Rescue operations at the flooded coal mine in Umrangso, Dima Hasao district, Assam, have led to the recovery of a fifth body, officials confirmed on Tuesday. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Indian Army continue search and rescue efforts to locate four miners who remain trapped underground.
The disaster, which struck on January 6, 2024, occurred when sudden water ingress flooded the coal mine in the Kalamati area of Umrangso, trapping nine miners inside. Since then, extensive operations have been underway to recover the trapped individuals.
Rescue Teams Recover Fifth Body Amid Intensified Search Efforts
Assam’s Minister of Mines & Minerals, Kaushik Rai, confirmed the latest body recovery, stating:
“One more body has been recovered by the rescue teams today. The identification process is currently underway.”
With this, the total number of recovered bodies has risen to five, while efforts continue to locate the remaining four missing miners.
Earlier, four bodies had been successfully retrieved since the start of rescue operations, led by:
- The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)
- Indian Army personnel
- Local emergency response teams
Officials have assured that search efforts are being intensified, with specialized teams deployed to navigate the dangerous flooded tunnels of the coal mine.
Financial Assistance for Families of Trapped Miners
In response to the tragic incident, the Assam government has announced ex-gratia compensation for the families of both the deceased and the still-trapped miners.
On January 18, Assam Mines and Minerals Minister Kaushik Rai personally handed over cheques of ₹10 lakh each to the next of kin of the four recovered miners.
For the families of the five still-trapped miners, the government provided an initial ex-gratia amount of ₹6 lakh, with an additional ₹4 lakh to be disbursed later, as per an official statement.
Breakdown of Ex-Gratia Compensation
- ₹10 lakh for all nine trapped miners (including both recovered and missing miners).
- ₹6 lakh already given to the families of trapped miners (₹4 lakh pending).
- Funds sourced from:
- ₹6 lakh from the Assam Chief Minister’s Relief Fund
- ₹4 lakh from the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA)
The Assam state cabinet had previously decided that all nine miners—both deceased and those still missing—would receive equal financial aid.
Timeline of the Assam Coal Mine Disaster
January 6, 2024
- Sudden flooding in the Umrangso coal mine in Dima Hasao district traps nine miners.
- Rescue operations initiated immediately.
January 10-15, 2024
- Four bodies recovered from the flooded tunnels.
- Search continues for the remaining five trapped miners.
January 18, 2024
- Assam Minister Kaushik Rai hands over ex-gratia cheques to victims’ families.
- ₹10 lakh announced for each of the nine affected miners’ families.
February 2024
- Fifth body recovered, bringing the total death toll to five.
- Search operations continue for the remaining four miners.
Challenges in the Rescue Operations
Harsh Working Conditions
- Flooded underground tunnels make rescue efforts dangerous.
- Lack of visibility and unstable terrain hinder operations.
Need for Advanced Equipment
- Water-pumping systems and specialized mining rescue tools are required.
- Heavy-duty drilling and underwater search teams deployed.
Uncertain Fate of the Remaining Miners
- Experts fear that the remaining four miners may not have survived due to prolonged exposure to floodwaters, lack of oxygen, and collapsing structures.
- However, rescue teams remain hopeful and are working tirelessly to recover all missing individuals.
Coal Mining in Assam: A Dangerous Industry
This incident highlights the ongoing risks faced by workers in coal mines across Assam. Illegal and unregulated mining activities have long been a concern in the region.
Key Issues in Assam’s Coal Mining Sector
- Frequent flooding and collapses in poorly maintained mines.
- Lack of safety regulations and monitoring.
- Dangerous working conditions for laborers.
- Environmental degradation caused by unregulated mining.
In response to past accidents, the Assam government has pledged to tighten mining regulations. However, illegal mining still continues, posing grave risks to miners and local communities.
Public Reactions and Government Response
The tragedy at the Umrangso coal mine has sparked outrage and grief among the local population, with families demanding stricter safety measures for coal miners.
- Community leaders and activists have criticized the government for not addressing safety concerns in mining operations earlier.
- Political leaders have called for a thorough investigation into the cause of the mine flooding and any potential negligence.
- Environmental groups have urged the government to review coal mining policies to prevent future disasters.
Assam Government’s Promised Actions
- Strengthening coal mine safety protocols.
- Implementing stricter mining regulations.
- Providing better working conditions for miners.
- Enhancing disaster response capabilities.
A Race Against Time
With five bodies recovered and four miners still missing, the Assam coal mine disaster continues to be a grim reminder of the dangers of mining in the region. As search operations intensify, authorities remain hopeful yet cautious about the fate of the remaining trapped miners.
The state government’s financial aid offers some relief to affected families, but calls for mining reforms and better safety measures grow louder. The tragedy in Dima Hasao underscores the urgent need for improved mine safety, stricter government oversight, and better emergency response mechanisms to prevent such incidents in the future.