In a tragic development, rescue operations resumed on Wednesday morning to save nine coal miners trapped in a flooded mine in Assam. The Indian Army, Assam Rifles, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and other agencies have been working tirelessly to rescue the miners who have been stuck since Monday.
The flooding in the Assam Coal Quarry, located in the 3 Kilo area of Umrangso, has been caused by the sudden opening of an underground water channel. As of the latest updates, water levels inside the mine remain dangerously high, with around 100 feet of water filling the shafts.
The Incident and Immediate Rescue Efforts
The incident took place early on Monday morning, around 7 a.m., at the Assam Coal Quarry in Dima Hasao district. The mine, a key site for coal extraction, was suddenly flooded after an underground water channel, previously unnoticed, opened up and flooded the entire mine.
According to a miner who was fortunate enough to escape the flooding, the situation unfolded quickly. “Suddenly, people began shouting that water was filling the mine,” he recounted. Around 30-35 individuals were able to escape the mine’s rising waters, but 15-16 miners remained trapped inside. The trapped miners’ families have been anxiously waiting for any news of their loved ones.
Since the disaster, a large-scale rescue operation has been launched with multiple agencies working together. Despite facing difficult conditions, the rescuers have been relentlessly pushing forward in an attempt to bring those trapped to safety. The rescue operation was briefly paused but has now resumed with renewed focus.
First Recovery and Challenges Ahead
On Wednesday morning, authorities confirmed the recovery of one body from the mine. While the tragic loss is a somber reminder of the dangers faced by those working in such hazardous conditions, the teams continue their efforts to locate and rescue the remaining miners.
NDRF Deputy Commandant N Tiwari, who is overseeing the operation, expressed determination, stating, “We are working diligently and aim to reach the trapped miners as soon as possible.” Despite the challenges posed by the flooded mine, rescue teams are making progress, though the water levels remain an obstacle to faster recovery.
The NDRF and other agencies involved in the operation have been using specialized equipment to pump out the water and create safe passages. However, the rising water levels have made the task even more challenging, requiring carefully coordinated efforts.
Foul Weather and Equipment Delays
Compounding the problem is the region’s unpredictable weather and the difficult terrain surrounding the mine. The rescue teams have had to deal with rain, slippery surfaces, and the limited availability of equipment capable of working in such extreme conditions. The situation has been further complicated by the fact that the flooding was caused by an underground water source, making it challenging to determine how to control the water flow.
Despite these complications, authorities are hopeful that they can make further progress in the coming hours. Experts have been working alongside the military and other response units to strategize on ways to quickly mitigate the flooding and reach the miners trapped deep inside.
Assam Chief Minister’s Involvement and Continued Monitoring
Assam’s Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, has been closely monitoring the situation. Despite his busy schedule with roadshows for the upcoming Advantage Assam 2.0 investment and infrastructure initiative in Mumbai and New Delhi, Sarma has made it clear that the rescue operation remains a top priority for the state government.
Sarma has emphasized that the water inside the mine remains at a critical height of approximately 100 feet, posing significant challenges to the rescue operation. The state’s administration has committed to providing all the necessary resources to ensure the safety of the trapped miners and support the ongoing operation.
A Close Watch on the Outcome
As rescue efforts continue, the families of the trapped miners are anxiously awaiting news. While the recovery of one body is a tragic setback, it has not deterred the hopes of many that the remaining miners will be rescued. The combined efforts of the Indian Army, Assam Rifles, NDRF, and SDRF are focused on reaching the trapped miners safely.
The success of the ongoing operation will depend on how quickly the rescuers can deal with the remaining water and create an escape route for the miners. While hope remains, the time is critical, and every passing hour brings with it both fear and optimism.
