WORLD NEWSJULY 7, 2018 / 8:44 PM / UPDATED 22 MINUTES AGO

https://www.reuters.com/articl...minent-idUSKBN1JY00E

Thai rescuers evacuate cave area, rescue bid for trapped boys seen imminent

THAM LUANG CAVE, Thailand (Reuters) - Thai authorities on Sunday said they plan to evacuate an area around a cave in northern Thailand where a dozen boys and their soccer coach have been trapped so that a “rescue operation” can take place.

The announcement came as dark monsoon rainclouds loomed over the mountainous north of the country early on Sunday, potentially heightening risks at the cave where rescuers were still waging a “war with water and time” to save 12 trapped boys and their assistant coach.

“Assessing the situation now, it is necessary to evacuate the area for the rescue operation,” said Mae Sai police commander Komsan Sa-ardluan over a loudspeaker. “Those unrelated to the rescue operation, please evacuate the area immediately.”

Following a relatively dry spell, fresh torrential downpours could pose a setback to rescuers who have struggled to drain the Tham Luang cave complex in the northern province of Chiang Rai.

Weather.com forecast sustained thunderstorms lasting through Sunday and Monday, with further stormy weather expected for around the next two weeks.

Narongsak Osottanakorn, a former provincial governor leading the effort said the “ideal time” for a rescue could come in the next two or three days.

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prayers for all involved

I wonder what the plan is if the kids start freaking out as they’re swimming through the confined spaces...

Do they plan on medicating them? Maybe some Valium? If a kid starts losing it during this, disaster will happen. I wonder if they could sedate them if they freak out, endangering themselves and their dive buddy.

Authorities confirm that rescue operation is underway.



https://www.theaustralian.com....967c64a8d62392041f3a

Wow, hoping for the best.

Is the start of the rescue confirmed? I can't find any other confirmation.

quote:

Originally posted by kkina:
Is the start of the rescue confirmed? I can't find any other confirmation.

In addition to the link above:
Watch live: Thailand cave rescue underway

Thailand cave rescue underway

quote:

Originally posted by BamaJeepster:

quote:

Originally posted by kkina:
Is the start of the rescue confirmed? I can't find any other confirmation.

In addition to the link above:
Watch live: Thailand cave rescue underway

Thailand cave rescue underway

I see what you mean, but those articles are jumping the gun unfortunately. The only development is that the area has been cleared and non-essential media has been asked to leave. The actual rescue operation has not actually started yet. Shame on those news sites for deliberate fake news.

The next development may actually be an overdue news conference that should have started at 9am Thai time.

Fake news is everywhere.

The press con has started:

• Rescue op has not yet started.
  
• They are waiting for conditions to be at "100%".
  
• Half an hour ago 18 divers entered the cave. This was comprised of 5 Thai SEALs and 13 foreign divers. (There are 12 boys and their coach.)
  

Just relax guys. Sure the operation is either underway or imminent.

The rescue operation officially began at 10am Thai. The earliest a boy will emerge is 9pm. The entire process could take 3-4 days as the boys come out one-by-one.

Thai cave rescue underway
Live Blog

Many prayers needed that they all get out safely.

flashguy

Fox news reporting the first four boys are beginning their trek out of the cave.

I visited and traveled through Thailand last year.I found the people there to be fantastic. They LOVE Americans and the USA.
I pray that this will go well, and for the Thai people.

Many Prayers for the boys and the rescuers- They'll need it.

Fox news is reporting the first 2 boys have emerged.

quote:

Originally posted by GA Gator:
Fox news is reporting the first 2 boys have emerged.

Hopefully the knowledge that heir friends are safe will help them know they can make it.

Although I’ve neve4 been to Thailand I also found this to be the case. My dad was stationed in Thailand at Korat for 2ntours during Vietnam. He spoke fluent Thai, and loved the people

My first two years at West Point there was an exchange Thai cadet in my company. He was a great, funny dude

Their military is a do not fuck with us organization. They love their country. And they love ours

I too am monitoring hoping for a positive outcome

quote:

Originally posted by armored:
I visited and traveled through Thailand last year.I found the people there to be fantastic. They LOVE Americans and the USA.
I pray that this will go well, and for the Thai people.

BBC reports two ambulances are seen leaving the cave. Believed to be taking two boys to the hospital.

13 ambulances have been standing by.