Guwahati, Jan 15: Rescue operations continue at a flooded coal mine in Assam’s Dima Hasao district, where five workers have been trapped for 10 days. The workers were trapped on January 6 when the quarry became submerged, and despite dewatering efforts, they have yet to be located.
Nine dewatering pumps are actively working to reduce the water level, which initially reached 100 feet. The water has receded significantly, but the current level is still being monitored. Authorities plan to send in divers once the water level is low enough to safely carry out a search.
Four bodies have been recovered so far, with the first body found last Wednesday and the remaining three recovered on Saturday. Divers from the navy, army, and NDRF have been involved in the recovery efforts, though navy divers were withdrawn after the last body was retrieved.
The rescue operation continues with the support of the army, Assam Rifles, NDRF, SDRF, and the district administration. An underwater Remote Operating Vehicle (ROV) is also being used to capture images inside the mine to aid the search.
The mine, which had been abandoned 12 years ago, was under the control of the Assam Mineral Development Corporation until three years ago, according to the chief minister. Despite dwindling hopes for the survival of the remaining workers, rescue operations are ongoing.
