Tue Jan 07 11:03:18 IST 2025: ## Nine Coal Miners Trapped in Flooded Assam Mine; Rescue Operation Underway

**UMRANSO, ASSAM –** A major rescue operation is underway in Assam’s Dima Hasao district after at least nine coal miners became trapped in a flooded mine. The incident, which occurred unexpectedly on Monday, has prompted a massive response involving the Indian Army, Navy, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).

According to officials, the water level inside the mine has risen to approximately 100 feet, hindering rescue efforts. The Assam Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, confirmed the names of the trapped miners: Ganga Bahadur Shreth, Hussain Ali, Jakir Hussain, Sarpa Barman, Mustafa Seikh, Khushi Mohan Rai, Sanjit Sarkar, Lijan Magar, and Sarat Goyary. He expressed gratitude for the swift response from the army and navy, whose deep divers are being flown in from Visakhapatnam to assist.

Army engineers, divers, and medical teams, along with Assam Rifles personnel, are working in coordination with local authorities and mining experts to reach the trapped miners. Two water pumping machines have been deployed to help lower the water level. The remoteness of the mine, approximately 30 km from the nearest police station, adds to the complexity of the rescue. While the exact cause of the flooding remains unclear, initial reports suggest the water seeped into the mine sometime before 8 a.m. on Monday. The Chief Minister and other officials have expressed hope for the safe return of the miners.

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