South Korea's Foreign Minister Jo Hyun met with Nepal's Foreign Minister Shisir Kanal on September 6, requesting direct cooperation in the search for missing South Koreans presumed to be in the Powerhouse area. However, no conclusion has been reached regarding ground searches in the interest areas.
The Korea Disaster Relief Team (KDRT) has requested ground searches in these areas, but Nepal has expressed concerns about the risks posed by the terrain.
On September 7, a Foreign Ministry official in Seoul stated, "Today, we plan to conduct additional searches in the Weir Dam Tunnel area and re-request searches in our interest areas." The KDRT, including a rapid response team, has conducted aerial searches using helicopters and drones, but ground searches have not proceeded due to Nepal's refusal.
Concerns are growing as the KDRT's mission, which was dispatched at Nepal's request, is set to expire on September 11. There is a fear that the team may return without conducting ground searches in the areas where many South Koreans are believed to be missing, as they may only be able to search other regions on foot. No decision has been made regarding an extension of their mission, which will be determined based on the situation on the ground.
The official emphasized, "The Nepalese military is not allowing ground searches due to the dangerous terrain. We have already conducted searches using drones and other means. Not conducting ground searches does not mean we will stop searching in that area altogether." Currently, the number of South Koreans missing due to the severe flooding in Nepal remains at nine.
Meanwhile, KDRT members rescued one Chinese survivor on September 5. This marks the ninth rescue operation since the KDRT was established in 2007, following the rescue of eight individuals during the 2023 Turkey earthquake.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.