The good news is that despite being found after 9 days of no food and no light, all 12 boys and their coach are in relatively good condition, physically and mentally.

The bad news is that they might have to stay in the cave for up to 4 more months.

Limited options

This is because the greatest obstacles facing the entire rescue operation are the labyrinthine nature of the Tham Luang caves and the monsoon rains.

These elements have created an environment which has severely limited the rescue operation down to choices which involve either very high risks or an extended period of time spent waiting in the caves.

So far, two of the options put forward involve either diving or drilling to bring the boys are out.

In the case of diving to take the boys out however, it has been deemed "extremely dangerous and hazardous" and "an absolute last resort". This is due to the risks involved in navigating through a challenging underwater environment which is compounded by the fact that most of the boys do not know how to swim, let alone dive.

Drilling in order to airlift the boys out is little better as the construction of new roads leading up to the cave to accommodate heavy drilling equipment is an extremely time-consuming process. An extensive survey of the caves is also required to pinpoint the correct location to drill, which in and of itself is already a challenge.

Waiting is the best option

Unsurprisingly, having the boys and their coach wait while being resupplied with 4 months' worth of food and medicine for now has been deemed the best option as it carries the lowest risk.

Some of the food they have been supplied with include a gel with high calorie and mineral content for their nourishment.

Prior to their discovery, they had survived by drinking water that dripped from stalactite formations in the cave.

In a statement, Thai Navy Captain Anand Surawan said,"(We will) prepare to send additional food to be sustained for at least four months and train all 13 to dive while continuing to drain the water."

Four months is the time expected for the floodwaters to recede.

In the meantime, training the boys and their coach to dive will also help to mitigate some of the risk that comes with navigating the floodwaters in the cramped and murky conditions of the cave, should there arise an opportunity for an earlier exit.

Two Thai navy doctors have also volunteered to stay with the boys for the entire duration.

Additionally, a phone line is being installed in the cave for parents to talk to their children.

4 months without sunlight

As such, the greatest challenge facing the boys now is the ordeal on their mental health.

They will potentially spend 4 more months in the cave without sunlight.

This will have significant consequences for their bodies' circadian rhythm as without light, their bodies will be unable to distinguish between night or day.

There is also a high potential for trauma, with depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder cited as some of the mood disorders they could develop from their experience.

However, the fact that the boys are in a group could significantly help in the endurance of their ordeal.

The installation of the phone line, together with the contact that the group has with the divers and doctors, will also go some ways towards boosting their morale.

Hopefully they will be able to come out of this harrowing experience with minimal negative effects on their overall health.

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Screenshot from Thai NavySEAL Facebook