Wed Jan 08 11:13:48 UTC 2025: ## Assam Mine Flood Traps Eight, One Body Recovered
**Umrangso, Assam:** A devastating mine flood in a 340-foot deep coal mine in Assam’s Umrangso has claimed at least one life and left eight miners trapped. Rescue efforts are underway, involving teams from the Navy, Army, NDRF, and SDRF, but officials have expressed grave concerns about the trapped miners’ survival chances.
The incident occurred Monday morning when a sudden rush of water flooded the “rat-hole” mine, a term referring to the narrow, unsafe tunnels characteristic of illegal mining operations. While some miners escaped, others were fortunate to be off-duty. However, those who escaped are anxiously awaiting news of their trapped colleagues.
One survivor, H Islam, described the terrifying experience, recounting the sound of rushing water and desperate cries for help. He recounted having minimal safety equipment and escaping only by being carried to the surface by the current. Another worker, Jalaluddin, who was off-duty, highlighted the dangerous and unsafe conditions in the mine, including the lack of safety gear and extremely cramped, low-lying tunnels barely allowing them to stand.
The Ministry of Defence confirmed that a Navy team of specialized clearance divers is participating in the rescue operation. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the deployment of additional de-watering pumps to expedite the rescue efforts. Currently, Army and NDRF divers are already inside the mine, with Navy personnel preparing to join them. Additional de-watering pumps from the SDRF and ONGC are also being deployed. The grim reality remains that the chances of rescuing the trapped miners alive are considered slim.
First Piper 