Rescue operations for the five miners trapped in a flooded coal mine in Assam’s Dima Hasao district are being hindered by suspected seepage of water from underground streams, officials said on Thursday. The continuous dewatering process, which involves several pumps, has been slow as the water level is receding at a slower pace due to the replenishment of water from underground sources.

The mine in the Umrangso area was flooded on January 6, trapping nine workers. Four bodies have been recovered, but the remaining five miners are still trapped. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed that 18 machines are being used for the dewatering, with the water level receding by about one foot per day. The water, initially black, is now becoming clearer, which suggests the infiltration of fresh underground water.

Rescue operations are being carried out by NDRF, SDRF, and army personnel, though navy divers have been withdrawn. The mine, abandoned 12 years ago and under the management of the Assam Mineral Development Corporation until three years ago, remains the focus of the rescue efforts.