Kathmandu: The South Korean government dispatched a joint emergency response team to Nepal on Thursday to aid in the search and rescue operations for nine South Korean nationals who remain missing following a catastrophic flood. This initiative, spearheaded by the foreign ministry, underscores the urgency of the situation as rescuers work tirelessly to locate the missing individuals.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the nine missing individuals include six employees from Doosan Enerbility Co., a plant construction firm, and three from Korea South-East Power Co., a state-run power generation company. These individuals were working at a hydropower plant construction site in Nepal's Rasuwa district when a sudden flash flood and mudslide hit the region on Wednesday. While 10 other Doosan employees who were stranded have been confirmed safe, they are still awaiting evacuation alongside approximately 200 other foreign workers on the project.
An 11-member rapid response team, consisting of officials from South Korea's foreign ministry, police, and fire authorities, has already embarked on their journey to Nepal, with their arrival in Kathmandu anticipated by Thursday evening. Ministry spokesperson Park Doo-soon emphasized the collaborative efforts with the South Korean embassy in Nepal and local authorities to prioritize the search and rescue missions. Park also noted the importance of monitoring the safety of the roughly 20,000 South Koreans who visit Nepal annually.
Both Doosan Enerbility Co. and Korea South-East Power Co. have established their respective emergency response units and have sent field teams to the affected site. However, rescue operations face logistical challenges due to the extensive damage and difficult access to the area. Discussions are ongoing to determine the best course of action for the rescue efforts.
Foreign Minister Cho Hyun indicated the potential deployment of a larger rescue team if deemed necessary, with plans for the current team to act as an advance unit. During an emergency session, President Lee Jae Myung urged officials to utilize all available resources to ensure the safety and well-being of those affected.
The construction of the Upper Trishuli-1 (UT-1) hydropower plant on the Trishuli River, approximately 70 kilometers from Kathmandu, involves both South Korean companies. Initially slated for completion by the end of the year, the 216-megawatt project is likely to face significant delays due to the flood damage.
Moreover, the disaster's toll continues to escalate, with foreign media reporting at least 165 deaths and 826 individuals missing, including many foreigners. The U.S. Geological Survey confirmed that the flood was triggered by a glacial collapse and subsequent debris flow, highlighting the severity of the incident's downstream impact.