Article body
The South Korean government has deployed helicopters to commence search operations following the severe flooding in Nepal. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a helicopter carrying four members of the rapid response team from the National Fire Agency took off at 11:45 AM local time on the 29th and began search and rescue operations. An additional helicopter took off at 12:38 PM to head to the site.
Currently, nine Koreans are unaccounted for, including six employees from Doosan Enerbility and three from Korea Southeast Power. They were dispatched to a hydropower construction site in the Rasuwagadhi area, approximately 70 km from Kathmandu. The rapid response team plans to conduct intensive search operations using pre-prepared equipment until sunset after arriving at the site.
Im Sang-woo, the government representative in charge of overseas Korean protection and consular affairs, has requested cooperation regarding helicopter operations from key local figures. However, despite receiving permission for helicopter flights, delays have occurred due to worsening weather conditions and difficulties arising from the Nepalese authorities' ban on foreign helicopter operations. Doosan Enerbility and Korea Southeast Power plan to attempt helicopter operations again on the 30th.
Additionally, the government is strengthening support by dispatching a joint rapid response team consisting of one member from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and eight from the National Fire Agency to the area. They departed from Incheon Airport for Nepal that afternoon. Amid the severe damage caused by the flooding, the South Korean government is doing its utmost to ensure the safety of the missing individuals through rapid response efforts.