In the early hours of January 6, 2025, a tragic incident unfolded in Assam’s Dima Hasao district when a coal mine flooded, trapping nine miners approximately 300 feet underground. The flooding was triggered by water gushing in from an adjacent unused mine.
Rescue operations commenced immediately, with teams from the Indian Army, Assam Rifles, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) converging on the site. Despite their relentless efforts, the situation remains dire. Rescuers have reported spotting three bodies, though recovery has not yet been possible. The mine’s depth of about 150 feet, with nearly 100 feet filled with water, has significantly hampered progress.
The mine in question appears to have been operating illegally, a fact that has drawn sharp criticism and concern from various quarters. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that local police have arrested one person in connection with the case.
This incident is a stark reminder of the perils associated with illegal mining activities in the region. The 2019 disaster in Meghalaya, where at least 15 miners lost their lives in similar circumstances, underscores the urgent need for stringent safety regulations and enforcement.
As rescue teams continue their efforts, the nation watches with bated breath, hoping for a miracle. The incident has reignited discussions about mining safety standards and the imperative to prevent such tragedies in the future.
For a visual overview of the ongoing rescue operations, you can watch the following news coverage:
Officials stated that, despite the deployment of suction devices to drain water from the well, approximately 100 feet of water remained in the mine until Tuesday evening. While officials have not determined the reason of the flooding or the source of the water, the 3 Kilo region is approximately 5 kilometers from the Umrangso artificial lake, which was formed by damming the Kupili River.
A team of Indian Navy deep divers from Visakhapatnam, armed with a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), a highly agile underwater machine used for probing ocean depths, arrived at the scene late Tuesday afternoon to assist with rescue efforts.
“The divers from the navy did an underwater recce of the mine early on Tuesday evening. We have arranged for lighting in the area so that rescue operations can continue at night as well, but it is for the navy team to decide what course to take,” said Das.
A 35-member NDRF team, led by commandant HPS Kandari, is performing rescue operations at the spot.
Army forces have been dispatched to rescue the nine laborers, and a relief task group of specialists such as divers and sappers, armed with vital tools, has arrived at the Umrangso site, according to a defense spokesperson.
“Engineers task force with equipment, divers and medical teams from the Indian Army and the Assam Rifles have joined the rescue efforts,” he said.