Cornwall: Nine cows killed during Storm Darragh

The livestock were sheltering under a hedge at Higher Bojewyan near Pendeen on Saturday night, 7th December, when power cables came down across them, BBC reported. 

Storm Darragh brought strong winds up to 80mph as well as heavy rain to many areas across the UK. 

Farmer from Higher Bojewyan, Eric Murley, told the media: “The wind last night was as bad as it’s ever been, absolutely horrible. 

“It looks as though the cows were sheltering under a hedge, and it just so happened that this cable was right above them. 

“It came down across them and that was that.” 

The terrible incident comes just a month after the family lost 32 Jersey calf heifers to tuberculosis. 

Protecting yourself and your farm in a storm  

Before the storm :

• Stay alert for Met Office weather warnings. 
• Regularly inspect your farm and keep on top of maintenance by carrying out necessary repairs to buildings, fences and walls whilst the weather is calm. 
• Check that tiles, slates, and roofing sheets are in place and put away any items that cannot be secured. 
• Avoid being near barn doors if there are high winds.
• Make sure gutters are not leaking and are clear of leaves and other debris. 
• Protect and lag water pipes in vulnerable areas and know where the water supply is so that you can turn it off in the event of burst pipes.  
• Ensure you have a good tree inspection programme in place, paying particular attention to trees bordering buildings, roads, railway lines and rights of way. 
• Prepare for power cuts: have torches and batteries to hand and make sure any generators are ready to use if required. 
• Plan evacuation routes to get staff and livestock to safety in the case of extreme weather such as floods – identify higher ground that you can move livestock to in event of flooding. 
• Have your insurer’s emergency helpline available.

During the storm: 

• Do not leave the house or make journeys unless absolutely necessary. 
• If you need to leave the house, avoid the sheltered side of walls when walking. 
• If journeys are essential, drive slowly and carefully, staying aware of high winds on exposed roads and ice and water on the road. 
• Do not attempt emergency repairs during the storm. 
• Keep all building doors and windows closed. 

 After the storm:

• Be aware after a storm or weather event, power cables or powerlines may have been brought down.  
• Don’t enter any buildings that could be unsafe following a storm. 
• Report any damage to your insurer as soon as possible.  

Read more farm safety news.