Rescuers attempt to free seven villagers trapped in flooded Longcheng cave in Xaysomboun province.

Urgent rescue operation underway for villagers trapped in Xaysomboun cave
 
Rescue operations are continuing in Phanxay village, Longchaeng district, Xaysomboun province, where seven people are strandedinside a flooded cave following heavy rainfall on May 20.
The villagers entered the cave on the same day to search for gold deposits before becoming trapped when the cave became flooded.
On May 24, Chairman of the Xaysomboun Provincial Administration Committee, Major General Bouaphan Inthapanya, supervised efforts by an emergency response team from Thailand who arrived to support Lao rescuers, military personnel, and local residents in the ongoing mission.
Major General Bouaphan coordinated operations between the Lao and Thai rescue teams and encouraged all personnel involved to proceed with the utmost care, including soldiers and villagers assisting at the scene.
Speaking on Monday, Vice Chairwoman of the Administration Committee of Xaysomboun Province, Mrs Phetsamai Phoxayavong, who also heads the Provincial Disaster Management Committee, said the rescue operation was verychallenging because of continuously rising water levels inside the cave caused by ongoing rainfall.
Lao and Thai rescue teams have been working around the clock to reach the trapped villagers. However, floodwater, difficult terrain, and poor weather conditions have slowed operations and forced rescuers to proceed with caution.
On the afternoon of May 24, more rescue personnel arrived in Longchaeng district. An initial reconnaissance team made up of six Thai divers and three local residents entered the cave to assess conditions and gather information for the next phase of operations.
By 8pm, preparations were underway for a second rescue attempt.
However, heavy rain caused more flooding inside the cave, increasing water levels and widening the main outlet channel. Difficult road conditions also delayed the arrival of critical rescue equipment, forcing officials to temporarily suspend diving operations.
Despite these difficulties, water pumping operations are continuing throughout the day and night in an attempt to lower the water level in the cave.
The plan for Monday was for divers to pass through about 30 metres underwater before climbing a steep incline where it is thought the stranded group is located.
A medical team, ambulances, and rescue vehicles remain on standby outside the cave 24 hours a day. Authorities have also prepared food, equipment, and emergency supplies for personnel involved in the mission, while security teams are ensuring safety and public order around the operation area.
The Vientiane Rescue Team 1624 said three cave-diving experts from Thailand and Finland were also assisting after they previously participated in the 2018 rescue mission involving Thailand’s “Wild Boars” youth football team at Tham Luang Cave, which attracted international attention.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update May 26, 2026)