Nine South Koreans missing after Nepal floods sweep away building

Nepalese authorities are actively searching for nine South Korean nationals who are still missing after a devastating landslide and flash flood struck the Rasuwa District in north-central Nepal. The natural disaster, which occurred Wednesday morning, destroyed an office and accommodation facilities primarily used by Korean workers near a river.

Ten other South Koreans who were stranded by the flooding were successfully evacuated to safety earlier on Thursday by Nepalese military helicopters. However, one site manager among the group opted to remain behind, expressing his commitment to stay until all Nepalese employees have been rescued. This demonstrates a strong sense of solidarity amidst the crisis.

The missing workers are employed by Korea South-East Power and Doosan Enerbility, companies engaged in the construction of a local hydropower project. Reports indicate that the power plant, dam under construction, and the workers' living quarters were "completely swept away." Authorities are still working to confirm whether all nine missing individuals were inside the buildings when the floodwaters hit or were elsewhere at the time.

The affected area remains hazardous, with access restricted to Nepalese military and police personnel for search operations. The rugged mountainous terrain also poses significant challenges, making nighttime search efforts impossible. The ten evacuated South Koreans were staying at a powerhouse located at a higher elevation, which was spared direct flooding but left them stranded due to washed-out roads. They were evacuated in four helicopter trips along with Nepalese colleagues and were scheduled to travel to Kathmandu on Friday. A government rapid response team from South Korea has arrived in Nepal to coordinate with local officials.