Search continues for seven villagers trapped in flooded Laos cave

Rescuers work to reach seven people who have been trapped in a cave in Xaisomboun province, Laos (Metta Tham Rescue Kalasin/AP)

A search operation for seven villagers trapped inside a flooded cave in central Laos has entered its seventh day, as rescuers encountered difficult terrain and weather as they are trying to reach the group whose condition remains unknown.

The villagers entered the cave in Xaisomboun province on May 19, but heavy rain triggered flash flooding that blocked the exit, according to Lao and Thai rescue teams involved in the operation.