5 of 7 people trapped in flooded Laos cave for more than a week found alive, rescuers say

May 27, 2026 / 6:54 AM EDT

/ CBS/AP

Add CBS News on Google

Bangkok — Five villagers stuck in a flooded cave in central Laos for more than a week were found alive, rescuers said Wednesday, but two others are missing.The villagers entered the cave in Xaisomboun province on May 19, but heavy rain triggered flash flooding that blocked the exit and trapped seven people, according to Lao and Thai rescue teams involved in the operation. Bounkham Luanglath, of the Lao organization Rescue Volunteer for People, which has been working closely with local authorities in the rescue efforts, told The Associated Press five people were found safe and alive but two more are still missing and the search for them will continue. "I'm still shaking. Our team made it happen," he said in a voice message.

Members of a rescue team work to save people trapped in a cave in Xaisomboun Province, Laos, in this handout image released May 25, 2026.