A rescue operation is underway in Laos’ Xaisomboun province after heavy rains caused flash flooding in a cave, trapping seven villagers who entered the site last Wednesday.
The Incident in Xaisomboun
Several residents from a local village entered a cave in the Xaisomboun province of central Laos on Wednesday, May 20. Heavy rainfall triggered flash floods that inundated the cave, leaving seven people trapped inside, according to the Associated Press.
It remains unclear if the trapped individuals are still alive. A leader from the Laos’ Rescue Volunteer for People stated that the authorities were alerted by another villager who managed to escape before rising water and landslides obstructed the exit.
Rescue Operation Challenges
Rescue teams face a grueling task, requiring them to navigate a 340-meter tunnel. Much of the route must be traversed by crawling, as the narrowest point of the cave is estimated to be only 60 centimeters wide.
Thai rescue experts arrived to assist on Sunday, May 24. Divers have entered the flooded tunnels to reach the victims, while other teams work to pump water out of the cave. The Metta Tham Rescue group reports that rescuers are within 20 meters of the trapped individuals. Despite clearing some rock debris on Monday, rising water levels continue to impede progress.
International Expert Involvement
According to the BBC, the operation includes experts who participated in the 2018 mission to rescue 12 boys and their coach from the Tham Luang cave in Thailand.