In the wake of the devastating flash floods that struck Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir, a remarkable tale of survival has emerged, offering a beacon of hope amidst the widespread destruction. Subhash Chandra, a man known for running a langar (community kitchen) for pilgrims on the Machail Mata Yatra route, was rescued after being trapped under debris for approximately 30 hours following the cloudburst that triggered the disaster.
The cloudburst, which occurred on August 14, 2025, in the Chashoti village of Kishtwar, unleashed a torrent of water, mud, and debris, causing widespread devastation. The flash floods swept away homes, infrastructure, and the langar where Subhash Chandra selflessly served devotees. At the time of the cloudburst, an estimated 200-300 pilgrims were present at the langar, and around 1,000 to 1,500 people were in the vicinity. The annual Machail Mata Yatra, which began on July 25 and was scheduled to continue until September 5, has been suspended.
Rescue teams comprising the Army, police, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local volunteers launched a massive operation to locate survivors and provide assistance to those affected. The efforts were hampered by bad weather and damaged roads, but the teams persevered, working tirelessly to clear debris and reach those trapped.
On Friday, August 15, after nearly 30 hours of relentless searching, rescue teams discovered Subhash Chandra alive near the site of the langar. He was trapped under a mass of logs and rubble, with four bodies recovered from the same location. His miraculous survival has been hailed as nothing short of a blessing, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of faith.
"Whom God saves, no one can kill is a saying here. Subhash, who has been serving devotees for so many years, feeding them selflessly, was protected by Mata herself," said Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma, who oversaw the rescue operations. He expressed immense joy that Subhash would be able to resume his langar service and continue serving the devotees. Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh also acknowledged Subhash's rescue, highlighting his role in running the langar.
Subhash Chandra, a resident of Udhampur, has dedicated himself to serving the devotees of Mata Machail for years. Every pilgrimage season, he and his colleagues establish a langar to provide free meals to thousands of pilgrims who trek through the rugged terrain to reach the shrine.
The Kishtwar cloudburst has claimed the lives of at least 60 people, with over 100 injured and many still missing. The flash floods swept away a makeshift market, a security outpost, 16 houses, government buildings, three temples, a 30-meter bridge, and over a dozen vehicles. The rescue operations are still underway, with authorities deploying earthmovers and specialized equipment to clear the debris. Makeshift bridges have been constructed to help stranded pilgrims cross the muddy water channels.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has reviewed the rescue and relief operations and assured that all damaged homes will be reconstructed. He has directed officials to ensure immediate relief and an uninterrupted supply of essential items to the affected families. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also expressed his condolences and assured that every possible assistance will be provided to those in need.
The story of Subhash Chandra's rescue serves as a reminder of hope and human kindness during times of immense sorrow. His selfless service to the pilgrims and his miraculous survival have touched the hearts of many, reinforcing the belief that even in the face of tragedy, humanity and faith can prevail.
