Assam coal mine tragedy: 3 dead, 6 trapped as rescue efforts continue

A coal mine disaster in Assam's Dima Hasao district has claimed three lives, leaving six miners trapped in a flooded mine. The incident on Monday in the 3 Kilo area of Umrangso underscores the dangers of "rat-hole mining," a hazardous practice in the region.

The tragedy unfolded when a sudden surge of water flooded the 300-foot-deep mine. Initial investigations suggest the flooding may have been caused by damage to an underground water source during excavation. The mine’s narrow tunnels were quickly inundated, trapping the workers inside. Floating helmets and slippers raised alarm about the grim conditions underground.

Rescue teams were deployed early Tuesday morning, with personnel from the Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and Navy divers working to locate and free the trapped miners. The operation began around 9 AM, nearly 24 hours after the incident. Navy divers are on standby if conditions worsen.

17 miners have been rescued, but communication with six remaining miners has not established. The trapped individuals include workers from Assam, West Bengal, and Nepal. Identified miners are Ganga Bahadur Shreth (Nepal), Krishna Pada Sarkar (West Bengal), and Hussain Ali, Jakir Hussain, and Mustafa Sheikh (Assam).

The bodies of three deceased miners, aged 26 to 57, have been spotted from the surface. However, their recovery is delayed due to the mine's depth and dangerous conditions. Rescuers face the challenge of navigating narrow tunnels and managing rising water levels in the flooded mine.

The disaster site in Umrangso is a remote, hilly region, complicating the rescue mission. Rescue teams are working tirelessly, despite the challenging terrain and hazardous conditions. Families of the trapped miners are anxiously waiting at the site, hoping for the safe return of their loved ones. Their anguish has been palpable, with prayers and tears marking the tense hours since the incident.

This incident has renewed attention to the dangers of rat-hole mining, a common practice in the region. Workers descend into narrow, unstable tunnels to extract coal. The method is perilous for the miners and poses significant environmental risks. Accidents, especially flooding and collapses, are frequent and often fatal.

Authorities will continue rescue efforts until all trapped miners are accounted for and pledged support for victims' families. This tragedy raises questions about safety measures in mining operations. Experts and activists have called for stricter regulations and monitoring to prevent such disasters.

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