Rescue Operations Underway in Assam as Miners Remain Trapped in Illegal Coal Mine

Rescue teams in northeastern India are working tirelessly to save miners trapped in a coal mine after it was flooded, amid fears of fatalities.

Rescue operations are underway in Assam’s Dima Hasao district after nine miners became trapped in a rat-hole coal mine due to flooding on Monday. Authorities revealed that three men are feared dead, as rescue teams have located bodies that are inaccessible. The site, known for its illegal mining operations, has seen increased search efforts involving divers, helicopters, and engineers as both state and national disaster response teams join the mission.

In a significant setback to safety regulations, illegal rat-hole mining persists in the region, despite a nationwide ban implemented in 2014. The Dima Hasao District police, led by Senior Official Mayank Kumar Jha, described the area as “remote” and challenging to navigate, complicating the rescue protocols. Initial reports indicated that, out of the nine miners, several managed to escape prior to the flooding, although precise figures remain unclear as authorities continue to assess the situation.

Tragically, the incident in Assam reflects a troubling pattern of mining disasters within India's northeastern states. This region has witnessed a history of mine-related accidents, including a notable case in December 2018 when 15 miners were trapped in a neighboring Meghalaya mine. Although five men managed to escape, many were lost until search efforts were suspended months later, with only two bodies recovered. Additionally, a fire incident in January 2024 in a Nagaland rat-hole mine resulted in six fatalities, underscoring the dire risks associated with such illegal mining practices.

The recent flooding incident has heightened calls for stricter enforcement of mining regulations and increased safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future. As rescue teams continue their efforts, the situation highlights both the urgent human cost of illegal mining and the ongoing struggle with regulatory compliance in the region.