In a tragic turn of events, nine labourers are currently trapped inside a flooded coal mine in Assam’s Dima Hasao district. The incident, which has sparked widespread concern, unfolded at the Assam Coal Quarry in Umrangso following what officials described as a “sudden gush of water” inundating the site. While preliminary reports cite nine individuals as trapped, quarry employees have raised alarms that the number could be as high as 15 to 20, heightening fears for the safety of those still unaccounted for.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed the situation through a statement on social media platform X, expressing his distress over the incident. “Distressing news from Umrangshu, where labourers are trapped in a coal mine. The exact number and status are yet unknown. The DC, SP, and my colleague Kaushik Rai are rushing to the site. Praying to God for everyone’s safety,” he wrote. This heartfelt appeal underscores the urgency of the rescue operations underway.
In response to this alarming situation, rescue teams have been mobilized, consisting of personnel from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). The Chief Minister has also requested assistance from the Army to bolster these efforts. Given the precarious conditions within the mine, the rescue teams face significant challenges, including navigating treacherous terrain and adverse weather conditions that may hinder their progress.
The labourers trapped inside the mine have been identified as Ganga Bahadur Shreth, Hussain Ali, Jakir Hussain, Sarpa Barman, Mustafa Seikh, Khushi Mohan Rai, Sanjit Sarkar, Lijan Magar, and Sarat Goyary. Their identities have been confirmed by the Chief Minister’s office, which is actively monitoring the situation and coordinating with rescue teams on the ground.
