A rescue operation is underway in central Laos after seven volunteer divers became trapped inside a cave following a landslide triggered by heavy rain, with teams warning that additional oxygen supplies are urgently needed to sustain the mission.
The incident occurred in Xaisomboun province, where the group of Lao nationals had reportedly entered the cave last week in search of gold before sudden flooding and a landslide cut off their exit route, according to local volunteer teams and state-linked media reports.
At least five of the seven individuals have reportedly been located alive inside the cave system, although none have yet been brought out as rescuers continue efforts to reach them safely.
Thai volunteer rescue leader Kengkard Bongkawong said more oxygen cylinders and a refilling setup are urgently required at the site, stressing the need to maintain air supply deep within the confined underground environment.
However, conflicting reports have emerged among volunteer groups, with differing claims on whether all seven individuals have been found, and officials say the information has not yet been independently verified.
Thai rescue teams had earlier stated that five victims were located, while another volunteer organisation in Laos claimed all seven had been found and confirmed safe.
Such discrepancies are not uncommon in large-scale emergency operations, particularly in remote terrain where communication is limited and conditions are rapidly changing.
Rescue teams from Thailand and Laos continue to coordinate efforts on the ground, with volunteers drawing on experience from previous high-profile cave rescue operations in the region as they race against time to stabilise conditions and complete the extraction.
