Five Trapped Villagers Found Alive in Flooded Laos Cave, Two Still Missing

In Laos, five villagers trapped in a cave by flash floods have been rescued while the search continues for two others. The group's ordeal began on May 19 in Xaisomboun province. Local and international rescuers are involved in the challenging and dangerous operation.

In a remarkable rescue operation in central Laos, five villagers who were trapped in a flooded cave for over a week have been found alive, while search efforts persist for two others who remain missing. The rescue, which took place in Xaisomboun province, was confirmed by local authorities and international teams on Wednesday.

Bounkham Luanglath, a key figure from the Lao organisation Rescue Volunteer for People, expressed relief and excitement when the survivors were located. "I'm still shaking. Our team made it happen," Luanglath stated after the successful rescue. Videos captured by rescuers show the emotional scene as divers reunited with the villagers, who had been seated on a rock in the partially submerged cave, each equipped with a headlamp.

Rescue workers from Thailand joined the mission over the weekend, recalling their experience from the famous 2018 Thai cave rescue. The joint operation, hindered by difficult terrain and heavy rainfall, continues to search for the two missing villagers amid warnings about entering the cave, which local residents reportedly use for gold hunting despite safety risks.