More than 15 workers are believed to have been trapped after a coal mine in Assam’s Duma Hasao district close to Meghalaya border was flooded.
The Indian Army has launched a swift Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) mission to aid in rescue operations.
The Assam state administration, sought immediate assistance from the Indian Army, with a formal requisition forwarded by the Home Secretary of Assam.
The Army sources said anywhere between 15 to 20 workers are suspected to be trapped.
A Pathfinder Team from 32 Assam Rifles reached the incident site at 6:30 am on Tuesday to conduct an initial assessment of the situation, said Army sources.
An Engineer Task Force (ETF) under the Commanding Officer of an Engineer Regiment, along with PARA diving specialists, has reached the “Kilo 3” Police Outpost and moving to the mine site, the early morning report available with Army said.
The Army officials said additional teams from Assam Rifles and Engineer Task Force are en route to reinforce the ongoing rescue efforts.
A helicopter carrying senior officials, including the Chief Engineer of Dimapur based Corps HQ, Inspector General Assam Rifles (East), and the CO PARA unit, is also underway for a reconnaissance and provide aerial assessment and guide further operations.
Video Credit: Businessline
All endeavour are being made to assist the civil authorities to expedite rescue operations and ensure the safety of those affected, Army officials observed.
Given the remote location and lack of infrastructure, this mission is being carried out under challenging conditions, they pointed out.