Jalandhar/Kishtwar (National Times): The recent cloudburst in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar has left two families from Punjab in deep despair, as two young women from Jalandhar have gone missing in the tragedy.
The missing girls have been identified as Vanshika (22) and her friend Disha, both hailing from the Sodal locality of Jalandhar. Vanshika had travelled with her family to her grandmother’s home in Jammu, accompanied by Disha. On the day of the incident, the two had visited the Machayal Mata temple with Vanshika’s family. While they were returning after offering prayers, the sudden cloudburst struck, and the girls were separated in the chaos.
Their disappearance has left relatives devastated, with both families rushing to Jammu in hopes of some news. Rescue operations are underway, but so far, there has been no trace of the girls.
The disaster has already taken a heavy toll on the region, with around 60 casualties reported, many of them devotees who had gathered for the temple visit. Among the victims were also two CISF jawans who lost their lives in the calamity. Relief and search operations continue despite adverse weather and difficult conditions.
Authorities have appealed to the public not to panic and assured that every effort is being made to trace those still missing. For the families of Vanshika and Disha, however, the wait grows more painful with each passing hour.
