A view of the Cheruvalli estate near Erumeli where 12 cows were killed in lightning strikes on Wednesday evening (October 21, 2026). | Photo Credit: VISHNU PRATHAP As many as 12 cows which were being reared free-range on Cheruvally Estate in Erumeli, Kottayam, Keralam, were killed in lightning strikes amid heavy rain on Wednesday evening (October 21, 2026).Necropsy of the carcasses 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 the spot where the carcasses were found.
The animals were buried using an earthmover after the examinations.Hundreds of cows are reared on the estate, with cattle rearing serving as a major source of income for 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 rain accompanied by thunderstorms at isolated places. Published - October 22, 2026 05:39 pm IST