Rescuers at a flooded cave in Laos pressed on to locate two people still missing after four more survivors emerged safely, bringing the total rescued to five.
The latest group of four Lao nationals walked out of the cave in Long Chaeng district, Xaysomboun province, about 3.10pm on Saturday after rescue teams lowered water levels through intensive pumping operations.
All were reported safe and were taken for medical assessment after spending nearly two weeks trapped inside the cave since May 20.
Their rescue followed the extraction of the first survivor on Friday, said Thai rescue volunteer Chakkit Taengtang.
The search operation has now shifted its focus to reaching the final two missing individuals before further rainfall complicates conditions, he said.
Rescue teams are working with a Chinese company to identify underground water channels and drainage points that could help accelerate the removal of water from the cave system.
Specialists from Indonesia, Australia, Japan, Malaysia and France joined the operation on Saturday.
Plans are also under way to enlist hydrology, cave geology and groundwater experts to help guide the next phase of the rescue.
Lao authorities have deployed heavy machinery to improve access roads and enable the transport of personnel and equipment to the remote site.
The operation has drawn support from both sides of the border, with Thai rescue teams working alongside Lao counterparts.
