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The MP also said he regularly read "heart-breaking posts" on local forums from parents in "utter despair" begging for baby food donations to tide them over until the next pay day.

Residents in Delhi have reported eye irritations and breathing issues, according to local media.

Although the authorities have been blocking food and water, they have temporarily allowed local residents to send some supplies down by rope.

Local residents have pleaded with the authorities to assist the miners, but they have refused.

"Those people must come out because we have brothers there, we have sons there, the fathers of our kids are there, our children are struggling," local resident Emily Photsoa told AFP.