PHNOM PENH, May 26 — Rescue teams are still trying to rescue seven villagers from a remote village in Phonxay district, Xaysomboun province, central Laos who have been trapped in a flooded cave for almost six days.
Vientiane Times reported that the victims, believed to be illegally mining gold, were trapped in the cave on May 20 after the water level began to rise.
“The rescue operation is very challenging as the water level in the cave continues to rise due to continuous rain.”
“Lao and Thai rescue teams are working non-stop to reach trapped villagers.”
“However, flooding, challenging terrain and bad weather slowed down operations and forced rescuers to act with caution,” said Vice Chairman of the Xaysomboun Provincial Administrative Committee, Phetsamai Phoxayavong, on Monday, according to the Vientiane Times.
He is also the Head of the Regional Disaster Management Committee.
Experts said the cave is believed to be over 100 metres deep, while its steep entrance posed a major challenge for rescue workers.
The monsoon that is currently hitting the country has brought heavy rains and hampered rescue efforts due to still high water levels, while difficult road conditions are also complicating operations.
Phetsamai said that as of 8pm Monday, preparations were underway for another rescue attempt despite facing various challenges.
— BERNAMA
