Authorities evacuate area for rescue operation of boys trapped in cave in Thailand | World

"Those who are not related to the rescue operation, please evacuate the area immediately," said Komsan Sa-Ardluan. It has not been confirmed, however, the group's withdrawal on Sunday. The authorities have already said that the rescue could take several hours. The region has black monsoon clouds over the northern mountains this Sunday morning.

The authorities also asked anyone to take pictures during the operation. "Those who are not related to the rescue operation, please leave the area immediately," said the police commander. A press conference is scheduled to begin.

The rescue teams searched for the group supported by the military, police, divers and international badysts. The research was hampered by rains and floods that blocked the cave's main entrance of about 10 km in length. The "flooded" galleries would have prevented the prisoners from leaving.