Lightning bolt kills 18 cattle

Zim Now Writer

A bolt of lightning struck and killed 18 cattle worth US$7 000 belonging to three villagers in Chireya Village, Gokwe on Sunday.

One of the two herders who were tending the cattle was struck and thrown away by the bolt while a beast fell onto the other, almost suffocating him.

The farmers lost 10, five and three beasts each.

The Meteorological Service Department last week warned of violent thunderstorms and localised hail which may damage property.

The heavy and violent storms that have hit some parts of the country in recent weeks have increased incidents of lightning affecting both humans and animals.

In some parts, the storms have left a trail of destruction.

In Kadoma, the storms destroyed a hostel at Jameson high School while Bindura Hospital in Mashonaland Central province had its X-ray unit and theatre rooms destroyed.

Several people as well as livestock have been killed by lightning strikes across the country.