15 workers remain trapped in a coal mine in the 3 Kilo area of Umrangso, Dima Hasao district, after sudden flooding engulfed the site on Monday. The Assam Coal Quarry, the epicenter of the disaster, is now the focus of an intense rescue operation as authorities race against time to save lives. The flooding, which occurred without warning, has been attributed to a possible breach of an underground water source. Eyewitness accounts reveal a scene of panic as water surged into the mine, cutting off escape routes and leaving workers stranded deep below the surface. Mayank Kumar Jha, Superintendent of Police, Dima Hasao, commented on the situation: “We suspect several workers are trapped inside the coal mine. The exact number is yet to be confirmed, but efforts are underway to rescue them.” Emergency teams, including the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), have been deployed to the site.
Rescue personnel equipped with high-powered pumps and specialized gear are working tirelessly to drain the water and access the trapped miners. However, the remote location of the mine and continuous water inflow have posed significant challenges to the operation.”The unstable structure of the mine adds to the risk of further collapse, complicating rescue efforts,” an official from the SDRF stated. Despite these obstacles, rescue teams are persisting, hoping to reach the miners before time runs out. As the rescue operation progresses, families of the trapped workers have gathered at the site, their faces etched with anxiety. Community leaders have appealed for expedited rescue efforts, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.“We need immediate action and all available resources to ensure these workers are brought back safely,” said a local leader addressing the crowd.
The Assam government has stepped in, promising full assistance. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed his concern and directed the district administration to provide support to both the rescue teams and affected families. “Our thoughts are with the miners and their families during this difficult time,” the Chief Minister stated. A high-level inquiry has been initiated to determine the cause of the incident. Preliminary findings suggest that heavy rainfall in the region could have triggered the flooding, but officials are awaiting a comprehensive report to confirm whether lapses in safety protocols played a role.