In a dire situation, rescue teams in India's northeastern state of Assam are working tirelessly to save miners trapped in a flooded coal mine. As of January 7, local authorities reported that three bodies have been spotted, but has yet to recover them, raising fears that the total death toll could rise.

Initially, nine miners were confirmed trapped following the flooding that occurred due to a suspected breach of an internal water channel. In response to the escalating crisis, India's Army has deployed divers, helicopters, and engineers to assist in the rescue efforts. District police chief Mayank Kumar stated that the miners are believed to be located approximately 300 feet under the surface.

The mine, located in the remote Dima Hasao district, is known for its hazardous conditions, especially in "rat-hole" mining operations that continue despite a ban imposed in India since 2014. Only minimal safety measures are observed in these illegal mines, contributing to frequent accidents. In a similar past incident in 2019, at least 15 miners lost their lives in an illegal mine in neighboring Meghalaya due to flooding.

Rescue efforts are being coordinated by both the State Disaster Response Force and the National Disaster Response Force, working alongside local authorities. As stated by Assam's Mines Minister, resources are being mobilized swiftly to reach the trapped individuals, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

As the rescue teams continue their perilous work, the hope remains that more miners will be brought to safety, amidst growing concerns over the safety regulations in the mining industry.