5 Of 7 people trapped in Laos flooded Cave found alive, rescue operation continues

Five out of seven villagers who became trapped in a flooded cave in Laos have been found alive by rescue teams, while efforts continue to locate the remaining two individuals.

According to rescuers, specialist cave divers located the survivors inside an underground cavern in the central Laotian province of Xaisomboun. The group remains trapped inside the cave as operations continue to bring them to safety.

A rescue diver involved in the mission confirmed that “5 people have been found safe,” while adding that search operations for the remaining two are still underway. Local rescue teams also confirmed that all five located individuals were alive and in stable condition.

Rescue officials said the survivors are currently stranded in a difficult-to-access section of the cave system, where teams are working to deliver essential supplies and assess their condition before planning an extraction strategy.

Divers involved in the operation described the conditions as extremely challenging, with narrow, partially flooded tunnels and limited visibility making navigation difficult. In some sections, rescuers reportedly had to remove equipment to pass through tight gaps.

According to reports, the villagers entered the cave in search of gold when heavy rainfall triggered flash flooding, blocking their exit route and trapping them inside.

Rescue teams, including more than 100 personnel and experienced international cave divers, are working on the operation. Some of these divers had previously participated in the high-profile 2018 Thailand cave rescue mission.

Officials said the trapped individuals are believed to be located on an elevated ledge inside the cave system that still has airflow, which has helped them survive until now.

Authorities are continuing coordinated rescue efforts and are expected to attempt a carefully planned extraction once conditions inside the cave are stabilised.