Tapping sounds were detected on 1/6, emanating from deep within a cave in Xaisomboun province, Laos, approximately 125 kilometers northeast of Vientiane. Rescue personnel believe two people remain trapped inside, and the sounds could indicate they are still alive.

"We cannot definitively confirm that the tapping sounds came from the trapped victims. However, we can confirm that there were tapping sounds responding to our signals," stated Thai cave diving expert Kengkard Bongkawong.

In the past 24 hours, rescue teams received at least two tapping responses. Personnel discovered a new vertical shaft and rappelled down, hoping this passage could provide safe access to the flooded cave.

Rescue workers gathered at the entrance of a newly discovered shaft on 1/6. Photo: Facebook/Kengkard Bongkawong

Thai rescue technician Manat Artmongkron reported that the tapping sounds originated from a depth of 70 meters below the shaft's opening.

"The tapping response was about 5 meters from the rescuers' position, that is good news. We will update information soon," he added.

Rescuers believe the two missing individuals are trapped deeper inside the cave than the five others who were previously found, but the entrance to that area is narrow and heavily flooded.

The Lao People's Rescue Volunteer Team reported that heavy rain caused massive amounts of water to surge into the area, forcing them to halt search operations on the evening of 31/5. Operations resumed this morning.

The trapped individuals are local villagers who ventured deep into the cave on 19/5 to search for gold. Heavy rain subsequently triggered flash floods, blocking their exit. Five others successfully escaped on 29-30/5.

The location where the first five people were found and the two still missing in the cave in Laos. Graphic: CNN

Hong Hanh (According to CNN, AP)