GUWAHATI: A body has been recovered from the ill-fated mine in which 15 miners are feared trapped after it was flooded on January 6.
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The decesed has been identified as Ganga Bahadur Srestho from Udayapur district, Nepal.
The recovery was made by 21 Para divers as part of ongoing rescue operations at the mine in Umrangso, Dima Hasao district.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, providing the information on his official X handle, stated, "21 Para divers have just recovered a lifeless body from the bottom of the well. Our thoughts and prayers are with the grieving family."
21 Para divers have just recovered a lifeless body from the bottom of the well. Our thoughts and prayers are with the grieving family. https://t.co/y9bUP6tn4H
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) January 8, 2025
The accident occurred when a sudden and unexpected flooding trapped the miners, who were unable to escape in time. Since then, a large-scale rescue operation has been underway, involving the Indian Army, Assam Rifles, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), SDRF and Navy divers besides police. These teams are working to locate and rescue the trapped miners from the hazardous, waterlogged mine.
The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has also deployed de-watering pumps from Umrangshu to help clear the flooded area, and an ONGC de-watering pump is on standby, awaiting weather clearance after being loaded onto an MI-17 helicopter at Kumbhigram.
Army specialists, including divers and sappers, are leading the rescue efforts in close coordination with civil authorities. Despite the tragic death, the operation continues, with hopes of locating any survivors.
