Assam mine collapse: Special team reaches site to rescue trapped workers, to proceed after dewatering

Dima Hasao (Assam) [India], January 10 (ANI): A 12-member special rescue team of Coal India reached the site of the mine collapse in Assam's Dima Hasao on Friday, to locate and rescue eight workers who are still trapped underground in the inundated rat-hole mine.
Notably, despite joint efforts by the Indian Army, Assam Rifles, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and other agencies since January 6, when the mine mishap took place, only one body has been recovered from the mine.
KK Roy, Rescue Instructor of Eastern Coalfield Limited, Coal India, said that they will proceed only after the dewatering of the mine is completed, adding that he is hopeful for a positive result by tomorrow.
"12 of us have come here...We would begin once dewatering happens. There are chances of oxygen deficiency in the shaft, normal people would not be able to go in. So, we have come here. We have a breathing apparatus, we will go in with the machine and check the gas...Only the rescue person can go in...So, we have been called here...We are ready for operation...We hope we will have a positive result by tomorrow," he told ANI.
Maloth Sunil Kumar, Assistant Manager of Eastern Coalfield Limited, Coal India also said that they will only be able to proceed after dewatering.
"Our operation would begin after complete dewatering. We won't be able to do anything as long as there is water...We are a total of 12 people here," he said.
Earlier, a heavy-duty pump from Coal India, with a capacity of 500 GPM (Gallons Per Minute), was brought in. An NDRF official mentioned that multiple pumps would be installed to drain the water from the mine.
Speaking to ANI about the collaborative efforts, NDRF 1st Battalion Commandant, HPS Kandhari, said, "Efforts are being made to pump out the water. One pump has been installed, and more pumps have been brought. A heavy-duty pump has also arrived. NDRF is assisting in the process... it is a joint effort."
K Mere, General Manager of Northeastern Coal Field said that they have brought one high-capacity pump of 500 GPM from Nagpur, and it is being installed.
"We've also brought two generators to power this heavy pump. Installation will take about 24 hours to complete, and the installation work will continue in three shifts. The pump can drain 500 gallons of water per minute. We don't know the exact situation underground," Mere said. (ANI)