Jumla, 18 May: In Jumla’s Guthichaur Rural Municipality-2, at Jhuleni Patan, 22 sheep were killed by lightning while grazing. According to Birendra Bohara of Guthichaur-2, the lightning strike occurred on Saturday evening and killed 16 sheep belonging to Hirabahadur Aidi and 6 belonging to Dhankrishna Rokaya.
Due to the lack of nearby grazing areas during this season, farmers typically move their herds to higher pastures (patans). The lightning struck the herd while they were sheltering during rainfall. Hirabahadur owns 50 sheep and goats, and Dhankrishna owns 30.
Dhambahadur Bohara, a ward member of Guthichaur-2, said the lightning caused significant damage. “We were bringing the sheep back after grazing in the Patan. It started to rain, and we took shelter under a tree. That’s when the lightning struck,” he said. “It stole the joy of the farmers.”
Hirabahadur, who has been supporting his household by selling sheep each year, expressed deep concern. “Even the Patans are no longer safe for grazing. How can we raise sheep and make a living now?” he lamented.
Gyaneendra Budhthapa, head of the Animal Hospital and Livestock Service Office in Jumla, confirmed the incident. “We’ve received reports of sheep killed by lightning,” he said.
Farmers are now demanding government relief to help them recover from the disaster. In Guthichaur-2’s Guthigaun village, over 100 families in 175 households raise sheep and goats. More than 3,500 livestock are reared in the village, and due to poor management of grazing areas and sheds, hundreds of sheep and goats die annually.
Ward Chairperson Deepbahadur Aidi stated that although the ward itself lacks funds, the local government will coordinate with the municipality’s disaster relief unit to provide support to the affected farmers.
