Rescue efforts are underway in Assam’s Dima Hasao district to save nine miners trapped inside a flooded coal mine. Three of the men were feared dead after rescue teams spotted bodies they could not reach. The Indian army, local administration, and police forces are working together to coordinate the relief operation.
The “rat-hole” mine, which is manually dug to extract coal, was flooded on Monday morning despite a ban on such mining since 2014. Small illegal mines continue to operate in Assam and neighboring states, posing significant risks to miners.
The Indian army has sent its relief task force, including divers, sappers, medical staff, and equipment, to assist with the rescue efforts. Authorities are ascertaining the exact number of people trapped, with reports suggesting that more than a dozen miners managed to escape initially.
Mine-related disasters are common in India’s northeast, with previous incidents reported in Meghalaya and Nagaland states. The remote location of the mine makes it difficult for rescue teams to access.
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by India’s mining industry, which continues to operate despite safety concerns and bans on illegal mining.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5yv1pl7vjpo