Harrowing Coal Mine Flooding in Assam
A tragic incident unfolded in Assam, India, when a coal mine was suddenly flooded, trapping several miners. Ravi Rai, a survivor of this disaster, shared his terrifying experience of clinging to a rope in deep water for nearly an hour. As rescue operations continue, the situation remains dire for those still trapped. This incident highlights the ongoing dangers associated with illegal mining practices in the region, despite a ban on such operations.
The Incident: A Sudden Flood
On Monday morning, Ravi Rai was working in a coal mine in the hilly Dima Hasao district of Assam when disaster struck. Water from a nearby abandoned mine surged into the pit, catching the miners off guard. “We were working inside the mine when water entered suddenly. We don’t know from where it came,” Rai recounted. The miners quickly scrambled for safety, but the situation escalated rapidly.
Rai described how he and his colleagues found themselves in 50 to 60 feet of water, hanging onto a rope attached to a crane. For nearly an hour, they clung to the rope, fearing for their lives. “We slipped back into the water again, but we managed to escape,” he said, reflecting on the harrowing moments of uncertainty. Local reports indicate that more than a dozen miners managed to escape, but the fate of others remains unclear.
Rescue Operations Underway
Rescue teams are working tirelessly to save the miners still trapped in the flooded mine. The Indian army and navy have joined forces with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to assist in the operation. Deep-sea divers and specialized teams have been deployed to pump out water and locate the trapped individuals. However, high water levels have made the rescue efforts challenging.
HPS Kandhari, a senior NDRF official, noted the difficulties faced by rescuers. “It is very difficult to get inside the water; there’s hardly anything visible,” he explained. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed that the mine appears to be illegal, prompting police investigations. One individual has already been arrested in connection with the incident.
The Ongoing Threat of Illegal Mining
This tragic event underscores the persistent issue of illegal mining in Assam and other northeastern states of India. Despite a ban on rat-hole mining imposed in 2014, many small illegal mines continue to operate. These mines are often dangerous, with accidents occurring frequently.
In January 2024, six workers lost their lives in a fire at a rat-hole coal mine in Nagaland. Similarly, in 2018, a group of miners was trapped in an illegal mine in Meghalaya after it was flooded. Only two bodies were recovered after extensive rescue efforts. The ongoing risks associated with illegal mining practices highlight the need for stricter enforcement of regulations and improved safety measures to protect workers in the industry.
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