The Korea Disaster Relief Team (KDRT), dispatched to assist in the aftermath of severe flooding in Nepal, is scheduled to return home on September 11. Preparations are underway for a second deployment to Nepal.
On September 9, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced, "The first KDRT team is set to return to South Korea on September 11 via a military transport aircraft (KC-330)." The ministry added, "The KDRT was dispatched on September 2, following a decision by the joint public-private emergency relief council on September 1, with an initial deployment period of 10 days."
It was emphasized that relief supplies, including blankets, winter clothing, and tents donated by NGOs, will be delivered to Nepal via the military transport aircraft returning with the KDRT.
The ministry also stated, "We are pushing for a second KDRT deployment to continue search operations," noting that specific details will be announced after confirmation through the emergency relief council in accordance with relevant laws.
Furthermore, the ministry indicated that the government’s rapid response team and the South Korean embassy in Nepal will continue to work closely with local authorities to support the families of South Koreans who are missing.
Meanwhile, on the morning of September 9, the KDRT did not conduct search operations, considering the transition to the conclusion of search and rescue efforts by Nepalese authorities. The KDRT has previously conducted foot searches near Ramche, drone searches around the powerhouse, and drone searches near the Weir Dam. Following discussions with Nepalese authorities, the KDRT was able to conduct foot searches in areas of interest the previous day, despite initial concerns from the Nepalese military regarding the terrain.
Notably, the KDRT achieved a significant milestone by rescuing eight individuals during the 2023 Turkey earthquake, marking its first successful rescue operation in three years. Ten days after the flooding, they located and rescued one Chinese survivor.
However, the whereabouts of nine missing South Koreans remain unknown. In response, families of the missing held a press conference in Nepal on the same day, expressing strong criticism of the KDRT.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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