Five villagers who were missing for more than a week after being trapped in a flooded cave in central Laos have been found alive, rescuers confirmed on Wednesday. However, two others remain unaccounted for, and search operations are ongoing.
Rescue Operation Details
The group entered a cave in Xaisomboun province on May 19, but heavy rainfall caused flash flooding that blocked the exit, trapping seven individuals. Lao and Thai rescue teams have been involved in the operation. Bounkham Luanglath of the Lao organization Rescue Volunteer for People, which has been collaborating with local authorities, told the Associated Press that five people were located safe and alive. “I’m still shaking. Our team made it happen,” he said in a voice message.
Discovery Footage
A video released by a Thai rescue group shows divers emerging from the water to find the villagers sitting on a rock surrounded by floodwater, each wearing a headlamp. Other footage captures rescuers inside and outside the cave cheering, jumping, and embracing in celebration.
Challenging Terrain
The cave is situated in a rugged, remote area of Longcheng district, approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles) north of the capital, Vientiane. Rescuers have described the difficult mountainous terrain and persistent heavy rain that have hindered their efforts. Reaching the cave entrance requires a steep 4-kilometer (2.5-mile) hike on foot, and the entrance itself is steep, rocky, and barely wide enough for a single person to pass at a time.
International Assistance
Rescue workers from neighboring Thailand arrived at the site over the weekend. Among the helpers are divers from several nations who participated in the complex 2018 rescue of 12 schoolboys and their soccer coach from a cave in northern Thailand.
Reason for Cave Entry
Authorities have not officially confirmed why the villagers entered the cave. However, Bounkham noted that locals often search for gold in the cave, despite repeated warnings from authorities about the dangers.
