Rescue teams are on a mission to reach seven villagers trapped in a cave in central Laos. The group entered the cave in Xaisomboun province on May 19 in search of gold. However, heavy rain caused a flash flood that blocked the exit, leaving them stranded.
A member of the group managed to escape before the entrance was sealed. This individual alerted local authorities. The current condition of the seven trapped villagers is still unknown.
The narrow cave is frequently visited by locals searching for gold, despite repeated safety warnings from officials. Bounkham Luanglath, the leader of Laos’ Rescue Volunteer for People, has emphasized these ongoing risks.
Thai rescue teams joined the effort on Sunday. Divers are now exploring submerged areas of the cave to locate the trapped individuals.
The Laos Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not provided any comments on the situation. As a one-party communist nation, Laos often restricts public information dissemination.