Indian Rescuers Race Against Time to Save Miners Trapped in Flooded 'Rat-Hole' Mine

Rescue efforts are underway in India as authorities rush to save several miners trapped in a flooded 'rat-hole' mine. The incident occurred in a remote area, where the narrow and unregulated mining tunnels are notoriously dangerous. The miners became trapped after sudden flooding, with water levels rising rapidly due to recent heavy rains. Rescue teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), are working tirelessly, using pumps and other equipment to drain the water and reach the miners. 

'Rat-hole' mining, a method involving digging narrow, horizontal tunnels into hillsides to extract coal, is common in some regions despite being illegal due to its hazardous nature. The practice has led to numerous accidents over the years, raising concerns about the safety and regulation of these operations. Officials are hopeful but acknowledge the challenging conditions. The families of the trapped miners are anxiously waiting for updates as rescue operations continue. Tags: India, rat-hole mining, miners trapped, rescue operation, flooding, illegal mining, NDRF, mining accidents, disaster response, miner safety