Rescuers in Laos Drain Flooded Cave to Free Five Trapped Villagers
Teams from Laos and Thailand are pumping water from a cave in Xaisomboun province where five men have been trapped since mid-May. Search efforts continue for two additional missing villagers.
The IndependentRescue teams in central Laos are pumping water from a flooded cave to reach five villagers who have been trapped for more than a week. The operation is taking place in Xaisomboun province, about 120 kilometers north of Vientiane. The five men entered the cave on or around May 19 or 20 to look for minerals.
Heavy rain on May 21 caused flooding that blocked their exit. An eighth person escaped and alerted authorities.
Divers from Laos, Thailand, and a Malaysian volunteer have reached the men and delivered food and water. The men were identified by their first names as Khamla, Mued, Ee, Ing, and Laen. Video recorded by Thai diver Norrased Palasing shows them sitting on a rock inside the cave.
Kengkaj Bongkawong, head of the Thai rescue group Metta Tham Rescue Kalasin, said divers from Indonesia, Japan, and France are also traveling to the site. The Lao organization Rescue Volunteer for People is coordinating the effort.
Search teams continue to look for two additional villagers who remain unaccounted for. Bounphong Khammanyvong, a local official in Longcheng district, said the group had noticed rocks or sand with unusual colors and entered hoping to find valuable minerals.
Friday’s plan to pump water and extract the five men was delayed by overnight rain that sent more water into the low-lying cave entrance. Officials said the men appeared exhausted but otherwise in good health.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
4 events- May 19-20
Eight villagers entered the cave; one escaped and alerted authorities.
1 sourceThe Independent - May 21
Heavy rain flooded the cave, trapping five men inside.
1 sourceThe Independent - May 28
Divers reached the five men and delivered food and water.
1 sourceThe Independent - May 29
Pumping operation delayed by overnight rain; search for two missing continues.
1 sourceThe Independent
Potential Impact
- 01
Pumping may allow extraction of the five men later on May 29 if rain stays light.
- 02
Continued rain could further delay water removal and extend the men’s time inside.
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