Laos cave rescue breakthrough after five villagers found alive in Xaisomboun flood trap
Five villagers trapped inside a flooded Laos cave for more than a week have been found alive, sparking emotional scenes as the search continues for two others.
Five villagers trapped inside a flooded cave in central Laos for more than a week have been found alive, sparking emotional scenes among rescue crews as the search continues for two others still missing.
The group became trapped inside the cave in Xaisomboun province after entering on May 19, when flash flooding triggered by heavy rain cut off the exit, according to Lao and Thai rescue teams involved in the operation.
Rescuers confirmed on Wednesday that five of the seven villagers had been located alive deep inside the cave system.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“I’m still shaking. Our team made it happen,” Bounkham Luanglath from the Lao organisation Rescue Volunteer for People said in a voice message after the discovery.
Footage shared by Thai rescue groups appeared to capture the dramatic moment divers surfaced and located the survivors, who were seen perched on rocks surrounded by floodwater and wearing headlamps in the darkness.
Celebrations erupted both inside and outside the cave, with videos showing rescuers embracing, cheering and jumping with relief following the breakthrough.
The search, however, is far from over. Two villagers remain unaccounted for and teams say efforts to locate them will continue.
The rescue operation has drawn support from neighbouring Thailand, with specialist divers arriving over the weekend to assist. Among those involved are cave rescue experts who previously participated in the complex 2018 mission to save 12 boys and their soccer coach from a flooded cave in northern Thailand.
The cave sits in the mountainous Longcheng district of Xaisomboun province, roughly 120 kilometres north of Vientiane, where steep terrain, heavy rain and dangerous conditions have complicated rescue efforts.
Social media footage posted by rescuers shows the difficult approach to the cave, involving a four-kilometre trek through rugged terrain before reaching a narrow, rocky entrance barely wide enough for one person to pass at a time.
Authorities have not confirmed why the villagers entered the cave. However, Bounkham previously said locals were known to visit the area in search of gold despite repeated warnings about the dangers of entering during unstable conditions.
- with AP
