Five found alive in Laos cave, rescue efforts continue for remaining two

Rescuers in central Laos have successfully located five of seven individuals who were trapped inside a flooded cave for over a week. The group, reportedly searching for gold and hunting wildlife, became stuck in Xaysomboun province around May 19 or 20 when heavy rainfall caused flash floods, blocking their exit.

Despite challenging conditions, including narrow and waterlogged passages, an international rescue team, comprising Lao and Thai experts, managed to reach the survivors. While the five found are reported to be healthy and in good spirits, they were suffering from hunger and dehydration.

The demanding extraction process for the rescued individuals is still ahead, and search operations are continuing for the remaining two people who are still unaccounted for.