Reports indicate that over 15 workers may be trapped in a coal mine in Assam’s Dima Hasao district, near the Meghalaya border, following severe flooding.
The Indian Army has initiated a prompt Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operation to support rescue efforts in the area.
The Assam state government has urgently requested assistance from the Indian Army, with the formal requisition submitted by the state’s Home Secretary.
Army sources estimate that between 15 to 20 workers are likely trapped underground.
A Pathfinder Team from the 32 Assam Rifles arrived at the incident location at approximately 6:30 am on Tuesday to assess the situation.
An Engineer Task Force (ETF), led by the commanding officer of an Engineer Regiment and accompanied by PARA diving specialists, has reached the “Kilo 3” Police Outpost and is currently en route to the mine site, according to early reports from the Army.
Additional teams from the Assam Rifles and Engineer Task Force are on their way to bolster the ongoing rescue operations.
A helicopter carrying senior officials, including the Chief Engineer of the Dimapur-based Corps HQ, Inspector General of Assam Rifles (East), and the commanding officer of the PARA unit, is also in transit for reconnaissance purposes and to provide aerial assessments that will guide further rescue efforts.
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All efforts are focused on assisting local authorities to expedite the rescue operations and ensure the safety of those affected, according to Army officials.
Given the remote nature of the location and the limited infrastructure, this operation is being conducted under particularly challenging conditions, officials noted.
