Teams try to save men trapped in cave for almost a week in Laos

Rescue teams from Thailand joined efforts on Monday (25) to save seven residents trapped in a cave in Laos after flash flooding blocked access to the underground site.

Residents were stranded in Xaisomboun province on May 19 when heavy rains triggered a flash flood, causing water to invade the cave and block the entrance.

Authorities reported that the men had descended more than 100 meters below the surface in search of gold. It is believed that they worked alone in artisanal or small-scale mining, without links to an official mining company.

As conditions worsened, one of the group managed to escape and alerted authorities, triggering an urgent rescue operation.

Teams described the scene as extremely dangerous, with confined spaces, strong currents, narrow passages and a possible lack of oxygen making access difficult.

Images show emergency teams preparing specialized equipment before heading to the scene.

Another video shows teams heading to the affected area.

Upon arriving at the cave entrance, the team performed traditional rituals believed to show respect to local spirits before commencing operations.

They then deployed rescuers to assess internal conditions, while installing air supply systems and rope access equipment to facilitate entry into areas where people are believed to be trapped.

Water pumps had previously been installed to drain the cave, but persistent rain continued to hamper progress and raised concerns about rising water levels.

Lao authorities have mobilized administrative staff, soldiers, police, medical personnel and local residents to support ongoing efforts. A Chinese rescue team was also on site, assisting in the operation.

The operation is reminiscent of the rescue in the Tham Luang cave, in Chiang Rai, northern Thailand, which unfolded over an intense 18 days in the summer of 2018.

Twelve young members of a local football team were trapped while exploring the cave and were later rescued.

Source: CNN