Indian Navy Launches Rescue Mission in Assam's Flooded Coal Mine
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New Delhi, 8 Jan ( IANS) The Indian Navy has dispatched a specialized team to support the rescue efforts for miners trapped in Umrangso, an isolated industrial area in the Dima Hasao district of Assam. As of now, the remains of one of the trapped workers have been recovered by para divers.
This initiative was undertaken following an urgent call for help.
The Ministry of Defence has reported that this specialized group consists of one officer and eleven sailors, including highly trained Clearance Divers proficient in deep diving and recovery missions, and they are currently on-site.
“The rescue operation is actively progressing with Army and NDRF divers having already entered the well. Navy personnel are on location, finalizing preparations to dive in after them. In the meantime, SDRF dewatering pumps have left Umrangshu for the site. Furthermore, the ONGC dewatering pump has been loaded onto an MI-17 helicopter at Kumbhigram, awaiting favorable weather for deployment,” stated Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
The MoD announced on Wednesday that the team is fully equipped for this vital and sensitive mission, carrying specialized tools such as deep diving gear and underwater Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) for search and rescue operations.
This effort is being conducted in tight collaboration with the Indian Army, NDRF, and local civil authorities to ensure an immediate and efficient response.
The Indian Navy team from Visakhapatnam arrived at the site on Tuesday evening, facilitated by a coordinated airlift by the IAF. With intensive search and rescue activities ongoing, regular updates are being shared among all agencies involved to ensure a seamless and timely rescue operation.
Navy officials emphasized that the Indian Navy is dedicated to providing swift assistance during emergencies, showcasing its commitment to preserve lives and support the nation in critical situations.
The Indian Army is also playing a significant role in this rescue mission. The Rescue Task Force of the Indian Army and Assam Rifles, which includes divers and engineers, has made two attempts to dive into the mine at Umrangso in the Dima Hasao District of Assam to rescue the trapped miners.
Army engineers have assisted the civil authority in removing water from the mine.
At least nine workers have been confirmed trapped in a coal mine in the Umrangso area. Among these nine laborers, one is from Nepal, one from West Bengal, while the others are from various regions of Assam.
