LAOS – Five villagers trapped for more than a week inside a flooded cave in central Laos were found alive by rescue divers on Wednesday, while search operations continued for two others still missing, according to Lao and Thai rescue teams involved in the mission.
The incident unfolded in Xaisomboun province, about 120 kilometers north of the Lao capital Vientiane, after heavy rainfall triggered flash flooding that blocked the cave’s exit. Rescue organizations working with local authorities said the group had entered the cave on May 19 before rising water trapped them underground.
Rescuers said the five survivors were discovered sitting on a rock surrounded by floodwater deep inside the cave system. Thai rescuer Chakkit Taengtang posted video footage from inside the cave showing divers reaching the group and delivering food and water as preparations began for a difficult extraction effort.
The rescue operation has drawn regional attention because of the complexity of the flooded cave system and the involvement of experienced cave divers who previously participated in the 2018 Thai cave rescue. International reporting identified Finnish diver Mikko Paasi among the specialists assisting the operation.
Difficult Terrain Slows Rescue Efforts
The cave is located in a mountainous and remote part of Longcheng district in Xaisomboun province, an area rescue teams described as difficult to access due to steep terrain, narrow tunnels, and continuing rainfall. Rescue workers said some sections inside the cave were extremely confined and partly submerged.
Bounkham Luanglath of the Lao organization Rescue Volunteer for People said five villagers had been found alive, while efforts to locate the remaining two continued. The organization has been coordinating closely with local authorities during the operation.
Specialist divers involved in the rescue described navigating flooded passageways, collapse hazards, and areas with poor air quality inside the cave. International reporting stated that earlier rescue attempts were slowed by rising water levels and narrow access points.
Regional Cooperation Highlights Rescue Mission
Thai volunteer rescue teams joined Lao authorities in the operation after local responders requested additional technical assistance. Several rescuers involved in the mission were also part of earlier high-profile cave rescue efforts in Southeast Asia.
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There has been no official confirmation from Lao authorities regarding why the villagers entered the cave. Rescue workers involved in the operation said the group may have been searching for gold deposits inside the cave system.
Authorities have not publicly confirmed when extraction operations for the five survivors will begin. Information on the condition of the two missing villagers also remains limited.
