Body of 1 miner recovered from flooded coal mine in Assam, 8 still trapped
The body of one of nine miners trapped inside a ‘rat hole’ coal mine in Assam’s Dima Hasao district was recovered by a diving team of the Indian Army on Wednesday.
Multiple agencies, including the Navy and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), continue operations to rescue the eight remaining workers struck in the flooded mine. As a result of heavy rain, water gushed into the 300-foot-deep illegal mine situated in Umrangso, a remote industrial town near the Assam-Meghalaya border, trapping the nine workers on Monday.
As per sources, water has filled approximately 100 feet of the mine.
The Navy has deployed specialised diving equipment and underwater cameras to support the search. The NDRF, working alongside local authorities, has been instrumental in coordinating surface-level operations, including dewatering the mine and reinforcing its structure to ensure the safety of the rescuers.
The operation has been fraught with challenges. Rescuers have had to navigate narrow and unstable shafts, strong water currents, and debris, all while working in near-zero visibility. Pumping out water from the mine has been a slow process due to the high-water table and continued seepage, further complicating the efforts.
Despite these difficulties, the combined efforts of the Army, Navy, and NDRF have enabled critical progress. The retrieval of the body marks an important step forward, with divers continuing to explore the submerged shafts.
The Indian Navy’s use of underwater remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and advanced sonar systems has been instrumental in mapping the submerged mine, while the NDRF has focused on logistical support, including setting up safety lines.
The Assam government has pledged full support to the operation, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma saying, “We are doing everything possible to rescue those trapped and to support their families during this difficult time.” The focus now remains on dewatering the mine and ensuring the safety of rescuers as they continue their search.