A lightning strike killed 14 livestock — including 13 cattle and one buffalo — in Juri upazila of Moulvibazar on Wednesday, leaving several tea worker families facing substantial financial losses.

The incident occurred around 11:30am in the Kuchai (Jwalai) section of Shiluya Tea Estate under Goalbari Union. Thirteen cattle were killed on the spot while grazing in an open field after being struck by lightning. In a separate incident around the same time, a buffalo was also killed by a lightning strike in the nearby Pathartila area.

According to local sources, the cattle belonged to Rabee Munda, Kalachan Munda, Budhulal Munda, Rajen Munda, Mokor Munda, Chinilal Munda and Birsa Munda, most of whom are tea workers from low-income households.

Residents said the dead animals were among the families' most valuable assets and an important source of income. The loss has pushed the affected households into significant financial hardship.

Confirming the incident, Abdul Kaiyum, chairman of Goalbari Union Parishad, described the event as tragic and said efforts would be made to secure assistance for the victims through the relevant authorities.

Meanwhile, Member of Parliament for Moulvibazar-1, Nasir Uddin Ahmed,

expressed deep sympathy for the affected families and assured support for their rehabilitation and access to government assistance.

Local residents have urged the authorities to provide immediate financial aid and rehabilitation support to help the families recover from the devastating loss.