Five villagers trapped inside a flooded cave in Xaysomboun province have now been brought out alive in a major breakthrough in a rescue operation that has entered its tenth day.
Four survivors emerged from the cave at 3:10 PM on 30 May.
They were escorted safely out of the cave with help from emergency crews. Their rescue follows the successful extraction of another survivor on 29 May.
On 30 May, additional cave diving experts arrived at the site to help rescue teams assess conditions inside the cave and identify strategies to locate and reach the two villagers still trapped inside the cave.
Working alongside Lao authorities, rescue teams have been pumping water out of the cave to improve water flow and lower water levels more quickly.
Thai rescue team leader Kengkat Bongkawong reported that teams have also surveyed nearby reservoirs, waterways, and mining areas in search of additional drainage routes.
At 4:47 p.m. a Thai rescue volunteer reported rain returned to the area on 30 May, raising concerns that rising water levels could further complicate rescue efforts.
Operations will continue.


