Elephants struck dead

Lightning is believed to have killed a herd of 18 wild Asiatic elephants in remote north-eastern India.

The elephants, including five calves, were found dead during rains in the protected Kondali forest reserve.

The forest guard reached the remote area on Thursday and found 14 elephants dead on top of a hill and four at the bottom.

Preliminary veterinary reports said the elephants were struck by lightning.