Thai cave site cleared 'to help' trapped boys
Thai authorities have told the media to leave the area around the entrance of a cave where 12 boys and their football coach have been trapped for over two weeks.
The unexpected order came a day after the rescue mission chief said conditions were “perfect” for the evacuation to begin, and as fears mount that heavy monsoon rain could thwart the plan.
Making the announcement over a loudspeaker, police commander Komsan Sa-ardluan said on early Sunday morning: “Everyone who is not involved with the operations has to get out of the area immediately.
“From the situation assessment, we need to use the area to help victims.”
Dozens of divers have been seen arriving at the Tham Luang cave and officials have set up more tarpaulin sheets blocking off the divers’ operating area.
Officials have declined to comment but a news conference is scheduled to take place shortly.
The boys, aged between 11 and 16, and their 25-year-old coach became stranded when they went exploring in the cave after a practice football game.
Flooding cut off their escape and prevented rescuers from finding them for almost 10 days.
More to follow…
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