Umrongso coal mine tragedy
Guwahati, Jan 9: The body of a miner, identified as Rajen Sherch (42) from Udaipur district, Nepal, was recovered at 8:45 am on Wednesday from a coal mining site in 3 Kilo, Umrongso, Assam’s Dima Hasao district. The discovery occurred as rescue operations resumed despite challenging weather conditions.
NDRF spokesperson Amod Kumar confirmed that the body was handed over to the police immediately after its recovery from the bottom of the flooded mining site. Rescue efforts are being led by the 1st Battalion of the NDRF and Army Para Divers, who resumed operations Wednesday morning despite intermittent rainfall hampering progress.
The NDRF, SDRF, Indian Army, Navy, Assam Rifles, and Fire & Emergency Services are collaborating to rescue the remaining trapped miners. A naval team from the Eastern Naval Command, equipped with a deep diver, joined efforts on Tuesday afternoon to enhance operations. The 35-member NDRF team is working under the supervision of Commandant HPS Kandari.
High water levels inside the mine, reaching nearly 100 feet, severely impede progress. According to an official from the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASSDMA), three bodies have been sighted but remain unretrieved due to water and logistical challenges.
Local reports suggest that 27 miners, aged 26 to 57, were initially trapped when the incident occurred, of whom 10 managed to escape. Between 13 and 17 miners remain unaccounted for. The miners, who are from Assam, West Bengal, and Nepal, were trapped.
Identified among the trapped are- Hussain Ali (30), Assam; Jakir Hussain (38), Assam; Sarpa Barman (46), Assam; Mustafa Sheikh (44), Assam; Khusi Mohan Rai (57), Assam; Sanjit Sarkar (35), West Bengal; Lijan Magar (26) and Assam; Sarat Goyary (37), Assam
Rescue teams continue to face significant obstacles due to adverse weather and high water levels, while families of the trapped miners await updates.
