The Meghalaya government on February 10 officially called off the search and rescue operation at an illegal coal mine in East Jaintia Hills district, nearly a week after a massive blast claimed the lives of 30 workers in the remote Thangsku area of Mynsngat village.
Authorities said the decision came after rescue teams assessed the site and found no further chance of finding any survivors. The explosion had taken place on February 5 inside the unregulated mine, setting off an extensive rescue effort in the difficult and hilly terrain.
East Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner Manish Kumar said the operation was stopped around 5 pm on Monday after a final review of the ground situation and the risks involved for rescue personnel.
The rescue mission involved teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), district administration, police, Fire and Emergency Services, along with local volunteers. Heavy equipment was used to clear debris, while specialised teams worked to access the narrow and unstable shafts despite dangerous conditions.
Officials confirmed that six injured workers are currently receiving treatment in Silchar, Assam, and in Shillong. Of the 30 victims, 26 have been identified so far, while four bodies are yet to be identified.
The tragedy has once again put the spotlight on the continued functioning of illegal coal mines in the region, despite repeated concerns and warnings over the serious dangers linked to unsafe mining practices.