Severe flooding in Nepal’s Sindhupalchok and Rasuwa districts has resulted in nine South Korean nationals being reported missing, with an additional ten awaiting rescue. The South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that, to date, no other South Korean citizens have been reported as casualties. Given that approximately 20,000 South Koreans visit Nepal annually for tourism, the ministry is actively continuing to ascertain the full extent of any potential harm to its citizens.
Joint Response Team Dispatched to Nepal
A joint government task force, comprising 11 members and led by Im Sang-woo, the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Overseas Koreans and Consular Affairs Division, departed from Incheon International Airport on the 27th. The team was scheduled to arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital, around 9:45 PM local time. This rapid response team includes personnel from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Police Agency, and the National Fire Agency. Upon arrival, they are set to collaborate with Nepalese authorities to support search and rescue operations for South Korean nationals whose whereabouts have become unknown due to the severe weather.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement via text message, reiterating, “As of now, there have been no reports of harm to other South Korean nationals beyond the nine individuals whose communication is lost and the ten awaiting rescue.” The ministry also stated that there were no new updates regarding the nine individuals who are currently unreachable.
Details of Missing and Awaiting Rescue Nationals
The nine South Korean nationals whose communication has been lost are reportedly employees of Namdo Power, a company involved in constructing a hydroelectric power plant in the Rasuwa region. Six of these individuals are employees of Dusan Enerbility. The ten South Koreans awaiting rescue are also employees of Dusan Enerbility. While confirmed to be unharmed, they are reportedly isolated at their current location and awaiting extraction.
Park Doo-soon, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, provided further details during a press briefing. “The ten South Koreans currently awaiting rescue are with other foreign workers, and they are waiting for assistance,” Park explained. “It has been confirmed that they are in a safe condition, along with our overseas missions working on the ground.”
Park further addressed the escalating number of flood victims reported in Nepal. He noted that the number of reported missing persons in Nepal surged from over 400 on the first day of the major floods to 826 within a single day. “We are meticulously investigating whether there have been any additional casualties among our citizens, including any new cases among South Korean tourists who may be missing,” Park stated. “This includes a thorough review of the nine individuals whose communication is lost, as well as any potential additional victims who may yet be identified.”
Government Commitment to Citizen Safety
Regarding the possibility of further rescue operations or reinforcing the rapid response team, Park indicated that all necessary measures would be taken. “If required, we will provide additional support, including reinforcements, to ensure the safety of our citizens,” he assured. “President Lee Jae-myung has directed that all possible measures be taken with the utmost priority placed on the lives and safety of our nationals. This effort will involve close cooperation not only with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs but also with relevant government agencies.”
Wider Flood Impact in Nepal
International news agencies, including Reuters, reported that Nepalese police confirmed 826 individuals had been reported missing due to the large-scale floods in the Bagmati Province region. This figure represented a near doubling from the previous day’s report of 484 missing persons, following the submission of new reports. The death toll, which stood at 160 the previous day, was also expected to rise as search operations continued.
As of the latest reports, Nepalese police had recovered 165 bodies. The extensive flooding has caused widespread devastation, impacting infrastructure and displacing numerous residents in addition to the casualties.
Ongoing Search and Rescue Efforts
The joint South Korean government team’s arrival in Nepal signifies a critical phase in the ongoing efforts to locate the missing nationals and provide assistance to those affected. The collaboration with Nepalese authorities is paramount in navigating the challenging terrain and coordinating rescue missions effectively. The situation remains dynamic, with authorities working around the clock to gather information and conduct operations in the affected areas.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to urge South Korean citizens in Nepal to exercise caution and stay informed about weather advisories. They also encourage anyone with information regarding missing or affected nationals to contact the nearest embassy or the ministry’s emergency hotline. The government’s commitment underscores the importance of prioritizing citizen safety during international crises.
