After more than a week trapped in an underground cave in Laos, the first of five villagers is finally free, with an Aussie expert helping in the rescue.

Thai divers broke through to an area where they found five of the trapped villagers perched on a muddy ledge, but two others remain missing.

Five people who were trapped in a flooded Laos cave for eight days have been rescued.

Five villagers trapped inside a flooded cave in Laos for more than a week have been found alive, while two are still missing.

A diver describes the "emotional moment" when he found a group of men alive after they were trapped for more than a week in a Laos cave, while a South Australian renowned for his…

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The search to rescue two Laos villagers who are stuck in a flooded cave continues, according to emergency divers.

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An Australian specialised diver will join the rescue effort to free Laos villagers trapped in a cave.

South-East Asia correspondent Zach Hope tackles the steep terrain on the remote trail to find the people trapped in flooded Laos cave.

Rescuers are still working to prepare for the challenging operation to bring the villagers out of the cave

As divers continue their search for the people trapped inside a Laos cave for 10 days, rescue crews began their operation Friday to get the five other trapped victims.

Lao and Thai rescue workers posted the news on social media, along with a video showing the first rescued villager with a lamp strapped to his forehead.

Man is ‘safe and sound’ after perilous operation, leaving four inside a small chamber and two still to be located

The man, who walked unsteadily from the cave with assistance, is the first to be extricated from a group of five found this week, while two others are missing.

The man, who walked unsteadily from the cave with assistance, is the first to be extricated from a group of five found this week, while two others are missing.

The man, who walked unsteadily from the cave with assistance, is the first to be extricated from a group of five found this week, while two others are missing.

Evacuations for the other four villages have been paused

Seven villagers entered the cave last week and became trapped inside by flash flooding that blocked their way out. Five of them were found two days ago alive and in good health.

Rescue divers in Laos have safely evacuated the first of five local villagers who had been trapped in a cave for more than a week by floodwaters.

A specialist diving crew from around the world have arrived in Laos to help retrieve the other trapped men.