Respuesta urgente y vital a las inundaciones en la cueva tailandesa

En junio de 2018, doce chicos y su entrenador de fútbol quedaron atrapados en las profundidades de la cueva Tham Luang Nang, en el norte de Tailandia. Las fuertes lluvias monzónicas habían inundado el sistema de cuevas apenas unas horas después de que el equipo entrara, cortando todas las salidas y sumergiendo gran parte de los estrechos pasadizos.

Dewatering pump capacity of 144 million liters of water

To support the rescue efforts, the Thai Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) deployed two Hytrans mobile pump units with FloodPumps just outside the cave. The system pumped approximately 144 million liters of water per day for several days and diverted water flows entering the cave from outside.

Challenging rescue operation

Because of efficient dewatering, the water level in the cave steadily decreased, even with rainfall continuing. In total, more than a billion liters of water (the equivalent of 400 Olympic-size swimming pools) was pumped out of the cave.

Lowering the water level in the cave was essential to buy time for rescue teams working deep inside the flooded cave network. The cave had some extremely narrow parts and the main route was blocked. The Hytrans system’s high-flow capacity and rapid setup enabled efficient removal of floodwater in one of the most remote and challenging environments imaginable.

After 17 days (!) the entire group was finally rescued safely. An outcome made possible by fast coordination and international teamwork.

Sistemas Hytrans desplegados in situ

• 2 unidades HydroSub 150
• Manguera de inundación