Rescue teams in Laos have successfully located five villagers alive inside a flooded cave system, ending a harrowing week-long search. The group had become trapped deep underground after heavy rainfall triggered landslides that obstructed the cave’s primary entrance.

The individuals were part of a larger party of seven who had ventured into the cave in search of gold deposits and local wildlife. While five survivors have been reached by emergency personnel, authorities confirmed that two members of the group remain missing. Search operations are currently ongoing to locate the remaining individuals.

Local officials noted that the rescue effort was complicated by the treacherous conditions inside the cavern, which remained partially submerged due to the recent severe weather. The survivors are currently receiving medical attention as teams continue to navigate the difficult terrain to find the two people still unaccounted for.