On August 28, Lim Sang-woo, head of the government joint rapid response team, stated that efforts will be concentrated on quickly resuming search operations for nine missing South Koreans due to severe flooding in Nepal.
Speaking to reporters at a hotel in Kathmandu, Lim noted, "Search operations for the nine individuals who have lost contact are being conducted with the mobilization of Nepalese military assets, but unfortunately, the situation requires continued search efforts."
The South Korean government, along with Doosan Enerbility and Korea Southeast Power, has chartered six helicopters; however, operations have been hindered by restrictions from Nepalese military authorities.
A Foreign Ministry official explained, "We were unable to deploy helicopters due to unpredictable weather, the potential for further damage, and local military guidelines."
Currently, the site of the flooding is inaccessible by road due to washed-out routes, making helicopter access the only viable option. The rapid response team plans to continue efforts to deploy helicopters on August 29.
Additionally, while the Nepalese military conducted aerial searches, including areas where the missing South Koreans are believed to have been, no significant findings were reported.
A representative from the rapid response team stated, "We have previously provided Nepalese authorities with charts and maps indicating the coordinates where the missing South Koreans were likely located at the time of the flooding."
The nine missing individuals include six employees from Doosan Enerbility and three from Korea Southeast Power.
Meanwhile, the status of ten South Koreans who were rescued and transported to a safe area regarding their return to Kathmandu remains undecided. A Foreign Ministry official emphasized, "Given that these individuals have come from extreme conditions, it is crucial for them to stabilize first, and we need to assess whether they are fit to fly."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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