At least 22 sheep were killed in a lightning strike in the highland pastures of Jhuleli Patan in ward 2 of Guthichaur Rural Municipality in Jumla on Saturday evening, according to local officials.

The lightning struck a flock of sheep as they had taken shelter under a tree during rainfall. The incident resulted in the death of 16 sheep belonging to Hirabahadur Aidi and six belonging to Dhankrishna Rokaya, both residents of ward 2 of Guthichaur.

Local farmers often drive their sheep to remote pastures for grazing during the season due to a lack of suitable grazing land near their homes. “We were bringing the sheep back home after grazing in the Patan flats when the rain began. The animals had gathered under a tree for shelter when the lightning struck,” said ward member Dhan Bahadur Bohara. “It took away their source of happiness.”

Aidi, who owns a total of 50 sheep and goats, and Rokaya, with around 30, have been rearing livestock for household income. The loss has left them deeply worried about their livelihoods. “Even the pastures are not safe anymore. I don’t know how I’ll continue rearing sheep now,” said a distressed Aidi.

Gyanendra Budhthapa, chief of the Jumla Veterinary Hospital and Livestock Service Office, confirmed the deaths caused by lightning. “We have received reports of the incident. The data is being compiled,” he said.

Local farmers are urging the government to provide compensation for their loss. Over 100 families in Guthichaur-2 rely on sheep and goat farming, with more than 3,500 livestock reported in the village. Due to poor pasture and shelter management in the highlands, hundreds of animals reportedly die each year.

Deep Bahadur Aidi, chair of ward 2, said the local government will seek to assist the affected farmers. “Although we lack funds at the ward level, we will coordinate with the rural municipality’s disaster management unit to support the farmers in their time of need,” he said.