59 menit yang lalu
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Rescuers are racing to reach seven people who have been trapped in a flooded cave in central Laos for almost a week.
The group of villagers entered the cave in the Xaisomboun province on May 19. They were looking for gold inside the chamber when a heavy downpour triggered a flash flood and blocked the way out, state media reported.
Divers have begun navigating flooded sections of the cave but have not yet been able to reach the group.
"We still do not know whether there are any signs of life or if they are still alive," Bounkham Luanglat, the head of a Laotian volunteer rescue association, told the AFP news agency.
He said one of the villagers managed to escape the cave before the exit was blocked and alerted authorities.
Rescuers appeal for help from Thailand
About 100 people are involved in the rescue operations at the site, which lies some 125 kilometers (78 miles) northeast of the capital Vientiane.
Among them are two Thai cave experts and another from Finland who participated in the rescue of the "Wild Boars" soccer team in northern Thailand, state media reported. In that case, the 12 boys and their assistant coach spent nearly three weeks trapped in a flooded cave before a complex diving operation brought them all to safety.
The Laotian rescue group has appealed to charities in Thailand to send specialist personnel and equipment, including water pumps, generators and thermal imaging devices.
In a letter published over the weekend, the group described the situation as a humanitarian emergency. It said rescuers faced difficult conditions in the flooded cave system, which runs deep underground and has passages extending more than 100 meters (yards) from the entrance.
Read: China Sees ASEAN Tropical Fruit Boom with Express Laos Shipment
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
China Sees ASEAN Tropical Fruit Boom with Express Laos Shipment
40 hari lalu
The China-Laos railway serves as a "golden route" for tropical fruit commodities from Southeast Asian countries to enter Beijing.
Southeast Asia Grows Wary of Crypto Mining
29 November 2025
As illegal crypto mining and scam compounds proliferate across Southeast Asia, governments are discovering "cheap" power for bitcoin can mean losses.
Besides Indonesia's Whoosh, Which Countries Owe China for Infrastructure Development?
25 Oktober 2025
Like Indonesia's Whoosh project, many developing countries now face heavy debt after financing large infrastructure through Chinese loans.
Laos Coach: Indonesia's U-23 National Team Has Declined Compared to Shin Tae-yong Era
4 September 2025
Laos U-23 National Team coach Ha Hyeok-jun assessed the strength of the Indonesian U-23 National Team, coached by Gerald Vanenburg.
Indonesia U-23 Held to 0-0 Draw by Laos in 2026 Asian Cup Qualifier
3 September 2025
The U-23 Indonesian national team dominated possession with 70 percent compared to Laos' 30 percent in their 2026 Asian Cup qualifier.
Indonesia vs Laos: Prediction Ahead of 2026 U-23 Asian Cup Qualifier
3 September 2025
The match between Indonesia and Laos will take place at Gelora Delta Stadium on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at 7:30 PM.
Thailand-Cambodia Armed Clash at Disputed Border Leaves Two Civilians Dead
24 Juli 2025
Thailand and Cambodia are once again involved in an armed clash in the disputed border area, resulting in the death of two civilians and triggering a diplomatic crisis between the two countries.
8 Landlocked Countries in Asia, Including Laos
11 Februari 2025
This article explores the list of landlocked countries in Asia, each with their significant history and latest international dynamics.
Indonesia Held to 3-3 Draw by Laos in 2024 AFF Cup; Marselino Ferdinan Sent Off
12 Desember 2024
The Indonesian National Team was held to a 3-3 draw by Laos in their Group B match of the 2024 AFF Cup.
Shin Tae-yong Says Players Tired Ahead of Laos Match in 2024 AFF Cup
12 Desember 2024
Coach Shin Tae-yong has acknowledged that his players are experiencing fatigue ahead of their match against Laos in the 2024 AFF Cup.
English (US) · 
Indonesian (ID) ·