Five of Seven Villagers Found Alive in Flooded Laos Cave

Rescuers in Laos have found five of seven villagers trapped in a flooded cave for more than a week, officials said Wednesday, while two others remain missing. The group entered the cave in Xaisomboun province on May 19, but heavy rains caused flash flooding that blocked the exit and trapped them inside.

The discovery sparked jubilant scenes among rescue teams at the remote site about 75 miles north of the capital, Vientiane. Videos posted by rescue groups showed the trapped villagers sitting on a rock surrounded by muddy water, each wearing a headlamp. Above ground, rescuers celebrated with hugs, cheers, and tears of relief.

Bounkham Luanglath, of the Lao organization Rescue Volunteer for People, which has worked closely with local authorities on the operation, told The Associated Press, “I’m still shaking. Our team made it happen.” He confirmed that five people were found alive but said the search for the remaining two would continue.

The cave is a narrow, steep, and rocky chamber located in a rugged mountainous area of Longcheng district. Reaching the entrance requires a difficult 2.5-mile hike through dense jungle. The muddy pit that served as the mine entrance has become the hub of rescue operations.

Authorities have not officially confirmed why the villagers entered the cave. However, Bounkham said the site was frequently visited by locals searching for gold deposits despite repeated warnings from officials about safety risks.

Rescue efforts have involved teams from Laos and neighboring Thailand. Thai divers who participated in the 2018 rescue of 12 schoolboys and their soccer coach trapped in a cave in northern Thailand have joined the mission. They began navigating flooded sections of the cave toward the area where the villagers were believed to be trapped.

The state-run Lao Economic Daily and Lao National Radio reported the involvement of Thai rescuers who arrived at the site over the weekend. The challenging terrain and ongoing heavy rain have hampered rescue efforts, but the discovery of the five survivors marks a significant breakthrough in the operation.