5 trapped in a cave in Slovenia after heavy rainfall causes water levels to rise

Slovenian authorities say five people are trapped in a cave in the southwest of the country because of high water levels caused by heavy rainfall

LJUBLJANA, Slovenia -- Five people are trapped in a cave in southwestern Slovenia, unable to leave because of high water levels caused by a heavy rainfall, authorities said on Sunday.

The group includes a family of three and two guides who have been stuck in the Krizna Jama cave since Saturday when water levels rose inside, blocking the way out.

Slovenian rescue teams say divers have reached the group, moved them to a safe spot envisaged for such emergencies, and set up a heated shelter where they will have to wait for water levels to drop.

All five people are fine, said Igor Benko, the head of Slovenia's Speleological Association.

The group entered early on Saturday for a tour of the 8-kilometer (5-mile) cave system with a chain of underground lakes. Visitors are allowed in only as part of guided tours.