Rescuers are racing against time to reach seven people who have been trapped in a cave in central Laos since last week.
Gold Search Turned Perilous
A group of villagers in Xaisomboun province entered the cave on May 19 to search for gold, but heavy rain triggered flash flooding that blocked the exit, according to Laos and Thai rescue teams involved in the operation.
Bounkham Luanglath, who leads Laos' Rescue Volunteer for People, told The Associated Press on Monday that one person from the group escaped before the exit was blocked and alerted authorities. The status of the seven trapped individuals remains unknown.
Cave Known for Gold Deposits
He described the cave as a narrow chamber frequently visited by villagers seeking gold deposits. Authorities had repeatedly warned against entering the cave due to safety concerns.
International Assistance
State-run Lao National Radio reported that Thai rescuers arrived at the site on Sunday to assist. Divers have since begun navigating flooded sections of the cave toward the area where the group is believed to be trapped.
The Laos Ministry of Foreign Affairs declined to comment. The Southeast Asian nation is a one-party communist state with no organized opposition, and the government often maintains tight control over information.
