Even before the men went into the Laos cave to fossick for gold, the rain has started. Their families told this masthead that they had been warned not to go, “but they didn’t listen”.

Seven Laotian villagers entered a cave five days ago searching for gold and were trapped inside after heavy rain triggered flash flooding.

The villagers were searching for gold in the cave when flash flooding blocked their way out. The rescue effort includes Thai experts who aided in the dramatic recovery of a youth…