Three Polish researchers trapped by melting water in cave in Austria
February 19, 2022, 9:35 am

Three Polish researchers trapped by melting water in cave in Austria

A forest in Austria (File photo: Pixabay)

The Euronews reported, citing the AFP, rescuers in Austria are working to save three Polish researchers who became trapped by water inside a cave.

Officials in Salzburg said a rescue operation was launched late on Thursday in the Lamprechtsofen cave near the village of St. Martin bei Lofer.

Tthe authorities said that unusually warm temperatures caused melted ice or snow to enter the cave where the researchers were collecting rock samples.

According to the report, a diver has been to reach the three people who "appear to be well, but are suffering from hypothermia".

Landscape in Austria-Alpine trees (File photo: Pixabay)

Monika Feichtner, head of Salzburg’s cave rescue service, said: “We are optimistic because the explorers are well equipped, as full professionals they can handle the situation and there are rescue niches with blankets as well as emergency equipment in the cave."

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She added that officials hope the water will recede in colder weather and lower temperatures.

Treport noted that the Lamprechtshöhle cave complex stretches for 60 kilometres and is one of the deepest caves in the world.

Source: euronews

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Upon arriving to participate in the summit of the European Political Community, which includes around forty heads of state in Budapest, he said, "I look forward to sitting with the elected U.S. president and seeing how we will collectively ensure we meet challenges, including the threats from Russia and North Korea." He also noted that the strengthening of ties between Russia and North Korea poses a threat to the United States as well, according to reports from Agence France-Presse.

Before Trump's victory, Rutte expressed confidence that a united Washington would remain part of the defensive alliance, even if Trump became the 47th president of the United States. In an interview with German public broadcaster ZDF last Monday night, he stated that both Republicans and Democrats understand that NATO serves not only the security of Europe but also that of America. He added that both candidates are aware that the security of the United States is closely tied to NATO.

On Wednesday, NATO congratulated Trump on his victory but did not address the Ukrainian issue.

It is noteworthy that the relationship between the elected U.S. president and the defense alliance was not the best during his first term in the White House. Trump criticized NATO member states multiple times and even hinted at withdrawing from the alliance unless they increased their financial contributions.

Additionally, the issue of the Russian-Ukrainian war is one of the matters that complicate relations between the two sides, especially since Trump has repeatedly stated that he can end this ongoing conflict, which began in 2022, quickly. He implied that he had a peace plan between Kyiv and Moscow, while his vice president, JD Vance, revealed aspects of that plan, which stipulated Ukraine's commitment not to join NATO, thereby sending reassuring signals to the Russians.

Furthermore, many NATO member states in Europe fear that Trump might halt military aid to Ukraine after he previously criticized the U.S. for pouring funds into supporting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.