Indian Army mobilizes rescue team for trapped miners in Umrangso, Assam

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJanuary 6, 2025

The Indian Army has mobilized a rescue team to assist in freeing miners trapped in a flooded coal mine in Umrangso, a remote industrial town in Dima Hasao district, Assam.

The team, which includes divers, engineers, and other experts, is working under the guidance of an experienced officer. They are collaborating with local authorities to ensure a swift and effective rescue.

Reports indicate that 27 miners were trapped after flooding occurred early Monday. Ten miners escaped, but 13 to 17 remain unaccounted for. The mine is believed to have been operating without proper safety measures.

The flooding, which reportedly began around 7 am due to water overflowing into the mine, left those inside stranded.

While the district Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has yet to confirm full details, officials have stated that the Deputy Commissioner is visiting the site to assess the situation. “If confirmed, we will immediately initiate rescue operations,” said a DDMA official.

Families of the trapped miners are anxious, and the incident has raised concerns about illegal mining practices and safety measures in the area.

In a statement issued by the PRO & Spokesperson, Ministry of Defence, Manipur, Nagaland, and Southern Arunachal Pradesh, it was noted: “On being requisitioned for assistance, the Indian Army mobilized a Relief Task Force to rescue the miners trapped in Umrangso, a remote industrial town in Dima Hasao district of Assam, on 06 Jan 2025. The Task Force consists of a specialist team that includes divers, engineers, and other trained personnel in rescue operations. The team is equipped to undertake this sensitive and time-critical task in a coordinated manner under the supervision of a senior and experienced officer. Authorities are in constant communication with the civil administration for regular updates to ensure a speedy rescue of the trapped miners.”