Dima Hasao (Assam) [India], January 10: Sushila Rai Sonuaru, the wife of Ganga Bahadur Shreth, a Nepali mine worker who lost his life in a coal mine accident in Dima Hasao, has arrived at the mine site to receive her husband’s body.
Ganga Bahadur Shreth, 38, from Rampur (Dummana-2 Bhijpur) in Udayapur district, Nepal, was one of nine individuals trapped in the inundated rat-hole mine at the 3 Kilo Umrangso area. His body was recovered by rescue teams from the Indian Army and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) on January 8.
Sushila, mother of three children, said, “Ganga was the sole breadwinner for our family. He came to Dima Hasao two months ago, and we learned about the incident on January 6. Now, I don’t know how we will survive, as we are poor. I request the Indian government to help us.”
Roshan Rai, a relative of the deceased, added, “Apart from Ganga, another Nepali worker, Lijan Magar, was also trapped in the mine. We were working as laborers here.”
Shyam Kumar Shreth, another relative, shared, “Ganga came to Dima Hasao two months ago with a few others. His wife and children will face many hardships now. She has come here from Nepal to claim the body.”
Assam Mines and Minerals Minister Kaushik Rai confirmed that only one body had been recovered so far, and search operations were continuing. “The Army team has dived into the mine again. The Navy team will also assist. We have started the dewatering process. There are reports of 10-12 people being trapped, but once the water level decreases, we will have a clearer picture of the exact number,” Rai said.
A joint rescue operation involving the Indian Army, Assam Rifles, NDRF, SDRF, and other agencies has been underway since the accident occurred on January 6.