Inspector Roshan Kumar Singh, team commander of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), confirmed that efforts to rescue trapped miners in Assam continue despite challenges posed by rising water levels. The operation, bolstered by sonar equipment and involving multiple agencies, remains underway as water flows into the mine, hampering progress.
“We have searched the vertical area but haven’t been able to locate anything yet,” Singh stated. “The water level has only increased and not decreased. We are using heavy pumps to remove water, but the situation remains difficult.”
This joint operation involves the Indian Navy, Indian Army, NDRF, and other agencies working together to expedite the search and rescue mission.
Singh highlighted the critical role of sonar equipment in the operation, saying, “The Indian Navy team, Indian Army, and NDRF have been conducting search and rescue operations with the help of sonar equipment for the third consecutive day.”
Earlier today, HPS Kandari, Commandant of the 1st Battalion of the NDRF, confirmed that two pumps are actively working to drain water from the site. “One pump is already operational, and the second will be started shortly. This process will continue overnight,” Kandari explained.
Once sufficient water is removed, rescue teams plan to conduct a manual search inside the mine. “After the water is drained, we can go inside to perform a manual search,” Kandari added.
A joint effort involving the Indian Army, Assam Rifles, NDRF, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and other agencies has been underway since January 6 to rescue eight workers trapped in the mine at 3 Kilo, Umrangso.
Tragically, the body of one of the nine trapped workers has already been recovered, while the remaining individuals remain unaccounted for. Rescue teams are racing against time as water levels inside the mine continue to rise.