heavy rain on Wednesday evening (October 21, 2026).

A post-mortem examination of the dead bodies confirmed that the animals died after being struck by lightning, officials of the district veterinary office said. Signs of a lightning strike were also found on a tree and the ground near where the carcasses were found. After the examination, the animals were buried using an earthmoving machine.

Hundreds of cows are raised on the farm, with livestock farming serving as the main source of income for the workers.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Kottayam district from October 23 to 25, 2026, warning of the possibility of extremely heavy rains accompanied by thunderstorms at isolated places.

Published – 22 Oct 2026 17:39 IST