BANGKOK (AP) — Rescue teams in Laos are engaged in a search operation to find two individuals trapped in a flooded cave for nearly two weeks. Heavy rains have inundated the primary entrance, rendering it inaccessible.
These two individuals have been unaccounted for since search and rescue efforts commenced last month in the rugged region of Xaisomboun province, situated approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles) from the capital, Vientiane. Of the seven individuals initially trapped in the cave, five have successfully been rescued previously.
Malaysian diver Lee Kian Lie, participating in the rescue efforts, stated that teams are actively pumping out water from the cave.
“We will proceed into the suspected area to continue searching once the water levels drop,” he informed The Associated Press.
Additionally, another rescue team is exploring the opposite side of the cave, hoping to locate a dry entry point that may grant access to where the missing individuals are believed to be situated, he added.
Cooperation between rescue teams from Laos and neighboring Thailand has been ongoing for over a week. They are also receiving assistance from divers hailing from countries such as Finland, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia, France, and Australia.
Many of the rescuers have prior experience from the complex 2018 cave rescue in northern Thailand, which successfully saved 12 schoolboys along with their soccer coach from a flooded cave.
The Laos Rescue Volunteer for People group shared on its Facebook page that heavy rainfall has resulted in “massive amounts of water” flowing into the area, prompting them to halt operations Sunday night.
Kengkaj Bongkawong, leader of the Thai group Metta Tham Rescue Kalasin, indicated that they are also searching for air shafts above ground that might provide access to the cave.
“Our team and I have utilized radar scanners and satellite imagery, along with numerous other tools, to aid our navigation of the mountain,” he remarked.
In a post on Facebook, Kengkaj cautioned that even if a viable alternative entrance is located, “it’s going to be a very challenging task” due to difficult access and the persistent issue of ongoing rain flooding the cave.
Efforts would not only necessitate pumping out water but also the installation of equipment to ensure adequate ventilation within the cave’s air supply, he explained.
Rescuers suspect that the two missing individuals are trapped deeper in the cave compared to the location where the five survivors were first located on Wednesday. However, the passage leading to that part is reportedly very narrow and heavily flooded.
The villagers are said to have entered the cave nearly two weeks ago in search of valuable minerals like gold before they became trapped by a sudden flash flood that blocked their exit. One villager managed to escape and notify the authorities.
The first man was safely extracted on Friday, guided through a tight, flooded passage by an experienced diver. The remaining four exited the cave on Saturday after the water levels had receded enough for them to make their own way out, according to rescuers.
Key Takeaways
- Two individuals have been trapped in a flooded cave in Laos for nearly two weeks.
- Rescue efforts involve teams from Laos, Thailand, and several other countries.
- Five of seven individuals initially trapped have been successfully rescued.
- Heavy rain has complicated ongoing rescue operations, leading to temporary suspensions.
- Efforts include searching for alternative entrances and air shafts for better access.
FAQ
What caused the individuals to become trapped in the cave?
The villagers entered the cave to search for minerals and were subsequently trapped by a sudden flash flood.
How many rescuers are involved in the operation?
Rescue teams from Laos, Thailand, and several other countries, including Finland and Japan, are collaborating in the efforts.
What are rescuers doing to access the trapped individuals?
Rescue teams are pumping water out and searching for alternative pathways and air shafts to reach the trapped individuals.
What are the conditions like in the flooded cave?
The cave is heavily flooded, and the passages are very narrow, complicating rescue efforts.
Have any of the trapped individuals been rescued?
Yes, five out of seven individuals initially trapped have been successfully rescued.
