MITHI: Lightning killed two youths and several dozen animals during light to heavy rain in the desert district of Tharparkar late Tuesday night.

Sources in Kolhi Verri village near Nagarparkar town said the youths, identified as Nachal Kolhi, 16, and Moulchand Kolhi, 18, died on the spot after the lightning struck the area. Three children, who were sitting nearby, fell unconscious due to the shock.

According to locals, as many as 140 goats and sheep also perished in lightning strikes.

Tharis in several parts of the rain-dependent arid zone greeted rain which had been continuing for the last two days but the lightning strikes created panic among the desert dwellers.

Published in Dawn, July 26th, 2024