President Lee Orders Full-Scale Rescue for South Koreans Missing in Nepal Floods

President Lee Jae-myung has ordered an all-out rescue effort after receiving reports that eight South Koreans are missing due to severe flooding in Nepal. The individuals were part of a team constructing a hydroelectric power plant in the Rasuwa region when the disaster occurred on August 26th.

President Lee emphasized that the safety and lives of South Korean citizens are the top priority. He instructed that all available means be utilized in the search and rescue operations for the missing individuals. The President also urged close cooperation with Nepalese authorities and stressed the importance of supporting the families of the missing and ensuring the safety of other South Korean nationals staying in the area, while also taking measures to prevent further casualties.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, eight South Korean employees from Korea South-East Power and Doosan Enerbility, involved in the hydroelectric power plant construction, have lost contact. Additionally, ten other South Koreans are stranded and awaiting rescue. The Nepalese government has dispatched a military and police rescue team to the affected area, and helicopters have been sent to aid in the rescue efforts.

The South Korean Embassy in Nepal was immediately notified of the missing persons and requested swift and active search and rescue operations from the Nepalese government. A consular official has been dispatched to the site. The South Korean government has established a disaster response headquarters led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and plans to deploy a joint rapid response team, comprising personnel from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Fire Agency, and the National Police Agency, to the scene as quickly as possible, in line with President Lee's directive.