Rescue teams race to reach seven trapped in flooded Laos cave

Rescue teams in central Laos are continuing efforts to locate seven people believed to be trapped inside a flooded cave in Phanchai Village, Longcheng District, Xaysomboun Province, after heavy rain blocked the cave exit last week.

According to the Laos News Agency, the search entered its sixth day on 25 May, following the incident reported on 20 May. Other reports said the group had entered the cave on 19 May to search for gold before a heavy downpour caused flash flooding and cut off their way out.

One person reportedly escaped before the exit was blocked and alerted authorities.

Provincial and district officials are coordinating the operation with Lao volunteer rescue groups and specialist teams from Thailand.

Organisations involved include the Association of Volunteers for Lao People, the Saijai Lao 1666 Foundation, the Saithan Association of Thailand, the Mettatham Association from Kalasin Province in Thailand, and the Jai Teung Jai Association of Vientiane Capital.

Divers from neighbouring Thailand have entered flooded sections of the cave and are trying to reach an area where the missing villagers may be trapped. Rescue teams believe the possible location is an elevated ledge inside the cave with continuous airflow, according to Lao state media. Water-pumping teams are also working to drain as much water as possible from the cave system.

Bounkham Luanglath, head of a Lao volunteer rescue association, told AFP that rescuers still did not know whether there were any signs of life inside the cave. Divers had begun navigating submerged areas but had not yet reached the missing group.

Around 100 people are reported to be involved in the operation at the site, about 125 kilometres north-east of Vientiane, the Lao capital. The rescue effort includes local authorities, police, soldiers, village youth groups and residents, who are helping carry food and essential supplies to rescue teams.

Emergency medical teams have been placed on standby near the cave. Ambulances, emergency vehicles, medical equipment and health personnel have been prepared to provide immediate treatment if the missing villagers are found and brought out.

The rescue has drawn support from experienced cave personnel from Thailand, including specialists linked to the 2018 Tham Luang cave rescue, in which 12 young footballers and their coach were brought out alive after nearly three weeks underground in northern Thailand.

As of the latest official Lao report, the missing villagers had not yet been found, and search operations were continuing.