This is the grisly aftermath of a thunderstorm which killed dozens of cattle with a massive lightning bolt as they sheltered under a tree.

Video footage shot after the storm in Paraiso do Tocantins, in the state of Tocantins, Brazil, on 25th December, shows some of the nearly 50 cows struck down under the tree.

On the soundtrack flies can be heard buzzing as the bodies start to decompose.

Local media reported that the deaths will cost farmer Djalma Santana BRL150,000 (GBP 25,000).

Santana told how the rain had started at around 4 pm, with the frightened herd running under mango trees for shelter from the downpour.

He said that the lightning bolt hit the tree and other trees around it electrocuting the cattle.

A farmhand discovered the corpses the following morning.

He now fears for the 300 remaining animals he has in his herd, afraid that the same thing could happen again.

Santana said: “We are looking for some way to avoid this damage from lightning because it is too much. I’m scared others are at risk here in the pasture.”