Philippine miners survive floods

Six miners trapped for a week in a flooded gold mine have been brought out alive.

Rescue workers described their survival as a "miracle", expressing hope that another eight miners trapped in the shaft could also be saved.

An estimated 16 people were originally stuck in the mine, but two bodies were found last week.

The mine in Benguet province, northern Philippines, flooded during a typhoon on 22 September.

Three of the miners were brought out alive on Monday and another three on Tuesday. All are recovering in hospital.

The first two miners rescued had managed to survive by standing on a ledge in a tunnel about 400-700 feet (120-210m) below ground where there was enough oxygen to keep them alive.

They drank the water that flooded the tunnel but had nothing else, said George Baywong, a government official who supervised the rescue efforts.

The four others were found in separate elevated portions of the shaft.

They were extremely hungry but otherwise in apparent good health.

A 'miracle'

"This is a miracle. We prayed very hard for this," said Mr Baywong.

The rescued miners have explained where their eight colleagues had taken refuge, raising hopes that they too could be found.

"We've prepared for round-the-clock rescue activity. We won't sleep until we get everyone out," said Mr Baywong. "We are taking advantage of the good weather."

Officials said last week there was little hope of finding any survivors. Heavy rain and a lack of oxygen tanks had hampered the rescue operation.

The mine had been abandoned by commercial operators but was still entered by local residents searching for gold.