Guwahati, Jan 14: Rescue operations at the flooded Umrangso mine in Assam have been significantly impacted as Navy divers were withdrawn after nine days of efforts. Five workers remain trapped in the quarry, and hopes of their survival are dwindling.
On January 6, a sudden rush of water flooded the abandoned quarry in Dima Hasao district, trapping nine workers. As of January 14, four bodies have been recovered, but the remaining five labourers are still missing.
Dewatering operations, aided by specialized pumps from ONGC and Coal India, have lowered the water level by 3 meters from its initial depth of 100 feet. However, officials remain uncertain when the water will be fully cleared or when the search and rescue operations inside the mine will resume.
The Navy divers, who joined the operation on January 7, were withdrawn from the site on January 14. The rescue mission continues with the support of the Army, Assam Rifles, NDRF, SDRF, and local authorities. An underwater remote-operated vehicle is also being used to capture images inside the mine to assist in locating the trapped workers.
The quarry, abandoned 12 years ago, was under the Assam Mineral Development Corporation until three years ago. An investigation into the incident is ongoing, with the police having arrested the leader of the workers. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi has called for a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the illegal mining practices in the region, alleging local complicity and weak law enforcement.
