Seoul: Nine of the ten South Koreans who were isolated following severe flooding in Nepal have been safely relocated, with one individual remaining at the site, as confirmed by Seoul's foreign ministry.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the group, affiliated with plant builder Doosan Enerbility Co., had been stationed at a temporary shelter after evacuating, alongside approximately 200 foreign workers involved in a hydropower plant project in Nepal's Rasuwa district. A Nepalese military helicopter transported nine South Koreans to a secure location, while a Doosan site manager stayed at the construction site.

Efforts continue to locate nine other South Koreans, including six Doosan employees and three from Korea South-East Power Co., who are currently unaccounted for following a devastating flash flood and mudslide that hit the region. A rapid response team, consisting of officials from various South Korean departments, has been dispatched to Nepal, with plans to collaborate with local authorities and the Korean embassy for rescue operations.

Ministry spokesperson Park Doo-soon emphasized ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of South Korean nationals, highlighting the frequent travel of South Koreans to Nepal for tourism. Both Doosan Enerbility and Korea South-East Power Co. have initiated their own emergency response measures.

The challenging terrain and extensive damage in the affected area pose significant obstacles to search and rescue missions. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun indicated the possibility of deploying additional rescue personnel, highlighting the current team's role as an advance unit. Cho also expressed condolences to his Nepalese counterpart and sought assistance for the ongoing rescue and search efforts.

President Lee Jae Myung has urged officials to use all available resources to protect lives, underscoring the severity of the situation. The South Korean firms involved are engaged in constructing the Upper Trishuli-1 hydropower plant, a project now facing delays due to flood damage.

As rescue operations proceed, the disaster's impact continues to unfold, with over 165 fatalities and 826 missing, many of whom are foreign nationals. The U.S. Geological Survey attributed the disaster to a glacial collapse and subsequent debris flow.