The body of one of nine miners trapped inside a flooded “rat hole” coal mine in Assam’s Dima Hasao district has been recovered by a team of Indian Army divers, marking a grim milestone in ongoing rescue efforts.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed the development via Twitter, stating, “21 Para divers have just recovered a lifeless body from the bottom of the well. Our thoughts and prayers are with the grieving family.”
The body recovered from the well has been identified as Sri Ganga Bahadur Srestho from Udayapur district, Nepal. https://t.co/XZ6XsvNEc5
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) January 8, 2025
Multi-Agency Rescue Efforts
The rescue operation, involving the Indian Army, Navy, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), continues as teams work tirelessly to locate the eight remaining miners. The workers became trapped on Monday after heavy rains caused water to rush into the illegal 300-foot-deep mine near the Assam-Meghalaya border, flooding the shafts.
According to sources, the mine is submerged under approximately 100 feet of water, posing significant challenges for the rescue teams.
Advanced Equipment and Techniques Deployed
The Navy has brought in specialised diving equipment, underwater cameras, and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) equipped with advanced sonar systems to map the submerged mine and locate the missing miners. The NDRF has been instrumental in providing surface-level support, including dewatering the mine and reinforcing its structure to ensure the safety of rescuers.
Rescuers face formidable obstacles, including unstable shafts, strong water currents, debris, and near-zero visibility. The high-water table and continuous seepage have further slowed the dewatering process.
Challenges and Progress
Despite the challenges, rescuers are making critical progress. The recovery of one miner’s body underscores the complexity of the operation while also offering hope that the ongoing efforts may yield further results.
The Assam government has pledged its full support, with Chief Minister Sarma stating, “We are doing everything possible to rescue those trapped and to support their families during this difficult time.”
Community and Government Response
The tragedy has drawn attention to the dangers of illegal mining, particularly in the “rat hole” mines common in the region. Known for their narrow and hazardous conditions, these mines have long been criticized for their risks to workers.
As the rescue teams push forward, the priority remains dewatering the mine and ensuring the safety of all personnel involved. The operation has united the efforts of multiple agencies, showcasing their dedication to saving lives under extraordinarily difficult circumstances.
The families of the trapped miners and the broader community remain in limbo, hoping for a positive outcome as rescuers continue their race against time.
