Over 130 Ewe Lambs and Their Offspring Die Due to Lightning Strike in Ararat Region

An extraordinary incident occurred in Kotayk province on June 29. Tornik Uzoyan, a 31-year-old resident of the village of Mrgavet in Ararat province, miraculously survived while pasturing over 170 ewe lambs in the area of Mount Azhdahak in Kotayk province.

In an interview with Shamshyan.com, he stated, "We have been pasturing the lambs in that area for over a week. Yesterday, around 7 o’clock, several strong lightning strikes occurred. At first, nothing happened from the lightning strikes, but during the last strike, over 130 ewe lambs and their offspring died on the spot. I even injured my foot due to the lightning strike. I informed my family about the incident. My father came with his friends and transported about 130 dead lambs to our barn in the village of Marmarashen in Ararat province, which we use on a rental basis. The cause of death for all the lambs was heart rupture due to the lightning strike. The ones we slaughter, have heart rupture. Now we don’t know who to turn to. We ask the governor of Ararat province, and our village mayor to help us in any way they can. There was no tearing, nor were there any signs of attack from wild animals or feral dogs. It is safe meat; they can help—at least resolve some compensation issues. We are a large family; this is our only means of livelihood. We took out a loan and were engaged in this business. If the authorities do not help us, the whole family will find ourselves in front of a broken trough. We request that the regional administration assist us.”

Ararat Province Governor Razmik Tevonyan also reported that after familiarizing himself with the issue, he is ready to help the family if there is an opportunity.