Rescue teams in Laos have safely evacuated the first of five villagers trapped inside a flooded cave for more than a week, as efforts continue to locate two others still missing.

The Laos cave rescue operation involves local and international divers working in difficult conditions after flash flooding blocked the villagers’ exit from the cave in Xaisomboun province, about 120 kilometers north of the capital, Vientiane.

Rescuers confirmed Friday night that the first villager was brought out safely and taken for medical checks. Videos shared by rescue workers showed the exhausted man walking with assistance after emerging from the cave.

Officials said the remaining four trapped villagers were not yet ready for evacuation, and rescue operations would continue the following day.

The villagers reportedly entered the cave last week searching for valuable minerals and possible gold deposits before floodwaters trapped them underground. One member of the group escaped earlier and alerted authorities.

The Laos cave rescue mission has drawn support from rescue divers and specialists from Thailand, Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, and France. Teams have been pumping water from the cave passages, but heavy rain has continued to complicate operations.

Divers have already supplied the trapped villagers with food, water, blankets, and medical support while preparing evacuation plans through the narrow and flooded cave system.

Authorities say the rescued villagers appeared weak and dehydrated but were otherwise in stable condition. Rescue workers continue searching for the two missing villagers as operations remain underway.