Lightning Strikes Claim Lives and Livestock in Marathwada Amid Unseasonal Weather
In a tragic turn of events, unseasonal rains and hailstorms have lashed several parts of Marathwada, leading to significant loss of life and property. From March 16 up to Friday, lightning strikes have resulted in the deaths of two individuals and 41 cattle, according to early official estimates.
Human and Animal Casualties Identified
The victims have been identified as Deepika Sanjay Rathod, a 16-year-old resident of Shilvani village in Degloor taluka of Nanded district, and Gulab Masarao Markad, a 33-year-old from Patonda village in Hingoli district. Both succumbed to lightning strikes during this period. Additionally, the loss of 41 cattle has dealt a severe blow to local farmers, compounding the agricultural crisis.
Extensive Agricultural Damage Reported
Preliminary assessments reveal that agricultural damage has occurred on over 11,572 hectares across the region. This has impacted at least 20,896 farmers from 543 villages. Sambhajinagar district has borne the brunt of the devastation, with losses spread over 8,455 hectares. Other affected districts include:
- Dharashiv: 1,509 hectares
- Jalna: 1,364 hectares
- Beed: 156 hectares
- Latur: 52 hectares
- Nanded: 34 hectares
Authorities noted that no data on possible crop damage is available yet for Hingoli and Parbhani districts.
Official Response and Compensation Plans
Rita Metrewar, additional commissioner (revenue) for Marathwada, stated that final figures for crop and horticulture damage may increase after panchanamas (official surveys) are conducted in the affected areas. "The compensation towards the loss of human lives and cattle will be doled out as per standing instructions. A consolidated data of agrarian losses will be sent to the state government after panchanamas are over for further action," she told TOI on Friday.
Calls for Policy Adjustments
Farmers' leader Jayaji Suryawanshi has urged the state government to consider the latest agricultural damage in Marathwada and other regions when implementing the crop loan waiver scheme announced in the recent budget. He emphasized that the scheme's cut-off date of September 30 last year needs to be extended, and the upper limit of Rs 2 lakh for farm loan waivers should be increased to better support affected farmers.
As the region grapples with the aftermath of these unseasonal weather events, authorities are working to assess the full extent of the damage and provide necessary aid to those impacted.
