The Indian Army, along with Assam Rifles, has deployed specialised rescue teams to Umrangso in Assam’s Dima Hasao district, where at least nine labourers are trapped in a flooded coal mine.
Officials confirmed on Tuesday that an Engineer Task Force (ETF), equipped with diving specialists, medical teams, and essential equipment, has joined the ongoing rescue operations.
The Defence PRO in Guwahati tweeted: “Engineers Task Force with equipment, divers, and medical teams from the Indian Army and Assam Rifles have joined rescue efforts in Umrangso, Assam. All efforts are underway in close coordination with the civil administration.”
The first response team from the 32 Assam Rifles Pathfinder Unit reached the site at 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday, conducting initial assessments and coordinating early rescue efforts.
Recognising the need for specialised expertise, the Army dispatched an ETF under the Commanding Officer of an Engineer Regiment, along with PARA diving specialists trained for such challenging scenarios.
Aerial resources have also been deployed to enhance situational awareness. Senior officials, including the Chief Engineer of the Dimapur-based Corps HQ, the Inspector General of Assam Rifles (East), and the Commanding Officer of the PARA unit, conducted an aerial reconnaissance mission to guide rescue strategies.
The incident, which occurred on Monday, has left 15 to 20 miners trapped underground, though officials later identified nine of them. Among the trapped workers are one Nepali national, one from West Bengal, and seven from various parts of Assam.
The identified labourers are: Ganga Bahadur Shreth, Hussain Ali, Jakir Hussain, Sarpa Barman, Mustafa Seikh, Khusi Mohan Rai, Sanjit Sarkar, Lijan Magar, and Sarat Goyary.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma requested the Army’s assistance and confirmed that the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are en route to aid the operation.
“We have requested the Army’s assistance in the ongoing rescue operation. Praying to God for everyone’s safety,” Sarma posted on X (formerly Twitter).
District Commissioner and Superintendent of Police from Dima Hasao have been dispatched to oversee operations, while Food and Civil Supply Minister Kaushik Rai rushed to the site on Monday to assess the situation.
“Distressing news from Umrangso, where labourers are trapped in a coal mine. The exact number and status are yet unknown,” Sarma wrote on X.
Rescue teams face difficult conditions, including limited infrastructure in the remote region. The ETF, Assam Rifles, and civil authorities are working tirelessly to rescue those trapped and ensure their safety.
Further updates are awaited.
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