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Five Villagers Found Alive in Flooded Laos Cave, Search Continues for Two Missing
Rescuers located five of seven villagers trapped for more than a week in a flooded cave in central Laos. Two remain unaccounted for after heavy rain blocked the exit on May 19.
May 27, 9:44 AM·1m read15 sources
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Five villagers trapped for more than a week in a flooded cave in central Laos were found alive on Wednesday, while two others remain missing. The group entered the cave in Xaisomboun province on May 19 to search for gold. Heavy rain triggered flash flooding that blocked the exit and trapped all seven inside.
Post by @ABC on X
Luanglath of the Lao organization Rescue Volunteer for People told The Associated Press that five people were found safe and alive. He said the search for the remaining two will continue.
“I'm still shaking. " Search continues for two more, the post added.”
The cave lies in a remote, mountainous area of Xaisomboun province's Longcheng district, about 120 kilometers north of Vientiane. Reaching the entrance requires a steep four-kilometer hike, and the narrow rocky opening allows only one person at a time.
Thai rescue workers arrived over the weekend. Divers from several countries who participated in the 2018 Thailand cave rescue of 12 schoolboys and their coach are assisting the current operation. Video footage shared by Thai rescuers showed the five men wearing headlamps and sitting on a rock surrounded by muddy water.
Other videos captured rescuers cheering and embracing after the discovery. Bounkham said authorities had repeatedly warned local residents against entering the cave due to safety concerns. One villager escaped before the exit was blocked and alerted authorities, according to the Associated Press.
