DIMA HASAO: Nine laborers were trapped inside a flooded coal mine in Assam's Dima Hasao district on Monday due to a sudden water surge.
The incident took place at the Assam Coal Quarry in the 3 Kilo area of Umrangso. Preliminary reports indicate that around 15 workers were inside the mine, though the exact number is yet to be officially confirmed.
According to a post shared by the Chief Minister, the trapped workers 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.
Under the supervision of Assam’s Mines and Minerals Minister, Kaushik Rai, rescue operations have been commenced at the Assam Coal Quarry in 3 Kilo, Umrangso, Dima Hasao, following reports of a mishap. Authorities are working tirelessly to address the situation.
A 30-member team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is stationed at the site, leading the rescue and recovery efforts. Eight members of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are also actively supporting operations.
A team from the Assam Police Radio Organisation (APRO) is en route to the site to establish communication with the District Emergency Operations Centre (DEOC).
The staging area in charge is on their way to oversee and coordinate the activities on the ground. While recovery operations have started, the situation remains grim.
Ground reports indicate the presence of three dead bodies at the site, although retrieval efforts are still underway. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, and further updates are awaited.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed his concern in an update, stating, “Distressing news from Umrangshu, where laborers 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.”
The state has sought assistance from the Indian Army, while teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are also on their way to support the rescue operation.
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