Laos rescuers work to drain flooded cave to free villagers

AP News — May 29, 07:52 AM

Rescuers in Laos are trying to drain water from a flooded cave to free five villagers trapped for more than a week.

An overnight rainstorm has complicated their efforts on Friday.

The villagers reportedly entered the cave to search for valuable minerals.

Rescue teams from Laos and Thailand have been working in the cave's narrow passages.

More divers from countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan and France are joining the operation.

The five men were found Wednesday and are in good health but exhausted.

Two more are still missing.

Efforts to pump water out of the cave continue despite heavy rain.