Mon, July 1: A lightning strike killed 12 cattle in Longkei village under Nagaland’s Mon district, dealing a severe economic blow to three farming families who depend on livestock for their livelihood.

The incident occurred on June 25 during intense thunderstorms that swept through the area. According to villagers, the cattle had taken shelter under a tree in a grazing field when lightning struck, killing all 12 animals on the spot.

Villagers estimated the loss at several lakhs of rupees.

“These cows belonged to three households. For families here, cattle are not just assets but a primary source of income and dairy. This is a major setback,” a villager said.
District administration officials said they have received reports of the incident. Teams from the Veterinary Department and local revenue authorities have visited Longkei village to assess the damage.
The affected families are being assisted in applying for compensation under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).

Mon district has been witnessing intermittent heavy rainfall and thunderstorms over the past week. The Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) has advised residents to avoid open fields and refrain from taking shelter under isolated trees during thunderstorms.

No human casualties were reported in the incident.