Freak Hail Kills 500 Cattle
INDIA – Extreme unseasonal hail storms have claimed the lives of over 500 cattle in a town to the north east of Mumbai.
18 March 2014
1 minute read
Weather reports from the Maharashtra township of Nashik caught farmers unawares over the weekend when 2,139 head of mixed livestock perished.
Reports from the Times of India described the hail stones as ‘very big in size’ and capable of killing the animals ‘almost instantly’.
Stockmen could not have done much against the surprise flurry, according to the district revenue officer.
“There was hardly any chance for the farmers to take care of their animals,” he explained. “The damage is tremendous.”
Over 2,000 small animals (sheep, goats and donkeys) also perished.
Compensation is expected to assist with coping with the losses, although only 581 animals are currently thought to be reimbursed.
The district officer said: “Compensation is estimated at Rs 14.65 lakh for large animals and Rs 31.44 lakh for small animals.”
He said the storm has damaged arable growers prospects too, adding: “We have prepared data for existing compensation guidelines. If the government need more data, we will do our best to supply it.”
TheCattleSite News Desk
