The Lao People's Rescue Volunteer Team announced on social media today, "We have found five people alive and they are all safe. We are still searching for two more."

Thai rescue worker Kengkach Bangkawong also confirmed on Facebook that five people were found around 4:30 p.m.

Rescue workers operating in a cave in Xaisomboun province, Laos, on 26/5. *AFP*.

The group of seven entered a cave to search for gold in Xaisomboun province, central Laos, about 125 km northeast of the capital Vientiane, on 20/5. They became trapped when heavy rains caused flash floods, blocking the exit. According to the Lao news agency, they were stuck deep inside the cave, clinging to a high rock ledge.

Finnish rescue diver Mikko Paasi said today that rescue teams had to "navigate hundreds of meters of narrow, flooded tunnels, with a risk of collapse and high air pollution" inside the cave.

Bounkham Luanglath, leader of the Lao People's Rescue Volunteer Team, stated that local residents frequently visit the area to search for gold veins, despite warnings from authorities about the risks.

Location of the seven trapped individuals. *AP*.

Ngoc Anh (According to AFP, Reuters)