South Korean rescue team awaits Nepal flight clearance amid flood fears

A South Korean rapid response team is currently on standby in Nepal, equipped with a chartered helicopter, awaiting clearance to launch a rescue operation for nine South Korean nationals who have been out of contact since a major flood and landslide event. The delay in flight permits stems from Nepalese authorities' concerns about the possibility of further flooding, underscoring the precarious and dangerous conditions on the ground.

According to an official from South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the helicopter is waiting at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport. The Nepalese military authorities have not yet granted permission for flights due to fears of secondary flood risks. The South Korean Embassy in Nepal has chartered three helicopters, with two more provided by Doosan Enerbility and one by Korea South-East Power, totaling six helicopters on standby. The rapid response team consists of five members from the National Fire Agency and one from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The nine missing South Koreans were working at a hydropower plant construction site in the Rasuwa region of north-central Nepal when the disaster struck on the morning of September 26. Their families have urgently requested the deployment of rescue helicopters as soon as possible. The distance between Kathmandu, where the response team is stationed, and the Rasuwa region is approximately 70 kilometers.

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The helicopter is currently on standby at Kathmandu airport, but the Nepalese military authorities are not granting flight permits due to concerns about secondary floods.

Officials are in continuous communication with Nepalese authorities, urging them to expedite flight approvals. While acknowledging the families' deep concern and the gravity of the situation, the ministry official noted that flight permits were temporarily granted the previous day after being initially withheld. The Nepalese government currently restricts search and rescue operations to its own authorities due to the ongoing disaster. Once the South Korean team receives the necessary approvals and coordinates with Nepalese authorities, they plan to receive search coordinates to commence their operation.

South Korea is also considering deploying an overseas emergency relief team to assist with the broader disaster relief efforts in Nepal. The Ministry of National Defense has indicated its readiness to deploy the Air Force's multi-role refueling tanker, 'Cygnus.' Discussions with the Nepalese government regarding the deployment of this larger relief contingent are ongoing.

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We are continuously communicating with the Nepalese authorities to expedite flight approvals. Given the families' concerns and the unfortunate situation, we will continue our efforts.