Assam: 15 workers trapped after water floods coal mine in Umrangso, rescue operations underway

Fifteen labourers are reported trapped inside a coal mine in the 3 Kilo area of Umrangso, located in the Dima Hasao district of Assam, after water flooded the site on January 6. The Assam Coal Quarry, the location of the accident, became the focus of intense rescue efforts as authorities scrambled to save the lives of the trapped miners.

The flooding occurred suddenly, leaving the workers with no time to escape. The exact cause of the water intrusion remains unclear, but early reports suggest that an underground water source may have been breached, leading to the rapid influx of water into the mine. Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos as the water level rose swiftly, cutting off escape routes and trapping the miners deep underground.

The Dima Hasao Superintendent of Police, Mayank Kumar Jha, stated, “Several people are feared trapped inside the coal mine in the Umrangso area. We cannot confirm the exact number of trapped individuals at this time.”

As news of the incident spread, emergency response teams were mobilized quickly. Local authorities, along with the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), began coordinated rescue operations. Specialized equipment was deployed to pump out water from the mine, and additional manpower was brought in to assist with the effort.

The rescue teams faced significant challenges due to the remote location of the mine and the continuous influx of water. Despite these difficulties, rescuers worked tirelessly, using high-powered pumps to reduce water levels and create access points for reaching the trapped workers.

The rescue operation is fraught with risks. The unstable structure of the flooded mine poses a danger of further collapse, making it hazardous for the rescue teams. Moreover, the continuous flow of water complicates efforts to stabilize the situation and reach the miners.

The families of the trapped miners have gathered at the site, anxiously waiting for news of their loved ones.

Local community leaders have urged the authorities to expedite the rescue efforts and ensure that all necessary resources are made available to bring the workers out safely.

The Assam government has taken note of the incident and assured all possible assistance to the rescue operation. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed concern over the incident and directed the district administration to provide all necessary support to the rescue teams and the affected families.

A high-level inquiry has been ordered to determine the cause of the flooding and assess whether there were any lapses in safety protocols at the mine. Preliminary investigations suggest that heavy rains in the region may have contributed to the water ingress, but a detailed report is awaited.