South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Hyun indicated that the country could send a large additional rescue team to Nepal, where hundreds, including South Koreans, are missing or isolated due to severe flooding.
Speaking to reporters on the 27th, Cho stated regarding the deployment of rescue teams, "I need to speak with the Nepali Foreign Minister," adding, "If we send additional teams, it would need to be dozens of people."
On the same day, the government dispatched an 11-member joint rapid response team to Nepal. Im Sang-woo, a representative from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs responsible for the protection of overseas citizens and consular affairs, leads the team. The team consists of four members from the Foreign Ministry, five from the fire department, and two from the police. They departed from Incheon International Airport on a civilian flight and are expected to arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal, after a stop in Hong Kong.
Cho described the rapid response team as a preliminary unit. He noted that the South Koreans who have lost contact and those who are isolated are in different geographical areas.
Park Doo-soon, a spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry, stated during a regular briefing that the government is reviewing the scale of support, considering the current damage situation and international developments, whether it be for emergency rescue or humanitarian assistance.
According to foreign reports, flooding occurred in the central northern Himalayan region of Nepal the previous day, resulting in over 160 deaths and more than 820 people reported missing.
Nine South Koreans have lost contact, while another ten are isolated but are believed to be safe. These individuals are affiliated with Korea Southeast Power and Doosan Enerbility, which are involved in the construction of a local hydropower plant. The government is also monitoring for any additional damage to its citizens due to the flooding in Nepal.
The Foreign Ministry noted that approximately 20,000 South Koreans typically visit Nepal for tourism each year, and they are continuously checking for any further impact on its citizens.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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