Laos Cave Rescue LIVE | Cave Divers Lead Dangerous Mission to Save Trapped Villagers | N18G

Added: 2026-05-31

[00:00:00]way of explaining what is happening at this hour as we've now crossed noon in this part of the world. They're an hour behind us in Lao, 11:00 a.m. local time.

[00:00:07]And what I mean by all of this is they're trying to clear a huge path through the jungle, Alex, to bring in a bigger generator because the logic here is if you have a bigger generator with more power, you're able to pump out a whole heck of a lot more water much faster. And that is the critical component of this whole equation. They were able to make their way into this cave system 220 m around 800 ft. If they're able to pump out that rainwater from the flash flooding last Wednesday, the rescuers seem to think that the men are well enough to be assisted and led out of there if none of all of this water that we see uh is flooding the cave system. So, when this is going to happen, that's the uh critical question.

[00:00:55]When they're able to bring in that bigger generator. I can tell you, Alex, since the last time we spoke, there is more international expertise that is on the ground. More expert divers from France, Indonesia, uh, Malaysia are now on the ground to bring as much knowhow as possible to increase their chances of coming out in great shape. I think also one more dramatic element that we should add, we just put this into our live story on CNN.com with Laura Charman, our own coach heading the by line for that food is big. We were talking yesterday, the last hit that we had with you about how they've been getting some soft food, but apparently, you know, who can blame them? That is certainly not enough. We have a new quote from one of the people who's stranded in there telling a rescuer, quote, "If we don't get any food, we're out of strength. if we're still here after another two days, we will be dead.

[00:01:55]I mean, that is an arresting quote if there ever was one right there. Probably one of the most dramatic quotes uh that we've gotten from the rescue scene.

[00:02:02]Yeah.

[00:02:02]>> Yeah. And if you think about the fact that, you know, they may need to walk out of there, they need to have some strength based off of how you're describing this as well. They may be helped, but it's so narrow. They may need to do some of this on their own. We know that weather clearly was a big factor in starting this whole thing. I mean, that's why the rain came. Are is there any more rain coming?

[00:02:27]>> So, 79% chance of rain today and it pretty much tapers over the next couple days. I think when I was looking at the forecast a couple minutes ago, it drops to 40 something% and then by Monday, Tuesday, it's like 3% 1%. But conditions, I know it's so much easier for us to see these images from our TV screen or from our phones. Feels like 104 degrees Fahrenheit today. Feels like 40° C for all of the rescuers who are there. So, you add still rain today and those temperatures. I mean, it's miserable. And our hearts, our minds, prayers go out to everybody who's part of that rescue effort. An incredible, incredible job. But that's the latest we have for you right now, Alex. A team of specialized divers is taking the first step towards what it hopes will be the rescue of five men trapped deep inside a flooded cave in Laos. Crews starting to pump water up to the surface in hopes of bringing the men to safety. The five men entered the cave more than a week ago, searching for gold deposits. A torrential downpour triggered flash flooding inside the cave system, blocking their exit. It took rescuers days to even find them. Now comes the even tougher part, getting them out.

[00:03:38]Mike Valerio has been following all of this. Mike, we talked to you an hour ago. I understand you have an update now about what's happening.

[00:03:50]The update is that they're determined to make this happen today. That is a direct quote from the president of the Lao People's Volunteer Association, which is running this rescue. and their pumping, getting all that water out of there has been much more successful than they thought it would be. So that is the headline, but I want to jump to a sound bite. You were talking before the commercial break of what the people inside there need. And the short answer is food, but better food and rice to be even more specific. So let's listen to the soundbite. It's about 37 seconds long inside the cave. We'll talk more on the other side.

[00:04:50]Okay. Okay.

[00:04:53]Okay. Okay.

[00:05:05]So, they've been able to bring in more food since then and medical supplies and they've had some sort of medical check to make sure that everybody is okay.

[00:05:13]That uh also we should note is from Tuesday and this is Friday. So, certainly just giving you an idea of their state of mind, what they need right after they were found. So, when we were talking last hour, we were telling you that the main objective was to bring a generator 2 and a half miles from essentially where the main road ends into this huge thicket of giant jungle roots, uh, shrubs, huge trees, and they've been able to move a bigger generator closer to the cave site, which has allowed them to pump water out faster. I didn't realize this, though.

[00:05:46]We've gotten from this update that we mentioned at the top of the segment that everybody needs to be out of the water when it is being pumped out because of the risk of electrical shock while the pump is working. So that of course means that everybody has to get out. Uh it takes about 3 hours we learned yesterday to go from point A the beginning to point B where the five men are about 260 m uh 850 some odd feet into that tunnel system. So again, the main headline, they're hoping to do this today if the rain stops and there's about a 79% chance of rain today. It starts to drop off significantly after today, but that is our main headline here. Cautious optimism in the middle of this jungle in Cisboom Province. Lao Mike Valerio. Stay with Mike and CNN for coverage of that because it will be quite something if they're able to pull this off in the next few hours. Thank you for that.

[00:06:46]>> Yeah.

[00:06:47]>> Tonight, divers are still aiming to get these five men out of a flooded cave in Laos. They were found alive yesterday after being trapped underground for more than a week. They'd gone in the cave looking for gold. Two others are still missing. Randy Kay has an update.

[00:07:01]>> Five alive.

[00:07:02]>> Trapped in this cave for more than 10 days, this villager had a message for his family.

[00:07:09]>> Don't worry, the villager named Ing tells his mom, "We're safe. I miss mom and dad so much. He says he sounds hopeful he'll get out in a day or so.

[00:07:18]Another villager named Khan tells his wife to stay strong and wait for him.

[00:07:26]>> This young villager tells his mom and dad he's still strong and he'll be able to go home soon. Emotions are running high in the cave with some of the trapped villagers crying.

[00:07:38]You might be like lying.

[00:07:39]>> Their rescuers tried to reassure them, telling them, "The important thing is you're alive. You've done really well.

[00:07:46]Don't cry. Don't cry."

[00:07:48]>> Meanwhile, above ground, a celebration.

[00:07:53]>> Loved ones and rescuers overjoyed that five of the seven trapped villagers have been found.

[00:08:00]Now, the work begins to get the villagers out of the cave. As one rescuer put it, "It ain't going to be easy." The tunnel more than 1100 ft deep presents a number of challenges and the villagers are trapped about 850 ft from the cave's entrance. Inside the cave there is hydrogen sulfide, a foul smelling gas given off by decomposing backdroppings. The gas was so strong it's caused some crew members to faint.

[00:08:27]And the cave is a maze of narrow passages, some less than 2 ft wide.

[00:08:33]So maneuvering is incredibly difficult for even the most skilled cave dwellers.

[00:08:40]Rescue teams are working hard to pump as much of the rain water out of the cave so the villagers can walk or even crawl out instead of having to swim.

[00:08:50]>> On Instagram, one of the cave divers posted this video. It shows him working to prepare his team for the extraction of the villagers from the cave. And if and when they do make it back to where they entered, there is a steep 45 degree descent they will have to overcome to get back outside. Two others who are believed to have entered the cave first and are not connected to this group that was found are still missing. Randy K, CNN.

[00:09:19]>> Rescue workers are hoping the weather will hold so they can bring five men out from a remote cave in Laos where they've been trapped for nearly a week. Crews are pumping water out of the cave to clear a path to safety for the men. The group had been searching for gold deposits when flash flooding cut off their exit route, stranding them for more than 25 uh 250 meters inside the cave system. Mike Valerio joins us with more. Uh Mike, you've been tracking the story since it broke. Are they any closer to actually getting those men out now?

[00:09:53]>> Yes. You know, I think it's a big yes.

[00:09:55]uh the understatement of the afternoon to answer your question. This is the biggest development. Rescue teams have begun rehearsing the evacuation procedure and are preparing to bring all five survivors out of the cave. That is the latest update from the leader of the Lao People's Volunteer Association. An update 2:45 p.m. local time. Water levels inside the cave have dropped significantly, the message adds, following continuous pumping operations and are now close to being fully drained. That is huge news because I'll tell you, Kim, when you look at the pictures that have been circulating over the past day and a half, two days, the water level inside of these claustrophobia inducing caves, that has been the biggest impediment to bringing these at least five survivors out of there safely. On that front, you know, let's toss to a sound bite. We're going to give you an inside look on what was shot yesterday into the survivors states of mind. Let's listen. It's about 37 seconds. We'll come back on the other side.

[00:11:21]Okay. Okay.

[00:11:24]Okay. Okay.

[00:11:33]So, we got an update earlier. I'd say about 3 hours ago, Kim, where the leaders of this rescue effort said that they are determined to begin this process today. So now that the water levels have decreased, which was made possible by bringing in a much bigger power generator about 3 km into this very thick jungle forest. Now that they've been able to pump more water out, you know, they're able to install more oxygen tanks along the route of this cave system. What we learned yesterday is that there are pockets of hydrogen sulfide in this cave route and hydrogen sulfide is a compound that limits your ability to process oxygen effectively. It is accumulated in cave systems. So, it's not a simple proposition or as simple a proposition as just leading them out. They need to make sure that they have a stable uh supply of oxygen. We also saw in new photos that are going to be published in moments on CNN.com these yellow stretchers that could be brought into the cave where these five men are perched on their ledge just in case they're needed to be brought out on stretchers in case they are too weak.

[00:12:41]And then a final point, Kim, before we go. You know, it's worth noting that these rescuers have not given up hope to find two people who still remain missing. There are seven of them total.

[00:12:53]And the five who are stranded on that ledge, they said that two others went in before them. They don't know these other two people, but there's an effort to remap portions of this cave system so that they can be found and that should be easier now that so much of the water has been pumped out. Kim, >> all right, largely welcome news you're bringing us there. Mike Valerio, thanks so much. Appreciate it.

[00:13:13]>> This is just a crazy story we've been following for several days. A team of specialized divers is working to launch a highstakes extraction of five men who are trapped deep inside a flooded cave in Laos. The men are among seven who entered the cave more than a week ago to search for gold deposits in a remote part of the country. They became trapped when a torrential downpour caused flash flooding inside the cave system, blocking their exit. Our Mike Valerio has been following this day after day and joins us now with more. Mike, what is happening on the ground right now?

[00:13:54]They're trying to figure out when they can really kick this operation into high gear. I think that's the best way of explaining what is happening at this hour. As we've now crossed noon in this part of the world, they're an hour behind us in Lao, 11:00 a.m. local time.

[00:14:07]And what I mean by all of this is they're trying to clear a huge path through the jungle, Alex, to bring in a bigger generator because the logic here is if you have a bigger generator with more power, you're able to pump out a whole heck of a lot more water much faster. And that is the critical component of this whole equation. They were able to make their way into this cave system, 220 m around 800 feet. if they're able to pump out that rainwater from the flash flooding last Wednesday.

[00:14:40]The rescuers seem to think that the men are well enough to be assisted and led out of there if none of all of this water that we see uh is flooding the cave system. So when this is going to happen, that's the uh critical question.

[00:14:55]When they're able to bring in that bigger generator. I can tell you, Alex, since the last time we spoke, there is more international expertise that is on the ground. More expert divers from France, Indonesia, uh, Malaysia are now on the ground to bring as much knowhow as possible to increase their chances of coming out in great shape. I think also one more dramatic element that we should add, we just put this into our live story on CNN.com with Laura Charman, our own Kosha heading the by line for that food is big. We were talking yesterday, the last hit that we had with you about how they've been getting some soft food, but apparently, you know, who can blame them? That is certainly not enough. We have a new quote from one of the people who's stranded in there telling a rescuer, quote, "If we don't get any food, we're out of strength. if we're still here after another two days, we will be dead.

[00:15:55]I mean, that is an arresting quote if there ever was one right there. Probably one of the most dramatic quotes uh that we've gotten from the rescue scene.

[00:16:02]Yeah.

[00:16:03]>> Yeah. And if you think about the fact that, you know, they may need to walk out of there, they need to have some strength based off of how you're describing this as well. They may be helped, but it's so narrow. They may need to do some of this on I mean, that's why the rain came. Are is there any more rain coming?

[00:16:22]>> So 79% chance of rain today and it pretty much tapers over the next couple days. I think when I was looking at the forecast a couple minutes ago it drops to 40 something% and then by Monday Tuesday it's like 3% 1%. But conditions I know it's so much easier for us to see these images from our TV screen or from our phones. Feels like 104 degrees Fahrenheit today. Feels like 40 degrees Celsius for all of the rescuers who are there. So you add still rain today and those temperatures, I mean, it's miserable. And our hearts, our minds, prayers go out to everybody who's part of that rescue effort. An incredible, incredible job. But that's the latest we have for you right now. Oats, a team of specialized divers is taking the first step towards what it hopes will be the rescue of five men trapped deep inside a flooded cave in Laos. Crews starting to pump water up to the surface in hopes of bringing the men to safety. The five men entered the cave more than a week ago, searching for gold deposits. A torrential downpour triggered flash flooding inside the cave system, blocking their exit. It took rescuers days to even find them. Now comes the even tougher part, getting them out.

[00:17:34]Mike Valio has been following all of this. Mike, we talked to you an hour ago. I understand you have an update now about what's happening.

[00:17:45]The update is that they're determined to make this happen today. That is a direct quote from the president of the Lao People's Volunteer Association, which is running this rescue. And they're pumping, getting all that water out of there, has been much more successful than they thought it would be. So, that is the headline. But I want to jump to a sound bite. You were talking before the commercial break of what the people inside there need. And the short answer is food, but better food and rice to be even more specific. So, let's listen to the soundbite. It's about 37 seconds long inside the cave. We'll talk more on the other side.

[00:18:45]Okay. Okay.

[00:18:48]Okay. Okay.

[00:19:00]So, they've been able to bring in more food since then and medical supplies and they've had some sort of medical check to make sure that everybody is okay.

[00:19:08]That uh also we should note was from Tuesday and this is Friday. So, certainly just giving you an idea of their state of mind, what they need right after they were found. So, when we were talking last hour, we were telling you that the main objective was to bring a generator 2 and 1/2 miles from essentially where the main road ends into this huge thicket of giant jungle roots, uh, shrubs, huge trees, and they've been able to move a bigger generator closer to the cave site, which has allowed them to pump water out faster. I didn't realize this, though.

[00:19:42]We've gotten from this update that we mentioned at the top of the segment that everybody needs to be out of the water when it is being pumped out because of the risk of electrical shock while the pump is working. So that of course means that everybody has to get out. Uh it takes about 3 hours we learned yesterday to go from point A the beginning to point B where the five men are about 260 m uh 850 some odd feet into that tunnel system. So again, the main headline, they're hoping to do this today. If the rain stops, and there's about a 79% chance of rain today, it starts to drop off significantly after today. But that is our main headline here. Cautious optimism in the middle of this jungle in Cisboom Province, Lao.

[00:20:32]Mike Valerio, stay with Mike and CNN for coverage of that because it will be quite something if they're able to pull this off in the next few hours. Thank you for that.

[00:20:41]>> Yeah.

[00:20:42]>> Tonight, divers are still aiming to get these five men out of a flooded cave in Laos. They were found alive yesterday after being trapped underground for more than a week. They'd gone in the cave looking for gold. Two others are still missing. Randy Kay has an update.

[00:20:56]>> Five alive.

[00:20:57]>> Trapped in this cave for more than 10 days, this villager had a message for his family.

[00:21:04]>> Don't worry, the villager named Ing tells his mom, "We're safe. I miss mom and dad so much. He says he sounds hopeful he'll get out in a day or so.

[00:21:14]Another villager named Khan tells his wife to stay strong and wait for him.

[00:21:18]>> Okay.

[00:21:21]>> This young villager tells his mom and dad he's still strong and he'll be able to go home soon. Emotions are running high in the cave with some of the trapped villagers crying.

[00:21:33]He's lying.

[00:21:34]>> Their rescuers tried to reassure them, telling them, "The important thing is you're alive. You've done really well.

[00:21:41]Don't cry. Don't cry."

[00:21:43]>> Meanwhile, above ground, a celebration.

[00:21:48]>> Loved ones and rescuers overjoyed that five of the seven trapped villagers have been found.

[00:21:55]Now, the work begins to get the villagers out of the cave. As one rescuer put it, "It ain't going to be easy." The tunnel more than 1100 ft deep presents a number of challenges and the villagers are trapped about 850 ft from the cave's entrance. Inside the cave there is hydrogen sulfide, a foul smelling gas given off by decomposing bat droppings. The gas was so strong it's caused some crew members to faint.

[00:22:22]And the cave is a maze of narrow passages, some less than 2 ft wide.

[00:22:28]So maneuvering is incredibly difficult for even the most skilled cave dwellers.

[00:22:35]Rescue teams are working hard to pump as much of the rain water out of the cave so the villagers can walk or even crawl out instead of having to swim.

[00:22:46]>> On Instagram, one of the cave divers posted this video. It shows him working to prepare his team for the extraction of the villagers from the cave. And if and when they do make it back to where they entered, there is a steep 45 degree descent they will have to overcome to get back outside. Two others who are believed to have entered the cave first and are not connected to this group that was found are still missing. Randy K, CNN.

[00:23:14]>> Rescue workers are hoping the weather will hold so they can bring five men out from a remote cave in Laos where they've been trapped for nearly a week. Crews are pumping water out of the cave to clear a path to safety for the men. The group had been searching for gold deposits when flash flooding cut off their exit route, stranding them for more than 25 uh 250 m inside the cave system. Mike Valerio joins us with more.

[00:23:40]Uh Mike, you've been tracking the story since it broke. Are they any closer to actually getting those men out now?

[00:23:48]>> Yes. You know, I think it's a big yes.

[00:23:50]uh the understatement of the afternoon to answer your question. This is the biggest development. Rescue teams have begun rehearsing the evacuation procedure and are preparing to bring all five survivors out of the cave. That is the latest update from the leader of the Lao People's Volunteer Association. An update 2:45 p.m. local time. Water levels inside the cave have dropped significantly, the message adds, following continuous pumping operations and are now close to being fully drained. That is huge news because I'll tell you, Kim, when you look at the pictures that have been circulating over the past day and a half, two days, the water level inside of these claustrophobia inducing caves, that has been the biggest impediment to bringing these at least five survivors out of there safely. On that front, you know, let's toss to a sound bite. We're going to give you an inside look on what was shot yesterday into the survivors states of mind. Let's listen. It's about 37 seconds. We'll come back on the other side.

[00:25:16]Okay. Okay.

[00:25:19]Okay. Okay.

[00:25:25]Why not?

[00:25:28]>> So, we got an update earlier, I'd say about 3 hours ago, Kim, where the leaders of this rescue effort said that they are determined to begin this process today. So, now that the water levels have decreased, which was made possible by bringing in a much bigger power generator about 3 km into this very thick jungle forest. Now that they've been able to pump more water out, you know, they're able to install more oxygen tanks along the route of this cave system. What we learned yesterday is that there are pockets of hydrogen sulfide in this cave route. And hydrogen sulfide is a compound that limits your ability to process oxygen effectively. It is accumulated in cave systems. So, it's not a simple proposition or as simple a proposition as just leading them out. They need to make sure that they have a stable uh supply of oxygen. We also saw in new photos that are going to be published in moments on CNN.com these yellow stretchers that could be brought into the cave where these five men are perched on their ledge just in case they're needed to be brought out on stretchers in case they are too weak.

[00:26:36]And then a final point, Kim, before we go. You know, it's worth noting that these rescuers have not given up hope to find two people who still remain missing. There are seven of them total.

[00:26:48]And the five who are stranded on that ledge, they said that two others went in before them. They don't know these other two people, but there's an effort to remap portions of this cave system so that they can be found and that should be easier now that so much of the water has been pumped out. Kim, >> all right, largely welcome news you're bringing us there, Mike Valerio. Thanks so much. Appreciate it.

[00:27:08]This is just a crazy story we've been following for several days. A team of specialized divers is working to launch a highstakes extraction of five men who are trapped deep inside a flooded cave in Laos. The men are among seven who entered the cave more than a week ago to search for gold deposits in a remote part of the country. They became trapped when a torrential downpour caused flash flooding inside the cave system, blocking their exit. Our Mike Valerio has been following this day after day and joins us now with more. Mike, what is happening on the ground right now?

[00:27:49]They're trying to figure out when they can really kick this operation into high gear. I think that's the best way of explaining what is happening at this hour. as we've now crossed noon in this part of the world. They're an hour behind us in Lao, 11:00 a.m. local time.

[00:28:02]And what I mean by all of this is they're trying to clear a huge path through the jungle, Alex, to bring in a bigger generator because the logic here is if you have a bigger generator with more power, you're able to pump out a whole heck of a lot more water much faster. And that is the critical component of this whole equation. They were able to make their way into this cave system, 220 meters, around 800 feet. If they're able to pump out that rainwater from the flash flooding last Wednesday, the rescuers seem to think that the men are well enough to be assisted and led out of there if none of all of this water that we see uh is flooding the cave system. So, when this is going to happen, that's the uh critical question. when they're able to bring in that bigger generator. I can tell you, Alex, since the last time we spoke, there's more international expertise that is on the ground. More expert divers from France, Indonesia, uh, Malaysia are now on the ground to bring as much knowhow as possible to increase their chances of coming out in great shape. I think also one more dramatic element that we should add, we just put this into our live story on CNN.com with Laura Charman, our own Kosha heading the by line for that food is big. We were talking yesterday, the last hit that we had with you about how they've been getting some soft food, but apparently, you know, who can blame them? That is certainly not enough. We have a new quote from one of the people who's stranded in there telling a rescuer, quote, "If we don't get any food, we're out of strength. If we're still here after another two days, we will be dead."

[00:29:50]>> I mean, that is an arresting quote, if there ever was one right there. Probably one of the most dramatic quotes uh that we've gotten from the rescue scene.

[00:29:57]Yeah.

[00:29:58]>> Yeah. Yeah. And if you think about the fact that, you know, they may need to walk out of there, they need to have some strength based off of how you're describing this as well. They may be helped, but it's so narrow. They may need to do some of this on their own. We know that weather clearly was a big factor in starting this whole thing. I mean, that's why the rain came. Are is there any more rain coming?

[00:30:22]So, 79% chance of rain today and it pretty much tapers over the next couple days. I think when I was looking at the forecast a couple minutes ago, it drops to 40 something% and then by Monday, Tuesday, it's like 3% 1%. But conditions, I know it's so much easier for us to see these images from our TV screen or from our phones. Feels like 104 degrees Fahrenheit today. Feels like 40° C for all of the rescuers who are there. So you add still rain today and those temperatures, I mean, it's miserable and our hearts, our minds, prayers go out to everybody who's part of that rescue effort. An incredible, incredible job. But that's the latest we have for you right now, Alex. A team of specialized divers is taking the first step towards what it hopes will be the rescue of five men trapped deep inside a flooded cave in Laos. Crews starting to pump water up to the surface in hopes of bringing the men to safety. The five men entered the cave more than a week ago, searching for gold deposits. A torrential downpour triggered flash flooding inside the cave system, blocking their exit. It took rescuers days to even find them. Now comes the even tougher part, getting them out.

[00:31:34]Mike Valio has been following all of this. Mike, we talked to you an hour ago. I understand you have an update now about what's happening.

[00:31:46]The update is that they're determined to make this happen today. That is a direct quote from the president of the Lao People's Volunteer Association, which is running this rescue. And they're pumping, getting all that water out of there, has been much more successful than they thought it would be. So, that is the headline. But I want to jump to a sound bite. You were talking before the commercial break of what the people inside there need. And the short answer is food, but better food and rice to be even more specific. So, let's listen to the soundbite. It's about 37 seconds long inside the cave. We'll talk more on the other side.

[00:32:45]Okay. Okay.

[00:32:48]Okay. Okay.

[00:33:00]So, they've been able to bring in more food since then and medical supplies and they've had some sort of medical check to make sure that everybody is okay.

[00:33:08]That uh also we should note was from Tuesday and this is Friday. So, certainly just giving you an idea of their state of mind, what they need right after they were found. So, when we were talking last hour, we were telling you that the main objective was to bring a generator 2 and 1/2 miles from essentially where the main road ends into this huge thicket of giant jungle roots, uh, shrubs, huge trees, and they've been able to move a bigger generator closer to the cave site, which has allowed them to pump water out faster. I didn't realize this, though.

[00:33:42]We've gotten from this update that we mentioned at the top of the segment that everybody needs to be out of the water when it is being pumped out because of the risk of electrical shock while the pump is working. So that of course means that everybody has to get out. Uh it takes about 3 hours we learned yesterday to go from point A the beginning to point B where the five men are about 260 m uh 850 some odd feet into that tunnel system. So again, the main headline, they're hoping to do this today if the rain stops and there's about a 79% chance of rain today. It starts to drop off significantly after today. But that is our main headline here. Cautious optimism in the middle of this jungle in Cisboom Province. Lao Mike Valerio. Stay with Mike and CNN for coverage of that because it will be quite something if they're able to pull this off in the next few hours. Thank you for that.

[00:34:41]>> Yeah.

[00:34:43]>> Tonight, divers are still aiming to get these five men out of a flooded cave in Laos. They were found alive yesterday after being trapped underground for more than a week. They'd gone in the cave looking for gold. Two others are still missing. Randy Kay has an update.

[00:34:56]>> Five alive.

[00:34:58]>> Trapped in this cave for more than 10 days, this villager had a message for his family.

[00:35:05]>> Don't worry, the villager named Ing tells his mom, "We're safe. I miss mom and dad so much. He says he sounds hopeful he'll get out in a day or so.

[00:35:14]Another villager named Khan tells his wife to stay strong and wait for him.

[00:35:21]>> This young villager tells his mom and dad he's still strong and he'll be able to go home soon. Emotions are running high in the cave with some of the trapped villagers crying.

[00:35:34]I'm flying.

[00:35:34]>> Their rescuers tried to reassure them, telling them, "The important thing is you're alive. You've done really well.

[00:35:41]Don't cry. Don't cry."

[00:35:43]>> Meanwhile, above ground, a celebration.

[00:35:48]>> Loved ones and rescuers overjoyed that five of the seven trapped villagers have been found.

[00:35:56]Now, the work begins to get the villagers out of the cave. As one rescuer put it, "It ain't going to be easy." The tunnel more than 1100 ft deep presents a number of challenges and the villagers are trapped about 850 ft from the cave's entrance. Inside the cave there is hydrogen sulfide, a foul smelling gas given off by decomposing bat droppings. The gas was so strong it's caused some crew members to faint.

[00:36:22]And the cave is a maze of narrow passages, some less than 2 ft wide.

[00:36:28]So maneuvering is incredibly difficult for even the most skilled cave dwellers.

[00:36:35]Rescue teams are working hard to pump as much of the rain water out of the cave so the villagers can walk or even crawl out instead of having to swim.

[00:36:46]>> On Instagram, one of the cave divers posted this video. It shows him working to prepare his team for the extraction of the villagers from the cave. And if and when they do make it back to where they entered, there is a steep 45 degree descent they will have to overcome to get back outside. Two others who are believed to have entered the cave first and are not connected to this group that was found are still missing. Randy K, CNN.

[00:37:14]>> Rescue workers are hoping the weather will hold so they can bring five men out from a remote cave in Laos where they've been trapped for nearly a week. Crews are pumping water out of the cave to clear a path to safety for the men. The group had been searching for gold deposits when flash flooding cut off their exit route, stranding them for more than 25 uh 250 m inside the cave system. Mike Valerio joins us with more.

[00:37:40]Uh Mike, you've been tracking the story since it broke. Are they any closer to actually getting those men out now?

[00:37:48]>> Yes. You know, I think it's a big yes.

[00:37:50]Uh the understatement of the afternoon to answer your question. This is the biggest development. Rescue teams have begun rehearsing the evacuation procedure and are preparing to bring all five survivors out of the cave. That is the latest update from the leader of the Lao People's Volunteer Association. An update 2:45 p.m. local time. Water levels inside the cave have dropped significantly, the message adds, following continuous pumping operations and are now close to being fully drained. That is huge news because I'll tell you, Kim, when you look at the pictures that have been circulating over the past day and a half, two days, the water level inside of these claustrophobia inducing caves, that has been the biggest impediment to bringing these at least five survivors out of there safely. On that front, you know, let's toss to a sound bite. We're going to give you an inside look on what was shot yesterday into the survivors states of mind. Let's listen. It's about 37 seconds. We'll come back on the other side.

[00:39:16]Okay. Okay.

[00:39:19]Okay. Okay.

[00:39:25]Why not?

[00:39:29]>> So, we got an update earlier, I'd say about 3 hours ago, Kim, where the leaders of this rescue effort said that they are determined to begin this process today. So, now that the water levels have decreased, which was made possible by bringing in a much bigger power generator about 3 km into this very thick jungle forest. Now that they've been able to pump more water out, you know, they're able to install more oxygen tanks along the route of this cave system. What we learned yesterday is that there are pockets of hydrogen sulfide in this cave route. And hydrogen sulfide is a compound that limits your ability to process oxygen effectively. It is accumulated in cave systems. So, it's not a simple proposition or as simple a proposition as just leading them out. They need to make sure that they have a stable uh supply of oxygen. We also saw in new photos that are going to be published in moments on CNN.com these yellow stretchers that could be brought into the cave where these five men are perched on their ledge just in case they're needed to be brought out on stretchers in case they are too weak.

[00:40:36]And then a final point, Kim, before we go. You know, it's worth noting that these rescuers have not given up hope to find two people who still remain missing. There are seven of them total.

[00:40:48]And the five who are stranded on that ledge, they said that two others went in before them. They don't know these other two people, but there's an effort to remap portions of this cave system so that they can be found and that should be easier now that so much of the water has been pumped out. Kim, >> all right, largely welcome news you're bringing us there. Mike Valerio, thanks so much. Appreciate it.

[00:41:09]This is just a crazy story we've been following for several days. A team of specialized divers is working to launch a highstakes extraction of five men who are trapped deep inside a flooded cave in Laos. The men are among seven who entered the cave more than a week ago to search for gold deposits in a remote part of the country. They became trapped when a torrential downpour caused flash flooding inside the cave system, blocking their exit. Our Mike Valerio has been following this day after day and joins us now with more. Mike, what is happening on the ground right now?

[00:41:50]They're trying to figure out when they can really kick this operation into high gear. I think that's the best way of explaining what is happening at this hour. as we've now crossed noon in this part of the world. They're an hour behind us in Lao 11:00 a.m. local time.

[00:42:03]And what I mean by all of this is they're trying to clear a huge path through the jungle, Alex, to bring in a bigger generator because the logic here is if you have a bigger generator with more power, you're able to pump out a whole heck of a lot more water much faster. And that is the critical component of this whole equation. They were able to make their way into this cave system 220 meters around 800 feet.

[00:42:30]If they're able to pump out that rainwater from the flash flooding last Wednesday, the rescuers seem to think that the men are well enough to be assisted and led out of there if none of all of this water that we see uh is flooding the cave system. So, when this is going to happen, that's the uh critical question. when they're able to bring in that bigger generator. I can tell you, Alex, since the last time we spoke, there is more international expertise that is on the ground. More expert divers from France, Indonesia, uh, Malaysia are now on the ground to bring as much knowhow as possible to increase their chances of coming out in great shape. I think also one more dramatic element that we should add, we just put this into our live story on CNN.com with Laura Charman, our own Kosha heading the by line for that food is big. We were talking yesterday, the last hit that we had with you about how they've been getting some soft food, but apparently, you know, who can blame them? That is certainly not enough. We have a new quote from one of the people who's stranded in there telling a rescuer, quote, "If we don't get any food, we're out of strength. If we're still here after another two days, we will be dead."

[00:43:51]>> I mean, that is an arresting quote, if there ever was one right there. Probably one of the most dramatic quotes uh that we've gotten from the rescue scene.

[00:43:57]Yeah.

[00:43:58]>> Yeah. And if you think about the fact that, you know, they may need to walk out of there, they need to have some strength based off of how you're describing this as well.

[00:44:06]But it's so narrow. They may need to do some of this on their own. We know that weather clearly was a big factor in starting this whole thing. I mean, that's why the rain came. Are is there any more rain coming?

[00:44:22]>> So, 79% chance of rain today and it pretty much tapers over the next couple days. I think when I was looking at the forecast a couple minutes ago, it drops to 40 something% and then by Monday, Tuesday, it's like 3% 1%. But conditions, I know it's so much easier for us to see these images from our TV screen or from our phones. Feels like 104 degrees Fahrenheit today. Feels like 40° C for all of the rescuers who are there. So, you add still rain today and those temperatures, I mean, it's miserable. and our hearts, our minds, prayers go out to everybody who's part of that rescue effort. An incredible, incredible job. But that's the latest we have for you right now. Oats. A team of specialized divers is taking the first step towards what it hopes will be the rescue of five men trapped deep inside a flooded cave in Laos. Crews starting to pump water up to the surface in hopes of bringing the men to safety. The five men entered the cave more than a week ago, searching for gold deposits. A torrential downpour triggered flash flooding inside the cave system, blocking their exit. It took rescuers days to even find them. Now comes the even tougher part, getting them out.

[00:45:34]Mike Valerio has been following all of this. Mike, we talked to you an hour ago. I understand you have an update now about what's happening.

[00:45:46]The update is that they're determined to make this happen today. That is a direct quote from the president of the Lao People's Volunteer Association, which is running this rescue. And they're pumping getting all that water out of there, has been much more successful than they thought it would be. So, that is the headline. But I want to jump to a sound bite. You were talking before the commercial break of what the people inside there need. And the short answer is food, but better food and rice to be even more specific. So, let's listen to the soundbite. It's about 37 seconds long inside the cave. We'll talk more on the other side.

[00:46:45]Okay. Okay.

[00:46:48]Okay. Okay.

[00:47:00]So, they've been able to bring in more food since then and medical supplies and they've had some sort of medical check to make sure that everybody is okay.

[00:47:08]That uh also we should note was from Tuesday and this is Friday. So, certainly just giving you an idea of their state of mind, what they need right after they were found. So, when we were talking last hour, we were telling you that the main objective was to bring a generator 2 and 1/2 miles from essentially where the main road ends into this huge thicket of giant jungle roots, uh, shrubs, huge trees, and they've been able to move a bigger generator closer to the cave site, which has allowed them to pump water out faster. I didn't realize this, though.

[00:47:42]We've gotten from this update that we mentioned at the top of the segment that everybody needs to be out of the water when it is being pumped out because of the risk of electrical shock while the pump is working. So that of course means that everybody has to get out. Uh it takes about 3 hours we learned yesterday to go from point A the beginning to point B where the five men are about 260 m uh 850 some odd feet into that tunnel system. So again, the main headline, they're hoping to do this today. If the rain stops, and there's about a 79% chance of rain today, it starts to drop off significantly after today. But that is our main headline here. Cautious optimism in the middle of this jungle in Cisboom Province Lao.

[00:48:32]Mike Valerio, stay with Mike and CNN for coverage of that because it will be quite something if they're able to pull this off in the next few hours. Thank you for that.

[00:48:41]>> Yeah.

[00:48:43]>> Tonight, divers are still aiming to get these five men out of a flooded cave in Laos. They were found alive yesterday after being trapped underground for more than a week. They'd gone in the cave looking for gold. Two others are still missing. Randy Kay has an update.

[00:48:56]>> Five alive.

[00:48:58]>> Trapped in this cave for more than 10 days, this villager had a message for his family.

[00:49:05]>> Don't worry, the villager named Ing tells his mom, "We're safe. I miss mom and dad so much. He says he sounds hopeful he'll get out in a day or so.

[00:49:14]Another villager named Khan tells his wife to stay strong and wait for him.

[00:49:22]>> This young villager tells his mom and dad he's still strong and he'll be able to go home soon. Emotions are running high in the cave with some of the trapped villagers crying.

[00:49:33]You might be lying.

[00:49:35]>> Their rescuers tried to reassure them, telling them, "The important thing is you're alive. You've done really well.

[00:49:41]Don't cry. Don't cry."

[00:49:44]>> Meanwhile, above ground, a celebration.

[00:49:48]>> Loved ones and rescuers overjoyed that five of the seven trapped villagers have been found.

[00:49:56]Now, the work begins to get the villagers out of the cave. As one rescuer put it, "It ain't going to be easy." The tunnel more than 1100 ft deep presents a number of challenges and the villagers are trapped about 850 ft from the cave's entrance. Inside the cave there is hydrogen sulfide, a foul smelling gas given off by decomposing bat droppings. The gas was so strong it's caused some crew members to faint.

[00:50:23]And the cave is a maze of narrow passages, some less than 2 ft wide.

[00:50:28]So maneuvering is incredibly difficult for even the most skilled cave dwellers.

[00:50:35]Rescue teams are working hard to pump as much of the rain water out of the cave so the villagers can walk or even crawl out instead of having to swim.

[00:50:46]>> On Instagram, one of the cave divers posted this video. It shows him working to prepare his team for the extraction of the villagers from the cave. And if and when they do make it back to where they entered, there is a steep 45 degree descent they will have to overcome to get back outside. Two others who are believed to have entered the cave first and are not connected to this group that was found are still missing. Randy K, CNN.

[00:51:15]>> Rescue workers are hoping the weather will hold so they can bring five men out from a remote cave in Laos where they've been trapped for nearly a week. Crews are pumping water out of the cave to clear a path to safety for the men. The group had been searching for gold deposits when flash flooding cut off their exit route, stranding them for more than 25 uh 250 m inside the cave system. Mike Valerio joins us with more.

[00:51:40]Uh Mike, you've been tracking the story since it broke. Are they any closer to actually getting those men out now?

[00:51:49]>> Yes. You know, I think it's a big yes.

[00:51:50]Uh the understatement of the afternoon to answer your question. This is the biggest development. Rescue teams have begun rehearsing the evacuation procedure and are preparing to bring all five survivors out of the cave. That is the latest update from the leader of the Lao People's Volunteer Association. An update 2:45 p.m. local time. Water levels inside the cave have dropped significantly, the message adds, following continuous pumping operations and are now close to being fully drained. That is huge news because I'll tell you, Kim, when you look at the pictures that have been circulating over the past day and a half, two days, the water level inside of these claustrophobia inducing caves, that has been the biggest impediment to bringing these at least five survivors out of there safely. On that front, you know, let's toss to a sound bite. We're going to give you an inside look on what was shot yesterday into the survivors states of mind. Let's listen. It's about 37 seconds. We'll come back on the other side.

[00:53:16]Okay. Okay.

[00:53:19]Okay. Okay.

[00:53:29]So, we got an update earlier, I'd say about three hours ago, Kim, where the leaders of this rescue effort said that they are determined to begin this process today. So, now that the water levels have decreased, which was made possible by bringing in a much bigger power generator about 3 km into this very thick jungle forest. Now that they've been able to pump more water out, you know, they're able to install more oxygen tanks along the route of this cave system. What we learned yesterday is that there are pockets of hydrogen sulfide in this cave route. And hydrogen sulfide is a compound that limits your ability to process oxygen effectively. It is accumulated in cave systems. So, it's not a simple proposition or as simple a proposition as just leading them out. They need to make sure that they have a stable uh supply of oxygen. We also saw in new photos that are going to be published in moments on CNN.com. These yellow stretchers that could be brought into the cave where these five men are perched on their ledge just in case they're needed to be brought out on stretchers in case they are too weak.

[00:54:36]And then a final point, Kim, before we go. You know, it's worth noting that these rescuers have not given up hope to find two people who still remain missing. There are seven of them total.

[00:54:48]And the five who are stranded on that ledge, they said that two others went in before them. They don't know these other two people, but there's an effort to remap portions of this cave system so that they can be found and that should be easier now that so much of the water has been pumped out. Kim, >> all right, largely welcome news you're bringing us there, Mike Valerio. Thanks so much. Appreciate it.

[00:55:09]This is just a crazy story we've been following for several days. A team of specialized divers is working to launch a highstakes extraction of five men who are trapped deep inside a flooded cave in Laos. The men are among seven who entered the cave more than a week ago to search for gold deposits in a remote part of the country. They became trapped when a torrential downpour caused flash flooding inside the cave system, blocking their exit. Our Mike Valerio has been following this day after day and joins us now with more. Mike, what is happening on the ground right now?

[00:55:50]They're trying to figure out when they can really kick this operation into high gear. I think that's the best way of explaining what is happening at this hour. as we've now crossed noon in this part of the world. They're an hour behind us in Lao, 11:00 a.m. local time.

[00:56:03]And what I mean by all of this is they're trying to clear a huge path through the jungle, Alex, to bring in a bigger generator because the logic here is if you have a bigger generator with more power, you're able to pump out a whole heck of a lot more water much faster. And that is the critical component of this whole equation. They were able to make their way into this cave system 220 meters around 800 feet.

[00:56:30]If they're able to pump out that rainwater from the flash flooding last Wednesday, the rescuers seem to think that the men are well enough to be assisted and led out of there if none of all of this water that we see uh is flooding the cave system. So, when this is going to happen, that's the uh critical question. when they're able to bring in that bigger generator. I can tell you, Alex, since the last time we spoke, there is more international expertise that is on the ground. More expert divers from France, Indonesia, uh, Malaysia are now on the ground to bring as much knowhow as possible to increase their chances of coming out in great shape. I think also one more dramatic element that we should add, we just put this into our live story on CNN.com with Laura Charman, our own Kosha heading the by line for that food is big. We were talking yesterday, the last hit that we had with you about how they've been getting some soft food, but apparently, you know, who can blame them? That is certainly not enough. We have a new quote from one of the people who's stranded in there telling a rescuer, quote, "If we don't get any food, we're out of strength. If we're still here after another two days, we will be dead."

[00:57:51]>> I mean, that is an arresting quote, if there ever was one right there. Probably one of the most dramatic quotes uh that we've gotten from the rescue scene.

[00:57:58]Yeah.

[00:57:58]>> Yeah. Yeah. And if you think about the fact that, you know, they may need to walk out of there, they need to have some strength based off of how you're describing this as well. They may be helped, but it's so narrow. They may need to do some of this on their own. We know that weather clearly was a big factor in starting this whole thing. I mean, that's why the rain came. Are is there any more rain coming?

[00:58:22]So, 79% chance of rain today and it pretty much tapers over the next couple days. I think when I was looking at the forecast a couple minutes ago, it drops to 40 something% and then by Monday, Tuesday, it's like 3% 1%. But conditions, I know it's so much easier for us to see these images from our TV screen or from our phones. Feels like 104 degrees Fahrenheit today. Feels like 40° C for all of the rescuers who are there. So you add still rain today and those temperatures, I mean, it's miserable and our hearts, our minds, prayers go out to everybody who's part of that rescue effort. An incredible, incredible job. But that's the latest we have for you right now, Alex. A team of specialized divers is taking the first step towards what it hopes will be the rescue of five men trapped deep inside a flooded cave in Laos. Crews starting to pump water up to the surface in hopes of bringing the men to safety. The five men entered the cave more than a week ago, searching for gold deposits. A torrential downpour triggered flash flooding inside the cave system, blocking their exit. It took rescuers days to even find them. Now comes the even tougher part, getting them out.

[00:59:34]Mike Valio has been following all of this. Mike, we talked to you an hour ago. I understand you have an update now about what's happening.

[00:59:46]The update is that they're determined to make this happen today. That is a direct quote from the president of the Lao People's Volunteer Association, which is running this rescue. And they're pumping, getting all that water out of there, has been much more successful than they thought it would be. So, that is the headline. But I want to jump to a sound bite. You were talking before the commercial break of what the people inside there need. And the short answer is food, but better food and rice to be even more specific. So, let's listen to the soundbite. It's about 37 seconds long inside the cave. We'll talk more on the other side.

[01:00:45]Okay. Okay.

[01:00:48]Okay. Okay.

[01:01:00]So, they've been able to bring in more food since then and medical supplies and they've had some sort of medical check to make sure that everybody is okay.

[01:01:08]That uh also we should note was from Tuesday and this is Friday. So, certainly just giving you an idea of their state of mind, what they need right after they were found. So, when we were talking last hour, we were telling you that the main objective was to bring a generator 2 and 1/2 miles from essentially where the main road ends into this huge thicket of giant jungle roots, uh, shrubs, huge trees, and they've been able to move a bigger generator closer to the cave site, which has allowed them to pump water out faster. I didn't realize this, though.

[01:01:42]We've gotten from this update that we mentioned at the top of the segment that everybody needs to be out of the water when it is being pumped out because of the risk of electrical shock while the pump is working. So that of course means that everybody has to get out. Uh it takes about 3 hours we learned yesterday to go from point A the beginning to point B where the five men are about 260 m uh 850 some odd feet into that tunnel system. So again, the main headline, they're hoping to do this today if the rain stops and there's about a 79% chance of rain today. It starts to drop off significantly after today. But that is our main headline here. Cautious optimism in the middle of this jungle in Cisboom Province. Lao Mike Valerio. Stay with Mike and CNN for coverage of that because it will be quite something if they're able to pull this off in the next few hours. Thank you for that.

[01:02:41]>> Yeah.

[01:02:43]>> Tonight, divers are still aiming to get these five men out of a flooded cave in Laos. They were found alive yesterday after being trapped underground for more than a week. They'd gone in the cave looking for gold. Two others are still missing. Randy Kay has an update.

[01:02:57]>> Five alive.

[01:02:58]>> Trapped in this cave for more than 10 days, this villager had a message for his family.

[01:03:05]>> Don't worry, the villager named Ing tells his mom, "We're safe. I miss mom and dad so much. He says he sounds hopeful he'll get out in a day or so.

[01:03:14]Another villager named Khan tells his wife to stay strong and wait for him.

[01:03:22]>> This young villager tells his mom and dad he's still strong and he'll be able to go home soon. Emotions are running high in the cave with some of the trapped villagers crying.

[01:03:34]life.

[01:03:35]>> Their rescuers tried to reassure them, telling them, "The important thing is you're alive. You've done really well.

[01:03:42]Don't cry. Don't cry."

[01:03:44]>> Meanwhile, above ground, a celebration.

[01:03:48]>> Loved ones and rescuers overjoyed that five of the seven trapped villagers have been found.

[01:03:56]Now, the work begins to get the villagers out of the cave. As one rescuer put it, "It ain't going to be easy." The tunnel more than 1100 ft deep presents a number of challenges and the villagers are trapped about 850 ft from the cave's entrance. Inside the cave there is hydrogen sulfide, a foul smelling gas given off by decomposing bat droppings. The gas was so strong it's caused some crew members to faint.

[01:04:23]And the cave is a maze of narrow passages, some less than 2 ft wide.

[01:04:29]So maneuvering is incredibly difficult for even the most skilled cave dwellers.

[01:04:35]Rescue teams are working hard to pump as much of the rain water out of the cave so the villagers can walk or even crawl out instead of having to swim.

[01:04:46]>> On Instagram, one of the cave divers posted this video. It shows him working to prepare his team for the extraction of the villagers from the cave. And if and when they do make it back to where they entered, there is a steep 45 degree descent they will have to overcome to get back outside. Two others who are believed to have entered the cave first and are not connected to this group that was found are still missing. Randy K, CNN.

[01:05:15]>> Rescue workers are hoping the weather will hold so they can bring five men out from a remote cave in Laos where they've been trapped for nearly a week. Crews are pumping water out of the cave to clear a path to safety for the men. The group had been searching for gold deposits when flash flooding cut off their exit route, stranding them for more than 25 uh 250 m inside the cave system. Mike Valerio joins us with more.

[01:05:40]Uh Mike, you've been tracking the story since it broke. Are they any closer to actually getting those men out now?

[01:05:49]>> Yes. You know, I think it's a big yes.

[01:05:51]Uh the understatement of the afternoon to answer your question. This is the biggest development. Rescue teams have begun rehearsing the evacuation procedure and are preparing to bring all five survivors out of the cave. That is the latest update from the leader of the Lao People's Volunteer Association. An update 2:45 p.m. local time. Water levels inside the cave have dropped significantly, the message adds, following continuous pumping operations and are now close to being fully drained. That is huge news because I'll tell you, Kim, when you look at the pictures that have been circulating over the past day and a half, two days, the water level inside of these claustrophobia inducing caves, that has been the biggest impediment to bringing these at least five survivors out of there safely. On that front, you know, let's toss to a sound bite. We're going to give you an inside look on what was shot yesterday into the survivors states of mind. Let's listen. It's about 37 seconds. We'll come back on the other side.

[01:07:16]Okay. Okay.

[01:07:19]Okay. Okay.

[01:07:25]Why not?

[01:07:29]>> So, we got an update earlier, I'd say about 3 hours ago, Kim, where the leaders of this rescue effort said that they are determined to begin this process today. So, now that the water levels have decreased, which was made possible by bringing in a much bigger power generator about 3 km into this very thick jungle forest. Now that they've been able to pump more water out, you know, they're able to install more oxygen tanks along the route of this cave system. What we learned yesterday is that there are pockets of hydrogen sulfide in this cave route. And hydrogen sulfide is a compound that limits your ability to process oxygen effectively. It is accumulated in cave systems. So, it's not a simple proposition or as simple a proposition as just leading them out. They need to make sure that they have a stable uh supply of oxygen. We also saw in new photos that are going to be published in moments on CNN.com. these yellow stretchers that could be brought into the cave where these five men are perched on their ledge just in case they're needed to be brought out