Heavy rains in Laos hindered rescue efforts for two missing individuals in a flooded cave as of Sunday. This situation arose after five others trapped underground for over a week were saved. Finnish diver Mikko Paasi stated that rains filled the cave up to its second chamber, preventing further entry until water levels decrease.
The group, reportedly seven in number, initially entered the cave to search for minerals. A flash flood blocked their exit, leading to their entrapment. One individual managed to escape and inform authorities, prompting rescue teams from Laos and Thailand to collaborate.
In addition to local teams, divers from Finland, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia, France, and Australia participated in the operation. Many of these divers had experience from the 2018 Thai cave rescue, which had successfully saved 12 boys and their soccer coach.
Rescued individuals are receiving treatment at a local hospital and are in good condition, as noted by Malaysian diver Lee Kian Lie. He mentioned that interviews with the rescued regarding deeper cave regions continue to inform search efforts for the remaining two-lost nationals.
“We interviewed them about how the deeper part of the cave looks like. We will continue to search based on the information we have, and perhaps we will be able to get to the other two,”
Rescuers navigated over 200 meters into the cave, finding five chambers thus far. The rescued were located in the fifth chamber. According to Paasi, survivors mentioned a narrow crack that could lead to a deeper section. This crack is believed to connect to a sixth chamber, offering hope that rescuers might find the remaining individuals there.
The five who were rescued were identified as Khamla, Mued, Ee, Ing, and Laen. The first of these was guided out by an expert diver on Friday. The others exited Saturday when water levels receded enough for walking passage.
Footage shared online captured emotional scenes as the rescued emerged. They collapsed at the entrance, embraced by joyful workers. They received immediate care, wrapped in foil blankets and fitted with oxygen masks before further transport.