Sambhajinagar: Unseasonal Rain Wreaks Havoc in Marathwada — Two Killed by Lightning, 22 Animals Dead
Unseasonal rains accompanied by strong winds and lightning struck Marathwada on Monday, causing widespread devastation. Two people were killed and 22 animals lost their lives in separate incidents across the region. The sudden weather event has dealt a severe blow to farmers, disrupted normal life, and prompted a weather warning from the Meteorological Department.
The fatalities occurred in Jalna district, where two young men—Sachin Vilas Bavaskar (30) and Ganesh Prakash Jadhav—were struck by lightning in Kotha Koli village of Bhokardan taluka. Both died on the spot, while another individual was seriously injured and is currently undergoing treatment.
n Latur district alone, 19 animals died due to lightning in various locations. These included a buffalo in Mal Hipparga (Jalkot taluka), along with livestock losses in the villages of Udgir, Ausa, Latur, Shiur, Khulgapur, and Nilanga talukas. Farmers reported the death of buffaloes, bulls, goats, and cows—inflicting major financial damage on households that rely on animal husbandry for their livelihood.
Particularly alarming was the report of six goats being killed in a single incident in Nilanga taluka. Other affected villages include Shedol, Halsi, Ambulga, Dhanora, Bamani, and Yerol.
Meteorological expert Manikrao Khule has warned of continued heavy rainfall in the region from May 21 to May 31. Districts likely to be affected include Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Ahilyanagar, Dharashiv, Latur, Beed, Parbhani, and Nanded. The IMD has issued a yellow alert and urged farmers and residents to remain cautious.
The unseasonal rainfall has brought significant hardship to Marathwada’s agrarian community. In addition to crop damage, the loss of livestock has further affected the dairy sector, exacerbating the economic challenges faced by rural families.
Authorities are monitoring the situation closely, and relief efforts are expected to be mobilized in the coming days.