Churches in Mexico are "raising prayers to God" as miners in Coahuila face their fifth day trapped underground.

Authorities ordered large pumps to suck water from a folded coal mine on Saturday, as they deliberated on whether to send recue divers after ten workmen were stuck in a mine. 

They became trapped in the mine, based in the northern border state, on Wednesday 3rd July 2022, as water flooded the area they were working in. 

Five men managed to escape, but the families of the ten remaining men are becoming increasingly desperate for further action. 

It remains too dangerous to enter the mine, despite a 400-strong team of people working to secure the release of the trapped men. 

Over the weekend, Father Rogelio Hidalgo Alba led well-wishers in prayer. 

He said: "Together we are going to raise this prayer to God, this begs for their rescue for your family members so that God grants your strength, grants you peace.

"We are praying for the rescue of our brothers."

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said Saturday would be "decisive" in determining whether divers could safely enter the mine. But by afternoon, Coahuila governor Miguel Riquelme said water levels were still too high.