Five people have been trapped in a cave in southwestern Slovenia since midday Saturday as heavy rains raised water levels making it impossible for rescuers to safely extricate them, local media reported today.

The group, including a family of three and two guides, are said to have taken refuge in a safe spot in the 8.2km long Krizna Cave, which can only be visited by boat.

Yesterday afternoon, rescuers managed to briefly reach the group and handed them food, water and a heated tent, civil security officials told reporters today.

But since the group was located more than two kilometers from the cave entrance, they would need three to four hours for a new group of divers to approach them, officials said, adding that a definitive rescue would depend on whether the water level receded, the STA news agency reported.

This may happen overnight Sunday to Monday, but it may take up to two days.

Križna jama, a chain of underground lakes with emerald waters, is the fourth largest known cave ecosystem in the world in terms of biodiversity.