BANGKOK, May 30 : Rescue teams in Laos successfully evacuated the first of five villagers trapped inside a flooded cave for more than a week, marking a major breakthrough in the ongoing multinational rescue operation.
Lao and Thai rescuers announced the development on Friday night, sharing video footage that showed the exhausted survivor being assisted out of the cave before undergoing a medical examination. His identity was not immediately disclosed.
The five villagers were located by divers on Wednesday after being stranded by rising floodwaters inside the cave in Laos’ central Xaisomboun province. However, two other villagers remain missing, and search efforts are continuing.
Rescue operations have been hampered by persistent flooding and adverse weather. Although teams have been pumping water from the cave system, overnight rainfall complicated efforts to secure safe evacuation routes. The trapped men have been supplied with food, drinking water and thermal blankets while awaiting rescue.
Footage recorded inside the cave highlighted the deteriorating condition of the survivors. One trapped villager, identified as Khamla, told rescuers he had little strength left and pleaded for an immediate escape attempt. Divers reassured him that water levels were being reduced and urged patience while providing supplies.
Authorities said the group entered the cave last week while searching for potentially valuable mineral deposits. One member of the group managed to escape before floodwaters sealed the cave entrance and later alerted officials.
The rescue effort has drawn international support, with teams from Laos, Thailand, Japan and Malaysia already on site. Specialists from Indonesia and France are also expected to join the operation.
Experts say the rescue remains highly challenging due to the cave’s narrow, twisting and submerged passages. Divers must navigate through dark, unfamiliar tunnels with virtually no visibility.
British cave rescue expert Gary Mitchell, who participated in the famous 2018 Thailand cave rescue, said extracting the trapped men could prove more difficult than locating them. He noted that rescue plans depend on factors such as passage size, dive distances, available equipment and medical support.
Mitchell warned that while waiting for floodwaters to recede may reduce some risks, survivors cannot remain underground indefinitely without adequate medical care, nutrition and clean water.
The five villagers found alive — identified as Khamla, Mued, Ee, Ing and Laen — were reported to be in stable condition but suffering from exhaustion, dehydration and lack of food.
In an emotional video message recorded inside the cave, one survivor, Mued, reassured his parents of his wellbeing and expressed hope of returning home soon.
Local officials said the villagers, who typically earn their livelihood by foraging in the surrounding mountains, may have entered the cave in search of gold or other valuable minerals after noticing unusual-colored rocks and sand deposits.
Despite the challenges ahead, rescue experts remain cautiously optimistic. Mitchell said the villagers’ ability to find higher ground and remain together significantly improved their chances of survival and eventual rescue.
