Lightning strikes cause livestock fatalities in Argentina and Colombia

Severe thunderstorms have resulted in animal fatalities in both Argentina and Colombia.

In San Isidro, Argentina, a lightning strike at the Jockey Club killed four polo mares during a training session on field 6. The discharge also affected two other horses and a caretaker, who was injured and transported to a nearby sanatorium. The intensity of the strike was sufficient to break the bandages worn by the equines.

In Caucasia, Antioquia, Colombia, approximately 10 cattle belonging to small-scale producers died following a lightning strike during heavy rains. The animals, which weighed over 300 kilograms each, were part of a livestock project managed by the Asociación de Agricultores de Caucasia (Asgri Cauca). The association has requested assistance from the Secretariat of Rural and Environmental Development for sanitary management and economic support to mitigate the financial impact on the members.