KISHTWAR, Aug 17 — A man from Punjab has appealed for help in locating his wife and mother-in-law, who went missing during the flash floods triggered by a cloudburst in Chasoti village of Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, Mandeep Saini travelled to Kishtwar with his wife on August 9 to celebrate Raksha Bandhan with her family. He returned to Punjab on August 12, while his wife, along with her mother and relatives, left the same day to undertake the Machail Mata Yatra.
“A day after I returned, on August 13, I got a call from my wife’s brother-in-law. He told me about the cloudburst and said that my wife and her mother were lost,” Saini told ANI. “It’s been four days, and we still have no clue where they are. My mind is not functioning. I last spoke to her at Udhampur station.”
Officials said the group consisted of eight pilgrims, of whom six have been rescued and are returning home. At least 60 people, mostly pilgrims, have been confirmed dead in the disaster, while search and rescue operations continue in and around Chasoti village.
Major General APS Bal of the Indian Army said all security forces are engaged in rescue and relief efforts. “We are trying our best to rescue as many people as possible from the area affected by the cloudburst. We are also providing relief to the local people who have suffered due to this disaster,” he said.
On Saturday, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited the affected areas, met victims’ families, and announced compensation for loss of lives and damage to property.
(Inputs from agencies)
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