Rescue operation continues in Umrangso: 8 miners still trapped in flooded coal mine

A joint rescue operation involving the Indian Army, Assam Rifles, NDRF, SDRF, and other agencies is in progress to save eight workers trapped in a coal mine at 3 Kilo, Umrangso area since January 6. 

Tragically, the body of one of the nine workers has already been recovered from the mine.

The operation faces significant challenges due to the accumulation of water inside the mine, hampering rescue efforts. 

On January 8, HPS Kandari, Commandant of the 1st Battalion, NDRF, provided an update on the progress. 

He stated, "The process has already started; they are using two pumps. One is already pumping the water, and the other one is also getting started. This process will go on through the night...once the water is removed, we can go inside and do the manual search."

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Rescue teams are working tirelessly to drain the water from the mine to enable safe entry for manual searches. 

Local authorities have deployed additional resources to expedite the process. The families of the trapped workers anxiously await updates, as the rescue teams remain committed to retrieving the remaining individuals safely.

This incident has brought attention to safety concerns in coal mining operations, with many calling for stricter enforcement of safety regulations to prevent similar tragedies.

Further updates will be provided as the operation progresses.