Coal Mine Disaster: Navy Divers Withdraw as Pumping Efforts Persist to Save Workers
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Guwahati, Jan 9 (NationPress) Four Navy divers who ventured into the coal mine located in Assam's Umrangso region to assist in the rescue of at least 8 trapped workers have returned, according to officials on Thursday.
Currently, pumping machines are actively being utilized to remove water from the mine, while drone mapping of nearby water bodies is underway to gain a clearer understanding of the situation inside the coal mine.
A senior official remarked, "The four Navy divers have returned to the surface. Pumping operations are set to resume for dewatering. Additionally, we are conducting drone mapping of surrounding water bodies and inquiries are ongoing."
High-capacity suction pumps to aid in dewatering the mine were sourced from various locations within the state. "These high suction pumps were transported by helicopter to enhance our pumping capabilities," the official noted.
Harmeet Singh, the Special DGP of Assam Police overseeing the rescue operation, previously stated, "While the dewatering of the tunnel has commenced, certain channels are still channeling water back into the tunnel. We have been deploying smaller pumps to draw water out of the tunnel, while the Navy divers are inspecting the tunnels for rescue purposes. However, they have not yet identified any individuals."
He further explained that the Indian Navy's rescue team is utilizing a Remote Operating Vehicle (ROV) to explore the coal mine. The rescue team has also employed advanced equipment to navigate through the various tunnels within the coal mine.
In the meantime, Singh confirmed that the body of one labourer has been retrieved and sent to Haflong for post-mortem examination and will be returned to the family following the necessary procedures.
It is significant to note that the body of one of the trapped labourers was located by the para divers, as announced by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday.
In a message on X, CM Sarma stated, "21 Para divers have successfully recovered a deceased body from the depths of the well. Our thoughts and condolences are with the bereaved family."
The Chief Minister also informed that the rescue operation is ongoing with the involvement of both Army and NDRF personnel entering the well. At least nine labourers have been confirmed as trapped in the coal mine located in Umrangso.
Among the nine trapped labourers, one is a national from Nepal, one hails from West Bengal, while the others are from various regions in Assam. They have been identified as Ganga Bahadur Shreth, Hussain Ali, Jakir Hussain, Sarpa Barman, Mustafa Seikh, Khusi Mohan Rai, Sanjit Sarkar, Lijan Magar, and Sarat Goyary.
