Nepal flood victims: Search for 9 missing Koreans slows, rescue team mobilizes helicopters

Search efforts for nine South Koreans missing in Nepal after devastating floods are facing significant delays, with their location still unconfirmed three days after they were last heard from. A government rapid response team confirmed on August 28 that search operations were underway using one Nepal army and one civilian helicopter, but stressed that "further search operations are necessary."

Lim Sang-woo, head of the government's joint rapid response team, told reporters in Kathmandu that all efforts would be concentrated on ensuring a swift search on August 29. The team has been in talks with Nepal's military authorities to secure helicopter deployment for the search. The South Korean government and associated companies had prepared six helicopters for the operation.

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The search for the nine missing individuals was conducted using one Nepal army and one civilian helicopter, and further search operations are necessary.

However, the Nepal military has restricted helicopter operations due to concerns over a secondary flood, preventing the use of independently chartered helicopters at the accident sites. Despite these challenges, one civilian helicopter, arranged by a related company, was eventually permitted for use in the search. Reports indicate that the Nepal military conducted aerial searches on August 28, including the area where the South Koreans are presumed to be missing, but found no significant clues.

The situation highlights the difficult conditions faced by rescue teams in the flood-affected region of Nepal, where logistical hurdles and weather concerns are complicating efforts to locate the missing individuals. The slow progress underscores the urgency of the situation as time is critical in such rescue operations.

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We will concentrate all efforts to ensure that the search for them can be carried out swiftly on the 29th.