Nine South Koreans missing in Nepal floods, building washed away

Rescue operations are ongoing in Nepal for nine South Korean nationals who went missing after a flash flood and landslide struck the Rasuwa region. The incident occurred near a hydropower construction site where the individuals were employed by Korea South-East Power and Doosan Enerbility.

Reports indicate that the building used as offices and accommodations for the South Korean workers was washed away by the floodwaters. However, authorities have not yet confirmed if all nine missing individuals were inside the structure at the time of the disaster. The area remains dangerous, with rescue efforts limited to Nepalese military and police personnel.

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We received a report that the power plant under construction (dam) was completely washed away and the building (where employees stayed) was also lost.

In a separate development, ten other South Koreans who were isolated in a facility known as a powerhouse, located at a higher elevation and further from the river, have been safely evacuated. They were airlifted by a Nepal Army helicopter along with local staff and are expected to travel to Kathmandu. One site manager chose to remain on-site until all local employees were rescued, accompanied by two embassy staff.

The South Korean government has dispatched a 11-member joint rapid response team to Nepal. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun stated that the team would assess the situation and consult with Nepalese authorities regarding further rescue operations, potentially involving dozens of personnel. The government has also committed $1 million in humanitarian aid.

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The rapid response team can assess the situation and, in consultation with the Nepalese government, potentially dispatch additional rescue teams. If sent, it would be on the scale of several dozen people.