The cave is located in a rugged, remote area in Xaisomboun province’s Longcheng district, about 120 kilometres north of the capital, Vientiane.

Seven villagers entered the cave in central Laos five days ago looking for gold when heavy rain caused flash flooding, trapping them inside.

There has been no official confirmation on why the villagers went into the cave, although the rescuers involved said that they went in to look for gold deposits.